Why should people attend Chamber of Commerce events?

If you are business person, these events are a good networking opportunity. Bring your business cards, wear a shirt with your company logo on it, or maybe wear a name badge that has the company name and your name on it. You see, the whole idea is to meet more people, tell them what you do… and possibly create a new customer base from these events. If you are simply a member of the community, these events are a great way to learn about the services of the new business or meet the staff of the business. Sometimes they are snacks and giveaway prizes. But the main reason it is good to attend is to learn how this new business can be useful to meeting your needs.

Earlier today (Wednesday – Sept. 13) we held a ribbon cutting event for the new Mimbres Valley Medical Group office at 1000 North Hudson Street in Silver City. This is one of the newest health care facilities in Silver City. People who attended had the opportunity to meet the healthcare professionals and the great staff… as well as hear about all the programs available to patients, new and old. We had a good turnout for a great event that helped celebrate the opening of this new medical facility. We learned about their business, and we had the opportunity to say thank you for coming to Silver City.

Next Monday (Sept. 18), we will help with a ribbon cutting ceremony for Deborah van Tellingen Photography LLC. Deborah's new photography studio is located above Little Toad Creek in downtown Silver City. She held an open house last Saturday, and now we will cut an official ribbon to celebrate her new business… one of Silver City's newest businesses. The event will begin at 10 a.m. The address of Deborah van Tellingen Photography is 107 East Broadway – Suite 7. Enter thru the yellow door along Broadway Street to the second floor. So here's another networking opportunity for businesses and individuals.

We wish to welcome two new members to the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce.

Boutique Airlines - This is the airlines that has daily round-trip flights to Phoenix and Albuquerque from the Grant County Airport near Hurley. As a town of less than 10,000 people (U.S. Census Bureau estimates), we are fortunate to have commercial air flights… especially flights to two cities. I am always amazed at how many people do not realize you can fly to Phoenix or Albuquerque from Grant County. And when I tell them that if they reserve seats early enough, it's possible to get tickets for as low as $59.00 one-way. What a deal! And the seats are large and comfortable. I know I usually catch a 35 minute nap during the 45 minute flight. To learn more, go to the Chamber of Commerce website (www.silvercity.org) and click on the picture of the airplane. That takes you directly to the Air Boutique website.

Silver City Regional Association of REALTORS, Inc. - Kim Clark is the director of this local non-profit membership organization representing local REALTORS and affiliates. Like many other businesses, REALTORS must continue learning about their industry. I am aware that the Silver City Regional Association of REALTORS hosted continuing education sessions at the Grant County Conference Center for area REALTORS. We appreciate the service this organization provides area REALTORS… and we are thankful for their support of the Chamber of Commerce. The organization's website is www.silvercityrealtors.org.

If you have questions or need information, call our office at the Grant County Business & Conference Center. The number is 575-538-3785. Or if you are running around this weekend, stop by our booth in Gough Park on Saturday during the Silver City / Grant County PRIDE Celebration from Noon to 6:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you at one of our chamber or community events.