Managing the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business & Conference Center really helps me understand the importance of having events here, rather than sending people to other cities to attend similar conferences. We recently held a conference of the Arizona and New Mexico Range Management Society. We had guests from all over New Mexico and Arizona visiting Grant County, staying in our hotels, and eating at local restaurants. Later this week we will have the Episcopal Diocese of New Mexico making a site visit of the Conference Center to plan for a state-wide convention in Silver City. And in April, we will host the New Mexico Historical Society state meeting. Then, in February, Oni Ken Karate will host a large karate tournament at the Conference Center. The good thing about these events…they are bringing people to Silver City.

In March, the Chamber of Commerce will host Glenn Shepard Seminars to hold a Human Resource seminar in Grant County for HR Specialists and business owners and managers. We already have people from other towns registering for this event. And we also have people from right here in Grant County registering for the seminar. The great thing for HR managers and specialist is that this seminar that will be held on March 18, 2019 is approved for 3.25 (General) recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute and SHRM. This is pretty cool for people needing the recertification credits. The other cool thing is that the seminar is only going to cost $129 for Chamber Members and $149 for non-members. There is no overnight travel for people in Grant County, because the seminar is right here. There are no mileage costs, because the seminar is right here. There are no extra meal expenses for folks from our area, because the seminar is taking place here. This is a win-win event. How can you learn more about the Glenn Shepard Seminar? Visit our Chamber of Commerce website page here. Go to the calendar of events, the month of March and click on March 18. You can learn more about Glenn Shepard here. Glenn's seminars are great for HR Specialists, business owners, business managers, or any one who needs training in dealing with people (customers and fellow employees).

Speaking of businesses, on Friday – January 18 from 5 to 8 p.m., we will help with a ribbon cutting and Grand Opening for Borderlands Gallery. You will be able to enjoy the work of gallery owner, Stephan Hoglund. The gallery will also introduce art works by Richard Harper, Diane Kleiss, Charlie Meckel, Julie Ends and Deborah Hutchings. You can also learn about Stephan's craftsmanship designing and his production of fine jewelry. Borderlands Gallery is located at 211 West Yankie Street in Silver City.

There will be a ribbon cutting for HMS Bridges to Care on Friday – January 25 at 10:00 a.m. Bridges to Care is located at 1000 Hudson Street in downtown Silver City. To learn more about Bridges to Care, call their office at (575) 597-0211.

If you want to know about events at the Grant County Conference Center call 538-3785. If you want ideas to help host an event, call 538-3785. If you want to know more about the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce, call 538-3785.