Photos by Lynn Janes; Article by Mary Alice Murphy
Silver City-Grant County Chamber of Commerce Director Romeo Cruz began the evening's event by recognizing officials that were present. He said that the town of Silver City helps with the mailing out of information and relocation packets to those wanting to know more about the area. "We collaborate with the city and the county. I couldn't do it without my staff, including those who reached out to 1,500 local businesses for a needs assessment. We manage this facility and are always looking at ways to improve it and market it more as a conference center."
Joseph Drake and John Sterle of the American Legion Post 18 Color Guard posted the colors. TKeana Huerta sang the National Anthem and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Lt. Gov. Howie Morales served as the keynote speaker.
Cruz noted Morales' background in education and how he has supported all levels of education in New Mexico, as a teacher and coach, as well as 11 years as a state senator, and now as the Lieutenant Governor.
"Romeo has been instrumental in bringing conferences, as well as local events to this facility," Morales said. "He was instrumental in getting me here tonight. I was supposed to be in Denver, but I'd much rather be here. I got to see my son win a basketball game."
He said the awardees that evening were being recognized for lifetimes of service to the community.
"We don't always hear about our positives. We are leading the nation in early childhood education. It all started here at the Early Childhood Center at Western. Every community has problems with poverty, homelessness, but Patricia Cano has addressed it."
Morales continued pointing out positives, such as Tony Trujillo bringing T-ball to the youth many years ago. "We have so many things to be proud of. Priscilla Lucero is always advocating for our small rural communities."
Grant County always comes out with its complete county election results first in the state. "We have the best city manager in the state—Alex Brown in Silver City. We have the youngest city councilor in the state, Keana Huerta."
"In life, there is no greater purpose than service to others," Morales said. "Angel Lucero came into our house to fix the plumbing when it backed up from the cesspool."
Morales said education came first in his family. He had a fifth grade teacher who he said had lied when she said she loved all her students the same. She had one student, Teddy, who didn't seem interested in studying. She took joy in changing him. She learned from his first grade teacher that he was a delight to have in class. His second grade teacher said he was a good student, but his mother had a terminal illness. By third grade, he was depressed and disconnected. In fourth grade the teacher had reached out to him and he started to improve. The fifth grade teacher took it upon herself to make sure that he got enough attention so that his work was good. At Christmas, Teddy brought her a gift. When she opened it, it was a half-empty bottle of perfume and a ring with missing rubies. She told him how much she appreciated the gift, and he said he was very glad that she had opened the gift and liked his mother's belongings. "At that point, she decided that she must work with every student, and Teddy became her favorite." In sixth grade, Teddy sent her a note and told her she was his favorite teacher. Six years later, he gradated third in his class. Some years later, she received a note from him, telling her she was still his favorite teacher, and it was signed, Dr. Teddy...., M.D. He thanked her for believing in him.
"Many of us have a chance to make an impact on someone," Morales said. "When it comes down to it, we take care of one another. We don't hesitate to jump in and help. Those we honor today made that commitment to make our community better. Thank you for the opportunity for me to come back here."
Trent Petty blessed the food with a prayer.
After dinner, Cruz thanked the sponsors—PNM as the event sponsor and Western New Mexico University as the chamber sponsor. He noted that the catering for the banquet was Bear Mountain Lodge and the cash bar was hosted by Q's Southern Bistro.
Chamber Board Member and Western New Mexico University President Joseph Shepard presented the first award, to the Non-Profit of the year. "This award goes to an alumnus of Western, Stephen Lindsey of Future Forge, Inc. He's one of the teens that started the non-profit, and is now the director. "What I love about this particular entity is their dedication to something that I believe is very important, and that's providing the resources, the skills, the space to promote workforce, abilities for someone to move themselves forward. You see, oftentimes I am asked about the role of higher education. You may think that I would say the most important thing is to produce bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, maybe even doctorates. But I submit to you that the need for people to develop their creativity beyond just simply a degree is probably more important than the formality of the degree and Future Forge gives that opportunity to so many people. Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to invite StephenLindsey and whoever else you'd like to bring up here to present to you this year's nonprofit of the year."
"Thank you so much for this opportunity," Lindsey said." I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce for hosting this sort of community event. Events like these really do bring our community one step closer together in all the different diversities that we have in our beautiful community here all around the county. I do want to mention Mary Stone and Diana Quintana, who are the rest of my board, without whom I could not have accomplished nearly as much as we have today. And I want to say as well that a nonprofit, a public community organization, is really only as strong as its team, and so without my board, volunteers and our employees, we would not be where we are today. And I do want to thank everyone who supported us along the way, the town of Silver City, who's been there, supporting us through every crazy, ambitious endeavor, we decided to throw in and help us achieve the positive outcomes that we have achieved. Of course, something that's very dear to me is Western New Mexico University. Collectively, I've been home there for about eight years, and it's a very comfortable place for me to be. It's very inspiring, it's very nurturing with a very hospitable environment to learn and to grow into the person that I am today. And so I have to really give a lot of praise to Western for being able to get me help, get me here to where we are today. So thank you all. I appreciate the award and appreciate everyone who has been there for us along the way, including, of course, Mary, my lovely partner, and my parents who have been there and said: 'What? You want to start a nonprofit, and what about your new career?' So, I've been developing that career on the side, and I've been going with this community organization, and so I want to thank them for still being supportive of me and being there for me. So thank you."
Cruz called up Board Member Sabrina Pack to present the next award.
"Tonight it is my honor to recognize the next individual to receive the Lifetime Service to the Community Award," Pack said. "This individual is a beacon of service, compassion and dedication to others. Mary Cowan is not just a name synonymous with giving back. She is a cornerstone of our community, someone who has spent decades shaping Silver City into the vibrant and caring place it is today. And before I give some of the information about this amazing person, I'd like her to come stand up here with me. Mary Cowan.
"Mary's journey began here in 1967 when she and her family moved to Silver City and called it their home. From then on, she has embraced this community as her own, enriching it with her unwavering commitment to education, veterans and community service. She served through teaching, mentoring and even serving administrative leadership that has left an impact on the generations of students who got to know her. Her impact, however, has reached far beyond the classroom. Since retiring, Mary has put her energy into serving others in multiple ways—whether it's her work with the High Desert Humane Society, where she helped launch Our Paw's Cause or through her active involvement in a P.E.O. chapter ensuring scholarships for local students such as our daughter, Serina, who was very honored to receive that scholarship. Mary's reach has touched the lives across all ages and walks of life. As a Gold Star Mother, Mary's resilience and strength shines through her work with the Wreaths Across America honoring veterans and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. Her commitment to veterans extends her participation in countless memorial services, a true reflection of the respect of those who have served. In the legacy beyond her organizational work, Mary embodies community spirit in simple yet profound ways. She shares her joy and talent to sing with the Hi Lo Silvers, bringing music to others. She shows up rain and shine as a volunteer, a leader and a friend of the community. Her whole life is a mosaic of selfless acts and contributions that reminds us of what it all means to care for one another. Mary, your lifetime of service is not just inspiring, it is transformative. You have shown us all the true power of community of giving and a life dedicated to the betterment of others. On behalf of everyone here tonight, we thank you for your tireless efforts, and your setting the example that will continue to guide us all. Congratulations on your honor."
"When I was three years old, if somebody asked me what I was going to be when I grew up, I would tell them I was going to be a cowgirl. When I was six years old, I would say, I was going to be a gym teacher," Cowan said. "Well, I have been fortunate to move west, and though I'm not a cowgirl, I'm around a lot of them, and I was able to become a gym teacher and teach others about movement. And since retiring from 30 years of teaching and administering, I've met so many wonderful people that have helped me learn more about myself, and I'm so grateful for the many blessings that I've enjoyed here in Silver City. Thank you."
Board member Jack Herndon said: "I'm here to present the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Recipient. This individual is a lifelong resident, who graduated from Cobre High School and developed an attachment to cars. He's been an amazing influence, supporter and volunteer over the past couple of decades, organizing great car shows in this county. He brought families and classic car and truck enthusiasts and visitors from many, many different communities and states. It's all resulted in new relationships being built and also providing a positive economic effort to impact our local economy. But I'd like to invite a special person up here to the stage to say a few words about this—Mr. Robert Zamarripa.
"Thank you," Zamarripa said. "On June 15, Norman Castrillo was born. On June 16, Norman Castrillo had a Hot Wheels car in his hand. Norman's volunteer work was a little bit different from most of us. Most volunteers do something tangible, but Norman's Car Shows bring community together. They keep Hispanic culture alive. There isn't anything in this world that Norman wouldn't do for this community. Norman loves his community, and every time somebody calls upon Norman to organize one of the Norman Castillo's car shows, he'll always say, yes; he's the first one to volunteer. So with that. Norma Castrillo, if you'll come receive your award for the 2024, Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year."
"I was that little kid going to car shows, and I was eight or nine years old, and there was a car club called Copper Country Cruizers, and I would go to the park, and I would see their car shows. I started by building a bike, and the car club around me would sort of help me out. And I, I grew up with that passion for cars, low riders. And I come from a family of hot rodders. Well, a fellow had a '77 Mercury . He takes me for a ride. We're going through town, and I'm like, this is nice. And he lifts up the front and back. I'm like, what was that?"
"That ruined me from there," Castrillo said. "I needed a car like that. So I started from a bike, to a car. And that's what really I do this, more because I know what it's like to to start off, you know, from a bike to a car, and then the love and the passion of it. Like Robert said, you know, the culture. A little bit I felt it that it was going to be such a big thing, It's remarkable. And it all started with the Copper Country Cruizers. You know, they did it for 30 years. I would just run to the park, and there's a car show, because I could see cars from everywhere. And it's really good friends that you make at these car shows. And then, you know, they would tell me, Norman, you know, I could see that look in your eye. He goes, You know what? He goes, you're going to do car shows. Man, 12 years old, there's no way. I said, No, I leave that to you guys, because I can see it in you. And you know, like, you're a lifetime resident here. I grew up with this, and sure enough, once I started getting older and older, and then, wow, you know all of a sudden there was no more car shows for a while. And I said, I'm gonna bring this back. And now, like you remember, was that guy that told me that I was gonna do this. I didn't know it was gonna be 20 years of this. And the thing that I like about doing this is that there's things that are going on as far as the State Fair that can bring people to the fair. I mean, well, yeah, I can do that. So before you knew it, you started having like, hey hey Norman, you can come over here and help us do a show and raise some money, for sure. So then I started like, wow, I have a purpose on this. I really enjoy this. And then you meet people that are car people. Then you get connections on your cars. And all right, man, hey, you're selling this, all you got. And it's a really cool thing. And to this day, I still enjoy it, and I love it, and but it's getting close to, you know, my wife's gonna retire in December. But like I said, that passion that I had, I know out there on all these shows that I do, I cater to the kids.They did a car show for the Buddy Walk. She goes, Norman, it's okay, but if you combine the car show, I think it would be bigger, like, well, you know what? I can do that. So I did that Buddy Walk, and then I would see these kids there, and they're looking at cars the way I used to look at them; it was just mind blowing. So I know when I quit doing this, there's gonna be that one kid that's gonna see it the way I did, and he's probably gonna carry the torch. You know, it might be a year or two, but there will be somebody who will step up. And I talk to a lot of those kids, I don't know what it takes to do this kind of stuff. So, you know, getting this award means a lot to me, and also to to the car people that I lost.There's a lot of people I lost, but when I was little, they showed me about cars. So with that, you know, I say we're gonna be all right, because Silver City, the culture is like we have five car clubs in this town right now. When I started doing it, there were only two car clubs. So now I know that when I do stop, that somebody will take over and continue doing what I'm doing, and I will help them out and tell them what it takes to do it. So I just want to thank you all for this award, and this is what I do, and thank you."
Chamber Board Outgoing President Mike Morones presented the Small Business of the Year Award.
"It's always hard coming up here after so many great speakers," Morones said.. "It's funny I'm an accountant, which is because I'm an introvert, I don't like to talk, I don't like to be in the spotlight. So this is always a hard thing for me. But I am very, very honored to be presenting the next award to the small business of the year. It's the bedrock of of our community. It's a bedrock of why we're here as a chamber to work for and ensure the success of this great community that we have. I'm really honored to present this award to a small business. Flowers on 11th. She has been ensuring that Grant County's men have stayed in their wives' good graces for over two decades. And I know my beautiful wife, Raven, I've probably gotten out of a little trouble at times, and I know she loves the art and the passion that goes into every bouquet that she receives that is made. Flowers on 11th is a premier boutique floral shop here in Grant County that will be celebrating their 21st year in January. And of course, we've all, as small business people, experienced quite a roller coaster over the last couple decades. You know, 20 years of doing business right now, there have been tremendous ups and downs, but I have never seen Flowers on 11th slow. It's always been busy. There's always people in there. There's always friendly faces. They, you know, it just continues. It's a cornerstone business for our community. And you can really, truly see her passion, in her profession. It is said by others that that she works to spread joy through her work. She works with Western athletes, especially during times of the holidays, you know, making sure that everybody gets their deliveries. She loves to bring joy to the world during times like weddings, baby showers, even funerals, banquets like this. She is found by her employees to be somebody wonderful to work with, a huge credit, because that's as an employer. That's not the easiest thing in the world. So when you have good, loyal, friendly employees, you know that that's a special employer. That's a very special employer.
"She's absolutely dedicated to her mission to brighten the world and please her customers. You know, I just went in there not too long ago, and they're always revamping the place. It's always every time, it's a different experience there. Every time you go in there, she keeps expanding, bringing in great products. It's a wonderful place to visit. I recommend everybody go to her shop. And with that, I ask La Rea Henderson to come up and accept the Award of the Small Business of the Year."
"This is such an honor. I told myself I wasn't going to cry and here I am crying," Henderson said. "I did not come prepared for his speech, because I felt like I was going to talk with my heart, and that's where, that's just what I'm going to do. I want to thank my husband, my family, my children, my wonderful employees, I've been so blessed to have such wonderful support and love and passion. Each one of these ladies and gentlemen have so much passion, the passion that I have, and I'm so grateful and thankful that they see the love and joy that I have. I started this career when I was 15, and I knew that this was what I was meant to do. It was something that I enjoyed, and being able to see the joy and love when you give a bouquet, when you create something, it's just been such a joy, and it's gotten me where I am today. I've been doing this for 36 years, and I'm so grateful and thankful for my wonderful, amazing customers. I could not have done it without each and every one of you, my wonderful clients, my accounts, Western New Mexico University, Freeport McMoRan, Gila Regional, HMS, and on and on, I am just so grateful and thankful that you all believe in me and you believe in my crew, my business. It's been a wonderful opportunity and such a great journey. Thank you so very much."
Board Member Bruce Ashburn said: "Before I start, I just have to say that I look so forward to this night every year. This is probably my favorite community event, not only because we get to honor all of the people that are selected, but because I get to see all of the past recipients, all the people that have earned awards in the past, and I get to see all the people in this room that I know put out every day to make this place just a little bit better. I just want to. just for one second, give yourself a round of applause, because we can't do this without you.
"Our next award is for the Business of the Year. My first interaction with the city, the town of Silver City, came back in 1995 when I came into town to open up the Domino's pizza franchise down on Bullard," Ashburn continued. "It was under construction, and a young city councilor came in by the name of Nick Seibel. He visited me and said that the town was really excited to have another business downtown, but they weren't really excited about all the signage and the lights and all the things that were going to be required. So working with him and getting different letters of approval and different things, we were able to actually get approval for the signage not to be put in the the requirements that were typically used whenever a franchise would come in. And we used an Art Deco design that was put on the building itself with just some spotlights to keep the light pollution and all of the other stuff to a minimum, and that design actually was made by MainStreet and won a national award for Silver City and MainStreet, and was very, very well accepted throughout the state of New Mexico. So that was my first interaction with the town, and I knew at that moment that the town of Silver City was just a little bit different business-wise, or in this case, municipalities, have a responsibility to use at least part of their income, again, in this case, we're talking about tax dollars, to serve their customers. The next interaction that I had with Silver City was when I was working with PNM, and the city had entered into a one-megawatt solar project that actually saved the municipality 10s of millions of dollars over the life of that contract. It's still in existence today. They had negotiated a six cent per kilowatt hour rate that that was very, very lucrative. But did you guys know that Silver City was one of the first two, I believe. Were you the first one? You were the second in the state to sign that contract, to do a project of that nature? Did you guys know that Silver City's contract was actually used throughout the state for other municipalities to share in in those savings as well. So they have been front and center for other municipalities to share in the kind of savings that they put out first. Make no mistake, Covid was a challenge and staffing was a critical issue, but our town implemented a lateral pay program that rewarded experience for previous positions, especially in the police department, but now even in the fire departments, they helped keep staffing levels above all the critical stages, especially when starting wages were increased and then grants were sought so that they could use those for recruitment and retention. They put together competitive benefits. And the proof of concept was there when somebody leaves, which inevitably someone will leave, but then they return and say that they came back because it just wasn't the same. Our town takes quality of life seriously, and without them, we would be left in serious need. They support the Blues Festival, Senior Olympics, our Chamber of Commerce, and support the July Fourth events with community fireworks. They support MainStreet, Boston Hill and our trail systems. The Water Works building is now a part of the Continental Divide Trail. They support an 18-hole golf course, a multitude of parades and functions, and I'm sure I'm leaving out a whole bunch of other stuff. I'm sorry, Alex (Brown, town manager), they support the Tour of the Gila. And did I mention that the town supports the Silver City Museum and our library, our little town is everywhere and nowhere. They're in front of little but they're behind everything. Ladies and gentlemen. Let me present to you our 2024 Business of the year, the town of Silver City."
Brown said: "Thank you. I think everybody knows that I don't really like to talk. You know, throughout the years, we've been very lucky to have very good city councils that believe that, you know, they grow up in this community, or came to this community because they want to be here. And so it's very important that we fight and work for the needs of everyone, not just one group or one, one or the other. It's about everybody. That's why I want to be here where I'm living. You know, I just appreciate everything. And thank you guys very much."
Board Member Bart Roselli presented the next award. "I'm just humbled by reading the background and having the honor to award this winner. This person has added so much to the sparkle of our community."
"So in time of conflict. I'm sure all of us have experienced something of conflict recently, locally, nationally, around the world. In this time, Belitha 'Bea' McKinney is a beacon of light and hope and happiness," Roselli said.
"Smiles are already happening. She's one of the very few people I know that have their own mission statement. She says, I quote, 'I buzz around sharing good news about good people, doing good things.'''
Bea's driven by a passion to always look on the bright side. Always. She never stops. She's always on that bright side. She refers to herself as a volunteer ambassador. "I'd like to give her a new title, Chief Smile Maker," Roselli said.
He noted that several support letters referenced her big heart that is always giving. They went on to say that Bea expects nothing in return, and is always counting her blessings. She has and continues to spread messages of good news about Silver City and Grant County, and she'll talk to anyone who will listen.
"She's been a long time volunteer for the Silver City Museum, WILL, the Western Institute for Lifelong Learning, Future Forge, LULAC council 8003, Silver City MainStreet, the Commons and a wide range of community celebratory events, events like this that bring us together, such as Victorian Christmas at the museum or the Maker's Market, or the Tamal Festival or Print Fiesta and so many more. We have so much to be thankful for living in this community, and if you ever doubt that, just check in with Bea, because she's been a chief promoter of all the good life here in Grand County and all this work she's done as a volunteer and a supporter. Bea not only recognizes those around her, but she also motivates others to get engaged in their communities. She is a magical gemstone that multiplies good cheer, good thoughts and is the light of hope for a better future when you come in contact with her. She must have visited almost every business in Grand County dozens of times over the years; she's been at it generously, promoting those businesses and local events and the employees of all these businesses. These are places that agree to post one of the multiple flyers that Bea distributes for others, a long-time volunteer. sponsor, donor, board member, and, most importantly, an ambassador of goodwill and good news. She's a constant presence on Facebook and her in-person visits, documenting all the variety of businesses and nonprofits and events with wonderful photographs, Facebook posts and photo albums. Bea is a model citizen, exemplified by the work she does to bring joy and awareness about the richness of life in Grand County, if only we could clone a few more Beas. Imagine if we had a hive of Beas. We might even bring about world peace. We could do it with her. I'm honored to be able to recognize these good works."
McKinney said: "Wow! I just want to thank everybody for listening to all that. It's been such a dream to live in this community and in this county and in this state. I've been in other places, but from this point in my life, this is the place, although I came here from Texas. When I was asked if I was going to my class reunion in North Carolin to come home, I said, 'I am home. Some of y'all come see me.' I do want to say the picture that you're looking at is someone that I dearly love. Her name is Della Acosta. Della's life has been amazing, and I I honor Della tonight for her service. She has been a beautiful spirit in my life. I also want to say my main thing is to promote good people doing good things. Tomorrow morning, I'm going to be picking up posters from the Forge and the museum, so I've got lots of posters to deliver. I just love all of you, and anything I can do to share with you, would you let me know? Okay?"
Pack presented the Linda Kay Jones Humanitarian Award to Lena and Carolyn Holguin.
"First, I have another name for Bea. We should call her Miss Sunshine."
Pack said: "The next award is a very special award. Before we present it, I'd like to tell you about who it's in honor of. Many of you in the room knew Linda Kay Jones. The Linda Kay Jones Humanitarian Award was set up in honor of her in her memory, and it's fitting to honor the remarkable individuals who will receive this award. Linda Kay Jones was a dedicated leader in New Mexico's economic development and a fervent advocate of International Women's achievement; her visionary efforts were instrumental in establishing the Silver City arts and cultural scene, enhancing the town's reputation as a vibrant art and retirement destination. Kay's commitment to fostering international economic opportunities led to the development of the Besse-Forward Global Resource Center at Western. Her legacy of service, leadership and volunteerism continues to inspire us making this award award to testamentary journeys that happen in our community. So tonight, with that said, it is an honor to present the Linda Kay Jones Humanitarian Award to two remarkable women whose lives exemplify selflessness, resilience and compassion. Would you please come forward, Lena and Carolyn Holguin.
"I wanted them to stand up here so you can look at these beautiful ladies, while I share some beautiful information about them. For over 20 years, Lena and Carolyn have made it their mission to serve Grant County with a unwavering dedication. When faced with personal tragedy, including the passing of their beloved husband and father, they turned their grief into a force for good, whether baking, crafting or creating. They have transformed their talents with gifts that bring joy and comfort. In 2017, a really bad accident could have stopped the humanitarian work. Instead, Lena and Carolyn showed great determination and a will to continue their mission. They have tirelessly supported organizations such as the Gospel Mission, El Refugio, El Grito Head Start. Through their involvement with the American Legion, they've extended their care to veterans, checking on the VA clinic staff, the cart and water station, helping with pancake breakfasts, bake sales, many community outreach projects they have led or helped in some way, as well as many countless fundraisers for our community. What is most inspiring about these two ladies is their humility. They fund their efforts from their own savings, never asking for recognition or assistance, and their commitment is unwavering."
"Lena and Carolyn, your acts of kindness and your ability to raise the lives of others remind us of the power of humanity. Tonight, we celebrate your extraordinary spirit and thank you for all that you do. Congratulations, and you inspire us."
Lena said: "We want to thank all our hard working citizens in our community. We thank our veterans, our auxiliary, for all the hard work they do. We want to thank everybody that's here today. Everybody deserves a thank you. And I want to thank my daughter, Carolyn, also for being with me, for staying here with me and taking care of me, also for my son who has left Indiana to do the good job of coming to take care of us. We thank John Sterle and our veterans for being so kind to us. Thank you for your service. Thank you to your families and those who support you. Thank you so much.
Roselli called up Mike Morones. "No matter what he says about his speaking skills, he's outgoing. He's the outgoing Chamber board president Mike is finishing the term as president, and I have made a motion at the Council, the Chamber meeting, the Board meeting, to establish a lifelong term for Mike. But I was one vote short, and I couldn't figure out who that vote was. Mike
has always provided solid, accurate financial reports. He's always there, ready with good, smart advice for guiding the chamber in serving its members and taking care of its staff. He's a complete package. Mike is the consummate professional and a very, very skilled leader, all the while in service to the chamber, all volunteer service, all this while managing one of the most successful businesses in Grant County and an extremely valuable asset to life in downtown Silver City. Mike, you're leaving big shoes to fill, and we wish you well from the chamber. We want to thank you for your service as treasurer. He's been vice president and now finishing the term as president. Please join me in congratulating Mike Morones."
Morones said. "I wasn't prepared for this, but I did want to say some things. You know, this is a very important organization, and it's been doing a lot of work, and, you know, to a certain extent, a lot of people wonder, what do we do? What are we here for? You know our mission is to serve you by promoting business, commerce and tourism in Grant County, and with the great work of Romeo and all the board, we've been successful. We've been growing. We're on very, very solid footing. And trust me, it has nothing to do with where I'm at, because this was, this was actually going on well before, with all these, all these past presidents that they were, you know, half of our board is past presidents, Bruce, Jack, Sabrina, actually, we have some other past presidents that aren't on our board, that are in the audience. I I know I think one left. I think Tony Trujillo was one and Trent was a past president. Another was Jim Nennich. Are there any other past presidents of this organization? How do we serve you? Well, one of the ways we meet that mission is managing this conference center, under the leadership of Romeo and the fantastic job and great staff. That just ensures that we have a great venue for things, creating various networking opportunities, including this annual banquet. It's a beautiful way to see all your fellow business colleagues and comrades, providing various seminars and trainings, the continuous advocacy for business policies at the local, regional and state levels. There's a lot being done, and it's in large part due to Romeo, but another large part is due to the great board that I have right now that I've been working with, and I want to continue helping out with them. Luckily, they don't go with all my ideas that might be different. But that being said, I also wouldn't mind taking this time to also let you know who is the new leadership. Who's going to be your officers going into 2025, Bart Roselli is going to be the new president, Sharon Offutt with Freeport, vice president and Melanie Gomez with first American
Bank, is going to be our secretary, and we had to recycle Jack, as we're not going to let him leave, so we had to create a position to make him our new treasurer. So hopefully they'll outperform me, because we can. I know we can actually do better."
Roselli said: "Thank you. As my first official act, this guy deserves a standing ovation for the work he's done."
Cruz said: "It's quite an easy job for you guys having the staff to help you, and you know, this is the perfect lead into bringing my staff to the stage
Office Manager, Sabrina Summers-Ravelo, said: "I don't have anything prepared. But with the chamber, I got hired by Romeo back in 2020, and then COVID happened.We all know what happened. After I graduated from Western last year, I came back. I've been with the Chamber for a little bit over a year now. And all I have to say is, I had such an amazing experience getting to know the community, getting to know everybody. I just appreciate being able to know everybody and to get to communicate with the community."
Cruz introduced his executive assistant.
" Hi, everyone, I'm Jaden Duffy, I've been here just as long as Sabrina, just over around a year and a half. So I'm not really good at this. But you know, working here, it's been a good opportunity for me getting to know a lot more about the community and Silver City in general. So I really enjoy it, and I hope to see you guys in the office."
Byanca Clark said: "I am a student at Western and about seven months ago, I had the opportunity to come to do an internship here at the Chamber. I was part of the economic development grant, so I had an opportunity to talk to a lot of businesses in Grand County. And it was like a really great experience, getting to talk to the people, getting to know what the issues were, and it continued inside of the community and from everyone that has taught me, I had a great opportunity to work with amazing people that always are there to listen and work with us in everything and support us. So thank you for everything."
"Hi everyone. I am Carmen Borrego, and I'm doing an internship here. I am from Mexico. I just want to say that coming here was a little bit of a challenge. I believe in my family, but this community and working here with them makes me miss my home less, because you all have been such incredible people to be around and very welcoming. So I just want to say thank you to all of you."
Isaac Castillo, facilities operator said: " I am grateful to be working here. I've been here for almost like two years. I thank you for the opportunity to give me this chance to focus on working hard through banquets and opportunities."
Cruz asked everyone: "Yes, please give them a hand. Thank you guys, thank everybody for coming out here. It's such a great event, and what we what we do, is minimal. It's our blessing. It's our gift. So thank you guys for coming. You guys, please love one another, you know, let's get back together. Let's get to work. And I also would really like to thank Western New Mexico University. So thank you for giving me a great time. We'll see you guys next year."
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