2011 chamber of commerce banquet

16
C C itizens of itizens of Cibola Beacon JAN. 18, 2011 the the Y Y ear ear Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Bob and Ava Peets Bob and Ava Peets

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Coverage of Grants Chamber of Commerce banquet 2011.

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Page 1: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

CCitizens ofitizens of

Cibola BeaconJAN. 18, 2011 the the YYearearGrants/Cibola County

Chamber of CommerceAnnual Banquet

Bob and Ava PeetsBob and Ava Peets

Page 2: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

2 Chamber of Commerce

hat can we do to keep moremoney local? What can wedo to get more money com-ing into our economy from

I-40 and other sources? How can wehelp individual members of the cham-ber of commerce capitalize on opportu-nities? How can local small businesshelp each other? These are the thingsthat I would like the Grants/CibolaChamber of Commerce to take a leader-ship role in during 2011 and beyond.

I am excited about the opportunity Ihave been given to serve as president ofthe Grants/Cibola County Chamber ofCommerce. My intent is to attempt tobuild on the work of previous chamberleaders.

We have seven brand new directorsand eight directors who will continue toserve. My first objective is to orient thenew directors and get their input andideas. Another important action will befor all members of the leadership teamto listen to the membership. By listen-ing to our new board members and ourmembership we can identify what ourpriorities need to be.

My personal view is that the purposeof the Grants/Cibola County Chamberof Commerce is to promote our localbusinesses and doing business locally. Afundamental aspect of this is addressing

the underlying issues that affect thequality of life in our communities. It isalso about making Cibola County agood place to work and a great place tovisit.

I also understand that the chamber ofcommerce is only a small cog in a largewheel. The wheel of progress for ourcommunity and for our local businesseshas many players. This includes; CibolaCounty, the City of Grants, the Villageof Milan, Acoma, Laguna and otherorganizations like MainStreet, theEconomic Development Corporation,the Lodgers Tax Board and similargroups.

One of my highest priorities as presi-dent will be to strengthen the partner-ship with these entities and to increasethe focus of all of these organizationson making Cibola County a better placeto do business and on increasing theamount of commerce that occurs inCibola County.

Getting all of our business supportand governmental units working togeth-er will be a great start; however the part-nership must include all of our localbusinesses and really our entire commu-nity.

(Editor’s Note: Williams is

President/CEO of Grants State Bank.)

M-F 5 am to 6 pmSat. 7 am to 5 pm • Sun. 9 am to 4 pm

113 N. Gold Avenue, Grants, NM 87020(505) 287-9447

Message from the PresidentRon Williams

W

RON WILLIAMS

Page 3: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Chamber of Commerce 3

would like to begin by thanking theGrants/Cibola County Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors for its continued support inthe past year. 2010 was a year of change and

movement. I can truly say that I am looking for-ward to 2011 being a year of moving forward in myposition as executive director. The future holdsmany opportunities for changing the course of thechamber of commerce with the help and directionof the dynamic new board of officers and directors.I know that we as an organization will be focusingon improving the business climate in our communi-ty and as always energizing the quality of life for allcounty residents and promoting tourism county-wide.

I never cease to be amazed by what CibolaCounty and Grants and Milan have to offer bothvisitors and residents alike. We are blessed to live ina community that has each other’s best interests atheart. This may not always be evident, but if youlook closely, the tight knit feeling of a “never giveup” attitude and optimistic nature comes shiningthrough time and time again. It is this “never giveup attitude” and the drive to improve our commu-nity that makes my job exciting, challenging andrewarding every day. I will strive to make 2011 ayear of improvement, growth and achievementboth personally and professionally. I look forwardto reaching out to our wonderful community tomake the chamber’s goals become a reality. We willwork to offer our membership first-rate service,business and networking opportunities and leavethem not having to ask “what’s in it for me.” Butthat is the topic for a future article.

In the mean time I would like to thank everyonein our community for their continued support of theGrants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce andeach other. Lets make 2011 a fantastic year!

(Editor’s Note: Gonzales is a longtime resident ofCibola County and also served as director of the CibolaCounty Economic Development office through November2010.)

Message from the DirectorStar Gonzales

I

STAR GONZALES

Page 4: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

CIBOLA COUNTY – The logowas “Green Is the New Black.”Approximately 300 people attend-ed the Grants/Cibola CountyChamber of Commerce annualbanquet to pay tribute to communi-ty members.

Following the awards’ ceremonyDonald Jaramillo, 2010 chamberpresident, announced the organi-zation’s newest project. This yearthe group created a memorial wallto honor residents. The late Dr.Jane Pitts and Earl Chavez wererecognized for their contributions.

Star Gonzales, chamber execu-tive director, explained theevening’s theme. She pointed outthat table décor included liveplants, an area retailer offered freere-usable shopping bags and aMcKinley County business thatspecializes in recycling paper pro-vided the banquet’s decorations.Gonzales referred to the guest pre-senter and said, “We (the chamber)are pleased to have new businessesin the county, especially renewableenergy producers.”

John Dailey, Nextera Energybusiness manager, was theevening’s featured speaker. He gavea brief company history and talkedabout the renewable energy indus-try’s history. The manager high-lighted renewable sources of elec-trical generation and productiontrends. He acknowledged the sup-port of elected officials that provid-ed for timely completion of theRed Mesa wind generating facility.

The awards’ ceremony recogni-tion plaques included: Citizens ofthe Year, Organization of the Yearand Business of the Year.Honorees expressed their gratitudeand received standing ovations.

Joe Murrietta, City of Grants’mayor, introduced Ava and BobPeets as the citizens of the year. Hedescribed their contributions andsaid, “They are two pluses for thecity, village and county.” Avaspoke on the couple’s behalf andrecalled their decades as CibolaCounty residents. She expressedappreciation for the community’ssupport of the fine arts.

The chamber president talkedabout his experiences with the

MainStreet program. “What I loveabout this group is they get theirhands dirty. They do a lot for ourcommunity,” said Jaramillo. Hedescribed the organization as a col-laborative effort among residents,village, city, state and federal enti-ties. “When I’m 96 I still want tobe planting flowers on MainStreet,” Jaramillo jokingly said ashe referred to his work withMainStreet’s programs and BobPeets’ recent 96th birthday celebra-tion.

Randy Hoffman, project manag-er, accepted the Organization ofthe Year award on the group’sbehalf. He said, “We are part ofthe National Trust for HistoricPreservation and members of NewMexico MainStreet. The stateorganization is 25 years old and weare celebrating our 12th year.”

Last year El CafecitoRestaurant’s owners commemorat-ed their 25th year in business andthis year constructed a new, largerfacility. Randy Collins spoke fond-ly of the numerous times he hasshared meals with family andfriends at the restaurant. “They

2011 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BANQUET

Memorial Wall is group’s new project

4 Chamber of Commerce

By Rosanne BoyettBeacon Staff Writer

833 E. Santa Fe Ave.

Proud Member of the Grants Chamber of Commerce since 2005 BEST BURGER IN NEW MEXICO!

Page 5: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Chamber of Commerce 5

made an investment in our community and the El

Cafécito has become a true Cibola County land-

mark,” he said.

Owners Angie and Larry Baca accepted the

Business of the Year award. “Thanks to everybody.

We would not still be in business without our cus-

tomers’ support,” she said.

The Jan. 15 event included installation of chamber

officers, new additions to the 15-member board and

the Denis Moreles’ silent auction scholarship

fundraiser.

BEACON / CHAVEZPast President Donald Jaramillo, left, swears in new officers,from left, President Ron Williams, Treasurer Terry Fletcher andSecretary Randolph Collins.

BEACON / CHAVEZNew board members, from left, Kade Elkins, Sheriff JohnnyValdez, Macario Juarez and Bob Clark. Not pictured are GrantsCouncilman Ronald Ortiz, Victor Brisenio and Derreck Underhill.

Page 6: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

6 Chamber of Commerce

They have visited more than 50

countries in the world and yet

they’re here. Cibola County

remains the first love of Bob and

Ava Peets.

"The culture, the people," Ava

said. "The climate and the terrain,"

Bob followed. "There is no place

like Cibola County," they said.

"It was love at first sight," Ava

said in an exclusive interview with

the Beacon last week with husband

Bob at her side.

The couple moved to Grants in

1976 after Bob's short employment

with Kerr McGee near Gallup.

Bob and Ava brought along two

children to New Mexico as he

came out of retirement to work in

the mines once again.

Bob had three children from his

first marriage, two daughters and

one son, while Ava had two from

hers. Bob’s first wife passed away

after a lengthy illness.

The couple met in Missouri and

married after working with each

for two years.

Bob was retired for only seven

months when he received a call

from Kerr McGee. The company

wanted him to come to New

Mexico to manage its mine. Bob is

a registered professional engineer.

Now, at age 96, he still maintains

his professional engineering regis-

tration in Pennsylvania.

"He's always had a passion for

mining," Ava said. "The industry

has been good to us. We've had a

good long life together."

Bob left Kerr McGee to work for

Western Nuclear (A subsidiary of

Phelps Dodge at the time).

Bob managed Western Nuclear

for only nine years until the urani-

um mining industry came to a halt

in the area.

"I turned off the lights," he said

as he looked back to that January

day in 1985 and his portable office

was getting picked up. "It was a

double-wide mobile home and it

was just towed away.

"All I ever wanted to do was min-

2011 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BANQUET

Citizens of the Year: Bob and Ava PeetsBy Donald JaramilloBeacon Publisherand Managing Editor

Page 7: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

ing," said Bob, and that’s all he has done. Even today,

he is a member of the local Economic Development

Board, a group highly in favor of responsible mining.

Bob is past president of New Mexico Mining

Association.

Bob and Ava assisted in the creation of the New

Mexico Mining Museum which is housed in the

Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce build-

ing in downtown Grants. They were also involved in

the Society of Mining Engineers for many years.

While Bob spent much time turning dirt, Ava

turned her skills to canvas. Today, she is one of Cibola

County's favorite artists.

"Churches are my favorite item to paint," Ava said.

"Each has its own character and I love to transfer that

character to canvas with oil paint.

"Ever since I was a little child," she said, "I always

wanted to be an artist. The passion’s just there."

Today she averages 15 paintings a year. Ava is an

active member of the Cibola Arts Council and a past

president.

Ava’s favorite thing to do is travel New Mexico and

golf. However, she has not had much time to do nei-

ther of those lately as she has been "taking care of

me," said Bob with a chuckle.

You can find Ava's art at Cibola General Hospital,

Red Rock Museum in Gallup and the New Mexico

Museum Foundation online gift shop. Her work is

also at many private collectors' homes.

Ava said Cibola County is the perfect place to be an

artist. "There is so much natural beauty here," she

said. She feels that her greatest accomplishment was

when she was president of the Cibola Arts Council

and it was able to move the Double Six Gallery from

an unqualified building on First Street to its currently

new location on Santa Fe Avenue. "And not that it

was just me because there was so much help from

other key people such as Laura Malaj and Bruce

Boynton, to name a couple," she said.

Ava also noted the success of the gallery and coun-

cil would be much less without the City of Grants'

support. "The city has been phenomenal in supporting

the arts council - it would be impossible without

them," she said.

You can see Ava's work online at avapeets.com. She

said the site is currently being rebuilt.

The Rotary Club and a Steve Mathews Scholarship

Chamber of Commerce 7

Store Hours:

Sunday-Saturday • 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.

BEACON / CHAVEZ

Ava and Bob Peets

Page 8: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Program is what keeps Bob busy nowadays. "He

makes every meeting," said group President Ron

Williams. Williams, president of the chamber of com-

merce, presented the Peets their Citizen of the Year

award on Saturday night at the annual chamber ban-

quet at the The Inn Best Western. Their daughter,

Shelly, and her family along with special friends sat

with the Peets at the banquet. Todd was unable to

make the event.

Grants Mayor Joe Murrietta nominated Bob and

Ava. "Grants is a better place to live because of the

Peets," said Murrietta as he spoke before they receive

the award. "Tonight, no one deserves the award

more."

Bob's final words in the interview could not have

been said any better in regard to how grateful the cou-

ple feels to have landed here 34 years ago. "I would

not have had it any other way. I am so happy to have

finished my career in Grants.”

The special couple was given a glass plaque that stated -"Bob and Ava Peets, Grants/Cibola County Chamber ofCommerce Citizens of the Year, Jan. 15, 2011."

Congratulations Bob and Ava Peets.

8 Chamber of Commerce

BEACON / CHAVEZThe Peets as they first arrived in Grants, 1976.

BEACON / CHAVEZMemorial Wall . . .Outgoing President Donald Jaramillo hugs PamChavez, wife of past president the late Earl Chavez.The chamber started a memorial wall this year.Chavez and Dr. Jane Pitts were the first names on theplaque that now sits in the hallway of the chamber.

Page 9: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

GRANTS – TheGrants’ MainStreetProject was recognizedfor its contributions tothe community. “It’s avery nice recognition,”said Randy Hoffman,project manager, “partic-ularly for the volunteerswho make the organiza-tion function so efficient-ly.”

On Jan. 15 theGrants/Cibola CountyChamber of Commerceannual banquet paid trib-ute to three communitymembers. MainStreetwas named as the 2011Organization of the Year.The group’s board andmanager accepted theaward and expressedappreciation for therecognition.

Hoffman talked abouthis involvement with theorganization and high-lighted the group’s histo-ry. Several years ago hevolunteered for the Cityof Grants’ beautificationcommittee, which initiat-ed the landscaping proj-ects along Santa FeAvenue. Jamie Holton,member of the commit-tee and MainStreet,encouraged Hoffman tobecome a member of theorganization.

He joined the groupand was appointed to the

board. In 2008 he washired as interim projectmanager and began hiscurrent position in 2009.

The group’s activitiesare supported by aMemorandum ofUnderstanding agree-ment. The entitiesinvolved are the city, thestate’s EconomicD e v e l o p m e n tDepartment and the localorganization, accordingto the manager.

The group’s nine-mem-ber board includes anexecutive committeecomposed of president,vice president, treasurerand secretary. The boardis seeking communityvolunteers to fill threevacant seats. Board dutiesinclude oversight of fivecommittees.

Holton leads the designcommittee. The team isresponsible for theHoliday Light Parade,Winter Festival and theEaster egg hunt.Members work closelywith the city’s beautifica-tion committee and areresponsible for the annualmedian plantings alongHistoric Route 66, thecity’s main thoroughfare.The Youth ConservationCorps takes part in theselandscaping activities.“The YCC members areabsolutely wonderful,”said Hoffman.

A special section ofthat committee is focusedon historic preservationand includes joint proj-ects with the CibolaCounty Historic Society.Brenda McBride coordi-nates the communica-tions between the twoentities. “MainStreet sup-ports any activity thatwill enhance tourismdevelopment for ourcommunity,” McBridesaid as she referred to theCCHS aviation museumproject.

The organization com-mittee works to maintain

communications amongthe various committeesand the MainStreet mem-bership. Chair PeterYanke directs the com-mittee’s efforts. Recentlyit updated the organiza-tion’s financial policiesand procedures. “Theytake care of the in-houseactivities,” explainedHoffman.

John Martinez heads thepromotions’ committee,which is responsible forevents and projects. Since2008 the committee hasbeen reaching out to com-munity members through

Chamber of Commerce 9

Chamber of Commerce Member since 1996

2011 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BANQUET

Organization of the Year, MainStreetBy Rosanne BoyettBeacon Staff Writer

Page 10: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

10 Chamber of Commerce

out the county. One recent accomplishment included a$25,000 grant for the Bluewater Cemetery. Hoffmandescribed the property’s cultural significance and said,“It’s on old, old historic Route 66 and used to be the roadinto Grants. It is now called Cemetery Road.”

The economic restructuring committee works onholiday events and helps promote businesses that sup-port particular activities. The group’s emphasis is oneconomic development activities. Margaret Kaplanserves as chair.

Fire and Ice is the newest committee. DonaldJaramillo, chair, noted the community event has an11-year history. “It generates both lodgers’ tax andgross receipt taxes for the city,” said Hoffman. Thepromotions’ committee had been responsible for Fireand Ice events for the past decade.

The Grants’ project was founded in 1997 and is oneof 22 organizations statewide. The manager pointedout that 30 communities are on the waiting list formembership in the state organization. Grants’ is anaffiliate of the national and state organizations.

Recently Hoffman became a state-certifiedMainStreet project manager.

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BEACON / CHAVEZGrants MainStreet representatives receive their award. From left are, Project Manager Randy Hoffman and Board Members JamieHolton, Ina Hoffman, President Delores Vallejos, Margret Kaplan, John Martinez, Peter Yankee and Bob Clark.

Page 11: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Chamber of Commerce 11

"A landmark in Cibola County"

is how Randolph Collins described

El Cafecito Restaurant as he pre-

sented owners Larry and Angela

Baca with the 'Business of the

Year' award at the annual

Grants/Cibola County Chamber

of Commerce banquet on

Saturday evening. Collins is the

Acoma Pueblo Judge.

"The Bacas are once again

investing in Cibola County as they

are getting ready to open a new El

Cafecito Restaurant that will more

than double their seating capaci-

ty," Collins added. "They invested

in 1986, again in 1991 and again

now in 2011. The Bacas believe in

Cibola County."

The crowd at the banquet came

to a standing ovation as the Bacas

stood to receive the award.

Larry and Angela first opened the

family New Mexican restaurant

with a handshake loan of $16,000.

"Larry Rodgers believed in us," said

Larry. Rodgers was then Grants

State Bank president. He is current-

ly owner of Radio Shack.

2011 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BANQUET

Business of the Year, El Cafecito RestaurantBy Donald JaramilloBeacon Publisherand Managing Editor

BEACON / CHAVEZOwners of El Cafecito Restaurant, Angela and Larry Baca.

Page 12: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

12 Chamber of Commerce

"It's in our blood," added Larry. His

grandparents owned Pat's Chili

Parlor and Angela has family in

Washington and Nebraska who are in

the restaurant business. Larry's moth-

er, Loyola, also owned Chief Rancho

in Grants and later opened Loyola's

in Albuquerque.

In 1986 Larry was working in the

mines and Angela was employed at

Diamond G. "He always dreamt of

opening his own restaurant," said

Angela.

"I was tired of her working hard for

someone else and only making mini-

mum wage," Larry followed.

"We got our loan and two weeks

later there we were - El Cafecito

opened," said Larry with a smile.

"Carmen Gutierrez was a God

send," said Angela. "She and I

scrubbed that old Tastee Freez build-

ing for two weeks."

BEACON / CHAVEZThe Bacas credit their success to longtime employees waitressLaveda Eagle, above, and cook Julie Aragon, top.Aragon retired three years ago while Eagle retired in 2010.

Page 13: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Chamber of Commerce 13

The couple still has the first dollar spent at their

restaurant. A KMIN (radio station) employee was the

first customer at El Cafecito. "He asked for the dollar

and brought it back later that day in a frame," said

Angela as she looked back. The couple made $169

that first day.

What's amazing is that the Baca’s menu has pretty

much stayed the same since day one and their prices

have remained reasonable. "As food’s gone up so has

the price," Angela said. "However, the price never

goes up for quality. If I find a more quality item, we

absorb the increase."

Angela said she once tried to switch her coffee

brand but quickly received complaints from many

customers. So she went back to the old stuff despite

the price being higher but the price stayed the same.

You can eat at El Cafecito Restaurant - breakfast,

lunch or dinner - for $5 to $8, with a drink. Not bad

for good food. And obviously many people like it as

the Bacas are getting ready to nearly double their

seating capacity in a new close to $1 million facility.

“The service will remain the same,” promised

Larry and Angela. "We’ll still make our own tortillas

on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I get in the

BEACON / CHAVEZLarry and Angela Baca stand next to their new sign that sits infront of their brand new $1 million facility. The new El CafecitoRestaurant will open soon.

Monday-Friday 7 am to 9 pm Sat. 7 am to 8 pm

Grants Chamber of Commerce Member since

1999

Page 14: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

14 Chamber of Commerce

1500 N. 3rd St.1500 N. 3rd St.Grants, NM287-7891

Member of the Grants Chamber of Commerce since 1976

line and make some," said Angela.

"Joshua (the eldest son) has got-

ten real good at it. He even twirls

his dough up like the pizza guys,"

she added.

Angela said making tortillas is a

lost art. "You find very few tortilla

makers nowadays," she said.

Along with the new building is

new equipment. As far as the large

items, the Bacas are only carrying

over a fryer, because it is new, and

the current table and chairs going

in the new banquet room. The

room will seat approximately 65

people and reservations for use

will start soon.

The Bacas closed on Saturday

and the opening of the new restau-

rant is tentative. "Be looking in the

Beacon for the announcement of

when the new El Cafecito will

open," said Angela.

Despite all the success, it hasn't

been easy, they said. In 1991 on

Cinco de Mayo (May 5), the first

location burned. Three months

and $100,000 later the couple

opened a new building at the cur-

rent location. Faulty electrical is

what caused the fire.

"There's been many long days,"

said the Bacas. And there still is as

customers see Angela in the

kitchen and Larry pacing the front

counter space Monday through

Saturday. The Bacas will continue

to close on Sunday because they

simply need one day of rest, they

said.

"Jeremy (the youngest son) and I

would sleep under the steam

table," said Joshua. "That was the

warmest place in the building."

“I remember Jeremy in a

basinette while I waited on tables

or cooked," said Angela.

What's their secret to their suc-

cess? "Learn your customers," said

Larry. "You've got to take care of

your customers," he emphasized.

Angela said, "I buy what is best

and everything is made from

scratch."

"And she's a perfectionist,"

joked Larry while Angela was giv-

ing reason.

And one other thing is a big rea-

son for their success, "We love

what we do," said the Bacas. "We

could have sold and retired instead

of opening the new restaurant,"

said Larry. "Instead we expanded.

I can't see myself doing anything

else for the rest of my life."

During the exclusive interview

the Bacas also credited good long

lasting employees to their success.

"She was my right hand," Angela

said of Julie Aragon. Aragon was

a cook for the Bacas for 16 years.

She retired three years ago. And

Page 15: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

you can't forget Laveda

Eagle. Eagle was a wait-

ress for Larry's grandpa at

Pat's Chili Parlor and

starting working for the

Bacas shortly after they

opened in 1986. She

retired last year.

"We are honored,"

Angela said as she and

Larry received the cham-

ber's Business of the Year

award. "Thank you for

your business."

Cibola County resi-

dents, including the "butt

buddies," will have to

wait several days or

weeks until they can

again taste the good El

Cafecito beans, potatoes

and red or green chili.

The "butt buddies" are

Wayne Duran, Joe

Mandagaran, Larry and

Candy Rodgers, Ruben

Aranda, Robert and

Cindy Hays and Bob

Brown - a group that has

visited the restaurant for

many years at approxi-

mately 9:30 a.m. every-

day, Monday through

Friday. "We named them

the butt buddies many

years ago because you

can separate them," said

Angela.

Randolph Collins was

right. As long as Larry

and Angela are around

and after 25 years of El

Cafecito Restaurant being

open, the family-owned

business is pretty much a

"landmark" in Cibola

County.

Chamber of Commerce 15

Certified and licensed home health agency

Page 16: 2011 Chamber of Commerce Banquet

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16 Chamber of Commerce