GRANTS, NM – Welcome Denise Hanson, Mainstreet Project’s new Director as of mid-July. Her enthusiasm and optimism have found many allies in the community. All are looking forward to accomplishing ventures that will undoubtedly enhance the appearance and reputation of our cozy Southwestern town.
The first exciting, and highly visible, plan has been three murals on available building walls. The first two have already been completed by James Emory, a Cibola resident artist. The 1912 Market has been decorated with the first, and the second is on the building adjacent to Lange Insurance.
Mainstreet Project has found an accomplished Director who is agreeable to the community's goals and anxious to jump in. Having moved to the Cibola area approximately one year ago, she has been observing its many attractive attributes and thinking of ways to be of help.
When asked what attracted her to Grants Mainstreet Project she replied, “I felt that with my background and skill set I could contribute and make a difference, and I wanted to learn from a larger corporation.”
Because Hanson and her husband own property in Cibola County, they relocated here from Arizona with her husband’s job. To be useful, and to get her foot in the door, she volunteered with the El Morro Area Arts Council.
In an interview, Hanson shared that when she saw the ad on the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, she immediately applied for the position. She has always wanted to work with a non-profit organization, and Mainstreet Project is her first.
The new director brings skills and experience from years working as director with companies in sports, tourism, and communications, and even managing her own business, DK Vacations.
Hanson said in her LinkedIn profile, “I have constantly stepped out and fulfilled my ambitions, irrespective of what the world has to say or what challenges come my way.”
Having lived in the Grants area for the past year, Hanson now has a vision for revitalizing the community’s economy. She has done her research on other Mainstreet Project districts in other states as well as New Mexico. She concluded that their business plans for periods of three to five years have been the most successful. Her own ideas include the completed mural project, finding available grants for non-profit organizations, and encouraging economic development for both large and small businesses.
As most residents in Cibola County realize, Route. 66 is a valuable asset. It’s history is a world-wide attraction that can still be built upon with fresh opportunities each season. Hanson understands this and wants to concentrate on customer satisfaction and retention focusing on tourism, outdoor recreation. Part of the plan is to revitalize and marketing key events in our state and attract outdoor enthusiasts.
A few of those key outdoor events are, the upcoming Cibola Trail Days event September 6 and 7. This event includes SXS Drag Races and a UTV 4x4 Rodeo. Not to leave out other family members, there will be live music, craft vendors, a pancake breakfast, Quartz Hill Bike Ride, Glow Golf, and more.
Another favorite event will be held in June 2025, the Spokes on 66 Car Show. This event allows the mechanics and collectors of cars, trucks and motorcycles to show off their hard work in restoring and maintaining the special qualities of their classic models. There is an early bird registration for those interested. Apply at Spokes on 66 Car Show (grantsmainstreetproject.com) Coinciding with tourism and economic revitalization plans is the Hospitable Grants Program, already in place. This 12-week training program provides training in the hospitality industry and related fields. The program includes “Customer Service Skills, Diversity in the Workplace. Guest/Customer Management, Handling Complaints, and Handling Money” to name only a few of the professional topics to be covered. The program includes job placement, for those interested, and a monetary reward for completing the course. For further details go to Hospitable Grants! (grantsmainstreetproject. com).
To keep up with the flood of ideas generated in the community, attend the Morning Mingle and discuss community project ideas with Hanson and attendees. The Morning Mingle is held every other Tuesday at 7:30 a.m., at the 1912 Market. Free Coffee is provided as an eyeopener. There were 9 people at the most recent Morning Mingle. “Some were interested in volunteering,” said Hanson.
“I love having conversations with individuals who stop by,” said the director. Maybe you can join the next Mingle on August 27.