The Annual Chamber of Commerce Luncheon took place on March 12 and discussed a number of local issues, which was also shown on a creative and informative PowerPoint created by Executive Director Ryan Waterbury.
Paper bouquets were placed on each table, created by a Grants High School class. All of the flowers were sold for $10 each, with the money being given to the class.
The Les Gaines Trail
As the luncheon presentation began, Les Gaines, former executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, was recognized for being dedicated to the improving the community. During his time in the Chamber of Commerce, he worked on the trails that are to be finished soon.
He was surprised with a sign, making one of the trails “The Les Gaines Trail.”
Purpose & Benefits
The Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that does a number of things that help to enhance the community. This group promotes local business and provide resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to support business and economic growth.
As of March 12th, there were three openings on the board and the deadline for you to attempt to join was the 17th. The openings are for those who will volunteer and those who will pay the $100 fee, which Waterbury also explained was a good investment.
Within the next few weeks, the new officers of the board will be debated.
Those who are chosen will receive a number of benefits. Members will have better networking, which will help with clients and referrals. They will stand out and get notices through business spotlights. It will raise their reputation and loyalty, enhancing their credibility. They will have a member only discounts and group advertising. The members will be able to create a strong local economy and help to grow the workforce, if they apply their powers well.
Projects
The Chamber of Commerce has been able to gain more commitment from Cibola Citizen and form relationships with the city, arts council, and mining museum.
They are currently laying the groundwork for future projects and ask for the occasional help in goals they wish to complete.
The four Grants billboards that are along I-40 have been updated.
Shopping Local
Shopping local has a number of benefits for the community. It helps to keep local businesses open and aids them in being able to hire employees. It provides a variety of opportunities and assists the businesses that help to build the community.
“Giving back to your community is what makes your community thrive.” The treasurer Morales said.
Mining Museum Visitor Report 2024
The Mining Museum had a total of 7,108 visitors in 2024.
Most of the visitors were in December, with 501 signing in.
The Least amount of visitors went in January with only 76 signing in.
These visitors learned about the museum from many different ways, which show the different ways advertisement and more has brought tourism. 229 billboards 1,203 Route 66 passports 147 driving through/drive thru sign 240 local visitors 611 field trips & group trips 691 Halloween 280 cookie crawl 41 miners day 567 internet 8 brochures & magazines 328 Word of mouth 19 retired miners & family with past miners 6 CDT hikers 7-penny press machine 19 returned visitors The number of foreign visitors, meaning people from different countries that attended the mining museum in 2024, was approximately 949.
Upcoming Fundraising Events April: Can food drive April 5: Annual basket bingo at the Cow Palace April 15: Flower Baskets sales begin May 30: Flower basket pickup and delivery June: Can food drive
Upcoming Events
Events created by the Chamber of Commerce for the public include: Ice scream you scream for good grades! sponsored by Rosie’s Cafe, taking place on March 19.
Hot diggity dog days! sponsored by Mount Taylor Medical Supply on April 10.
Sour treats & poppin’ eats! sponsored by tom Fitzsimmons State Farm on May 8.
Thank you for keeping us afloat this year! sponsored by Melinda Montano Farmers Insurance on June 26.
All of these events will take place from 3:30pm-5:00pm.
With the Chamber of Commerce remaining focused on the improvement of the community and new members joining soon and taking into account the amount of visitors the mining museum received last year, it appears that the community may be on its way to the increase in tourism many are hoping for.