Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet

The banquet evening was well organized. It was obvious that the Chamber staff had made a grand effort to help everyone enjoy the evening. The 400-person capacity room was sold out to attendees who had come to recognize Grants’ businesses and residents. All attendees mingled for a while and placed their bids for the Bucket Raffle that was later in the evening.

The raffle was held to assist the Dennis Morales Scholarship Fund started by his family. Tickets were sold, 10 for $20, to win a beautiful Acoma pot, jewelry, a tool kit, and other artwork by talented local artists.

An informative and optimistic presentation was given by Mr. Les Gaines about the Cibola Outdoor Recreation Project which broke ground last week. We all have something wonderful to look forward to.

Executive Director of the Grants Cibola Chamber of Commerce, Donald Jaramillo, gave a touching tribute to community members we have lost and missed in 2023.

The highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony. Recipients were chosen by an online ballot handled by an outside entity.

The awards for: Dream Big Business, went to Custom Etching. Presenter – Heather Porter.

Emerging Achievement Business of the Year went to Fletcher Aero Technology. Presenter – Rosie Morales, Chamber of Commerce Treasurer.

Sustainability Business of the Year went to El Cafecito. Presenter – Matt Munson, Chamber President.

Small Business of the Year went to Reflective Edge Floristry. Presenter – Pete Perez..

Large Business of the Year went to Pizza 9. Presenter – Sylvia Anzures Gonzales.

Digital Business of the Year went to Sign FX. Presenter – Jackie Chavira, Board Member.

Educator of the Year went to Inez Valdez. Presenter – Melinda Salazar, Board Member.

Health & Wellness Leadership of the Year went to Asja Nutrition and Fitness. Presenter Heather Porter.

Community Leadership of the Year went to Mayor Erik Garcia. Presenter – Matt Fletcher.

Mayor Garcia’s acceptance speech was relatable to most families as he introduced his son, Maverick, who recently recovered from a lifethreatening illness.

Public Servant of the Year went to Maxine Spidle. Presenter – Sylvia Anzures Gonzales.

The following Community Hero Awards were presented to: The Taylor Family in health care. Presented by Rosie Morales.

Stacey Corley in sports and accepted by his sisters. Presented by Matt Munson. Mr. Corley was absent due to becoming a first-time grandfather.

Arnold and Pat Valdivia, doctors. Presented by Matt Munson.

The Chamber’s Executive Board in attendance announced that its fiscal year 2024-2025 begins July 1. Board President-Heather Porter, Vice President – Pete Perez, Secretary- Matt Fletcher, and Treasure-Rosie Morales.

Simon Balkey and his band provided the evening’s entertainment intermittently with announcements of raffle winners.

A lovely dinner was catered by Chuckwagon and served by Shooting Sports.

An open bar of all New Mexico brews, whiskey, wine, and vodka was supplied by Elkins Brewing Company.

Thanks to the Chamber staff, Donald Jaramillo, Executive Director, Amber Moreno, and Monique Gonzales, responsible for organizing the event.

Special thanks to the event’s sponsors: Diamond Level Tom Fitzsimmons State Farm Insurance Core Civic, Milan Homestake Mining Company Turquoise Level Cibola General Hospital Silver Level Pizza 9