Mind Your Business

Saturday, June 11th - 10 am to 2 pmFAN Club

Food And Networking Clubs are held

the 3rd Wednesdaysof the month

5:30 pm to 7:00 p.m.

Contact Katy Korkos505.661.4816

or emailkatyk@losalamos.org

to promote your business

May/June 2011

A Publication of the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation

WHAT’S INSIDE:

LACDC 1, 2, 3

SBDC 4

CHAMBER 5, 6, 7

MAINSTREET 8, 9

LAMVB 10, 11

June 11th - is the date to save for the Chamber’s annual ChamberFest and Car Show! And it’s FREE to the public!

We are looking forward to a great event. There will be a multiple of Chamber businesses out to meet and greet the public. Most will have some sort of giveaway or prize.

The car show will include classic cars, Corvettes, hot rods and, new this year, motorcycles. There will be a special raffle for a $500 gift certificate for new tires. Be sure to visit the information booth in the parking lot of the Chamber.

Of course, there are the usual kid activities. It wouldn’t be a ChamberFest without the giant sand pile, bubble pit and bouncy houses. Many delicious food vendors will be there to satisfy any craving you might have.

Finally, The Nomads will be playing, so be sure to come out and show your support. It will be held downtown on Central, between 15th and 20th Street. The road is closed so feel free to roam the street!

For more information, or to register for the event, go to fyiLA.com and click under calendar. See you there!

2011 has already been a very busy year with respect to advocacy work on behalf of Chamber members and businesses in the community. In April, Member Services Coordinator Katy Korkos, MainStreet Manager Suzette Fox, UNM-LA SBDC Director Don Wright, and Executive Director Kevin Holsapple visited New Mexico Secretary of Economic Development Jon Barela at his Santa Fe office to promote our community and discuss how the State of New Mexico can improve the environment for business development here and throughout the State. Barela was briefed on the status of the local economy and the contents of the Economic Vitality Strategic Plan (EVSP) that was adopted in 2010. The Los Alamos contingent made a special point of reinforcing input gathered from Chamber members earlier in the year in response to new Governor Susanna Martinez’s call for input on regulatory reform. Issues discussed included:

* Our retail businesses would like to see a level playing field in New Mexico in regards to the collection of gross receipts taxes on internet and mail order purchases

* Our construction-related businesses would like the state’s building codes to be streamlined and not

LACDC News

Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation2

put us at a competitive disadvantage with other states

* Our non-profit businesses would like continued state support for social services

* There was consensus among all of the sectors represented that education and state support of education is key to their success

*Competitiveness with surrounding states with respect to taxation and regulatory issues is very important to the future success of our state

Secretary Barela said that improving New Mexico’s competitiveness with neighboring states is recognized as an important need and that the administration will be expending effort to make improvements in tax and

regulatory matters. He expressed some amount of surprise at the numbers of jobs generated by Los Alamos enterprise and in the large commuter workforce that is spread throughout the region. Our goal in visiting Sec. Barela was to increase his awareness of our community and its importance to the economic health of the region and state. Also to reinforce the input we have given to the Governor’s office about the issues that are on our member’s minds.

Also during March and April, the Chamber and LACDC were active in providing input into the County Council’s strategic planning process. A key concept we have been advocating is the need for improved “business friendliness” in County processes and actions.

The Chamber made a concerted effort to raise this issue during last Fall’s Council candidate forum and it became an important issue in several of the campaigns. A key point that we have been making is that “business friendliness” is about more than just streamlining permitting processes. It is about an attitude and culture of service on behalf of business progress versus one of “who might criticize me if I help this business?” It needs to involve all County functions including community development, legal, utilities, public works, and procurement. Our input made specific suggestions about making progress on “business friendliness” and important part of the performance evaluation criteria for County department heads.

A visit with Jon Barella...

Advocacy on Multiple Fronts

3May/June 2011

LACDC/Chamber Purchasing Policy

Summer is around the corner and the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce has some great resources for both businesses

and students in need of summer employ. The effort is being done in conjunction with the New Options New Mexico Project of Innovate+Educate.

The work matches youth between the ages of 16 and 24 to positions with member businesses and organizations while potentially sponsoring a portion of the wages. Chamber members are invited to provide job descriptions which are used to form a candidate pool for the member. The member interviews candidates, selects employees and hires them all according to their regular process. Almost forty young people have already applied as of press time and five member businesses and organizations have signed up to hire an intern.

The Chamber is offering to reimburse 50% of wages up to $5 per hour for seven to twelve week summer internships. The reimbursement program is available to member businesses and organizations on a first come first served basis until available funds are committed. The pilot project is anticipated to fill 8 to 10 positions, offering summer interns an opportunity to gain valued work experience, preferably in a field of their

choice, while building relationships that could garner future employment.

Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce members can find out more by calling Katy Korkos at 661-4816 or emailing her at chamber@losalamos.com

The Job Board is located at www.fyila.org. Remember, Chamber members that are non-profits or who have less than 25 employees always post for free on the job board.

Chamber Summer Internship Assistance

For quite some time, the LACDC/Chamber of C om m e rc e has embraced a “Think M e m b e r s F i r s t ” philosophy in its approach to purchasing of goods and services. We recently reviewed our p u r c h a s e s

over the past 12 months and 74.8% of of LACDC/Chamber purchases were made with Los Alamos Chamber members and local businesses. We will continue to seek to offer our members the first opportunity to provide quotes for products

and services needed at the LACDC/Chamber. We have not historically had a formalized policy on purchasing, but based on a suggestion from a member we have developed and instituted the following SOP to add rigor and process guidance to our approach.

Policy Statement: When purchasing services, materials and/or merchandise, the LACDC/Chamber will abide by a “Think Members First” philosophy.

Process: For any purchase of products or services expected to exceed $1000, the Member Services Coordinator will be consulted to seek to determine whether any members may be a potential source for fulfilling the requirement. Priority will be given to Chamber member suppliers if they are the low bidder or are within 10% of the low bid for comparable products/services. In the event that a member provides a bid but is not the selected source, the LACDC/Chamber will seek to consult with the member to verify that the member has had the opportunity to provide a bid for comparable products or services. If available, a tangible sample will provide a clear example of the required standard for the purchase.

The Los Alamos Small Business Development Center is providing a unique opportunity to youth in the community to experience the rewards of starting a new business. The Youth Business Grant Program will provide up to $400 to enterprising young business people, ages 13-19, who want to start a business this summer.

To apply, the students must prepare a mini-business plan, which includes an operating budget, for evaluation by the SBDC. Applications are available on www.ybgp.org. The completed plan is due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 13, 2011. Students will attend an interview and discuss their plan with a selection panel, as well as submit a final report at the end of the summer. Applications must be returned by mail to Emiley Bainbridge at the SBDC, 190 Central Park Square, Los Alamos, NM 87544 or submitted in person to the receptionist at the Small Business Center.

This program would not be possible without the generous donations and support of the local business community. Any donations a business would like to make will be used solely to fund grants to the youth. The Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation and the Los Alamos Small Business Development Center will cover all other costs of the program. If you have any questions, please call the Los Alamos Small Business Development Center at 505-661-4803.

Spring Workshops @ SBDC 190 Central Park Square

UNMLA Small Business Development Center

Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation4

$25 Workshops are FREE to Chamber members if you register at www.losalamoschamber.com

For more details about the workshops, contact Emiley Bainbridge at 661-4805

Youth Business Grant -Call for Young Entrepreneurs

May

12 Hiring Without Regrets 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Fee: $25.00 Speaker: Karen Stewart, Stone Associates

17 Building a Team for Business Success 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fee $25.00 Speaker: Roanne M Roberts, R.M. Roberts & Associates

18 CRS Taxpayers Information Session 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. FREE Speaker: Representatives from New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Dept.

With 310 days of sunshine every

year, we New Mexicans have no excuse for staying indoors- unless we’re suffering from poor health. The cadre of practitioners we have here that will help us get back on the road after an illness, an injury or the cumulative effects of poor nutrition is amazing- Los Alamos is blessed with a huge range of people whose sole mission in life is to make you feel good.

Nancy Savoia of Los Alamos Chiropractics has one of the oldest established chiropractic practices in Los Alamos, and over the years she has made a home for many other complementary and integrative health practitioners, from acupuncture to Reiki.

In addition to the spinal adjustments you might expect from a chiropractor, within the offices and treatment rooms of Los Alamos Chiropractics you can learn about the Egoscue Method of posture alignment from Jessica Kisiel or work with Dr. Wendy van Dilla, a naturopathic physician, to map out a program that will lead to healing. You can get help from an acupuncturist, an herbalist or a massage therapist.

In addition to working full-time in her practice, Nancy Savoia has devoted countless hours to seeing the Los Alamos Cooperative Market get up and running- all in an effort to help people feel good from top to toe.

Chamber Business Spotlight

5May/June 2011

Los Alamos Chiropractic

Go to fyiLA.com for information as to what’s happening

From your local

Services We OfferDigital Scanning Archiving Various Document

Production

Products We OfferCopiersPrintersMultifunctionFax Machines Wide Format Engineering Machines

Agent Owner: Tracy Maddox

Located At 1789 Central Ave. Suite 4 Los Alamos, NM 87544

(505)661-2554 sos@sos-nm.com

Nancy Savoia with patient

Katy's Corner - Get Involved with the Chamber

Chamber News

Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation6

Remember the old poster showing Uncle Sam? The one that says “Uncle Sam Wants You?” Well, think of me as

Uncle Sam. I am asking you, not to join the Army, but to get more involved in the Chamber. That’s going to mean a lot of different things to lots of different people- it may mean help-ing plan the golf tournament, or serving on the Youth Busi-ness Grant committee, or calling me to ask for some help with a press release, or volunteering to host a FAN Club.

Would you like to know more about the summer intern pro-gram or the curb appeal grants? Have you got ChamberFest on your calendar? Have you put your inventory into our searchable database yet? Have you had a look at your traffic catcher site on our webpages? Do you have a special offer we can promote for you?

I’d like to know if your business is changing or growing. I’d like to know if you’ve got a meeting I can help facilitate. I’d like to know if you’ve got an interesting story to tell about a customer or an experience you’ve had in business.

You can just call me to tell me what the Chamber can do for you. I’d love to hear from you. katyk@losalamos.org, 661-4816

Company Name (if applicable): _____________________________________________________________________

Contact Name: ______________________________________________ Phone #: ___________________________

Player #1 Name: ______________________________________________

Player #2 Name: ______________________________________________

Player #3 Name: ______________________________________________

Player #4 Name: ______________________________________________

Amount Due: # players ____ x $90 = $ ____________

Friday, July 22, 2011Black Mesa Golf Course

8:15 a.m. Registration9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start

4-person scramble

For more information contact:Suzette Fox, (505)-661-4844

suzette@losalamos.org

Donation includes golf fee, cart, and catered lunch at the picturesque Black Mesa Golf Course in Espanola, NM. Recruit your buddies, enjoy a round of golf, and have the chance to win prizes from local businesses! 100% of the proceeds bene�t the United Way of Northern New Mexico. This tourna-ment is open to all; you need not be a Chamber member to participate.

Sign up your team today at:LosAlamosChamber.com

Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament 2011Registration Form

Fill out the form below and enclose a check made out to “Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce”Want to pay by credit card? Go to LosAlamosChamber.com to sign up your team!

Tax-deductible entry fee: $90 per player

Please drop o� or mail this form to:

Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce109 Central Park SquareLos Alamos, NM 87544

No later than July 8th, 2011Payment due with registration form

Welcome New Members!Business Name Contact Name Phone Type of BusinessBlue Cross Blue Shield of NM Bette Bolton 505-816-4293 InsuranceLos Alamos Community Winds Ted Vives Performers Minesh Bacrania Photography Minesh Bacrania 505-500-4280 PhotographerOmega Consultants, Inc. Robyn Dye 505-216-0825 Engineering Services Rose Chocolatier Marguerite McClay 505-695-1156 ChocolatierSteven Shaw Steven G. Shaw Architect 505-661-9936 ArchitectThe Flower Shop Jessica Hoffer 505-662-6093 Flowers & GiftsUSArmy Chad Dragan 505-471-7821 Recruiting

7May/June 2011

DateBusiness Name Joined

MayChamber Member Anniversaries

June DateBusiness Name JoinedAdelante Consulting, Inc. 2009Casa De Luz Apartments 2003Centennial Contractors Enterprises, Inc. 2009Enrique Posada D.D.S., P.C. 2000Enterprise Computing Systems, LLC 2010Environx, LLC 2009Farm Bureau Financial Services 2009First Baptist Church of Los Alamos 2008Hampton Inn & Suites 2004High Flyers Gymnastics 2009Hollywood Roofing 2010Home Run Pizza 1997Hot Rocks Java Cafe 1999KRSN AM 1490 2006Los Alamos Council on Cancer 2009Los Alamos Properties - Ina Acomb 1998Los Alamos Safety & Environment 2000Los Alamos Sister Cities Initiative 2005Los Alamos Sportsmans Club 1999Navarro Research and Engineering 2010P. Reid Griffith, P.A. 1999Rotary Club of Los Alamos 2005Sage Cottage Montessori School 2010SAV Associated Services, LLC 2008SMSI, LLC 2008Son-Shine Art 2008Southwest Office Solutions 2007Terranear PMC 2010Vista Control Systems, Inc. 1989

AAA New Mexico 2002Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, PC 2004BAC Enterprises, Inc. 2000Beverly A Ramsey 2009CoffeeHouse Cafe, Coffee Booth 2004CASA , First Judicial District 2006Cottonwood Technology Group 2006Energy Related Devices, Inc. 1998Film Festival at Home 2004Foot and Ankle Associates, Inc. 2007 Hope Fellowship 2006Hope Pregnancy Center 2009Lorraine Hartway, CPA, LLC 1989Los Alamos Retired & Seniors Org. 2000MOSAIC Architectural Solutions, P.A. 1998Mountain Canine Corps Search and Rescue 2010New Mexico Dance Theater 2005Party to Go! 2008Pueblo Electric, Inc. 2000Quemazon Communities Master Assoc. 2004Ruby K’s Bagel Cafe 2005Spa at Hilltop House, The 2007Sparkplug Studio 2008TOTH Episcopal Church 2002Trinity Natural Health Center 2010Yours Truly Diana’s 2002Zia Credit Union 1997

For more information on the MainStreet Program please contact: Suzette Fox Phone: 505.661.4844 E-mail: suzette@losalamos.org www.LAmainstreet.com

MainStreet News & Events

Curb Appeal Grants

The Flower Shop at 1743 Central Avenue has launched the 2011 Curb Appeal Grant program to an early start and has set a very nice example of how the program can certainly add to the beauty of the downtown area.

Owner Jessica Hoffer, along with her husband, Phil of Oasis Landscaping, has developed a water feature highlighting flowers and rock formations in front of their store in an area that had been developed for flower display only.

“The original area really begged for a water feature,” Phil stated, “as it was too shady to really grow flowers.” Phil is the owner of Oasis Landscaping and one of his specialties is ponds and water features.

The store owners have additional plans to add outside displays of flowers, potted plants and garden decorations over the next few weeks.

The Hoffers’ project is a great example of the kind of imprement that can take advantage of MainStreet matching grant monies up to $500 for qualified projects. Store owners, renters and property owners in the downtown area are eligible to apply for the funds. The limited funds will be approved on a first-come-first-served basis and projects must be completed by May 31.

Applications and additional information are available by calling Bryan Farmer at the LACDC, 661-4862. The funds are provided by Los Alamos County and applications are reviewed by a committee to assure eligibility requirements.

Jessica Hoffer, along with her son Lincoln, owner of The Flower Shop.

Los Alamos Creative Culture DistrictThe Creative District cultural planners came back to Los Alamos in March to discuss draft plan for the District. They met with many different groups from the community, in order to adapt the plan even further to fit Los Alamos. They will return May 24th (tentative date) to present the plan with the Creative District committee to the County Council for adoption as an element of the downtown plan.

If you’re interested in getting involved with the Creative District, please email Emiley Bainbridge at emiley@losalamos.org or call 661-4805

Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation8

9May/June 2011

Students making art and having fun with fractals

Art for Science Sake, an art competition that is part of Los Alamos MainStreet’s Next Big Idea festival, has taken off with over 100 Los Alamos

Public School 5th and 6th grade students participating in the challenge. The response has been terrific, according to LACDC Executive Director, Kevin Holsapple. The art contest, which encourages budding artists to create one-of-kind artwork featuring science and math elements, includes a student competition called the LAPS Fractal Challenge wraps up in May with selection of winners on May 9th. The LAPS Fractal Challenge has been organized by LAPS teachers Ronda Harmon, Lorraine Whalen, and art, math, and computer teachers throughout the district in conjunction with the Albuquerque-based Fractal Foundation. In addition to the winners, all participating students will have their artwork displayed at Mesa Public Library during the the entire month of May downstairs at the children’s section. One talented student will have a billboard sized public display of their artwork on the eastern wall of the Metzger’s store in downtown Los Alamos. “We are excited to get involved in this,” says Metzger’s GM David Jolly. Lee and Greg Metzger have taken a personal interest in this project and are pleased to play a part by livening up the downtown with a local student’s artwork. The outdoor display is anticipated to be installed during May.

Planning is underway for a recognition reception and award winner’s announcement on May 25th from 5:30-7:00 p.m at the library. Artwork will be for sale to help support the contest, including art installation in schools. The pubic is also encouraged to make a donation to Los Alamos MainStreet to help finance the framing of student artwork and printing and framing the winners art pieces for display in each of the participating schools. The outdoor display at Metzgers is a demonstration of what MainStreet hopes will become a Science and Math-based Artwalk in downtown Los Alamos. The artwalk will be promoted to locals and visitors as stroll through the downtown area. MainStreet’s goal is to facilitate six art installations in the downtown area between now and the Next Big Idea festival in September. For the goal to be reached, we need property owners to step forward who have a blank wall on the outside of their building that they would allow art to be installed. A modest amount of funding is needed to cover the costs of printing and mounting the outdoor installations. For more information go to www.nextbigideaLA.com or contact MainStreet volunteer project coordinator Shari Jobe at 662-0740. Thank you to Ronda Harmon, Lorraine Whalen, Ed Vigil, Shari Jobe and Peggy Pendergast for their help with this project.

Fractal Art by Niamh S., Pinon School

Calendar of EventsMay 2011

1 Atomic Man Duathlon presented by Los Alamos Triatomics

2 Steve Stoddard: Local Hero Art Exhibit sponsored by Mesa Public Library

4 LA Arts Council Brown Bag Performance Series presents Marjorie Seldon

5 Mesa Public Library FREE Film Series High Fidelity

7 Los Alamos Arts Council Spring Arts and Crafts Fair

8 Los Alamos Concert Association presents Metales M5

10 Lecture Memories and Memorabilia of WW II sponsored by the Los Alamos Historical Society and Los Alamos National Bank

12 Mesa Public Library - Poetry Gathering

13 LA Arts Council Brown Bag Performance Series presents Don Machen - Albuquerque & Four Corners Pipes and Drums

14 LA Community Winds presents The Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi

The Atomic Bomb Skateboarding Race: Third and Final Race of the Timeship Southwest Series

20 Fuller Lodge Art Center Art Opening Reception: Back to the Basics

20-22 14th Annual Kite Festival presented by Los Alamos Arts Council

21 Jemez Mountain Trail Runs sponsored by Los Alamos High Altitude Athletics Club

26 Mesa Public Library - Authors Speak Series presents Demetria Martinez

June 2011

4 SummerFest at Pajarito Mountain sponsored by Pajarito Ski Area

9 Poetry Gathering at the Mesa Public Library

10-11 ChamberFest 2011 – Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce

11 Run the Caldera Full and Half Marathon presented by the Valles Caldera National Preserve

Pajarito Ski Area presents Pajarito Punishment Bike Race

13-17 PEEC Nature Odyssey: Wet ‘N Wild Along the Rio Grande Adventure Program

19 39th Annual Tour de Los Alamos

20-24 PEEC Nature Odyssey: Where in the Valles Caldera Are We? Adventure Program

23 Mesa Public Library’s Authors Speak Series presents Christina Nealson

25 Hike and Mountain Bike Pajarito Mountain at Pajarito Ski Area

LAMVB News

Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation10

Go to fyiLA.com for a complete and detailed list of

events.

Puye Cliffs FAM TourThe Los Alamos Visitor Center staff enjoyed a tour of Santa Clara’s Puye Cliffs, thanks to the hospitality of the cliff ’s assistant manager and sales director, Tina Whitegeese.

We were so excited to be able to view the ancient pueblo. The last time our staff was invited to a free tour was in May 2009. At that time, the historical landmark reopened to the public after a nine year closing due to Cerro Grande Fire damage. Staff of both the Los Alamos and White Rock visitor centers jumped at the chance to take Tina’s guided tour. Now more of us will speak of Puye with first hand experience and enthusiasm!

The LAMVB, a program of the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation, operates the Visitor Center in Los Alamos and the White Rock Tourist & Information Center (WRTIC). The LAMVB also produces and distributes advertising and marketing materials such as the Los Alamos Visitor Guide. We also maintain the online visitor guide at visit.losalamos.com.

11May/June 2011

What’s New?

Ashley Inn has new owners. Dave Patel is seeing to it •that the hotel and suites are reflecting the new phase in the establishment.

Daylight Donuts has closed its doors downtown. •Morning Glory Bakery on Diamond Drive and under the same ownership will remain open.

This summer, campers at Bandelier will enjoy less •crowded sites and longer pull throughs for RV and trailers. A grand opening for the campgrounds is to be announced.

Puye Cliffs

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDLOS ALAMOS, NM Permit No. 152

P . O . B O X 4 6 0 L O S A L A M O S , N M 8 7 5 4 4

Newsletter Managing Editor: Suzette Fox - 505.661.4844 email:suzette@losalamos.org Contributions by: Emiley Bainbridge, Suzette Fox, Kevin Holsapple, Katy Korkos, Claire Roybal, Cindy Whiting

Puye Cliffs