The Los Alamos Monitor and the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce are collaborating on a County Council candidate economic issues forum which will take place on Thursday, April 29th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Los Alamos Research Park meeting room 203A. The room will be available for pre-forum networking beginning at 5 pm. The forum is free and open to the public.
Candidates will respond to questions by Monitor/Chamber moderators and will be required to adhere to strict time limits to ensure equal time for all. Questions will be selected by the moderators. The public is invited to submit their questions in advance via the web.
Welcome
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A Market With History
By Jeannette Wallace
Jeannette Wallace is a member of the Board of Directors of Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation (LACDC). LACDC’s vision is “Vibrant community through a flourishing economy.” LACDC operates the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, Los Alamos MainStreet, the UNM-LA Small Business Development Center, the Los Alamos Research Park, and other community and economic development activities.
I do hope many of you read a recent article in our “Essence” about the fun of shopping for and eating foods grown locally. Our own local Farmers Market has its own long and interesting history. In fact, our own Los Alamos Farmers Market is the oldest continuous farmers market in our state.
A very determined member of our community, Jesse Rudnick, along with members of the League of Women Voters decided it was time to be able to purchase locally grown fresh produce. Los Alamos County was involved from the very first in helping there to be a good location. Some of you old timers may remember a time when the market was set up right on Central and we all shopped in the middle of the street. Sometimes it is fun to have been here forever so we can remember those things.
Our market started in about 1970, a few years later Santa Fe started theirs and quickly grew even larger. Last year, the Los Alamos Farmer’s Market became part of LACDC’s MainStreet Program and our organization will be working hard to help ensure its long term viability in our downtown. The market vendors have elected an advisory committee from their ranks to have input on rules and resolving issues. A local volunteer, Gale Barlow is also a member of the advisory committee to provide input on behalf of the community.
The market is always a reminder that farming has been a way of life in New Mexico for centuries. However, the market has added a whole new perspective to community life as well. It has helped our neighbors and changed the way we look at things. It has also been fun and interesting to watch changes in the Farmers Market over the years. As our growers and producers have gotten more comfortable with us and have expanded their interests over the years they have added crafts, pastries, meats, cheese, prepared foods, and crafts to the market offering. The market managers have worked hard to make the market a good place for both buyers and sellers and have been successful at that.
Los Alamos has been a supportive customer base. It is fun to shop, but what I find just as interesting are the innovative ways some of the farmers are using the land. They have learned to conserve water, they have learned to grow more on small pieces of land, and I am always hearing from them about the new techniques of farming.
We look forward to those early crops such as cherries and lettuce; we move onto the apricots and string beans, adding melons, squash, and those delicious tomatoes before the summer ends. We have another plus, of course … those chiles. The green chiles make our mouths water (and our eyes) but the red chile ristras remind me that winter is coming and our market is changing. For me, it has meant that I’ll be talking soon to other legislators about which chile is better .. . Chimayo or Deming or Las Cruces. Of course, our Chimayo chile is best always. We can even argue about the spelling: chili, chile, or just make it plural, chilies.
Our Farmers Market is a great place to run into friends, meet people from different parts of our great northern New Mexico, ask questions, and get to know each other better. It has been controversial at times, for a variety of reasons. But the support has always been there when needed and northern New Mexico has enjoyed getting back to their roots in many cases. Farmers Markets have become popular all over the state and country, but ours will always be the most important one to me.
Jeannette Wallace is a member of the Board of Directors of Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation (LACDC). LACDC’s vision is “Vibrant community through a flourishing economy.” LACDC operates the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, Los Alamos MainStreet, the UNM-LA Small Business Development Center, the Los Alamos Research Park, and other community and economic development activities.
I do hope many of you read a recent article in our “Essence” about the fun of shopping for and eating foods grown locally. Our own local Farmers Market has its own long and interesting history. In fact, our own Los Alamos Farmers Market is the oldest continuous farmers market in our state.
A very determined member of our community, Jesse Rudnick, along with members of the League of Women Voters decided it was time to be able to purchase locally grown fresh produce. Los Alamos County was involved from the very first in helping there to be a good location. Some of you old timers may remember a time when the market was set up right on Central and we all shopped in the middle of the street. Sometimes it is fun to have been here forever so we can remember those things.
Our market started in about 1970, a few years later Santa Fe started theirs and quickly grew even larger. Last year, the Los Alamos Farmer’s Market became part of LACDC’s MainStreet Program and our organization will be working hard to help ensure its long term viability in our downtown. The market vendors have elected an advisory committee from their ranks to have input on rules and resolving issues. A local volunteer, Gale Barlow is also a member of the advisory committee to provide input on behalf of the community.
The market is always a reminder that farming has been a way of life in New Mexico for centuries. However, the market has added a whole new perspective to community life as well. It has helped our neighbors and changed the way we look at things. It has also been fun and interesting to watch changes in the Farmers Market over the years. As our growers and producers have gotten more comfortable with us and have expanded their interests over the years they have added crafts, pastries, meats, cheese, prepared foods, and crafts to the market offering. The market managers have worked hard to make the market a good place for both buyers and sellers and have been successful at that.
Los Alamos has been a supportive customer base. It is fun to shop, but what I find just as interesting are the innovative ways some of the farmers are using the land. They have learned to conserve water, they have learned to grow more on small pieces of land, and I am always hearing from them about the new techniques of farming.
We look forward to those early crops such as cherries and lettuce; we move onto the apricots and string beans, adding melons, squash, and those delicious tomatoes before the summer ends. We have another plus, of course … those chiles. The green chiles make our mouths water (and our eyes) but the red chile ristras remind me that winter is coming and our market is changing. For me, it has meant that I’ll be talking soon to other legislators about which chile is better .. . Chimayo or Deming or Las Cruces. Of course, our Chimayo chile is best always. We can even argue about the spelling: chili, chile, or just make it plural, chilies.
Our Farmers Market is a great place to run into friends, meet people from different parts of our great northern New Mexico, ask questions, and get to know each other better. It has been controversial at times, for a variety of reasons. But the support has always been there when needed and northern New Mexico has enjoyed getting back to their roots in many cases. Farmers Markets have become popular all over the state and country, but ours will always be the most important one to me.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
State Resource Team Visits Los Alamos
by Kevin Holsapple, LACDC/Chamber Executive Director
A resource team composed of officials from various state agencies visited Los Alamos for several days in April and conducted focus groups with dozens of community members and organizations in order to provide advice to the recently designated Los Alamos Arts & Cultural District. Their work culminated in a public presentation that shared observations and recommendations from the visit.
The presentation was videotaped for playback on PAC-8 and a DVD is being made available for checkout at the Chamber. In addition, the presentation slides, background information about the Arts and Cultural District, and information about the steering committee working on this project are available on the web at laccd.blogspot.com
Los Alamos MainStreet, in collaboration with the Los Alamos Arts Council and Los Alamos County applied for and received the New Mexico Arts and Culture District status for downtown Los Alamos in 2009. The resource team visit is a step in the process for fulfilling the requirements of maintaining that status and developing a plan for implementing the district. The basis for the district is sharing of Los Alamos’ unique creative heritage in the arts and science.
Goals for the Los Alamos Creative District include:
The presentation was videotaped for playback on PAC-8 and a DVD is being made available for checkout at the Chamber. In addition, the presentation slides, background information about the Arts and Cultural District, and information about the steering committee working on this project are available on the web at laccd.blogspot.com
Los Alamos MainStreet, in collaboration with the Los Alamos Arts Council and Los Alamos County applied for and received the New Mexico Arts and Culture District status for downtown Los Alamos in 2009. The resource team visit is a step in the process for fulfilling the requirements of maintaining that status and developing a plan for implementing the district. The basis for the district is sharing of Los Alamos’ unique creative heritage in the arts and science.
Goals for the Los Alamos Creative District include:
- Sharing the unique creative heritage of Los Alamos with residents and visitors;
- The development of the district will serve as a catalyst for supporting and developing service, restaurant, retail and hospitality businesses within the proposed district;
- The district will improve the community’s capacity for economic benefit from visitation and tourism by creating a stronger, more focused argument for visiting and spending time in downtown Los Alamos
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
View Community Promo Video to Google
View the video that accompanied the Los Alamos County application to Google for their Community Fiber Initiative -- more info about the initiative and sign up to stay informed at www.fiberup.org
Saturday, April 10, 2010
There’s Something To Do Around Here
by Stan Primak
All over young people say the same thing, whether they live in a big city or a small town: “There’s nothing to do around here”. When I was a teenager I said that of my town in New Jersey. Well, I have an answer for that dilemma; get a job or better yet be creative and develop you own job.
There are many reasons to be your own boss. You can establish your own schedule, work when you want and as hard as you want. Of course, the theory is if you do work long and hard you will reap great rewards. You can maximize your potential and take ownership of your success or failure. Being in business for yourself in not for everyone but what better way to find out than to try it as a summer job while you are young.
In Los Alamos there are so many services left untapped that I am positive a young person with energy and a good idea can “Make It.” Start by surveying adults and peers as to what they might need and what they would be willing to pay a service provider. Or think of something you would like to do and then see if there is a need. Either way I’m sure you’ll get lot’s of ideas. Off the top of my head, things that immediately come to mind are pet sitting, house sitting, yard care, computer maintenance, tutoring and good music lessons.
Believe it or not, there is a program in town to get you on your way. It’s called the Youth Business Grant Program. Ever since 1984, grants of up to $400 have been given to aspiring future business leaders with a great idea and business plan. The object is to help establish an entrepreneurial spirit for the next generation. Not only is there the financial grant but there’s much more involved in running your own small business than the actual service provided. There is advertising, estimating and bookkeeping to name a few. This is an excellent way to pass that knowledge on to your future business leaders.
Each year up to 16 grants are awarded. These are mainly for summer jobs although some young entrepreneurs decide to continue their business throughout the year. To apply, go to the website www.YBGP.org. All of the necessary information you will need is there. Applications are being accepted now. Get on your thinking caps and get busy. Best wishes for your success.
Now that I’ve given the teenagers an idea about something there is to do in this town, I want to speak to the broader community for a moment. Raising successful kids takes more than just a single family or school; it takes a community. While the young person’s refrain might be “there’s nothing to do” the adult refrain is often “I don’t know what to do to help.” Assets in Action is a program of the Chamber of Commerce that is about building the assets in our community that will make for healthier kids and a healthier community. The Youth Business Grant program is an example of one such asset that exists.
We would like to inspire your thinking and action about creating and supporting more. Find out about Assets and Action and what you can do at www.assetsinaction.info. Another thing you can do is to attend an upcoming Assets event, a talk by Dr. Peter Benson on Tuesday, May 11th at 6:30 pm at the UNM-LA Student Center. Dr. Benson, a renowned national expert, will deliver an address titled, “Keynotes on helping teenagers succeed and discover their SPARK.” This free event is sponsored by the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board and Family Strengths Network. There is something for all of us to do around here; let’s all get our assets in action!
Stan Primak is a member of the Board of Directors of Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation (LACDC). LACDC’s vision is “Vibrant community through a flourishing economy.” LACDC operates the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, Los Alamos MainStreet, the UNM-LA Small Business Development Center, the Los Alamos Research Park, and other community and economic development activities.
All over young people say the same thing, whether they live in a big city or a small town: “There’s nothing to do around here”. When I was a teenager I said that of my town in New Jersey. Well, I have an answer for that dilemma; get a job or better yet be creative and develop you own job.
There are many reasons to be your own boss. You can establish your own schedule, work when you want and as hard as you want. Of course, the theory is if you do work long and hard you will reap great rewards. You can maximize your potential and take ownership of your success or failure. Being in business for yourself in not for everyone but what better way to find out than to try it as a summer job while you are young.
In Los Alamos there are so many services left untapped that I am positive a young person with energy and a good idea can “Make It.” Start by surveying adults and peers as to what they might need and what they would be willing to pay a service provider. Or think of something you would like to do and then see if there is a need. Either way I’m sure you’ll get lot’s of ideas. Off the top of my head, things that immediately come to mind are pet sitting, house sitting, yard care, computer maintenance, tutoring and good music lessons.
Believe it or not, there is a program in town to get you on your way. It’s called the Youth Business Grant Program. Ever since 1984, grants of up to $400 have been given to aspiring future business leaders with a great idea and business plan. The object is to help establish an entrepreneurial spirit for the next generation. Not only is there the financial grant but there’s much more involved in running your own small business than the actual service provided. There is advertising, estimating and bookkeeping to name a few. This is an excellent way to pass that knowledge on to your future business leaders.
Each year up to 16 grants are awarded. These are mainly for summer jobs although some young entrepreneurs decide to continue their business throughout the year. To apply, go to the website www.YBGP.org. All of the necessary information you will need is there. Applications are being accepted now. Get on your thinking caps and get busy. Best wishes for your success.
Now that I’ve given the teenagers an idea about something there is to do in this town, I want to speak to the broader community for a moment. Raising successful kids takes more than just a single family or school; it takes a community. While the young person’s refrain might be “there’s nothing to do” the adult refrain is often “I don’t know what to do to help.” Assets in Action is a program of the Chamber of Commerce that is about building the assets in our community that will make for healthier kids and a healthier community. The Youth Business Grant program is an example of one such asset that exists.
We would like to inspire your thinking and action about creating and supporting more. Find out about Assets and Action and what you can do at www.assetsinaction.info. Another thing you can do is to attend an upcoming Assets event, a talk by Dr. Peter Benson on Tuesday, May 11th at 6:30 pm at the UNM-LA Student Center. Dr. Benson, a renowned national expert, will deliver an address titled, “Keynotes on helping teenagers succeed and discover their SPARK.” This free event is sponsored by the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board and Family Strengths Network. There is something for all of us to do around here; let’s all get our assets in action!
Stan Primak is a member of the Board of Directors of Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation (LACDC). LACDC’s vision is “Vibrant community through a flourishing economy.” LACDC operates the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, Los Alamos MainStreet, the UNM-LA Small Business Development Center, the Los Alamos Research Park, and other community and economic development activities.
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