Hello friends! It’s been such a fun time for me, over the last 20 months to share my stories and opinions about business and entrepreneurship. The column I’m writing today will be my last to be written on behalf of the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce. I have accepted a new role as the Executive Director of the newly formed Grant County Workforce Economic Development Alliance. I’m excited for this new role and I’m thankful that I’m able to stay here in Grant County and continue my work to help improve the economic development of our area.

It is difficult for me to leave my job at the Chamber of Commerce because I have truly enjoyed the work I have been able to do here. I knew, when I first applied for the job, in October of 2019 that I was going to enjoy working in my hometown. I knew that I was coming to work in a community with a rich history and ancestral knowledge of my own family. I knew that, somehow, when my Grandfather Jesus Galvan opened his tienditas in Fierro and Santa Clara, it was predestined for me to work as a champion for the small business owner. Small business has always been my passion and SUCCESS has always been my driving force. Since January 6, 2020 I have been totally immersed in small business and many issues affecting Grant County, New Mexico, thanks to the Board of Directors of the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce.

I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to discuss public health issues, public safety issues, employment concerns, business development opportunities, issues that affect rural New Mexico, broadband disparity, funding for small business and services to the poor and disadvantaged citizens of our county. We’ve discussed education initiatives along with issues that affect Seniors, Veterans and Children. My role as Executive Officer of the chamber of Commerce helped me to realize that there are a great number of people working behind the scenes to make sure that the residents of Grant County have all they need to succeed when it comes to the endless possibilities of the future of Grant County.

I will continue to write about entrepreneurship and I will always be available to lend a helping hand, or an objective ear, when you are developing your small business. I will continue to focus on the notion that small business entrepreneurship is an option open to anyone who has a dream that they want to explore. I will always try to be your motivator and your champion when you need a nudge or a push to move forward toward your goals. I am here to help you develop the unstoppable confidence in yourself, that you can’t see because you are blinded by fear. I can see in you what you sometimes can’t see in yourself, and my job is always to help you believe what everybody knows about you. You are a winner and you are bigger than your fears.

My new role at the Grant County Workforce Development Alliance means that I will help to create educational opportunities for the Southwestern New Mexico workforce. I will make sure that, if you need a particular certification to get a particular job in order to earn more money or provide a better future for your family, my business partners will do whatever necessary to create those paths toward education. My role will be to help shine a light on Grant County, New Mexico, and all that we have to offer the world. Don Quixote tilted at windmills and dreamed the “impossible dream.” Grant County Workforce Economic Development Alliance will help you focus on creating your dreams and seeing them come to fruition.

Thank you to the Board of Directors of the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce for they have given me every opportunity to succeed here. I look forward to partnering with them to serve Grant County. Thank you to the membership of the Grant County Chamber of Commerce because you are the backbone of the work that I, and my staff, have had the privilege of doing.

Thank YOU for all of the comments and notes you’ve sent me in support of this column and all my personal musings. You bring a smile to my face when I realize that I’ve made you think while reading my words. Now I have a tear in my eye as I realize that our “weekly get together” is no more. I have truly enjoyed our time together. Reach out to me, if you wish, at successforsmallbiz@gmail.com and tell me how you’re doing. And don’t forget: Always support the chamber of commerce and your local small business owner!