PNM hands out energy-saving awards at Chamber of Commerce meeting 040722

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

At the regular monthly meeting of the Silver City-Grant County Chamber of Commerce, Bruce Ashburn of PNM, presented awards to several businesses in Grant County. He noted that the total savings from these grants and awards is $1.088 million.

The first award went to the Food Mart, owned by W&N Enterprises. Owners Jim and Debbie Nennich accepted the award. Ashburn said the project saves the company 65,351 kilowatt hours, which is enough energy to power 10 homes, keeps 3.6 million tons of carbon out of the atmosphere and saves 21,435 gallons of water.

Ashburn presented the next award to Western New Mexico University, which he described as being at the forefront of renewable energy in Grant County. Kevin Matthes and Joe Holguin accepted the award. Because the university has also done a PNM retrofit of lights, the projects will save 154,534 kWh, enough to power 23 homes, prevent putting 86 metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere and will save 50,687 gallons of water.

WNMU President Joseph Shepard said: "We are always looking at ways to maintain our ROI. We can apply the rebate to other problems." He noted the university had placed electric lines underground, and "we're putting in plug-ins to charge electric vehicles. We are in a partnership to build solar in the northeast part of the state. We aim to get 50 percent of our energy from renewables. We will have a parking structure with solar panels on top. We strive to be carbon neutral by 2025."

Ashburn said the solar project in the northeastern part of New Mexico is on the Jicarilla reservation. "Dr. Shepard was a driving force on the project."

Cobre Consolidation Schools received a rebate to upgrade equipment to reap benefits at the end. It's hard to get upfront money to move projects forward, Ashburn said. They hope to use the savings to replace 158,564 kWh of electricity, enough to power 23 homes, prevent the release of 88 million metric tons of carbon, and save 52,000 gallons of water.

Ashburn said the County of Grant has been a multiple user of this grant. "They have done a lot of energy saving, with one example being the motion sensor lights in the Conference Center that only come on if someone walks by. The efforts will save 710,231 kWh, enough to power 105 homes, keep 395 metric tons of carbon out of the atmosphere and save almost 233,000 gallons of water."

Grant County General Services Director Randy Villa said the department had recently lost their electrician, Mason Door. "We are dedicating this award to him."

The guest speaker for the membership meeting was Kelly McGhiey, Small Business Development Center director. She is a WNMU alumna, with a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's degree with a specialty in information management systems.

"We cover four counties," McGhiey said. "The SBDC has an office here in Silver City and one in Deming. The SBDC has 40 advisors across the state of New Mexico. We are part of a national network. The NM SBDC is funded by the Legislature and the Small Business Administration. Our goal is to build skilled entrepreneurs and strong businesses. Our services are low- to no-cost, with perhaps a materials fee. We work with you from start-up throughout your business. We have a wide variety of services online, and I hope to have some in-person trainings soon. Everything is confidential, unless you give permission. We offer help with business plans, marketing plans. We have a lot of tools for businesses."

She mentioned groups the SBDC partners with, such as the procurement technical assistance center, which works with businesses that want to sell to government agencies, such as schools The International Business Accelerator is a one-stop shop that assists businesses that wish to import or export goods. The technical commercialization helps with copyrights, trademarks and cybersecurity.

"I encourage you to look at our website, nmsbdc.org for our resources there," McGhiey said. "We want to collaborate with others who support businesses. My office is in Watts Hall at the corner of highway 180 and Swan Street in room No. 107. Call me at 575-538-6320 or email me at kelli.mcghiey@wnnu.edu I would be happy to meet all of you and see how we can help you."

Chamber Director Romeo Cruz announced new business members of the chamber as the mobile TGI Fry Bread, Iron Horse BBQ, " either of which will hopefully be one of our caterers. We also have Backroads Beauty Aesthetics, across the street, the Kneeling Nun Mercantile, Recreation Works in Bayard, providing custom work on ATVs and RVs. New individual members include Hugh Epping and George Carr. Contact me with any questions. I want to introduce today's caterer, Order of the Eastern Star. I would also like to introduce a new chamber employee, Carolyn Castillo, my new event coordinator."

County Assessor Raul Turrieta, after announcing the Bataan Memorial Rededication that took place April 9, said anyone with questions on property valuations has 30 days to protest extending from March 30 through May 1.

Shepard announced The Great Race weekend, April 22 and 23, with two shows, in addition to other activities. Graduation will take place May 6 at 6 p.m.

Emily Gojkovich of the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments said the agency, along with Bayard and the Bayard Library will hold a job fair on May 5. "Contact Kitty at the office. We are looking for employers."

Laurie said she shows people simple steps to improve their health. "We have several specials right now. We are the first organization to be climate neutral."

Bernadette Smyth, Grant County Community Foundation director, announced Give Grandly coming up on May 7. "We have 56 non-profits participating this year. It will take place at the Makers' Market. We also are holding a top-secret covert event for an overt intent to make money for the foundation. Valerie Plame, who was a covert CIA officer, will speak, in addition to a silent auction. It will take place April 29 for $75 for a single and $150 for a couple. For more information visit grantcountycommunityfoundation.org.

Cruz said one of the chamber members, Misty Pugmire, "had a good day yesterday, with the ribbon cutting for the El Grito del Bosque childcare center. About 60 people attended. It's this community that comes together to make it possible and this county that also made it possible."