By Jo Mixon
When I came to work at the Chamber in June of 2011 as membership manager, the Board of Directors challenged me that we needed a marketing campaign, which would jump-start and revitalize the membership. The catch, there were no funds. I put my thinking cap on and the ” I Know Jo” campaign was born. The idea is that you invite me to your business and market to me. We thought it would go on for a few weeks and then we’d move on to another idea. But after featuring 28 businesses so far, it has taken on a life of its own. I love being a part of it! I have met the most interesting people plus we have been able to promote their businesses to you.
First I met Minnette Burges and her husband Alan Huerta at Cimarroncita getting to experience their unique historical venue. Then I was rushed down the Rio Grande for chills and adventure while white water rafting with Los Rios River Runners. I was treated to an authentic Cowboy Evening by the Lewis family out at Bobcat Pass, learned to ride a horse from Nancy Burch at Roadrunner Tours as I now aspire to be a Giddy Up Girl, and I joined the pros at ReMax/Bella Tierra for their annual appreciation cookout and open houses. I was educated in high altitude gardening by the Angel Fire Garden Club, played Disc Golf on the 18-hole course at the top of the Chile Express with Donald of The Angel Fire Resort Disc Golf Course, and I was fed delicious original recipes at Hatcha’s Grill.
Next I was encouraged to leave the pavement to get off the road for a spirited adventure at Red River Jeep Rental. I spent time with the staff at Angel Fire Visitor’s Center and was able to ride in a hot air balloon at Summerfest. (Mark that one off my bucket list!) I was fascinated with the art of making pottery and got to watch a midnight firing at Enchanted Circle Pottery and if that’s not enough I was then invited to attend the opening reception and marvelous concert with Music from Angel Fire. Voted Best of Angel Fire in three categories, Angel Fire Homes and Construction and Property Management made me feel like family, I learned what all goes on behind the scenes in home appraisals from Jeff and Samantha Weeks of Angel Fire Appraisers, Inc., and I got to know Ronda Harvey of Accounting Associates who is new to Angel Fire and the Chamber.
Then I was given a personal tour at Stray Hearts Animal Shelter of Taos, wanted to adopt all the animals, and learned from Dave Noll that Stray Arts Gallery gives 100% of their profits to the shelter. I took water color therapy from Katherine McDermott of the Angel Fire Artspace, learned all my legal real estate and title needs can be met at Pioneer Title and Escrow the Law offices of Richard W. Norris, and visited with Bill Jarski and Kelly Gedes amidst the beautiful quality products they sell in their three showrooms at Mountain Comfort Furnishings & Design/Taos.
The following week I went on location to learn how to put in flooring with the guys from C and C Flooring and Construction of Angel Fire. I attended the Kick Off event for the Alliance Studying Paranormal Experience 2011 Symposium and Film Festival, attended the Research & Marketing Conference in Albuquerque put on by TANM, of which we are a member, and I was amazed by the efficiency and work ethic of the crew in Mountain Reservations at the Angel Fire Resort. I learned that Angel Fired Pizza is passionate that each bite of each slice of their pizza is not only tasty but the ingredients balanced.
I left sweaty from Angel Fire Physical Therapy after I learned the importance of core body strength and balance which was definitely challenged when I took a cross country skiing lesson From Christine Tohama at the Angel Fire Resort’s new Nordic Center. I was happy to meet with the folks at Kokopelli Property Management and hear their story and then also very excited to learn how to make an espresso, treated to a Dirty Chai Tea and designer cup cakes at Roxanne Wride’s new business Espresso Lounge and Gallery.
Whew, what a wonderful time I have had this past year getting to know so many of the businesses that support the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce. With a membership upwards of 200, there are many more yet to visit. I want you to know it has been an honor! If we haven’t yet featured your business, give me a call at 575-377-6353. We’ll put you on the schedule. Until then, Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Jo Mixon
Executive Director
Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce
575-377-6353
www.angelfirechamber.org
manager@angelfirechamber.org
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