D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
September 2009
Business Exposure
Page: 2
Waiting for Walgreen's
Though some work has begun at the site of Las Cruces' new Walgreen's, to be located at the intersection of Picacho Avenue and Motel Drive, the store will not open in November as planned. The opening has slid all the way to the summer of 2010. A spokesman at the company's Deerfield, Ill., headquarters says that Walgreen's East Lohman Avenue location, also currently under construction, will open sometime in the fall, but also definitely later than the originally projected September opening.
Bigger and Better
Louis Baum, owner of a.i.r. Coffee Company, in Bayard, checked in to say he's hired a manager. Baum worked with Devra Mattes, who hails from Sacramento, Calif., for four years, prior to her move to Bayard. Mattes has a strong background in retail and marketing, and her presence at the Bayard shop will enable Baum to focus on the wholesale aspect of the business. In addition to Mattes' first official day on the job, Sept. 1 marks the day Baum bought the business, now 15 years old, three years ago. "It's our third anniversary, going into our fourth year," Baum says. "One of the comments I got when I purchased a.i.r. was, 'Are you crazy? You're opening a coffee shop in Bayard; you must be out of your mind!' Well, three years later we are still here and 'perking,' as they say in the coffee business!" The independent coffee business that roasts in-house is helping the Mimbres Region Arts Council celebrate its own 30th anniversary this year with two special, proprietary blends created for the occasion. 208 Central Ave., 537-3967.
Got game? Game Production Services has expanded, opening a Las Cruces location. The Albuquerque-based company describes itself as "a developer of games and immersive mixed-reality environments," and is working with NMSU's Arrowhead Center and its National Security Technology Incubator on a variety of advanced technology projects. The Las Cruces GPS is located in the Genesis Center, also home to Arrowhead.
Las Cruces Orthopaedic Associates, based at 675 Avenida de Mesilla, has expanded its services and reach into the community by opening its After Hours Orthopaedic Quick Care Center at 1205 S. Telshor Ave. A spokesperson for the professional group says the new center offers an alternative to the emergency room, with treatment for acute injuries, minor strains and pains and acute back pain. In addition, the group has purchased the Las Cruces Surgical Center at 1205 S. Telshor.
Milestones
Jeremy and Jamie Lewis, owners of Furniture Gallery, 1300 Silver Heights Blvd., recently celebrated their fifth anniversary of owning the Silver City furniture store. This month also marks the one-year anniversary of Furniture Gallery's new Deming location.
Single Socks, the community-run thrift store at the T-intersection of Pope and College Streets in Silver City, has disbursed its first grants to two local organizations. Founded by Jeff Goin and Kathleen Wigley to fund local anti-hunger projects, Single Socks has awarded $500 each to the Bayard and Silver City Community Gardens projects. The non-profit store is staffed by more than 50 volunteers and three paid staff. Goin and Wigley chose the community gardens projects as their first recipients to boost production of local, fresh food.
Next month, the Red Barn Steakhouse will celebrate 30 years of business
in Silver City with a special dinner on Friday, Oct. 16, beginning at 6 p.m.,
and a community event the next day. At the Friday dinner, speakers will recall
highlights from the past three decades.
Under New Ownership
Richard and Tonya Cass are the new owners of Backwoodsman, Inc., the
well-established, 17-year-old outdoorsy business at 213 W. College Ave. in
Silver City. The Casses are long-time residents and report they are happy to
be sinking their teeth into this popular established business. They have dramatically
extended the hours their shop is open: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10
a.m.-5 p.m. 538-2147.
New in Town
Billie Behrens has opened Southwest Medical Solutions, a Silver City business offering pre-collection on physician's bills and problem-solving on insurance payments via computer and telephone. The long-time resident has nearly 20 years experience troubleshooting and facilitating the insurance payment process. 388-4987.
Got hair? Selena Alcorta (Salas), Georgia Rizzera and Jocelyn Rodriguez — all formerly of Sheer Reflections Salon — have joined forces and opened their own shop, Innovations, at 202 E. 11th St. in Silver City. In addition to the 'dos the gals are known for, the full-service salon also will offer waxing, nails and pedicures to make you feel beautiful all over. 534-9344.
Chastidy Sanchez is operating Diamond Glass at 3100 Hwy 180 E. in Silver City, providing auto, commercial and residential glass products and service. 388-8787, 388-8777.
Daniel Garcia, DC, has opened A New You Chiropractic Revitalization Center at 2909 Hillrise Dr. in Las Cruces. In addition to chiropractic services, the office also will offer massage therapy and laser hair removal. 522-5999.
Zia Clean, providing residential and commercial cleaning services throughout the state, is up and running at its new Las Cruces location. The company also has partnered with Cleaning for a Reason, a non-profit organization providing free housecleaning services for women undergoing cancer treatment. Zia Clean can be reached at 915-5015. More information about Cleaning for a Reason can be found at www.cleaningforareason.org
Going to the dogs? John Gaskill has opened Arrow K-9 Academy, a mobile dog training business, in Las Cruces. Gaskill says he goes to the customer's home, "where the discipline problems began and where they need to end," offering basic training and beyond. This dog whisperer on wheels evaluates both the canine and the interaction between owner and four-footed friend. 680-2775.
Going, Going, Gone. . .
After 14 years in downtown Silver City, Star Mountain Trading has closed its doors. Owners April Redbird and Gregory Jaekel cited a shrinking local population and economy for the business' demise and added that they are moving to Albuquerque, in hopes of finding a more business-friendly climate as well as to be near their 16-year-old daughter, Jasmine, who will start college there in the fall. In addition to being a jewelry artist, Redbird is a mental health consultant who has served on numerous state boards over the years. Jaekel has written several books, for which he looking for a publisher, and is writing music. Both feel they will have more opportunity for those pursuits in a bigger city.
The Rio Yamaha store on North Main Street in Las Cruces has closed. The company reports on its Web site that it has consolidated dealerships, merging with Sunland Park Yamaha into a "new Yamaha Superstore" at 159 Sunland Park Dr., Sunland Park. www.sunlandparkyamaha.com