D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
February 2011
Business Beat
After nearly six years of effort, Gila/Mimbres Community Radio (GMCR) has been granted a construction permit by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a full-power, non-commercial/educational FM station to be located in Silver City. As the name implies, the station will serve not only Silver City but listeners throughout Grant County from Gila and parts northwest to the communities of Mimbres, Faywood, the Burros and approaching Deming and Lordsburg. The volunteer-operated, community-oriented station will emphasize segments of the community that are underserved by conventional, mainstream and commercial broadcasting.
GMCR will provide a range of arts, culture, entertainment, educational and public affairs and Spanish language programming, as well as give voice to local residents and organizations and encourage the creation of programs by local residents consistent with its mission and values. Programs will cover a variety of interests including music, the arts, culture, science, spirituality, the environment, economics, entertainment and media literacy.
The FCC construction permit covers a period of three years, within which GMCR must become fully operational and begin broadcasting. Fundraising plans are underway and a series of events will be announced in the near future, with hopes to hit the airwaves in 18 to 24 months.
Community members who want to become part of the effort, those who wish to produce or host programs or otherwise become involved in content creation, and people with suggestions for call letters and slogans are encouraged to contact GMCR. The community is invited to attend the next board meeting, Feb. 8, 5-7 p.m. at Javalina on Broadway and Bullard. For more information, call 519-4144, write email@gmcr.org or visit www.gmcr.org
The Silver City Regional Association of Realtors reports that 2010 sales of all MLS properties reached 302, including 237 residential properties and 59 land sales. That's up from 251 in 2009, with 164 homes and 73 land sales. Total 2010 dollar volume was up 36% to $43.2 million, and the $143,244 average price and $125,000 median price were also up over 2009. Figures still lagged behind 2008, however, and were well below the 636 total sales in 2006.
Los Poblanos Organics (LPO) is reopening its doors to Las Cruces residents, with an added incentive: Some of its organic vegetables will now be grown locally. The Albuquerque-based Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) cooperative recently broke ground on two acres in Mesilla, and will be growing a variety of vegetables including greens, tomatoes, melons, squash and peppers. Las Cruces members will have access to these as well as the entire stock of LPO goods. LPO offers regionally grown and produced grocery items including cheeses, breads, meats, eggs and other staples in addition to organic vegetables and fruits. Membership is free, and customers can order and pay for groceries online. The weekly pick-up will be on the farm at the northeast corner of Snow Road and Calle del Sur. Farm managers Emily Detrick and Charlie Ryland can be reached at farm@lascrucesorganics.com or 644-1796, or visit www.LasCrucesOrganics.com