December 2013
In This Issue
In the News
Partnership for Responsible Business
2013 Recycling Business Recognition Program
News from the Albuquerque Chapter
News from the Las Cruces Chapter
News from the Santa Fe Chapter
News from the Southwest Chapter
Quick Links
  


Thank you to our Sponsors!

 

Statewide Visionaries:

 

Positive Energy Solar

 

HDIC logoExhib-it!
 

 

Green Fire Times Logo

 

 

 Innovators: 

sunspot logo july 2012

Las Cruces, NM

 

CST 

Albuquerque, NM

 

Santa Fe, NM


Sun-News Logo  

Las Cruces, NM

 

Intel  

Albuquerque, NM 

 

Hotel Andaluz  

Albuquerque, NM

 

 

Albuquerque, NM

 

 

Leaders:


Focus Ink 

Albuquerque, NM

 

 

Albuquerque, NM

 

 fristoe and co

Las Cruces, NM

MVS Logo 

Las Cruces, NM

Suntech 

Las Cruces, NM

Friedman Recycling 

Las Cruces, NM

 

Mountain View Market  

Las Cruces, NM  

 

 

Las Cruces, NM

 

MR COG 

Albuquerque, NM  

 

Construction Reporter  

Albuquerque, NM  

NMFECU    

Albuquerque, Santa Fe & Taos, NM

Affordable Solar    

Albuquerque, NM

Sun Zia    

Albuquerque, NM

Sandoval County    

Albuquerque & Rio Rancho, NM 

 

bernco logo  

 

Albuquerque, NM

 

 

 

Santa Fe, NM

 

 

Taos, NM

 

The Green Chamber is pleased to welcome the following new and renewing* members:

  

Investor: 

 

CNM*

 

Community Partners: 

 

Earthwise*

Melissa J Reeves*

Energy Concepts*

CST*

Natural Awakenings

HB Construction*

Matts & Co. Accounting Professionals, LLC

NORESCO

bigbyte.cc*

Los Poblanos*

Green Sweep

LaKind Dental Group*

Kreger Design Build, LLC*

 

 

  
Want to know more about the small business health insurance plans offered by the NMHIX? 

 

Check out their plan comparison tool:  


 

 

 

Free Networking, Food, Drinks & Music!

 

December 18th, 2013 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm

6207 Pan American Freeway NE

 

RSVP: Marketing2@exhib-it.com or 

(505) 828-0574

 

For more information, click here!

 

sunspot logo july 2012    

 

SUNSPOT NAMED ON LIST OF TOP NM PRIVATE COMPANIES

 

 

 

LAS CRUCES -Sunspot Solar Energy, a Las Cruces-owned and operated solar installer, recently attended a luncheon in Albuquerque at which the company was named as one of the top 100 privately held New Mexico businesses for positive contributions to the state's economy. New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez addressed the business owners at an event on Wednesday, November 6 at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque.

 

Moss Adams LLP, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Modrall Sperling law firm and the Albuquerque Journal Business Outlook joined together to recognize the contributions of New Mexico's top-100 privately owned businesses to growing the state's economy. Of all the companies receiving recognition in the 2013 listing, Sunspot Solar is the only solar energy system provider.

 

The New Mexico Private 100 companies are ranked based on total revenues, and this year's listing recognizes a diverse array of business from around the state, including a manufacturer of ballpoint pens, home builders and transportation company.

Sunspot is the Las Cruces area's top solar provider with more installs than anybody else and is also the only locally owned and operated solar installer. Sunspot is a valuable member of the Las Cruces community, actively supporting many area events and organizations.

 

For more information, click here!

Ken Binkley, Wilson Binkley Advertising & Marketing                                         

(575) 524-8118

bink@wilson-binkley.com


CST

CST Congratulates De Anza Animal Clinic and Collins Clark Technologies for Going Green with Solar

 

As November came to a close with Small Business Saturday, the team at Consolidated Solar Technologies (CST) took some time to reflect upon the importance of supporting our fellow local businesses and serving our New Mexican communities. At CST, we are grateful for the opportunity to help local organizations offset their utility expenses through the use of solar energy systems - and put the money they've saved on electricity back into their businesses. We would like to thank two local small businesses in Albuquerque who have given us just such an opportunity: De Anza Animal Clinic and Collins Clark Technologies.

 

De Anza Animal Clinic, who enjoys a reputable following among South Valley pet owners, is installing a 5.2-kW SunPower solar array. Their new solar energy system from CST will offset one-third of their year-round electricity consumption and will save them thousands of dollars every year. Specialty fabricator Collins Clark Technologies is expanding into a 4,800-square-foot facility in the Northeast Heights. To offset their forecasted electricity needs, CST is installing a 10.4-kW rooftop SunPower solar array. The system is expected to provide up to 75 percent of the power needed at the new facility.

 

Please join CST in appreciating and supporting New Mexico's small businesses, and in congratulating De Anza Animal Clinic and Collins Clark Technologies for going green with solar!

 

   
 
 
Saturday, December 7th- 10 am to 12 pm 

 

 

Aquaponics Workshop with MVM Farm Manager Lori Garton: Aquaponics is an innovative, sustainable growing system where fish and plants are grown together, mutually benefiting each other.  An aquaponics system re-circulates the water, the fish produce a natural fertilizer for the plants, and the plants act as a natural water filter.  Using an aquaponics system allows growers, gardeners, and farmers to reduce the use of our limited water supply and take advantage of the bountiful sunlight to grow food. Learn about this sustainable food system and how to produce vegetables like lettuce, sprouts, and herbs in your own urban aquaponics system. The workshop will be held at the MVM Farm in Mesilla (2653 Snow Road). Cost is $15 for members/ $20 for non-members and space is limited. You must register online, over the phone, or in-store before attending the workshop at the farm.

 

For more information: 575.523.0436, 

www.mountainviewmarket.coop, or mvmoutreach@gmail.com 

  

Array Technologies Finalizes Shipments to a 265MW Solar Project in Calexico, CA

 

ATI wraps-up shipments 7 weeks ahead of schedule

 

Albuquerque, NM - November 11, 2013/ -- Array Technologies has completed shipping the DuraTrack™ HZ solar tracking system to a 265 MW/dc solar project near Calexico, CA, delivering over 1300 trucks without complication. Constructed by Abengoa, the site is the largest thin film solar tracking installation in the world.

 

Using an innovative, new design specifically engineered for frameless thin-film module applications, Array Technologies' patent-pending bowed tracker racks provide stability and support for these unique modules. The bow-truss solution allows for a reduction in unnecessary material and labor, and increases installation speeds, critical for this large-scale thin-film project.

 

The DuraTrack™ HZ system is the most deployed tracker in the world, with over 1.7 gigawatts shipped across the globe. Providing the best levelized cost of energy (LCOE) in the industry today, the durable DuraTrack™ HZ tracker is designed to minimize materials and maximize the return on investment, while delivering robust and reliable performance day-in and day-out. Array Technologies' tracking and racking systems offer unmatched bankability for utility-scale projects, backed by over two decades of experience in the field. 

 

 

 

New Mexico Outdoors Coalition 

proudly presents 

Engaged Citizen Awards Reception

 

Monday, December 9th 2013

4:00pm - 8:00pm

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Albuquerque, NM

 

In coordination with ActivateNM and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

 

Join us in our celebration!

 

RSVP here! 


Partnership for Responsible Business
PArtnership for Responsible Business
Want to know more about the New Mexico Green Chamber's Educational arm, the Partnership for Responsible Business?


Check out their website!
New Mexico Green Chamber Staff

We are excited to provide a variety of member opportunities, conferences, and events this year!
NMGCC Staff 2013
(Left to Right) Front Row: Celerah Hewes-Rutledge (COO), Cissy McAndrew (ED, Southwest NM), and Lindsay Laine (Project Coordinator)
Back Row: Alex Merlino (CFO), Laura E. Sanchez (CEO), Glenn Schiffbauer (ED, Santa Fe), and Carrie Hamblen (ED, Las Cruces)
Not pictured: Erin Sanborn (ED, Taos)
Dear Green Chamber Member, 
 
If you would like to offer discounts for your products or services to other Green Chamber members, please let us know! We would be happy to include promotional discounts in our statewide and chapter newsletters, as appropriate. If you have any questions, or discount offers, please email your chapter executive director, or our Project Coordinator, Lindsay Laine, at lindsay@nmgreenchamber.com.  
 

Dear Green Chamber Members and Friends,    

 

Despite over 300 days of sunshine in New Mexico, our Public Regulation Commission has decided the solar market isn't as viable as studies have shown. Last month the PRC dealt a crushing blow to the solar energy industry in New Mexico with a decision to change the weighting of Renewable Energy Certificates associated with generating solar energy. Three members of the PRC, Commissioners Lyons, Hall and Bicenti-Aguilar, voted for this change that will have damaging effects on the solar industry in our state. We applaud Commissioners Montoya and Espinoza for their vote against this irrational action. The Green Chamber is working with the Partnership for Responsible Business and the NM Renewable Energy Industry Association to challenge this decision and we invite you to join our effort. For more information, please visit www.nmgreenchamber.com/energy.

 

On a more positive front, we are pleased to announce that on December 2, the Green Chamber and the Partnership for Responsible Business released an infographic entitled: "Protecting our Public Lands is Good for Business". This infographic provides a powerful visual image of the economic benefits associated with designating the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks as a National Monument. Please click here for more information.

 



As we open our wallets to buy gifts for our loved ones this holiday season, please remember to Think Local First and Put Your Tax Dollars to Good Use!  Local businesses in neighborhoods need comparatively less infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services, compared to nationally owned stores entering the community. Studies have found that small local stores generate a net annual tax surplus (tax revenue minus costs) of $326 per 1,000 square feet. Big-box stores, strip shopping centers, and fast-food outlets, however, require more in services than they produce in revenue. A big-box store creates an annual tax deficit of $468 per 1,000 square feet. Please click here for the source of these studies, and for other reasons to spend your money in local retailers this month.

 

On behalf of the Board and Staff at the New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

 

Kind Regards,

 

 

Laura E. Sanchez

CEO, NM Green Chamber of Commerce

laura@nmgreenchamber.com

Featured Green Chamber Member of the Month: Poms & Associates
 
 
Our philosophy is "by doing our individual share, we contribute to conservation practices serving the greater good for future generations".  When you walk our environmentally friendly halls, you'll bump into the most experienced risk managers, HR and employee benefits experts and insurance professionals in the industry.  We provide unbiased, impartial guidance because the best advisor is also a skillful educator.  We are trusted partners in our client's bottom line--- always looking out for YOU and your business objectives versus those of a faceless insurance regulator.  We're told every day that our team exceeds expectations; they take the time to understand your unique needs and strategies that keep you competitive and prepared.  But most importantly, we share your deep commitment towards a conscious community stewardship.  Protecting our resources is more than our collective core belief, it's our moral responsibility.  We're so pleased to now be part of New Mexico Green! 
 
Please visit: www.pomsassoc.com.
New Mexico Green Chamber Board 
President Lawrence Rael Steps Down

Former City Attorney Bob White to Lead Green Chamber

 

Lawrence Rael is stepping down from the New Mexico Green Chamber Board of Directors. Rael has served as the President of the New Mexico Green Chamber since July of 2011, and was the second Board President since the incorporation of the organization in 2010. 

 

To view the press release, please click here 

2013 Recycling Business Recognition Awards
NM Biz Recycles 

On November 15th, America Recycles Day, the NMGCC named the top-achieving companies from across the state.  Winners in Northern, Central, and Southern New Mexico were announced at Green Chamber chapter events in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Las Cruces.

 

Congratulations in our 2013 Business Recycler Winners:

 

The 2013 New Mexico Statewide Large Business Recycler Winner is PNM!

Congratulations to the 2013 New Mexico Large Business Recycler Winner PNM! Left to Right: Celerah Hewes-Rutledge (COO, NMGCC); Geoff Bennett (PNM); Bob White (Vice President, NMGCC); Gregg Mich (Dapwood Furniture Co.); Amy Miller (PNM) - at Albuquerque Convention Center.

The 2013 New Mexico Statewide Small Business Recycler Winner is HB Construction!

Congratulations to the 2013 New Mexico Small Business Recycler Winner HB Construction! Left to Right: Celerah Hewes-Rutledge (COO, NMGCC); Melora Lager (HB Construction); Bob White (Vice President, NMGCC); Gregg Mich (Dapwood Furniture Co.); James Salsbury (HB Construction); Paul Dahlgren (HB Construction) - at Albuquerque Convention Center.

Our Regional Winners Are:

 

Central New Mexico Business Recycler:

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge!

 

Southern New Mexico Business Recycler:

Our Paws' Cause Thrift Shop!

 

Northern New Mexico Business Recycler:

Positive Energy Solar!

 

We want to thank all of our participants for your recycling efforts. Please click here for a full list of this year's winners, honorees, and judging committee. 

News from the Albuquerque & Rio Rancho Chapter  

The Albuquerque & Rio Rancho Chapter was pleased to present this year's Central New Mexico Business Recycler Award to:

 

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge!

Congratulations to the 2013 Central New Mexico Business Recycler Winner Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge! Left to Right: Celerah Hewes-Rutledge (COO, NMGCC); Kathy Granillo (Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge); Bob White (Vice President, NMGCC); Gregg Mich (Dapwood Furniture Co.) - at Albuquerque Convention Center.

Businesses in the Central New Mexico/Albuquerque area also receiving honorable recognition are (in alphabetical order):  

 

Central New Mexico Community College 

GreenClean Janitorial 

Records and Data Management, Inc. 

TriCore Reference Laboratory


Please click here for a full list of this year's winners, honorees, and judging committee. 


Join us for our next Green Drinks in January!
Green Drinks  
 
Guest Speaker: 

Lydia Ashanin, NM Health Connections

 

Wednesday, January 8th

 

 Upstairs, Hotel Andaluz

125 2nd Street NW

5:30-7:30pm


For more information, click here! 

 

 

Horizon Academy West:

Appeal for an Environmentally-Friendly School Presentation
 
Horizon Academy West is looking morning presentations to their C.R.E.W. (counseling, recreation, education and work-readiness) after school enrichment program participants (approximately 40 to 50 elementary school kids) about how they, too, can promote Recycling, slow Global Climate Change and support Renewable Energy Initiatives.

  

The best day to conduct these presentations would be on Fridays from 10am to 2pm. Please contact Mrs. Benavidez at (505) 998-0459 for more information, or if you are interested in presenting.  
News from the Las Cruces Chapter 

November First Friday featured Nicole Fuchs discussing the Psychology of Sustainability

 

In November, the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce hosted Nicole Fuchs, the Farm Administrator of the Mountain View Market Farm, discussing the multiple ways the farm is reducing their waste, growing organic vegetables, and decreasing their energy footprint.   She also spoke of the increase in efforts for the farm to provide produce grown at the farm to locally owned businesses.  If you would like more information on the farm or their services, you can contact Nicole at:  ocleyf@yahoo.com.

 

Nicole Fuchs, the Farm Administrator of the Mountain View Market Farm, spoke to the November First Friday group about the services provided by the farm and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. 
   

 

Sustainable Communities Series Highlights on Reducing Your Business Costs through Recycling


The Sustainable Communities Series continued in November with Chris Campbell from the Institute for Energy and the Environment, discussing ways businesses could improve their recycling.  Chris spoke about the Green Zia Leadership program, tracking the amount of waste that a business generates, and instituting a Green Team.  Chris also offered free consultations to businesses that are interested in increasing their recycling efforts.  Chris can be reached at chriscam@nmsu.edu.  The next Sustainable Communities Series will be about Writing Business Plans that Work and it will take place on Friday, January 17th at 7:30am at the Community Enterprise Center.  It is free and open to the public.  A light breakfast and juice will be provided.  For more information, contact Carrie Hamblen, the Executive Director of the Las Cruces Green Chamber, here.

 

 

Business Recycling recognition given to 6 Southern New Mexico Businesses at Annual Awards Luncheon

 

On the nationally celebrated America Recycles Day, six businesses in Southern New Mexico were recognized by the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce for their efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle. 

 

Through the New Mexico Business Recycle program, now in its second year, 19 businesses participated statewide in the program.  Each business filled out an extensive form that described various levels of recycling, efforts to reduce waste, and ways in which the business was reusing materials. 

 

The Las Cruces Green Chamber recognized the businesses at an awards luncheon that took place on Friday, November 15th at the Community Enterprise Center.  3 businesses from the Silver City area were also included in the regional awards.  Carrie Hamblen, the Executive Director of the Las Cruces Green Chamber, says she is always surprised and proud of the efforts local businesses are taking to reduce their waste.  Hamblen says "the businesses recognized this year have really raised the bar in terms of their dedication to reducing their waste and recycling.   In the long run, not only are they saving money and increasing their profit but they are also giving back to their community, reducing the garbage that goes into the landfill, and giving to others." 

 

Of the six businesses recognized in the southern part of the state, one was deemed the regional winner and five were honorees.  The three honorees in Las Cruces were the Franchise Law Team, Las Cruces Academy, and Mountain View Market in Las Cruces.  In Silver City, the honorees were Caf� un Mundo and Home and Garden Inspiration.  The Regional winner was Our Paws' Cause Thrift Store in Silver City for their extensive efforts and success in reducing their waste, giving back to the community, and thinking creatively about how to reuse products and inventory. 

Forrest Beeson from the Franchise Law Team accepts his Recycling award from LCGCC Board members Duane Mosley and LCGCC Executive Director Carrie Hamblen.
LCGCC Board Members Aaron Barbara and Duane Mosley, along with Executive Director Carrie Hamblen present Alexa Seibel and Mo Valko from Mountain View Market their award for the 2013 Recycling Recognition Program.
 

Mark Your Calendars:  The 4th Annual Holiday Office Party is set for Thursday, December 12th at the Alameda House

 

The Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Event Planners Nancy Simmons and Lauren Curry have already been planning the upcoming Holiday Office Party, taking place Thursday, December 12th from 6 to 10pm at the lovely and historic Alameda House. The Holiday Office Party is a terrific event for you to network with other businesses, treat valued clients and employees to a night out, and celebrate the holidays with a great group of people.  Items have already been gathered for the one of a kind Silent Auction, thanks to the talents of Kate and Padma Mott from MVS Reality and the menu is already coming together. If you would like more information about table sponsorships or tickets, please contact the ED of the Las Cruces Green Chamber here.  On behalf of the LCGCC Board of Directors, we cannot wait to celebrate with you on December 12th!

News from the Santa Fe Chapter 

DECEMBER GREEN DRINKS
Luz at the Loretto: A Musical Message for Our Times

We had a splendid Holiday December Green Drinks with Consuelo Luz!
 
Consuelo Luz is a recording and performance artist known worldwide for her visionary heart music. She was recently headlined the 2013 Albuquerque Folk Festival with her band, debuting songs from her upcoming new CD, Nueva Luna. Consuelo has produced and recorded six albums and her works have been included in many international compilations such as Buddha Bar and Putumayo.
 
Consuelo also produced and hosted an award-winning daily nationally-syndicated Spanish radio program for fifteen years which reached millions of Hispanic listeners with health, educational and inspirational themes.   
 
 
GREEN FRIDAY IS THIS FRIDAY!
Become a member by December 6th and get $50 off your membership fee (regularly $175). Here are some of the benefits of being a member of the largest green business organization in the state (over 1100 businesses). Call Glenn Schiffbauer at 505-428-9123. 
 
Benefits Include:
  • Be a featured guest on "Doing Busness Better" weekly radio talk show on KVSF 101.5 FM. Ongoing promotion of your special events on radio show and podcasts for free.
  • Your business promoted in the Santa Fe Think Local Guide.
  • Ongoing advocacy of legislation that can impact your business. Our leadership includes Community Solar, the Reusable Bag Ordinance, the Sustainable Tax Credit and more.
  • Listing on the statewide, online business directory.
  • Discounts to our monthly SF Green Chamber Lunches with featured speakers and educators specializing in green business and sustainability. 
  • Discounts to Green Chamber conferences, events and advertising. Our newsletter goes to 1000's of like-mind businesses and individuals. Want to reach them?
  • Discount to Green Drinks sponsorships. We average 40-80 people per networking event.
  • Energy and cost-saving strategies for your business. 
"DOING BUSINESS BETTER" with Glenn Schiffbauer. A Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce Radio Show. 
Catch it on Tuesdays at 10:00am on KVSF 101.5 FM. Listen to online right now!
 
Want to get your business or message in front of literally 1000's? Become a member! Call Glenn Shiffbauer at 505-428-9123.
 
The Santa Fe Chapter of the New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome new Members:
Susan Harris 
Nicola Bowkett
Barbara McIntyre
Susan Selbin
Back Body & Soulworks
The Greenmaker
Santa Fe Permaculture
Natura Design and Consulting
News from the Southwest Chapter

3rd Annual New Mexico 
Tamal Fiesta y M�s.

Dec. 7th 10AM-3PM
Created in 2011 to celebrate the Hispanic heritage and traditions of Southwest New Mexico, the event has grown each year and attracted both vendors and attendees from across the Southwest. Held inHistoric Downtown Silver City on Broadway (west of Bullard) the Fiesta brings the community together to enjoy tamales and array of ethnic foods, handmade arts and crafts and entertainment. Sponsored by Griffin's Propane, the Southwest Chapter partners with the Chicano Music Project, Silver City Museum and Town of Silver City to produce the cultural festivities.

For vendor information and the schedule of events call the Chamber office at 575-538-4332 or visit www.TamalFiestayMas.org

 

Shop Local Month
The Southwest Chapter will continuing it's annual "Shop Local, Stay Local and Buy Local Program", with special holiday emphasis Nov. 29 through Dec. 29 and proclamations by Town of Silver City and Grant County.

Buy Local Contests
The Southwest Green Chamber is launching a "Tell Us Your Favorite Buy Local Story Contest" through the end of the year and will follow with "Buy Local Awards" each month in 2014.

 

Green Drinks Chamber Meeting Dec. 12th @ 5:30pm
Held the 2nd Thursday of each month at Shevek & Company, 602 N. Bullard St., the program will be group input for the 2014 Green Chamber Legislative Platform.

 

To stay in touch with local events visit www.SilverCityTourism.org sign up for the Grant County Health Council's Calendar at healthcouncilgc@gmail.com and the Gila Community Forum at GilaComm@GilaCommunity.net

Join the Green Chamber today! 
     

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