This Newsletter Graciously Sponsored by:

Did you know all graphics in our newsletter are clickable? Test it out!

Make Your Website Work For You.

Learn how to create a search-friendly website that drives user action and supports your goals. In this webinar we'll cover:

• What type of design works best for your organization

• How to create a website that drives toward your business goals

• How to make your website more search-friendly on Google.

We'll also introduce you to free Google tools that can all help you improve the likelihood that your ideal customer will find your website on Google.

Led by Pamela Starr, one of Google’s professional national trainers, this is a can’t miss workshop for every small business owner.

4th of July Parade

This program makes high-quality professional development training attainable, by offering a leadership development solution that is right here in the SLV; and includes 8 full days of actual leadership training giving participants the tools they need to succeed. 



While leadership training opportunities do exist, they are held in other communities, adding transportation and lodging costs to comparable programs that typically already costs thousands of dollars. For the vast majority of our community, this means they are out of reach… The absence of leadership training and employee development opportunities has a long term impact on our community’s economic resiliency.

El comité Espíritu del Valle de San Luis aspira a crear una comunidad empresarial hispano-latina vibrante y próspera.

Defiance Health

Defiance Health is a locally owned and operated full service medical spa for men and women. Our specialties include hormone harmonization, medical weight loss, aesthetics, and state-of-the-art wellness treatments including intimate health, body contouring, and IV Infusions. Our experienced medical providers customize comprehensive treatment plans to achieve optimal overall health.

Click "View Entire Message" at the bottom to see more!

Sange de Cristo National Heritage Area welcomes you to participate in our annual photo contest.

**Photos must be taken in the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area!**

3 winners!

FIRST PRIZE gets $250!!

Last day to enter is June 30, 2023!

Somewhere, in us all, there is a kid that loves to solve mysteries, explore the unknown, be the hero or the adventurer looking for hidden treasures. Unfortunately, often this curious/creative part of us has been pushed aside by the “grownup” part. Escape rooms can give us back that sense of excitement and wonder. In an escape room, the child within has an opportunity to use imagination, critical thinking and silly skills.  Escape rooms often require cooperation and teamwork. They are also an excellent way to get to know people better and build bonds in a short amount of time. To be successful at an escape room, you need to know how to effectively communicate with each other and lean on each other’s skill sets. When a team comes together to achieve a common goal, it gives the group a feeling of satisfaction and closeness.

Escape rooms encourage us to think outside of the box, they create fun memories, and help build team member relationships.

As this trend continues to evolve, we want to know how our businesses are thinking about this locally. We want to hear your thoughts, concerns, ideas, and more. Thanks for sharing your feedback!

The 4 day workweek trend has gained popularity in recent years as a potential solution to improve work-life balance, reduce burnout, provide solutions to child care shortages, and to increase employee productivity and satisfaction. While it is not yet widely adopted, a growing number of companies are considering implementing a 4 day workweek or other flexible work arrangements to attract and retain top talent and stay competitive in the job market.

Congratulations to Ice Hunters, LLC!

Two Texas archery hunters were perplexed when they came to the San Luis Valley

last fall to hunt elk north of South Fork and couldn’t find ice for their coolers after stops at

three convenience stores.

Hence the creation of “Ice Hunters”, a new company offering bulk ice and water through

vending machines. Three machines are already offering the product at the Water Works car

washes in Alamosa and Monte Vista, as well as the Super Charged car wash here.

Partners David Elwart and John Barndt, both from the Dallas area, hope their new venture is a

success with plans to expand the service in the future.

Ice Hunters will have a grand opening Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Water Works car

wash here at 418 Main. Free ice and water will be offered as well as hot dogs and hamburgers

while supplies last, and the first 15 attendees will earn a free car wash. Some prize giveaways

will also be offered.

“We didn’t fill an archery tag, but we did create Ice Hunters,” Elwart told the Valley Courier.

He said their ice/water vending machines are extremely efficient and waste very little water as

excess water is recycled into the cooling process. A five-stage, ultra-filtration system assures

great tasting water and ice, Elwart said, and low oxygen levels in the ice help it stay frozen

longer.



The ice machines store up to 500 pounds of ice and can produce 1,500 pounds of ice per day.

Ice can be dispensed down a chute directly into a cooler or plastic bags are available at the

machines. Water can be dispensed into small containers and up to five-gallon round jugs.

Elwart said the machines do not accept cash, but credit card transactions are escrowed in the

system to allow for multiple dispersals.



Elwart is an electrical engineer and is currently an Analog Design manager in a Fortune 500

company working with prominent cell phone manufacturers. A decorated veteran, Barndt

earned several medals while serving in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years before returning to earn a

college degree and moving into the construction industry.

Vintage Manley Popcorn Machine from the Grove Theatre

Don't miss this chance for a piece of Alamosa History! The owner of the Grove Theatre is selling this incredibly unique and special piece! The machine is in working order and used in the movie theater when it was still operating. It has been cleaned, and comes with original parts plus 2 spare kettles (the extra kettles are a huge bonus!). All three panes of glass were replaced. It is missing the outer salt cover plate. Pickup is required (it is in wheels). $2,700: Interested parties should contact the Alamosa Chamber at [email protected]. Subject Line: Grove Popcorn Machine