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LAS CRUCES - After several rough economic years, the Greater Las Cruces Chamber has adopted a positive approach to 2011, evidenced by the slogan for Friday's award's banquet: "The best is yet to come."
The event, with about 500 attendees, was held at the Las Cruces Convention Center.
"It's a great night for Las Cruces and a great night for the chamber," said new chairwoman Margie Huerta of Do-a Ana Community College. "It's a great way to kick off a new year."
As the 1,000-member organization looks to the future, it honored a pair of well-known men who've worked for many years in southern New Mexico's largest city. Former Mayor Bill Mattiace and Memorial Medical Center CEO Paul Herzog shared the Citizen of the Year Award.
Business of the Year went to Dickerson's Catering.
Veteran news broadcaster and New Mexico native Sam Donaldson gave the keynote address.
"It's a really great atmosphere," said Donaldson, a southern New Mexico native. "It's great to be back with New Mexico folks."
Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotary Foundation was tabbed as Nonprofit of the Year, while Mike Zamora of Action Equipment Rental was named Volunteer of the Year.
The Crystal Apple Awards, given to educators, were bestowed upon Bobbie Grace, Brenda Figueroa and Velton Locklear. Troy Tudor with Digital Solutions was named Conquistadore of the Year.
For chamber President and CEO Bill Allen, who started in November, Friday marked his first banquet with the chamber.
"It's very nice for
The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce has offices can be reached at (575) 524-1968.
Brook Stockberger can be reached at (575) 541-5400.
The winners are ...
•Citizen of the Year: Bill Mattiace and Paul Herzog
•Business of the Year: Dickerson's Catering
•Nonprofit of the Year: Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotary Foundation
•Volunteer of the Year: Mike Zamora, Action Equipment Rental
•Crystal Apple Awards: Bobbie Grace, Brenda Figueroa and Velton Locklear
•Conquistadore of the Year: Troy Tudor
