Community Development
Raton Chamber Positions Itself for Growth
  

Jonni Valdez-Silva, Bob Caldarelli, Kandi Barks, Buddy Sonchar, Ted Lusk, Jesse Johnson, Isabel Gonzalez and Penny Peryatel.

   In May, the chamber will sponsor a hospitality seminar in conjunction with the New Mexico Department of Tourism to give business owners the necessary tools to raise their level of customer service as the busy tourist season approaches. A friendly, knowledgeable service person can give visitors more reasons to stay longer, and return when they pass this way again. The chamber hopes to secure additional funding for state highway signage to promote Raton and its resources. Plans are underway to update current billboard advertising along I-25 and to spruce up Raton's image as a quality destination in the minds of passing motorists. This will be aided by a community clean-up effort to sharpen highway entries and exits.

  A big step in serving the chamber membership was the creation of a monthly newsletter that offers global business ideas, demographics, helpful promotional items and a little humor. Doug Thomas Communications is assisting in the writing and design of the piece, which began circulation last December. The chamber is also building a website @ www.raton.info that will serve as a powerful voice to promote tourism and relocation to Raton. The site, produced by Barks, Doug Thomas, and web developer Joe Eagan of Raton Sign Co., will include a comprehensive Raton business listing, day-trip maps and descriptions, real estate information, a calendar of area events, complete lodging information, taxes, utilities, weather information, and relocation assistance. “Our goal is for this site to be very easy to navigate, informative but not boring, and worded in a way that really gets people to take an interest in Raton,” remarks Barks. “We want people outside this area to see what we're all about and to get them thinking about Raton. To accomplish that, we have to market this city professionally. Investing in the expertise of outside professionals is a must when you want a quality product,” says Barks. “You're only as good as the people you surround yourself with. No matter who you are, you can't do it all yourself. Whenever possible, surround yourself with the right people. This will ensure professional results. Helping established businesses to expand and prosper remains a top priority, but the chamber will also have a hand in recruitment of businesses outside the area as well as support businesses during their move and once they're in place. We want to make Raton a very friendly relocation city for businesses and individuals,” says Barks. “I have faith that when we all work together, this will happen.” She is quick to point out that any success so far is strictly a group effort. She credits the chamber's board, led by President Penny Peryatel, as a critical component to create positive change for the chamber and the city. “They've been wonderful! Without the board’s cooperation we never could have accomplished what's been done thus far,” adds Barks. Based on response the chamber has received from its growing membership and the community at-large, it's moving in the right direction. The first step in the growth of a city, regardless of its size, is visibility - it’s the foundation for everything else the chamber is doing. “We want to get Raton out to the world,” Barks says. "We want a professional, well-put-together package out there. The things we're working on right now are designed to achieve maximum exposure."