Los Alamos Chamber News: March 16, 2023

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 16, 2023
- 5:00 pm

Los Alamos Chamber Of Commerce Upcoming Events:

Grand Re-Opening: Rose Chocolatier
3:30 p.m. this Friday, St Patrick’s Day, March 17 at 149 Central Park Square

Chamber Business Breakfast – 2023 Legislative Update
7:30-9 a.m. Thursday, March 23 at SALA Event Center (2551 Central Ave)
House Rep. Christine Chandler and Sen. Leo Jaramillo will present their Legislative Update. Registration required. Register now.

Los Alamos Job Fair – Rescheduled to Thursday, April 13
Thursday, April 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UNM-LA Campus (4000 University Drive)
You MUST register again if you would like to participate in the Job Fair. Register now. Thank you to sponsors TechSource and Del Norte Credit Union, and to host UNM-LA.

Legislative Update
Senate Bill 11 – Paid leave vote delayed

After hours of debate and public input Friday, members of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee decided to put off voting on a bill that would create a paid family and medical leave plan for New Mexico.

A roughly $36 million fund created under Senate Bill 11 would allow employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for the birth of a child or to care for themselves or a family member when they’re sick. Employees also would be allowed to take time away from the workplace if they’re dealing with domestic violence. Employees wanting to take part in the benefit have to pay into the fund for at least six months.
Many small business owners spoke against the bill during Friday’s committee hearing, contending it’s already difficult enough paying higher wages just to keep people on staff in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Some said it’s an example of government overreach and extra taxation and said they do their best to make sure their employees are happy and cared for. Some said they would probably have to close or relocate across the state border to Arizona to stay in business. Supporters said the measure is the right thing to do for workers who toil with few benefits and who often cannot take much, if any, paid time off if they are sick or having a baby. It is not clear when it will be heard again, though the committee is scheduled to meet today. For more information and to reach sponsors of SB 11 (which includes Rep. Christine Chandler and Sen. Leo Jaramillo), visit the NM Legislature website here.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
If your civic group or classroom would like to learn about how to start a business, contact Sandy Jones, of NMSBDC-Los Alamos, to schedule a time when you would like for her to do a short presentation of the services offered by the SBDC network. Contact Sandy at: Sjones15@unm.edu or phone 505.662.0337.

Funding & Grant Opportunities

MainStreet Backing Small Businesses Program
Applications Open & Close: Opens March 20, 2023 and Closes April 7, 2023

Notification of Award: Notification of $5,000 award in June 2023
Funding: $5,000 – if awarded, may be eligible for additional $25,000 enhancement grant
Note: 350 $5,000 grants will be awarded, 25 $25,000 grants will be awarded

Eligible Businesses:
– Applicant must be an owner of the business and at least 18 years old
– The business must be at least 51 percent owned, operated, and controlled by small business owners who identify as: Asian American and/or Pacific Islander; Black and/or African American; Hispanic and/or Latinx; Immigrants, Refugees, and/or Forcibly Displaced; Members of the LGBTQIA+Community; Middle Eastern and/or North African; Native and/or Indigenous; People with Disabilities; Veterans; Women
– The business has a brick and mortar location and operates in an older or historic main street, downtown, or commercial district.
– The business is independent and not a franchise and employs less than 20 full-time employees
– The business has been in operation since Jan. 1, 2022
– Business must be in good standing in the state and has an active business license in the state
Eligible Expenses:
– Accessibility upgrades
– Community events and programs
– Equipment and inventory
– Marketing
– Operational strategy
– Physical improvements
– Sustainability upgrades
– Technology upgrades
– Rent, payroll, and utilities
See website for more detail on eligible expenses.
More information/to apply: https://tinyurl.com/2ar2nvjc

Regional Development Corporation’s Micro-Grant Coming Soon
Grow Your Business – Small Scale Funding Can Bring Big Results
Grants up to $3,000: project based, made on a competitive basis
Applications Accepted: April 10 to May 12, 2023
Eligibility:

For-profit business
Headquartered in either Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe or Taos County
In business for at least 6 months
Business license, CRS# and Business-only bank account
Award use examples: specialized business/manufacturing equipment, commercial food processor, storefront sign, woodworking/jewelry-making machinery and tools, marketing/advertising services, specialized training, and much more!

Requirements: Attend a mandatory Micro-Grant Fund Information Session

For more information, visit: www.rdcnm.org/micro-grant

Webinars & Training

New Mexico Economic Development Department
March 21 | “Rezonomics,” Experiences Starting & Running a Business on Tribal Land
March 30 | Advanced Manufacturing Summit
April 13 | NMDOT Star Opportunity Fair

Ongoing Webinars:

On Demand NM SCORE Webinars:

Visit their YouTube channel to view previously recorded EDD webinars.

UNM Rainforest Innovations
2023 Lobo Hackathon
6 p.m. Thursday, April 13 – 8 p.m. Friday, April 14
https://2023-lobo-hackathon.eventbrite.com

Rainforest Student Pitch Competition
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4
(open to ANY higher education student in the state of New Mexico): https://innovations.unm.edu/epc/
For more information contact Cecilia Pacheco, Program Manager
UNM Rainforest Innovations, Supporting Technology Transfer and Catalyzing Economic Development at The University of New Mexico Lobo Rainforest Building, 101 Broadway Blvd., NE, Ste. 1100, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Main: (505).272.7900, Direct: (505).272.2548, cpacheco@innovations.unm.edu
innovations.unm.edu

Promotional Opportunities

Oppenheimer/ScienceFest Business Specials
As we do for ScienceFest every year, we would like to promote your unique experiences, products, programming, or attractions. This year we will promote anything with an “Oppenheimer” twist! This can be as simple as a menu item, t-shirt design, or a one-time Oppie-themed Trivia Night, to an on-going tour or art program. But instead of just doing this for ScienceFest, we will promote these specials for a longer period of time. The plan is to announce these specials on Oppenheimer’s birthday April 22 and then continue to build the offerings as this “Year of Oppenheimer” moves along. So, please send us your “Oppenheimer” offerings, with a photo if possible, to Sam at sam@losalamos.org. Contact us if you have questions!

Advertise at SALA Event Center
SALA Event Center advertising is a great way to reach viewers in a captive setting. SALA receives hundreds of visits per month and your message can be featured in lobby areas and on-screen in pre-show promotions.

Deliver your message to receptive audiences waiting to see a movie, show, or participate in an event. Most people arrive early to buy a ticket, purchase concessions, and find a seat and get comfortable, and that’s when they view the ads. Ad options include common :15 and :30 second videos. Advertisers may alternatively run a static image with music or voiceover for the entire spot.

Video Ad Specifications:

Dimensions: 1920px W x 1080pxH (all text/logos should be contained within 80% of total video or 1536 x 864 pixels)
Format: MP4 or JPEG2000
Length: :15 or :30 seconds
Audio: All on-screen ads must contain audio (voiceover, licensed music, etc.)
Deadline: Thursday prior to scheduled ad run
Recommended Videographers:
○ PAC-8, Jean Gindreau, 662.7228, pac8@losalamos.com
○ Main Gate Media, Brian Clayton, 660.8672, brian@maingatenm.com
○ Anthonyography, Tony Mitchell, (385).444.6847, Anthonyography.com, tonymitchell331@msn.com
○ If you choose to use a different videographer or self-produce, please consult with us well in advance to preclude issues

Ad Rates (30 second ads):

Monthly Rates – 5% discount for six month commitment; 10% discount for 12 month
commitment: 15 second ads will be 60% of the standard rate
On-screen pre-show promotion – $TBD per month
Screen advertising in lobby areas – $TBD per month
Social media streams – included in all packages
Combination offer (on-screen and, lobby areas) – $TBD per month
Limited slots available – scheduled placements are on a first-come,
first-served basis

Special Start-up Promotion: SALA Event Center is waiving advertising fees during our start-up period until April 15, 2023. Schedule an ad and get us the video and we will play it for free during the promotional period.

Email sala@losalamos.com to schedule. We plan to set regular rates in early April.

Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation (LACDC) Programs

ScienceFest Returns!
Each year, thousands typically participate in Los Alamos ScienceFest week and Discovery Day. Returning this July 7-18 for its 16th year, Los Alamos ScienceFest will feature a dynamic line-up of activities for all ages, celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) topics under the theme, “Energy.” Join us for Discovery 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 8 at Ashley Pond Park in downtown Los Alamos.

Please follow us on Facebookfor the latest information.

For more information visit: Los Alamos ScienceFest

Registration is open for ScienceFest Discovery Day exhibitors! See link for more information.

Atomic Follies Pi-Day Cabaret
7-10 p.m. March 25 * (yes, we know it is not on actual Pi Day…)
The Atomic Follies will present a Pi-Day-themed Cabaret performance with drag queen performances, live music, and the Atomic Follies Band! Get your tickets here!

Los Alamos County

Community Services Department: 100 Days of Summer Activity Guide
Thank you all who submitted information for the Swing Into Spring 2023 Activity Guide. The link for the Spring Activity Guide: https://issuu.com/laccsd/docs/2023_spring_booklet_final_digital

It is now time to turn our attention to the 100 Days of Summer Activity Guide: running dates May 28 – Sept. 9, 2023.

If you have any information to update, an event or activity scheduled within the above dates please send the info to me, and we will start compiling a document. If you have an image to go with the information, please include that in your submission.

Please note the following submission requirements and important dates below:
Please include:

Title of Event/Program
1-2 sentence description
Date, Time, Location of Event/Program
Fees & Registration Information
Contact Information

Important Dates:
Content Deadline: March 31, 2023
Print Date: Apr. 23, 2023
Distribution Date: May 25, 2023
Booklet Coverage Dates: May 28, 2023 – Sept. 9, 2023
Sara Martinez, Program Specialist, (505).662.8272, sara.thurgood@lacnm.us

Community Survey on Short-term Rentals Program for Los Alamos County Open Through March 26

Los Alamos County residents are encouraged to participate in a survey to assess the community’s experience with and perceptions of short-term rentals (STRs), and to gauge the degree of STR regulation that the community will support.

The online version of the survey is available here until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 26. To learn more about STRs in the County, go to https://www.livehostvisitlac.org/.

Chamber Member News

PAC 8 Offering Spring Break Drone Flying and Videography Class
PAC 8 is offering a “Drone Flying and Videography” class over Spring Break 9 a.m. to noon April 3- April 6, for students aged 13-18. The class will be taught by Award Winning Director David Daniel and FAA Certified Remote Pilot Jean Gindreau. Students will learn drone safety and regulation, flying skills, flight maneuvers, how to capture film quality drone footage and basic video editing of footage in this course.
By end of course, each student will have access to footage they helped to capture and edit for inclusion in portfolios or other artistic showcases. To register go to https://forms.gle/A5qCj9kdj59enKyaA. For more info call 505.662.7228 or email pac8@losalamos.com.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Los Alamos Teen Center, the class is free to the first six students who sign up for the class. Students MUST be (or become) a member of the Teen Center to participate in this class. Teen Center membership is free and limited to high school ages teens, grades 9-12 (or home school equivalent), who live in and/or attend school in Los Alamos County. Slots are limited.
The theme of the class is ”energy” in conjunction with Los Alamos ScienceFest happening July 7-18. losalamossciencefest.com

Los Alamos Co+op Market
This Week at Your Co+op: March 13-19
Check out the St. Patrick’s Day Specials and shop local! https://losalamos.coop/
8 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon-Sun, (505).695.1579, 95 Entrada Dr., Los Alamos, NM 87544

2023 Los Alamos Summer Concert Series: Sponsorships Are Available NOW

The 2023 Los Alamos Summer Concert Series is the BEST free summer concert series in the state reaching more than 55,000 concert attendees each summer and bringing nationally touring bands, tribute artists, and local fan favorite bands to Los Alamos each summer. Sponsored concert nights are available each Friday from May 26 through September 1, and sponsors receive a robust media package of advertising benefits. Exclusive night of sponsorships are available as well as co-sponsorship opportunities. For more information regarding available concerts, benefits, and co-sponsor opportunities, please email: info@sancreproductions.com to receive your copy of the Official 2023 Los Alamos Summer Concert Series Sponsor Packet.

Zia Credit Union 2023 Merit Scholarships
Going to college is a big step in a young person’s journey. That’s why Zia Credit offers Merit Scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the categories of Academics, Leadership, and Special Achievement. 2023 Merit Scholarships help cover the cost of the 2023-2024 school year for high school and homeschooled graduating seniors. Students must apply by March 17, 2023 to be considered. To learn more and download the application, visit HERE.

Also, ZIA is celebrating its anniversary all week long with Spirit Week! Stop by and have some fun with our team and our members! Monday is 80’s, Tuesday is 70’s, Wednesday is 50’s (our Birthday est.1955), Thursday is Crazy hat day, and Friday is St. Patrick’s Day, so wear green! We invite you to come by each day and have fun with us!!!!!

LANL 2023 Summer High School Internship Program
Calling all New Mexico high school students! There’s still time to apply for the 2023 Summer High School Internship Program. This program offers rising high school seniors the opportunity to develop skills and gain work experience, while receiving exposure to a variety of career fields. Learn more HERE.

Skiesta Celebration at Pajarito Mountain
Skiesta will take place Saturday, March 18, and feature live music, refreshments from local craft brewers Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op and Boese Bros Brewing, plus costumes, and ski races. Ski events and racing will kick off in the morning, after registration, followed by music 2-5 p.m. from The Surf Lords. The Pajarito Mountain Café will be open noon to 4 p.m., serving up New Mexican dishes and specialty burgers. Pajarito will be open daily March 10-19, with rentals and lessons available for Spring Break skiers. For more information on Skiesta and Pajarito Mountain, go to https://www.pajarito.ski.

Mesa Top Games & Toys Presents: Catan World Championship
The local qualifying tournament for the Catan World Championship has been approved! Join in March 18-19 to be named Catan on the Mesa Top Champion and automatically qualify for the Catan World Championship (travel and accommodations paid by participant). Must be 18+ years. Cost $12.00 includes 3 qualifying games with chance to play in semifinals and finals. Prizes available! Top 4 players will win unique neon game pieces and decorative game tiles.
Sign up in store or through this link.

For more information about the event visit: https://www.catanstudio.com/events/catan-world-championship/

1247B Central Ave, Los Alamos, (505).521.2000, games@mesatopgames.com
mesatopgames.com

Wheeed! – Ask me anything about cannabis! *
6:15-7 p.m. Monday, April 3 at projectY cowork space, 150 Central Park Square

Now that cannabis is legal (on the state level), there are many questions. Jonathan LeDuc, owner of Wheeed, will be hosting an honest, open discussion for those 21+ about cannabis.
*This event is for informational and educational purposes only. There will be no sales, possession, or consumption at this event.

PEEC’s annual Earth Day Festival
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 22 at Los Alamos Nature Center (2600 Canyon Road)

Are you looking to promote your organization, sell local wares, or engage members of the community at a fun, outdoor setting this spring? Join us for the Pajarito Environmental Education Center’s (PEEC’s) annual Earth Day Festival Saturday, April 22 at the Los Alamos Nature Center. We can’t put this event on without great booths, activities, and vendors, so we really hope you’ll join us.

The festival takes place in our parking lot here at the nature center, so there is no shelter for booths and very few areas have accessible power. Please read the booth information page carefully.
If you would like a booth space, you can register using this link. Booths are available for a $40 fee. However, we do waive the fee for fellow STEAM organizations or if someone can’t pay for any reason. We would much rather have everyone participate!

The deadline to reserve a booth is Friday, April 7. If you would like more information about the event, click here or feel free to call or email me. Also, feel free to pass this along to anyone you know who might want a booth. Thank you!

Beth Cortright, Operations Manager, (505).662.0460, www.peecnature.org

SALA: Happening This Week
March 8 – March 12

Get ready for a week filled with exciting shows and events at SALA!
Starting Wednesday, March 8, at our regular After School Program, kids can enjoy arcade games and even bring their own devices to play digital games on the big screen. We will also be hosting “Los Alamos Got Talent,” a talent contest for kids to showcase their skills and win fantastic prizes!
Catch the highly anticipated “Ant Man & the Wasp: Quantumania” 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. This action-packed movie is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages.

Saturday is jam-packed with events for the whole family. Start the day off with “Pjs and Cartoons,” our weekly program that includes breakfast and cartoons. Saturday also features “Classics” themed “Women’s Month” at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Also for Women’s Month, SALA is hosting two empowering events that highlight women’s achievements in the workforce and in local governance. We are excited to invite all the Los Alamos community to attend these events at 6 p.m. March 30.

The first event, “Empowering Women at Work: Insights from LANL’s Employee Resource Groups,” will be presented by Olga Martin, Jen Payne, and Carolyn Connor from LANL Atomic Women, Institutional Women’s Group, and Women of Computing, respectively. They will share valuable insights into how these employee resource groups support and empower women at work, including the challenges they face and the successes they have achieved.

The second event, “From Women’s Suffrage to Local Governance: A Historical Perspective from the League of Women Voters,” will be presented by Jody Benson and Rebecca Shankland. This event will explore the history of the League of Women Voters, from its origins in the fight for women’s suffrage to its present-day efforts to promote local governance and civic engagement.

We believe that both events will be informative and inspiring, highlighting the many ways in which women have made and continue to make significant contributions to society. We invite you to join us in celebrating Women’s Month by attending these two special talks.

Please find more information and register to attend at sala.losalamos.com
We look forward to seeing you there.
And don’t forget Los Alamos Golf & Games: 1-8 p.m. Wednesdays – Sundays

Hiring

Home Instead
Home Instead is hiring! Part-time and full-time schedules available. Paid training available. Sign-on bonuses! See flyer for more details or go to ApplyWithHomeInstead.com

Los Alamos Cooperative Market
Los Alamos Cooperative Market is immediately hiring for cashiers and deli positions. Everyone Welcome: Entry Level & Experienced. FT/PT. The co-op is Los Alamos’s only mission driven grocery store and deli serving the community and growing the local economy. Full job description and application can be found at: https://losalamos.coop/job/ Interested and qualified candidates can also stop by or call the store (505).695.1579 and ask to speak with the General Manager, Andre Chavez. Grow with us!

Century Bank
Hiring Tellers (open to part-time tellers) and Universal Bankers.
Job descriptions can be found at the Los Alamos Chamber – Jobs page. Link to Century Bank application process: Employment Opportunities › Century Bank (mycenturybank.com)

What is another way your Chamber membership helps you?
Business Referrals – Tourists, visitors, and Los Alamos residents (including recently relocated individuals) visit the Chamber and Visitor Centers requesting information about local businesses and organizations. Visitors often request information about where to shop or have a great meal. Receptionists in all locations make referrals which are tracked.

We’d Love to Hear From You!
Want to share your great Chamber experiences with us? Provide us with a testimonial here!
Ryn Herrmann, Chamber of Commerce Director, (505).661.4807, ryn@losalamos.org
Sam McRae, Chamber Member Services Manager, 505.661.4816, sam@losalamos.org

LOS ALAMOS

Los Alamos Chamber News: March 16, 2023

ladailypost.com website support locally by OviNuppi Systems

Subscribe to your choice of breaking and/or daily news headlines.