Roosevelt Chamber honors workhorses

Jan. 27—Annual awards from the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce were handed out Thursday night at the "Uptown Soiree."

Liane Schmidt was awarded the Ambassador of the Year award. The honor is handed out to the Chamber ambassador who shows up at the most events and meetings, according to award presenter Kathy Mead.

Two Harley and Faye Borden awards went to the Portales Walmart and Western Commerce Bank.

Walmart was recognized for its complete remodel in 2023.

Amid this major remodel, the store was faced with having to serve both Portales and Clovis when the Clovis store was hit by a catastrophic fire in September.

The store's fresh paint job and graphics on its façade and a completely redone parking lot were other points that qualified the store for the Borden award, according to Chamber Executive Director Karl Terry.

Western Commerce Bank also received a Borden award.

Western Bank of Clovis became Western Commerce Bank in 2023. Along with the change came a change in management and a new look at its location on Chicago Avenue.

The Chamber's Workhorse of the Year award went to Jennifer Grathen, Western Commerce Bank's branch manager.

Terry said the award is "representative of what the Chamber and Portales is all about — hard work."

"It's given out each year to the person who gives the most of themselves for their community and our Chamber."

Grathen was lauded for quickly getting involved both personally and professionally as a whole as the bank's new branch manager.

Grathen volunteered at numerous local events and found ways to sponsor many of those events, "always showing up with a table and swag at those they sponsored," Terry said.

The Chamber's President's Award, the Business of the Year honor, went to 311 Entertainment.

Eric Segovia and Matt Hunton were spotlighted for their work on the business at 311 S. Main St.

The business got a kitchen and beer and wine license during 2023.

Segovia and Hunton began scheduling their own brand of events mixed in between rentals. The business then began regular hours once the beer and wine license came through, according to presenter Ashley Silva.

The chamber's Warm Heart of the Sunbelt award went to retired state Sen. Stuart Ingle.

Hunton noted the award isn't necessarily given out every year because it's reserved for special individuals.

"The Chamber looks at this award in the same way that some might see a Lifetime Achievement Award," Hunton said.

Hunton noted Ingle "served the people of his district and the citizens of New Mexico before his political party."

Outgoing chamber President Silva announced Eldon Merrick as the Chamber's new president for 2024.

The banquet was Terry's last as the Chamber's executive director. He began in the position in 2011 and announced last year he'll be retiring this spring.

Music was provided by the band Northshore Jazz.