Business Owners Flock to GrowRaton After Hours Networking Event
Area business owners from across Colfax County were eager to connect (and get a glimpse of Moss Adventures’ new HQ!)
March 14, 2023––RATON, NM––The Greater Raton Economic Development Corporation, also known as GrowRaton, presented its spring 2023 After Hours networking event for local entrepreneurs and area business owners last Saturday night. The event took place at the new Moss Adventures’ headquarters located at 600 Kiowa Ave., in Raton. Moss Adventures recently relocated to Raton from Florida and provides a full outdoor experience basecamp for adventure enthusiasts from all walks of life.
GrowRaton president, Brandy Dietz, was enthusiastically overwhelmed with the community’s response to the organization’s bi-annual networking event, remarking that “this is our best-attended mixer yet—with over 110 guests connecting, reconnecting, and welcoming the area’s newest businesses. GrowRaton was excited to see 47 businesses represented, along with 2 municipalities and 6 Colfax County towns in attendance. Guests from as far southwest as Eagle Nest and as far north as Colorado showed up. Business Development Coordinator Anita Valdez was nearly speechless with gratitude at the site of the crowd when she took the stage for introductions.
The evening’s guest speakers were Daniel Duncan and Elizabeth Hampl. Duncan is opening Duncan Automotive on South 2nd Street in Raton later this spring, while Hampl’s grand opening of Hammer Forged Athletics is scheduled for later this month on March 25. Folks are eager to check out these two new businesses!
A last-minute addition to the speaker lineup, Butch Priest of Willow Springs Traders, stepped up to inform the audience of the “buyers’ club” – a unique way for businesses to come together to support the 4H and FFA youth of Colfax County who are raising and showing livestock. Live, love, shop local – together!
President Dietz kicked off the event with introductions of the GrowRaton Board of Directors including, Vice President Cassidae Chance, Treasurer David Wentling, and Secretary Jerica Gonzales, as well as the organization’s Business Development Coordinator, Anita Valdez. President Dietz encouraged guests to show their support by becoming GrowRaton members and submitting their names for participation on the Board or one of their many committees.
Long-time treasurer and GrowRaton co-founder, David Wentling shared a few words about the organization’s history, notable projects, and laying the foundation for continued growth. This dovetailed nicely into Business Development Coordinator Valdez’s short talk on the importance of succession planning and intentional economic growth.
Guests were treated to hearty appetizers of soup and chili shooters, grilled sausage and tomatoes bites, and more, as well as a chocolate fountain with a selection of fruits and marshmallows. Bar service was provided by Colfax Ale Cellar of Raton. Folks were encouraged to test drive the remote-control Land Rovers or challenge each other to a rousing game of corn hole.
“We want to thank Moss Adventures for providing tonight’s venue and generously opening their doors to the local business community,” said Business Development Coordinator Valdez as she expressed gratitude on behalf of the board. “I want to also thank all of our sponsors and volunteers for their generosity, time, and help in bringing the local business community together tonight!”
The After Hours networking event was sponsored by Tascosa Office Machines, the largest Canon and Sharp dealer in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, they strive to provide every resource to make your office run smoothly; Home Associates, Inc., with deep roots, expert knowledge, and over 30 years of experience in the local market, Home Associates offers a full line of Real Estate services; George & Gonzales, CPA, for almost 50 years, George & Gonzales has been providing a wide range of bookkeeping, tax preparations, and consulting services.; and Moss Adventures our venue sponsor.
GrowRaton
The Greater Raton Economic Development Corporation, d/b/a GrowRaton, is a certified economic development organization, recognized for excellence by the New Mexico Economic Development Department. Formed in 2010 as a community-based non-profit, GrowRaton helps develop our local and regional economies in the greater Raton, New Mexico area. The organization focuses on professional development training for entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as increasing business opportunities in the wider region by promoting the area to larger companies looking to expand or relocate their operations. At GrowRaton, we are connecting opportunity for business by facilitating the exchange of useful information between interested parties. To learn more, contact us today at coordinator@growraton.org or 575-245-4769.