Business of the Month Banner Hangings
June 2019
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the historic steam railroad runs for 64 miles across the Rocky Mountains, crossing state borders 11 times as it curls across rivers, through tunnels, over trestles and along the lip of canyons, at one point steaming over Cumbres Pass at 10,015 – the highest point reached by any steam railroad in the nation.
The Cumbres & Toltec was originally part of the Denver & Rio Grande Western, San Juan Extension that was built in 1880. It was saved from demolition in 1970 when the states of Colorado and New Mexico stepped in to purchase the railroad and keep it running as an historical example of early railroading in the West. The Cumbres and Toltec Railroad was also recognized as the #1 Scenic Train in the United States!
July 2019
Chama Collectibles
Chama Collectibles has been operating for five years and is located 2 miles south of the Welcome Center in an authentic Log Home. Open Wednesday - Saturday 10-5 till the snow flies. “It’s never dull, with the unique items coming thru the shop” says Diane. “It's not just antiques and furniture for sure”, she adds. Clients and customers coming in have told Dianne much Valley history connected to many items in her collection. Dianne has lived in the Chama area for 38 years, has been a member of the Chamber for over 32 years and has served in every position of the Chamber Board of Directors.
Outstanding Members
2019
CHama Valley Humane Society
Chama Valley Humane Society has its roots in the 1980s when Margaret Palmer and others in the area began to spay and neuter local animals and find homes for unwanted dogs. In 1998, the organization was officially formed as a non-profit (501c3) in the State of New Mexico. Chama Humane serves more than 600 square miles in northern Rio Arriba County, stretching north from Abiquiu to the Colorado border and west to Dulce and Lindreth. In recent years we have split our efforts between a low-cost spay/neuter program with local veterinarians and a rescue program for unwanted or unhomed dogs, puppies, and kittens. Since we have no shelter, we use foster homes to shelter animals until we can rehome them or transfer them to no-kill shelters in other areas. Over the past several years we have provided low-cost or full-cost vouchers for thousands of local cats and dogs. Volunteers have also provided foster care, medical treatment and/or transport for over 900 homeless or unwanted animals in the last 11 years. Chama Humane efforts are funded primarily through private donations and annual fundraisers, including the Bow-Wow live auction in August; the Jog, Walk, and Wag 5k and 10k run and 3k walk in September; and the Fill the Bowl event in June. We also apply for and receive small grants for specific programs, but do not receive any public funding.
Chama Humane is always looking for new volunteers, fresh ideas, transporters, and foster homes. Please visit our website at www.chamahumanesociety.org or our Facebook page (Chama Humane Society). You can also leave a message at 888-666-0641 or visit the Chama Library for a spay-neuter voucher for your dog or cat.
Lowe's Chama Valley Supermarket
Don Holliman has been the Manager at Lowes for 2 years. Lowes Chama Valley has been a member of the Chamber for 14 years. Congratulations to Lowe’s Chama Valley.
Boxcar Cafe
The Boxcar Cafe has been operated by Ben, Jessica, and their three daughters since May of 2015. Ben and his staff, who consists mostly of family or near family, pride themselves on providing homemade food and establishing an atmosphere that warmly welcomes each and every patron just as if they were walking into our home. Our special brand of food continues our family’s long standing tradition and love of all things food. We hope that when you come into the cafe for a meal or just a cup of coffee we do our best to invite you in and help you to feel like one of us. We would like to thank the community for their ongoing and outstanding support that allows us to continue operating in our fifth year of business. We really could not be this successful without you!
Arriba Concrete
Arriba Concrete has been a locally owned and operated business since 1996. Randy & Katherine Pettingill have both been lifelong residents of Chama. They specialize in general construction such as road construction, excavation, etc. and sell sand, gravel, landscaping rocks, and culverts. Arriba Concrete is fully licensed, certified and insured for general contracting services. At Arriba Concrete, they strive to go above and beyond for their customers and give them a great product.
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Y Motel
With over 40 years of service to the visitors of Chama, The Y Motel is now under new management. The owners; Marilyn and Leonard Jensen have provided friendly, affordable and comfortable accommodations to weary travelers, high country adventurers, wilderness enthusiasts and local workers who come to provide their dedicated services to Chama and surrounding environs. We are honored to continue to serve the visitors of Chama who are pleased to have a moment in the great outdoors and wilderness access so readily available in gorgeous Northern New Mexico. The hikers of the Great Divide Trail are welcome too!
Timberline Gifts & Lucky Dollar Pawn
Timberline Gift shop
Jan Graham is the owner of the Timberline Gift Shop. She has had this business for 44 years.
After the Timberline had been opened for about 15 years, they divided one end of the building & opened up a small town pawn shop. The Timberline is well known for its large selection of jewelry and moderately priced gifts and of course our friendly staff. As one of our customers said "It's the Funniest Place in Chama".
Cardin's Crossing B&B
Tom and Mary Cardin moved to Chama in 1995 and turned their home into a charming country Bed and Breakfast. They designed their guest rooms with a railroad theme and Tom built a train that runs around the ceiling for one; a quilter’s haven theme for another and a doll house theme focal point for the third room. Mary’s handmade quilts, original watercolors and antiques grace the entire house. The Narrow Gauge Room features Tom’s superb railroad photographs.
Mary has been baking apple pies (apples from their tree) for her guest’s evening treat for the past 24 years. She cooks delicious homemade breakfasts including scones or muffins every morning. Cardin’s Crossing has earned rave reviews from their guests.
Zia Credit Union-Espanola
Zia Credit Union (Zia CU) is a not-for-profit cooperative financial institution owned and run by you, our valued members! Since 1955, Zia CU has been dedicated to empowering generations of Northern New Mexican families through personalized service, education, and lending. We strive to offer our members the best financial experience possible every time you come into contact with us. You can count on us to provide a safe place to save and borrow money at great, reasonable rates.
We offer products and services designed to benefit you! From savings and checking accounts to auto loans, mortgages, visa credit cards, even financial education we have your best interest at heart. Our services are even extended beyond the walls of our branches thanks to great tools such as our online banking, our mobile app, our call center, and the many CU Anytime ATMs.
Zia CU is all about giving and making a difference, hard work, infectious joy, roots and community, fairness, self-improvement, being exceptional, kindness, and caring!
Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
A recognized leader in the historic railroad preservation community, the 2,500 member Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Inc. is the official museum arm of the 64-mile Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The Friends manage the preservation, interpretation, museum and restoration efforts of the railroad. In particular, the Friends assume the responsibility of preserving the railroad’s historic assets that are not utilized in regular tourist train operations and interpreting the railroad to the general public.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
2019
Austin and Karlee Phippen
Chama Trains Inn
Joe Kanocz
The Chama Hotel and Shops
Tony Trujillo
Mossy Oak Properties
Centerfire Realty
Ana Tafoya
Farmer's Insurance
Ana Tafoya Agency
Ashlyn and Dan Perry
Matt Wallave
The Local
New Western Cuisine
Alayna Alariana
Rio Chama Espresso
