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Greater Valencia County Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Local Businesses
Published
It was a night to celebrate the business community that provides goods and services in Valencia county as well as their contributions to the community.
The Greater Valencia County Chamber of Commerce held its annual gala on Saturday evening at Isleta Casino and Resort, reveling in one another’s accomplishments and honoring those who have made a difference.
Citizen of the Year
This year, the Citizen of the Year award wasn’t given to an individual, but to a local family who has opened and operated several businesses over the years.
The Dr. Roland K. Sanchez family was recognized for their ongoing community involvement, economic endurance and contributors to the business and agriculture community.
The late Dr. Roland K. Sanchez, who died in 2020, established his medical practice in Belen in 19.., a year before founding Red Doc Farm, a nationally-known farm that breeds Santa Gertrudis cattle.
Sanchez’s son, Dr. Adolfo Sanchez, continues to operate the medical practice. Dr. Roland Sanchez II owns and operates Conquistador Dental in Belen, and Dr. Florian Sanchez owns and operates Yucca Veterinary Medical Center.
The family is also investing in a planned 300-unit apartment complex with commercial and community space that is being planned for a 15-acre mixed-use development in the Hub City.
Matriarch Elia Sanchez thanked the chamber for the award, saying her family appreciates the support from the community.
“In my household, there was a dream of a man who wanted to go to medical school and come back and serve his community,” Sanchez said. “He got offers from everyone. The red-headed Sanchez ... he came home and set up his medical practice ...
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“I want to thank all of you because when I look around this room, many of you have been there to help me ..., and before that, you were there to help me and my husband,” she said. “But more importantly, you’re helping my kids and grandkids. I’m so grateful.”
Infinity Award
The Greater Valencia County Chamber of Commerce presented the Infinity Award to the Wright Choice Learning Center in Belen, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.
The award is given to the business which has continued its honorable and productive part in the economic vitality of the greater Valencia County community.
Owner and founder, Sandra Baca, thanked her family, staff and the community, saying if it wasn’t for them, she wouldn’t be here.
“We’ve have served several generations — 40 years is a lot,” Baca said. “I really appreciate this award. I’m so appreciative of the chamber.”
As part of her 40th anniversary, Baca is offering $500 scholarships to 2026 Belen and Infinity high school graduates who attended the day care.
Heritage Award
The Heritage Award, which isn’t given every year, was given to Teofilo’s Restaurante, in Los Lunas.
The restaurant, which is just west of the corner of N.M. 314 and Main Street in the heart of Los Lunas, celebrated its landmark opening back in 1985 on Tuesday, Oct. 28. It was founded by Teofilo “Pete” and Hortencia Torres. Today, their children, Johnnah and Jay, own and operate the family-owned, traditional New Mexican restaurant.
“We are immensely grateful to be here tonight to celebrate our community’s victories,” Johnnah Torres said. “We are extremely honored and humbled to receive this remarkable Heritage Award.
“Our family is so grateful to have the opportunity of stewardship of the Wittwer home,” she said. “This place to me is home away from home, and I know many feel the same.”
Hortencia was enamored and intrigued with the architecture of the house and the history of Dr. W.F. Wittwer, a frontier physician who practiced in the village for 65 years. Pete and Hortencia were successful in getting the building placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Amigo Award
The Greater Valencia County Chamber of Commerce presented the Amigo Award to the Better Business Bureau of the Southwest, which serves New Mexico and southern Colorado.
Better Business Bureau Serving New Mexico and Southwest Colorado is a nonprofit organization that has been helping people find and recommend businesses, brands and charities they can trust for more than 100 years.
The award is given to a business that is recognized throughout the state and nation for presenting a friendly and positive image.
David Swope, the president and CEO, thanked the chamber for the award, and wanted to recognize Austin Calabaza, the community outreach liason, who supports the organization.
“I’m really proud of the work he has done, and I’d like to share this award with him,” Swope said. “What we do is try to tell stories about the hard working individuals ... that go to work every day with truth, integrity and put out quality products. It’s hard in these economic times to not realize the fact that it wasn’t for organizations like this to make the commitment and for your help through services ... we try to be a champion for you.”
Corporation of the Year
Kirtland Credit Union, in Los Lunas, was given the Corporation of the Year award by the chamber. The award is given to a large business who have gained outside recognition, stability and improvement of the business and community involvement. The business is also recognized for its customer service.
Matt Rarden, president and CEO of Kirtland Credit Union, and Karla Garcia, the Los Lunas branch manager, both accepted the award Saturday night.
“I want to thank our entire Los Lunas team for their hard work every day,” Garcia said. “Their dedication is part of why we serve the community so well.”
“This is a huge honor for us,” Rarden said. “I’m honored and proud to serve as president and CEO for Kirtland Credit Union. This is such a sincere honor for us. Our entire foundation is built on people helping people.”
Member of the Year
The Greater Valencia County Chamber of Commerce recognized Andrew Spears, of Raymond James Financial Services in Los Lunas, as the Member of the Year.
The criteria for this award is outside recognition, a small or large business, community involvement and being an inspiration to others.
Spears, who is the chamber’s immediate past president, was humbled and only said, “I was in the military, so understand my remarks are brief.”
Amanda Sanchez, this year’s new chamber president, congratulated Spears, saying he was a volunteer coach and “has a lot of kids looking up to him.”
She also credited him for helping military veterans get the benefits they deserve.
Nonprofit of the Year
The Nonprofit of the Year award was presented to the Boys and Girls Ranches (The Ranches). The award exemplifies a nonprofit that gives service to the community.
Since 1944 The New Mexico Boys & Girls Ranch has offered a unique combination of family-style living in a rural ranch environment.
The organization has evolved over the years from a single building, to include a large ranch south of Belen, that is home to struggling youth that promotes opportunity and meaningful help for struggling children and their families.
“When you invest in a child, you don’t just change one life, you change a generation,” said Mikela Kull, president of The Ranches, in a video message.
Youth Volunteer Group of the Year
The Greater Valencia County Chamber of Commerce recognized the Belen High School Navy JROTC as the Youth Volunteer Group of the Year.
The award is given to service groups that give service in the community without pay.
