We came together as a result of our mutual need. We are all members of this community and want to be able to remain here. We value the "small town" atmosphere and all that it represents. We also recognize the challenges that present themselves to anyone wanting to support themselves and this community viably. We know that in order for us to attract the youth we must provide, as a community, opportunities at least equal to those they would find in an urban setting, in which to use their creativity and talents to support themselves adequately. We can only do this by creating a climate of encouragement and support for creative development of fresh ideas for new enterprises. With our group we have created a place where anyone can come to seek support and concrete help in bringing their ideas out of the realm of wishful thinking and into being in the "real" world!
Short Term Goals
- Plan and execute an annual community event.
- Start a local farmers' and crafters' market.
- Create symbiotic partnerships among community business owners/operators.
- Have a monthly potluck dinner for members and potential members, just for fun!
- Provide networking opportunities among members.
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Long Term Goals
- Development of a revolving micro-loan fund for members.
- Development of a "Vital Roads" "Points of Interest" map/brochure for our region.
- Development of "branded" locally produced items for wide-scale distribution.
- Development of a commercial kitchen facility for regional community members’ use.
- Development of a true Business Incubator Service to community members.
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Accomplishments
- Partnership between Studio C and Rainbow Ranch for "Summer Art!" Places of Wonder.
- Partnership between Sunny's Garden and Studio C and Capulin Country Store for Summer Harvest Sundays.
- Started a Farmers' Market in Raton, Des Moines, and Capulin.
- One day per month we devote to members' projects at their respective businesses or homes.
- Fall Harvest Arts Festival and Street Fair at Studio C in Des Moines planned for Oct 12 2008 and the follow up "All things Pumpkin Harvest Party" Oct. 25 2008 at Rainbow Ranch outside of Folsom.
- Have provided physical labor and other help when needed to members.
- Have implemented our once a month pot-luck dinner meetings.
- Have networked among members' associations with outside people providing PR for the group and its efforts, spreading the word about what we're up to.
- Have given presentations about local sustainable development and community co-operation to groups in Raton and Albuquerque; with more planned for the winter months.
- Have begun the initial work for implementation of the commercial kitchen facility idea.
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