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Small Business Quarterly
Vol 1, Issue 1, April 1, 2016
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Director's Note: MRGEDA/SET and the
SBDC at UNM-Valencia
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by Wayne Abraham
Director, SBDC at UNM-Valencia
The SBDC is actively involved with economic development in Valencia County. Steven Tomita drives the economic development efforts in the Belen area, while Ralph Mims steers efforts in the Los Lunas area.
A new regional effort, called Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association (MREDA) was formed last year, as a way to understand and promote economic growth in a 4-county area. This region includes: Catron, Sierra, Socorro and Valencia Counties. The Stronger Economics Together (SET) program is a USDA effort to enable communities in rural America to work together in developing and implementing an economic development blueprint for this region (MRGEDA) that builds on the current and emerging economic strengths of the region. More information can be found at www.mrgeda.com, or by calling (575) 835-0424.
MEETING
: The next meeting of MRGEDA/SET will be on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at the University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus, Student Community Center, 9:00am-12:30pm. For more information, please call Small Business Advisor, Chris Garcia at (505) 925-8983.
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How to Avoid Tax Season Scammers
Submitted
by Leigh Van Gilst, CPA
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click picture to visit website
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Don't Be Taken in by Phony IRS Requests!
Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers, but now the IRS is receiving new reports of scammers calling under the guise of verifying tax return information over the phone.
The latest variation being seen in the last few weeks tries to play off the current tax season. Scam artists call saying they have your tax return, and they just need to verify a few details to process your return. The scam tries to get you to give up personal information such as a Social Security number or personal financial information, such as bank numbers or credit cards.
Here are some things the scammers often do, but the IRS will NOT do. Any one of these five things is a tell-tale sign of a scam.
The IRS will NEVER:
- Call to demand immediate payment over the phone, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you several bills.
- Call or email to verify your identity by asking for personal and financial information.
- Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
- Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
- Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone or email.
- Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
Here's what you should do:
- Hang up immediately. Do not give out any information.
- If you think you may owe taxes, you can contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.
- Contact a Certified Public Accountant
Helpful Documents
Entrepreneurs want to do it all, but there is no shame in getting help. Please take a look at the documents below, to gain insight into starting a business.
This guide provides an entrepreneur with the correct contact information to register an organization with the NM Secretary of State, Municipality, IRS, and NM Taxation and Revenue.
SBDC's Pre-Venture Questionnaire provides entrepreneurs with a focused guide to start planning a venture. The questionnaire guides the average person through each step of the business planning process.
The document is a PDF version of SBDC at UNM-Valencia's 2016 Workshop Schedule
. Please save and share!
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Steven Tomita
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What's Happening in Belen, NM
Submitted by
Steven Tomita, Economic Development Manager, City of Belen
Belen has become somewhat of a film Mecca to the movie and television industry and activity is continuing to grow. There have been approximately 30 movies and series shot in Belen ranging from a couple of day scene shots to major production running for months and entailing set construction and pyrotechnics activities. Major and recent filming includes: The Last Stand, Transcendence, DIG, Katie Says Goodbye, The Founder, Preacher and The Space Between Us. One never knows what movie actor will be seen in Belen. Becker Ave and 2nd Street area, located in the "Heart of Belen", has been referred to by producers and directors as the best "natural" movie back lot outside of Hollywood. To draw further filming to Belen on a much greater scale, Belen is pleased to announce that through a cooperate teaming with the Belen Consolidated School District we have now established the "HB Film Center" (HB stands for Heart of Belen).
The Film Center comprises the 2nd Street and Becker Ave area filming "back lot", Belen's bus maintenance center comprising a two story maintenance building and large parking lot have now been set up as a film studio and base camp, and renovation efforts are underway on Belen's old City Hall which will open it up for film production offices. This effort has been well received by Film Location Managers and Producers and interest in Belen is increasing.
With all this activity and changes, Belen will kick off a major tourism marketing program where visitors will be able to walk the Film Center area and experience a concentrated area of past and present filming, see video clips of movies and series filmed and walk into the buildings where the scenes occurred and the actors visited. Belen contains the greatest single concentrated location of filming found in New Mexico.
Renovation has begun on Belen's old recreation center at 715B South Main Street (next to Belen's Senior Center) and Belen is pleased to announce that within a few months this building will re-open as the Belen Business Center, serving as a small business incubator facility and as a conference center. The rec center contained a basketball gymnasium which will, after the renovations, will accommodate business conferences, moderate conventions and other special activities. Mr. Wayne Abraham, with the SBDC will maintain a part time office in this building providing startup businesses with critical consulting services on establishing a sound business. This is something that has been greatly needed in Belen and Valencia County and Belen is strongly convinced that the economic future of our city will be accomplished on a large scale by encouraging and supporting local startup business endeavors. We are looking forward to this valuable center opening soon.
Chambers of Commerce Connection
Hispano Chamber of Valencia County (HCVC)
Submitted by
Edward C. Archuleta, President, HCVC
The Matanza was on the mind of every board member from August, 2015 through February 2016. We are happy to report that again this year our Matanza was very successful. Our success is due largely in part to our sponsor's, this year's title sponsor was BNSF, and to all of the teams that participated, without their help, we could not put this huge event together.
With the funds that were generated by the Matanza we will be able to give out, 30 scholarships to Valencia County high school and college students. The applications for the 2016 Hispano Chamber Scholarships have been distributed to all local high schools and to UNM-VC. The deadline for sending in the completed application is April 15th. Good Luck to all of our applicants.
We are now starting to prepare for the 2017 Matanza. We had an enjoyable March Luncheon at Tierra Del Sol in Rio Communities. Our guest speakers were our Legislative Representatives. Each of them, Senator Sanchez, Representative Baldonado, Representative Fajardo and Senator Barela, gave an update on their recent 30 day session in Santa Fe. We appreciate our Legislators and their hard work for the citizens of Valencia County.
The April Luncheon will be held in Los Lunas, April 13, 2016, 11:30 AM. We look forward to a great turn out and much networking!
As always, we are looking for new members, if you are interested in becoming a Valencia County Hispano Chamber member please contact any Board Member.
Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce (GBCC)
Submitted by Rhona Espinosa, Executive Director, GBCC
 The GBCC is having a great time as we grow our membership and support our local businesses. With close to 300 business members from Colorado to Southern New Mexico, our goal and mission to support our local economies as we provide networking opportunities and encourage Valencia County residents to support their local businesses. Our networking events are open to everyone and we do our best to shout from the mountaintops the outstanding offerings of our local businesses. Our Tim Lardner Memorial Scholarship is funded by our upcoming Golf Tournament on May 6th at Tierra Del Sol Golf Club.
At each of our GBCC sponsored events, members are encouraged to set up a table, bring business cards and market their businesses. All marketing is free to members and especially encouraged during the GBCC 's biggest event, Rio Abajo Becker Street Festival. Call me and we can visit about how our Chamber can assist you or about the many volunteer opportunities through our Downtown revitalization group-Belen MainStreet Partnership. 505-864-8091!!! Or email me at [email protected].
Socorro Chamber of Commerce (SCC)
Submitted by Kat MacDonald, Executive Director, SCC
An amazing event is being sponsored by NM Tech next month: First Annual Inventors and Entrepreneurs Workshop. This two-day event, April 15th and 16th, is attracting attendees from all over New Mexico and the United States. Martin Cooper, the inventor of the CELL PHONE is the keynote speaker. The caliber of panelists and speakers for this event is powerful. Here is the link.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the SCC, contact Executive Director, Kat MacDonald, at (575) 835-0424 or visit their website.
Los Lunas Chamber of Commerce (LLCC)
The LLCC is always recruiting energetic members. Please email President, Mike Ogas at [email protected], for more information.
Greetings from the Business and Technology Departments at UNM-Valencia Campus
Submitted by
Cindy L. Chavez, Business Coordinator, UNM-Valencia Campus
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| Cindy Chavez |
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The Business, Technology and Fine Arts Division is going through many changes. Two of our faculty members are retiring in June and two new individuals have been hired. James Hart, Information Technology and Roseanna McGinn, Health Information Technology (HIT). The Health Information Technology program will begin in the fall semester.
Below are several classes that may peak your interest and enhance your business:
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IT 110
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502
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Intro Publications & Presentations
(2nd 5 weeks course; begins Oct. 13)
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1
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MW
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4:30 - 5:45 PM
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IT 122
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501
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Introduction to Database Management Systems
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3
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MW
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9 - 10:15 AM
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IT 125
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501
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Microcomputer Operating System
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3
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TTh
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9 - 10:15 AM
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IT 230
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501
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Computer Networking
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4
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TTh
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4:30 - 6:15 PM
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IT 293
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501
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T: Cyber Security
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3
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MW
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4:30 - 5:45 PM
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IT 293
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502
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T: Social Media Marketing Tool - Online
(2nd 8 weeks course; begins Aug. 17)
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3
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ARR
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MGMT 101
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501
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Fundamentals of Accounting I
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3
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MW
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10:30 - 11:45 AM
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MGMT 101L
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501
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Fund of Accounting I Lab
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1
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MW
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Noon - 12:30 PM
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MGMT 102
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501
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Fundamentals of Accounting II
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3
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MW
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1:30 - 2:45 PM
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MGMT 102L
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501
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Fund of Accounting II Lab
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1
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MW
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3 - 3:30 PM
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MGMT 116
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501
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Human Relations in Business - Hybrid
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3
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TTh
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1:30 - 2:45 PM
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Business, Technology and Fine Arts
Division offers several Career and Technical Education (CTE) degree programs:
- Automotive Technology
- Business Administration
- Computer-Aided Drafting
- Digital Media Arts
- Game Design and Simulation
- Health Information Technology
- Information Technology
For a complete listing of CTE Programs click here.
Many of these programs have Internship/Practicum/Co-op requirements; therefore, if you would like to learn more about how you can become a sponsor to one of the interns please contact Sarah Clawson, Career Services Manager at (505) 925-8840 or by email, [email protected].
Also, each of these programs have advisory boards and they are always recruiting for new members which could be you if you are interested in learning more please contact Susan Jackson, Administrative Assistant at (505) 925-8711 or by email, [email protected].
Upcoming Events
| April 2016 |
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| Tuesday, April 5th, 12pm |
Hispano Chamber of Valencia County |
Chamber Meeting at MyBank-Los Lunas |
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| Wednesday, April 6th, 11:30am |
Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce |
Luncheon at Carlos Cantina |
Click to visit Website |
| Wednesday, April 13th, 11:30am |
Hispano Chamber of Valencia County |
Luncheon, location TBD |
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| Friday, April 15th, 10:30am |
Socorro Chamber of Commerce |
New Mexico Tech Inventors and Entrepreneurs Workshop |
Learn More |
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| May 2016 |
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| Friday, May 6th, 11am |
Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce |
Tim Lardner Memorial Scholarship Golf Tourney at Tierra Del Sol Golf Club |
Click to visit Website |
| Friday, May 6th, 5:30pm |
Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce |
After Hours at Black's Smuggler Winery |
Click to visit Website |
| Thursday, May 19th, 9am-12pm |
SBDC |
FREE Social Media Marketing for Business Workshop |
Register Here |
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| June 2016 |
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| Wednesday, June 1st, 11:30 am |
Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce |
Luncheon at Holiday Inn Express |
Click to visit Website |
| Thursday, June 16, 9am-12pm |
SBDC |
FREE Employees & HR for Business Workshop |
Register Here |
| Friday June 24th, 5:00pm |
Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce |
Belen MainStreet Partnership Presents: Fun, Fashion, Fabulous Event, Belen Harvey House Museum |
Click to visit Website |
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Kathy and Jose Cordova, Owners, Valencia Flour Mill
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Valencia Flour Mill, LLC Named SBDC at UNM-Valencia 'Star Client'
by Kathy Cordova
February 4, 2016 was Small Business Development Center Network Day, at the New Mexico Legislature. Each SBDC center showcased the accomplishments of an extraordinary small business. SBDC at UNM-Valencia awarded Valencia Flour Mill, LTD the Star Client award because of their extraordinary commitment to preserving an antique mill and modernizing an old form of manufacturing.
Valencia Flour Mill, at 74 Mill Road, in Jarales, New Mexico, was founded by José D. Cordova, I, in 1914 (101 years ago). His son, Arturo Cordova, was the next miller who changed his flour production to a Royal Crust bread flour label in the 1950s. Since purchasing the mill from the family estate in 1988, the current owners, Jose D. Cordova, II and his wife, Kathy Cordova, spent one year upgrading the Mill structure and restoring the vintage wooden cabinetry of the XXth Century Mill and S. Howes and Co. Flour Packer to their original glory.
José Cordova II, with a B.S. in Milling Engineering from Kansas State University worked for over 21 years as a Process Engineer for the 3M Company. Mrs. Cordova Using her science journalism degree, Mrs. Cordova worked as a Public Relations officer in the US Marine Corps and later wrote and edited for computer, government and environmental agencies besides writing magazine articles. The couple formed a successful business model to utilize the antique milling machinery to meet modern food manufacturing standards and produce healthy, local products.
The Cordovas produce a medium gluten, unbleached flour from irrigated red winter wheat, grown in Northwestern New Mexico. Knowing that they couldn't compete in the commodity flour market, Mr. and Mrs. Cordova found their niche in "just add water" mixes. They produce Valencia Sopaipilla Mix, Valencia Fry Bread Mix and Valencia Blue Corn Muffin and Pancake Mix in 5lb and 25lb bags. These mixes contain the highest quality ingredients, are easy to use, consistent, Zero Trans Fats, with a healthy, traditional taste.
The Cordovas first sought out the SBDC in February, 2004, for advice on marketing, computer skills and general business operations. Since then, they have transformed their business from a small mill, producing traditional tortilla flour for difficult retail markets, into a flourishing wholesale business that distributes their grain-based, Southwestern mixes to foodservice companies who sell Valencia brand products to restaurants, casinos, hospitals and hotels.
Surprisingly, the Cordovas can mill 300,000 lbs. of wheat and 3,000 lbs. of blue corn per year, with only one employee. This shows the efficiency of the 101 year old mill run by a qualified milling engineer. However, Kathy, senses a need to continue business consulting with the SBDC at UNM-Valencia as computer software changes so often and affects her sales, ads and PR initiatives.
If you would like information about being a SBCD-
Los
Lunas Star Client, please email Small Business Advisor, Chris
Garcia at
[email protected] or Director, Wayne Abraham at
[email protected].
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