GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY

Even the cold, harsh winds could not put a damper on the excitement in Harding County on November 30th, 2005. A dream of a new business in the county had finally become reality and between 75 and 100 eager people ventured out into the strong winds to watch the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Metal Fabrication plant located near Solano, NM.

The outdoor ceremony was impressive, but made brief, due to the inclement weather. Dignitaries gathered on site to 'break the ground' for the new business. After the shovels were put to use, the group quickly adjourned to the Harding Co. Community Building in Roy to complete the ceremony and enjoy a luscious dinner.

After the crowd was welcomed by Mr. Lee Fluhman, Mayor of the Village of Roy, the blessing was delivered by Mr. Gene Hubersberger of Roy. The attendees were then served a meal of red or green enchiladas, Spanish rice, pinto beans, warm tortillas, salad, and peach cobbler. Servers for the meal were Mrs. Gloria Esquibel, Mrs. Arlene Hubersberger, Mr. Gene Hubersberger, Mrs. Sherrita Fluhman and Mrs. Beverly Artalejo who also prepared the food.

Mayor Fluhman began the ceremony by recognizing Mr. Vincent Smith the operator of the Solano Metal Fabrication plant. Mr. Smith came to Harding County from North Dakota. Senator Clinton Hardin then made a brief talk about the project's success and he accredited this success to the fact that so many people were willing and able to work together. He said this new business was possible through a team effort involving city, county and state agencies and he congratulated all the people who worked so hard to make this dream become reality.

Mr. Rick Holman, State Cabinet Secretary, also recognized the teamwork that went into this project. He stressed the fact that he wants success for rural New Mexico communities and this is the first step towards achieving success. He also noted that the Harding Co.

Economic Development Council made a great decision when they decided to go ahead with their dream of creating a new business in Harding County. He said that one factor that played heavily into their decision was the fact that Hading County's population had dropped from 850 to 750 and there were no jobs to bring people back to this area. He recognized the fact that city, county and state and federal officials all gave this project 100% backing.

Mayor Fluhman then recognized Mr. Miguel Suazo who was representing Jeff Bingaman's Office. The USDA representatives, Mr. Paul Gutierrez, Mr. Ernie Watson, Mr. Andres Aragon and Mr. Mike McDowell were introduced. Mr. Paul Gutierrez took the microphone and said "There are many positive things happening in Harding County." He mentioned the Concurrent Learning courses being offered at the local high school through collaboration with Clovis Comm. College. He also spoke of the hope for the future of Harding County and opportunities for our youth. Mayor Fluhman then asked the members of the New Mexico Economic Development Dept. to stand and be recognized. Mr. Rick Homans, Mr., Frank Griego and Mrs. Elizabeth Davis were in attendance.

Next to receive recognition by Mayor Fluhman were EPCOG representatives, Mr. Lee Tillman, Mrs. Eva Woods, and Ms. Iantha Hicks. ENMR Board Members, Mrs. Shirley Carter and Mr. Mike Montoya were introduced along with Mr. Bruce Scott and Mr. Raymond Mondragon, ENMR Representatives. Mr. Fluhman thanked ENMR for donating $13,500.00 and for paying for the meal expenses.

Mayor Fluhman went on to tell the audience that this project had been in the works since August 2001. It had taken many long hours of work by many people to reach this point. He then recognized the representatives of the NM Rural Development Response Council, Dr. Jim Kadlecek and Mrs. Eva Woods.

Next on the Mayor's 'thank you list' were Mr. Darien Cabral and Ms. Carol Sanchez . They are with the New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership which provided the money and the work for the feasibility study that was done in the initial stage. Mr. Jerry Moore of SCORE was also recognized.

Mayor Fluhman then recognized the Harding Co. Commissioners, Mr. Mike Lewis, Chairman; and Mr. Robert Casados and Mr. Jerry Porterfield, Members. He also thanked all of the past commissioners who played a vital part in making this project a success.

County Road Dept. Supt., Mr. Joe Trujillo was thanked for his hard work in getting the construction site ready. Mr. Paul Trujillo, Mayor of Mosquero was recognized along with Mr. Joe Don Mahoney of Dennis Engineering Co. Dennis Engineering will be in charge of designing and overseeing the construction of the manufacturing plant.

Mayor Fluhman then paid special recognition to the Harding County Economic and Community Development Corporation for all of their long hard hours of dedication to this project. He recognized Mr. Roy Rigoni, past board member who was in attendance. The Mayor then acknowledged the efforts of past Mosquero Supt. Richard Souter who passed away. Active members of the board recognized were: Mr. Lee Fluhman, Chairman; Mr. Bob Bachen, Vice-Chairman; Mrs. Barbara Shaw, Secretary; Mrs. Renee Hayoz, Treasurer; Mr. Richard Hazen, Ms. Sharon Callahan, Mr. Blair Clavel, Mr. Bobby Casados, Ms. Donna Sue Milson, Mr. Tim McCoy and Mrs. Shawn Jeffrey.

Mesaland's College Representatives, Mr. Dave Buchen and Ms. Nelda Smith were thanked for their contribution to the project.

Mr. Terry Martin, Photographer for the Union County Leader was also recognized.

Mayor Fluhman also recognized the USDA and representatives Mr. Ernie Watson and Mr. Paul Gutierrez. He told the audience that Renee Hayoz had written a grant through the USDA to obtain a new ambulance for Harding County and that the new ambulance is in its final stages of being ready to be brought into service. He thanked the EMT stating that they had a very difficult job covering the entire county and sometimes bordering areas. He also said that they are well-trained and capable of the immense responsibilities placed upon them.

In concluding the ceremony, Mayor Fluhman asked Mr. Vincent Smith to stand. He told the audience that Mr. Smith has signed a lease agreement and May 1st, 2006 is the target date for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Mayor Fluhman stated that the county's newest business is well on its way to success. Mayor Fluhman ended the ceremony by stating that "Harding County is well on its way to accomplishing the goal of raising the population of the county."

By: Jake Pendley, Lasso Staff Member &
Sara Lovato, Lasso Staff Editor