‘What's Been Accomplishe Griffin & Associates Annual Report to TorC City Commission ‘Successuly secured «$40,000 New Mexico Tourism Deparment Co-Operative Grant ‘Stipuations ae that al creative must include the NM True Message ‘We must spend $80,000 and the New Mexico Tousm Department willrelmburse us 40,000 Re-dd allbilboard creative to feature hot springs and the NMI True message We ran a TV campaign in February & March ‘We ran ads inthe El Paso and New Mexico Vistor Guides and New Mexico Magazine ‘ie ran a highly suocesstl Pandora aucio campaign during the holicays with much higher ‘than average cick hugh rates ‘We submit seasonal naws releases to regional and national travel writers and editors ‘We held a MeciaFarnrizton (FAM) tp last spring with 5 jouraiss in attendance. All ‘wrote stories on Toc We send out b-monthy electronic newsletiers ‘What is planned for 2015 ‘We wal continue with enews release and bilboard outreach ‘We wil aso be inthe El Paso and NM Vistors Guides ‘We wil develop a video Pandora and TV campaign to run in March ‘Wie wil do a big medle push and potently a news conference atthe Roundhouse during the legate sessionto announce the opening ofthe new Spaceport Welcome Center ‘We are prominently featured onthe frst ever motorcycle tourism map, whic is being underariten bythe New Mexico Tourism Department The Budget: $25,000 Tore $10,000, Sierra County $40,000 NM Tourism DepartmentGriffin & Associates Annual Report fo TorC City Commission What's Been Accomplished: + sucess serred a $40,000 Now Meio Tousm Deparment Co-Operative Grant ‘Stpuations are that al creative mus include the NM True Message \We must spend $80,000 and the New Mexico Tourism Department wil reimburse us $40,000 ‘+ Rec al biboard creative to feature hot springs andthe NM True message ‘+ Weran a TV campaign in February & March ‘+ Weran ads inthe El Paso and New Mexico Vistor Guldes and New Mexico Magazine ‘+ Weranahighy successful Pandora audio campaign during he holidays wit much higher than average click through rates ‘+ We submit seasonal news releases to regional and national ravel witers and editors ‘+ Weheld a Media Famiarizaton (FAM) trip last spring wth 5 journals in atendance. All wrote stotes on Tore + Wesend out bismonhy electric rewsltos ‘What is planned for 2018 + Wowil contin wit he news release and bilboad uteach + Wevil lobe inthe E Paso and NM Visitors Guides + We wil develop a video Pandora and TV campaign trun in Mach *+ We wil do aig media push and potently a news conference athe Roundhouse during the legisla session in enounce the paneship betwen the nxn To Spacepar Visi Corer and New Mexico Spaceport Autary. ‘We are prominently featured on the frst ever motorycle tourism map, which s being underwriten by te New Mexico Tourism Department ‘The Budget: $25.00 Tort $10,000 Sierra County 40,000 ‘NM Tourism DepartmentFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 10, 2014 CONTACT Erica Aumnus-Otero 508-259-2202 Erica(aiyi tassoc{dotjoom Heat Things Up on Valentine’s Day in T or C, NM with Hot Springs Soak, Concert ‘TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NM—With Valentine's Day onthe horizon and temperatures: clipping below freezing in come parts of New Mexico, the City of Truth or Consequences, New ‘Mexia isthe best place to warm up over Valentine's Day weekend, Feb. 14-16, wih a romantic, steamy dp in one ofthe town's 10 hot springs. Hot pring bathnouses, located inthe histori Hot Springs District of ToC, range in temperature from 98 © 11 degrees and contin more than 38 deren kinds of healing minerals, Depending on the bathhouse, soaks ao a ite as $4 pr porson for half an hour. fverbend Hot Springs ~ the only open air hot springs along the bank ofthe Ro Grande ~ offers Impressive views of Turteback Mountain, and is open untl 10 p.m. for unforgettable views of the dark night sky glttered with stars and planets. Though rooms are completely booked for Valentine's Day weekend, soaks are stil available, Call 575-89¢-7625 for reservations. ‘The funky, individually decorated Pelican Spa has more than two dozen suites and rooms ranging trom only $45 to $95 per night, which includes complimentary, unlimited mineral soaks for al quests, Cal 875-894-0055 for reservation. ‘Along withthe Pelican Spa and Riverbend, other hot springs bathhouses in Tor © that still have ‘availabilty for soaks over Valentine's Day weekend including: Artesian Mineral Baths, Blackstone Hot Springs, Charles Motel and Spa (Jacuzzis requ reservations), Fre Water Lodge, Hay-Yo-Kay Hot Springs, Indian Springs, La Paloma Hot Springs and Spa and Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa. Half hours soaks at most bathhouses start at $4 per person. For a Complete lst of bathhouses visit sierracountyrnewmexicoinfolatvactionstruth-or-consequences- hoteprings! Within walking distance ofthe Pelican Spa is the Asian-infused Latitude 38 restaurant, Ccolebrating thelr frst year in May 2014, where green tea ice cream makes for a nice top off to unusual, tasty dishes such as Crispy Orange Chicken. Call §75.740-7804 for reservations. Located just around the corner at 803 Jones Steet, Cafe BellaLuca Italian Restaurants an nt, fine dining option for Valentine's Day, and was nominated as a “Best of the Road" by and McNally and USA Today. Visit cafebellaluca.com for more information or reservations, Passion Pie Cafe is offering a "Passionista Supper Club" event on Valentine's Day for $120 per couple, featuring a mult course tapas-inspired dinner. Reservations can be made by calling ‘575-894-0008, Passion Pie Cafe is located at 406 Main St ‘While in T or C on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, “Share the Love" wile helping the Boys and Girls ‘Club of Sierra County and the Rotary Club of T or C, as they host ther 13tn annual fundraising ‘event with special guest Mary Kaye ~ Western Music Association's 2013 Female Performer of the Year. The event raises funds to provide services for Sierra County youth. Show tickets are $510 for adults; $5 for children, The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and wil be held atthe T or C CivicFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 9014 CONTACT Erica Asmus-Otero 505-250-2202 Erica(at)rifinassoc{dotjoom Media Advisory NM Media Encouraged to Attend “Media Day” on May 17 in Advance of Memorial Day Weekend ELEFHANT BUTTE, NM—In advance of Memorial Day weekend, Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Sierra County officials invite all New Mexico media to participate in “Media Day’ on Saturday, May 17 at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Journalists can expetence the lake's most popular activites firsthand, for tee, including: quided fishing trips, paddlecraft and sailboat rides, beach tour and golf competition at Turtleback ‘Mountain Resort. Lodging on the nights of May 16 & 17 wil also be comped on a fist ‘come, fist served basis. WHO: Elephant Butte Lake State Park Superintendent Kay Dunlap along with park staff; members of the Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce; Community Leaders; business owners WHAT: Media will have an opportunity to not only experience the most popular activios: atthe lake but to meet local elected officials, community leaders and park stat! who can share more information about the lake WHERE: Elephant Butte Lake State Park located at 101 Hwy 198 in Elephant Butte, NM. Directions from Albuquerque: Take |-25 southbound for 149 miles. WHEN: Saturday, May 17 with various activities scheduled from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. BACKGROUND: Every summer, media are always inquiing about the lake levels at he state's largest and most popular lake - Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Each year, despite fluctuating water levels, thousands still come to the "Butte" for Memorial Weekend and throughout the year. Media will get an idea of what attracts so many visito's here by actually experiencing fishing, boating, and golfing for themselves. VISUALS: Elephant Butte Lake, and related activities such as boating, fishing, beach tour and golfing at Turtleback Mountain Resort eeeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Apel 1, 2014 (CONTACT: Erica Aemus-Otero 505-359-2202 m T or C, NM Celebrates Game Show History with Fiestas, May 3-5 Hot Springs, NM Changed Name to ‘T or C’ on April 1, 1950 ‘TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NM — The town of Truth or Consequences (T or C), New Mexico is celebrating it's annual Truth or Consequences Fiesta, May 3 through 5 — nearly 63, years after the town gained national notoriety when it officially changed its name from Hot Springs, NM to “Truth or Consequences’ after winning a contest promcted by radio host Ralph Edwards. Infact, the name change took place exactly 63 years ago today on April 1, 1950. ‘Though the actual Tor C Fiesta will be held from May 3-5, several related events are also ‘scheduled including the Ralph Edwards dinner (April 13); Miss Fiesta Contest (April 27); and Fiesta Golf Tournament (May 4-5). “Tor C is a one-ol-a-kind town not only because of its fascinating history with the Ralph Edwards show, but because the town is brimming with hot springs and many recreational activities that few people know about,” said Kim Skinner, Sierra County Tourism Board CChaitman. “The T or C Fiesta is a great opportunity fr folks to experience the area's history, ‘wonderful galleries, outdoor offerings and now the addition of Spaceport America.” ‘The T or C Fiesta kioks off with the Grand Marshall parade led by this year's Grand Marshall, slim Brannon, beginning at 10 am. on May 4 in T or C's downtown. Prizes will be awarded to the top three parade floats that reflect this year's theme, "How the West was Won!" Jim Brannon, board member with the T or C Fiesta, was chosen as this year's honoree for the annual Ralph Edwards dinner on April 13. The Ralph Edwards dinner event recognizes outstanding efforts by a member of the community. Tickets are only $12 per person or $20 per couple, and all proceeds pay for the free Fiesta events in 2013. The spacial Ralph Edwards dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. with a mixer followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The Ralph Edwards dinner will be held at the Moose Lodge in T or C. ‘The entire three-day weekend (May 3-5) will include carnival rides, games, junk boat race, food and crafts vendors, along with lve street dancing by country western gioup, Yarboro Band, ‘each night. A beer garden will also be open to adults ages 21 and older on Saturday, May 4 from 6-11 p.m. in the parking lot of the Bank of the Southwest building of Broadway, next to the live street dance, ‘On both Friday and Saturday nights (May 3 and 4), enjoy a rodeo perfermance at 7 p.m. at the Sherif's Posse Arena located at 601 Rodeo Rd. The rodeo is sanctioned by the NM Rodeo ‘Association and features a calf scramble; special appearance by the youngest (8-years-old) bareback rider in the world on a miniature horse; and more. Tickets are $10 for adults; $6 for seniors and children between 6 and 11 years old. For information about the rodeo, contact Peggy Ryan at 575-740-7723.FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Juno 13, 2014 CONTACT Erica Asmus-Otero 505-250-2202 Ericalatgifinassoe(dtieem Sierra County Anticipates More Visitors Following Fossil Find at Elephant Butte, NM ELEPHANT BUTTE, NM—Officals in Sierra County anticipate ahigher number of Curious visitors to Elephant Butte Lake State Park in Elephant Butte, New Mexico and ‘the surrounding area in the next couple of weeks following the discovery of an approximately 1.3 milion year old fossil at the park. Itis legal on state and federal lands to conduct fossil digs and to remove fossils. However, because of the national attention on Elephant Butte given the Stegomastodon find, vistors can learn more about the parks’ history there and enjoy its many recreational opportunites. “We are thrilled about the discovery of the Stegomastodon fossi,” said kim Skinner. “We look forward to the day when the public can view the Stegomastodon at an exhibit located at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - the city’s ancient history is one of many fascinating features of the area.” ‘A.group of campers recenty discovered the Stegomastodon after spoting what looked like an exposed tusk in the sand. The group started to dig and dscovered an intact tusk and skull. They immediately contacted the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and ‘Science in Albuquerque, who sent paleontologists to recover and analyze the findings. Media were invited on June 12 to visit the site, but asked to not disclose the location in an effort to preserve the remains. “Bits and pleces of what we've been told are remains of Stegomastodons and fossils have been found as recently as 10 years ago, but nothing as complete or intact as ths,” said New Mexico State Parks spokesperson Beth Wojahn. "NM State Parks is thrilled to have this big of a discovery - and what a iting place for an ancient elephant to be found than at Elephant Butte. We want to thank the campers who called the proper authorities, and didn’t compromise the integrity ofthe dig. This is history in te making - how often do you find something this complete?” Wojahn sald that NM State Parks would love to build an exhibit at the park where fossil discoveries like these can be displayed. She also said the park anticipates an increase in visitors who may be curious about the lake's history. This weekend, on June 14 and. 18, Elephant Butte Lake State Park is celebrating Father's Day with a special Flag Day" ‘evont on Saturday, June 14 complete with a parade, chile cook off challenge, and activities atthe marina. On Sunday, June 15, the family can take part in the 37th annual “Junior Open Fishing Tournament for kids trom 5 to 13 years old, Call 575-740-2261 to register or visit sierracountynewmexicoinforblogitlag-day-at-elephant-butte-lake/.FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2014 CONTACT: Erioa Asmus-Otero 505-250-2202 m Truth or Consequences, NM Celebrates 65th Annual Fiestas May 2-4 ‘TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NM — Once known as Hot Springs, New Mexico because of its abundant hot springs, Truth or Consequences, NM is celebrating its 65th annual T or C Fiesta May 2~4 with dozens of free events including a parade, performances, contests, rodeo, arts and crafts, live music, and family friendly activites. On Friday, May 2 at 5 p.m. fiesta goers can belt out thei favorite tunes at Ralph Edwards Park with open karaoke followed by a full rodec at 7 p.m. at the Sherif's Posse. Arena, Downtown T or C willbe the starting point ofthe traditional Fiesta parade which ‘commences at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3. Following the parade, all are invited to Ralph Edwards Park for a carnival; barbecue, complements of the Lion's Club; arts and crafts and more. ‘The annual Fiesta Open Golf Tournament at Truth or Consequences Municipal Gott Course also takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both May 3 and 4. Call Howie ‘Tucker at 575-884-2603 for more information. A variety of up and coming bands from various genres such as mariachi, bluegrass, punidska, westem, and Native American wil play ve music throughout the day. Bands include: Los Amigos (noon-1 p.m), Sawmill Canyon Ramblers (1:30-2:30 p.m), Casual Fridays (9-4 p.m), Tuff Whitfield and the Pickup Crew (&:30-5:30 p.m.) ron Chiwawa (6-7 pm.) Knifewing (7:30-8:30 p.m.), Benny Mafiana and the Tomorrow Band (9-10 pm) and all day performances by Mystic Wanders and Danza de Matachines. A concert and dance wil also take place at 8 p.m. with music by Moe Bandy, sponsored by KCHS and NM Olatime Fiddlers. ‘On Sunday, May 4, kids can participate and compete for prizes at the Kids Fishing Derby beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a horseshoe cortest and T or C Fire Dept. Duck Races at 2 p.m. Live music will be performed by: On Cal (2:30-1:30 p.m.), Antonio Reyna and Mariachi Raices de America (2-8 p.m.), and Jake Miller (8:30-4:30 p.m.) Other events taking place in and around Sierra County inctude: + May 2 — NM Old Time Fiddler's Association Fiesta Jam. Starts at 10 a.m, + May 3 ~ Sailboat Regatta (race) at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Starts at 11 a.m. Park Entry fees apply. + May 3 ~ Elephant Butte Anglers Open Bass Fishing Tournament at Elephant Butte Lake's Marina del Sur. Starts at 6 a.m. Catch and release bass fishing tourney. $5 entry fee.FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 25,2014 ‘CONTACT Erica Asmus-Otero 505-259-2202 Ercalatirlinassoe(doicom ‘Mixed Bag’ of NM Fiber Artists to Exhibit, Sell Art at Exhibition, Sept. 13 in T or C, NM ‘TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NM—Thirt-six fiber artists will showcase their hand crafted assortment of exclusive Fiberart during “Fiberart 2014: A Mixed Bag” exhibition In Truth or Consequences, New Mexico beginning with a public opening reception from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Rio Bravo Fine Art Gallery. The exhibition continues: ‘through Oct. 26, 2014 “The goal of ‘A Mixed Bag' is to highlight a range of techniques, approaches, itestyles, backgrounds, education and experience which reflect the Fiberart world as a whole,” said artist and organizer, Susan Christie, ‘New Mexico fiber artists are @ microcosm who share and communicate within the state and beyond. The exhibition coincides withthe T or C Art Hop, which takes place every second Saturday of each month and isa great ‘way to see and purchase unique handmade artwork.” ‘The 36 exhibiting artists are from 14 New Mexico communities, including 18 artists from Sierra County, along with several artists from New York, California and Minnesota. The artists will exhibit a range of fiber artwork including: weaving, quiting, hand-painted fabrics, wearable ar, knitting, felting, beadwork, puppetry, Shibori and Ikat, rag rugs, book art, paper art, mixed media, and installation ar. Monticello, NM resident and artist LaLynn Cravens and her family reise their own Navajo Churro sheep whose wool is used to create felted, non-dyed wool rugs. The Cravens also raise Angora rabbits whose hairs spun and woven into garments, All work in the exhibition will be for sale. The main galleries on the fist floor of Rio Bravo. Fine Art Gallery will host selected pieces, while the Gallery's Don Pepe Gift Shop will Offer otner items from the artists for sale, The event has been curated by artist and ‘coordinator Susan Christi, in conjunction with committee members and fiber artists, Carol Plec, Rebecca Speakes, and Donna Monroe. Rio Bravo Fine Art Gallery is located at 110 N. Broadway in Tor C. Visit fiobravofineartgallery.com for more information. Visitors and Groups may schedule {an educational tour of the exhibition by contacting the Gallery at 575-894-0572. Other events taking place in Sierra County on Sept. 13 Include the 2014 Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta, CAST for Kids Fishing Tournament, and 2014 Elephant Days in Elephant Butte, NM. For more information about "Fiberart 2014: A Mixed Bag” exhibition, contact Susan Christie at susanchristie (at)mac{dot}com or 575-894-1407. For general information60 SIERRA COUNTY Sé zGO SIERRA COUNTY60 SIERRA COUNTYFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 25, 2014 CONTACT Erica Asmus-Otero 505-259-2202 Erica(atgrifinassoc(do]Com Sierra Co., NM Towns & Ghost Towns Come Alive wi h Festive Holiday Events, Starting Dec. 6 ‘SIERRA COUNTY, NM—Hillsboro, New Mexico in Sierra County along with other “ghost towns" and other small towns are bringing the spirit ofthe holidays to Southem New Mexico with several celebrations including “Christmas in the Foothils,” “Old Fashioned Christmas” and “Luminaria Beachwalk,” to name a few, beginning on Dec. 6, 2014. Hillsboro, New Mexico's largest annual event ~ “Christmas in the Foothills” — will be ‘celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 6, and includes a wide array of vendors selling specialty arts, hand-crafted gifts and food items. An original, framed watercolor painting by Hillsboro artist Inga McCord will be raffled at the event. Shoppers can take advantage of the ever-popular ‘$49.99 Art Show and Sale, where each item in the art show is sold to a winning ticket holder for $49.99. Hillsboro’s Main Street will be bustiing with musicians and carolers singing holiday ‘songs, while the Black Range Museum, merchants and businesses will be open later. “Christmas in the Foothils’ will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. atthe Hillsboro Community Center, located at 316 Elenore St. The town of Hillsboro is located on Highway 152, 17 miles west of I-25 at exit 63. Call 575-895-5457 or email melody? 1 (at)windstream(dot)net for more information. Meanwhile, two hours north, the historic town of Monticello, NM (founded in 1881) wll be the best piace to purchase local, handmade git items such as wreaths, craft, jewelry, and the ‘award winning organic balsamic vinegar made by The Dariand Company of Monticello. The “Monticello Holiday Store" is open for two weekends only on Dec. 6 and 7; and Dec. 13 and 14 rom 10 a.m to 4 pum. The event takes place atthe Darland Store, up the hill rom the Plaza in Monticello, Call 575-743-0200 or email janedarland(at)gmai(dot)com for more information Less than an hour south of Monticello in the town of Truth or Consequences (T or C), an “Old Fashioned Christmas" brings the warmth and joy of the holiday season to Downtown on Friday, Dec. 12 from 8-9 p.m. The evening's events begin with the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree in Evelyn Renfro Park, ust steps from the busting Downtown area where businesses will stay open later for holiday shopping. Bonfires along the way will keep strollers warm, while carolers warm hearts with the sounds of the holidays, and complementary beverages like hot cocoa are sure to be welcomed. A live nativity at the First Baptist Church (220 Broadway St.) will add to the Christmas ambience throughout the night, ‘The next day on Saturday, Dec. 13, Tor C's Second Saturday Art Hop gives shoppers a ‘chance to scratch names off their Christmas lists as many Downtown galleries, shops and businesses stay open late from 6-9 p.m., to sell handmade, one of a kind items, Many of T or C’s hot springs bathhouses along the historic Bathhouse District of Downtown ‘are open for hot, therapeutic mineral soaks with some soaks priced for as Itle as $5 for half anCOUN TUS BCI osm Omi “ooikay ay) Uy Buyyjsiayom Seay)om Oy “moys auin6 p 1ayyo pawou Ayan saiayyO3sm Ome “PHom siqp yo 3no jaaou uno noA ‘poo ayp Jo pua 242 2yOa GW rey CONUS ULM TI KY aE eb Te SENSU ETRE EON NT PE SUM MSE PUTTS BIW Saal De eaeANCA ; init ik | oar HISTUN NPN TLE ioe ee PED SON) BSUS AL) Pe keTae) rrr for its healing waters for centuries. dae] aC ey Deon NEW HeeBe ONTOS CEES OAPI] Os 3 ————_*Sa4MUBD JO} s4a,0M Buyoay sy 10} # OU U9aq SDI auanbasuoy 40 Wn aTruth or Consequences is ierraCounty.info NEW MEMEO ree.