March 2021
Hello Muleshoe People! How do y’all feel about being called Muleshoeans? If you have
something better than Muleshoeans (or dare I say…Muleshites), do me a favor and send me your
acceptance, or your clever suggestions now by texting 806-566-5605.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the Muleshoe Chamber of Commerce
and Agriculture didn’t exist? It has become quite apparent to me how important of a role the
chamber plays in the livelihood of Muleshoe. The chamber hosts five annual events for the
community to enjoy year after year.
In February, the chamber held its’ first event of 2021 with its’ annual meeting/
membership breakfast. This year the meeting was held at the Bailey County Coliseum.
McDonald’s sponsored hot biscuits and sausage gravy and United sponsored orange juice and
water. This event is for the membership to receive an annual report from the chamber, along with
what to expect for the year ahead. This meeting serves as a membership drive. So, it is the
perfect setting for individuals to renew and/or inquire joining the chamber. This year, the
keynote speaker was Cameron Winegar from Leading EDG.
Chamber Manager, Andrea Alfaro, began with an introduction of the 2021 Board of
Directors, whom are: Jesus Tovar (President), Carina Reyes (Vice President), Karie Preston
(Secretary), Sarah Santos, Londi Blackwell, Candice Madrid, and Jackson Myers.
Following the introduction, Tovar highlighted membership benefits and the
organization’s goals for 2021. Most notable, was a new billboard advertising promotion. This
promotion allows members to advertise their business on a billboard for a fraction of the cost.
The chamber worked with chamber member, Snyder Outdoor Advertising, to be able to offer this
benefit. Sudan Medical Clinic and Bamert Seed are currently featured on the billboard, which is
located on the lot of Muleshoe Feed Barn.
Alfaro then provided information on event planning for the year. While the pandemic led
to the cancelation and modification of events in 2020, the chamber is preparing to host all of its’
regular events this year.
The next event of the year will be the Chamber Banquet in May. The banquet is an
elegant event that combines an appetizing meal, exclusive entertainment, and a special ceremony
to honor outstanding members in our community. This is when the community nominates a
Woman, Man, Business, Ag Family, and Student of The Year for special recognition.
Then comes the 4th of July. The chamber plans to bring back an Independence Day
celebration at the courthouse square, with a parade, vendors, live music, and of course,
fireworks.
Fast forward past summer, comes Small Business Saturday which is always the last
Saturday in November. This day is about encouraging the community to support locally owned
business by shopping small. This is the first day of the chamber’s shop local campaign, “Shop
the Shoe”. At the end of an eventful day of shopping, the chamber will host its annual Christmas
Tree Lighting. There are hopeful plans to invite the community to enjoy hot chocolate and listen
to live Christmas carols.
The chamber plans to end the year, lighting up Main Street with a Christmas Parade.
Alfaro notes, this year, the best, most lit up float will get to take home a prize! Then, after
several weeks of urging the community to “Shop the Shoe”, the winner of the locally sponsored
gift basket will be randomly drawn and announced soon-after.
“Hope for the best, prepare for the worst” (Chris Bradford). This is the attitude of the
Muleshoe Chamber Manager and Board of Directors. If you happen to catch these people around
town, please thank them for the work they put into organizing events for Muleshoeans to enjoy.
For the most up to date information on events, follow @muleshoecofc on Facebook.