Chamber announces Best of KOTS winners
DEMING - The Deming-Luna County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 “Best of” Kingdom of the Sun awards. “Another tough year in business, but these folks continue to shine, and we are all proud of you!," said Debbie Troyer, the executive director of the chamber.
Each year, the chamber holds this contest as part of its annual meeting, giving the community an opportunity to rally behind their favorite businesses. Community members vote online for their favorite businesses from a variety of categories. The votes are tabulated and the winners are awarded framed certificates to display at their business.
This year’s event was held at D.H. Lescombes Winery and Tasting Room in Deming on June 24. Lescombes wine and appetizers were provided to nominees and members. Copper Kettle Coffee was on hand hosting a lemonade and tea station.
Randi Morrow, vice president of the chamber, welcomed a full house, and Heather Lutz read financial reports with flair. Troye recapped the year’s accomplishments, and a short commentary by current chamber board president Eric Roach was given.
This year was different. A group of young children and Lemmy (The Lemonade Day mascot) were in the audience, because this year the annual event announced the winners of the first-ever Best Lemonade Stand Contest.
Congratulations to our hard working 2022 Best of Kingdom of the Sun winners:
Best Community Contributor, Peppers Supermarket
Best Nonprofit, Cancer Support of Deming
Best Dining Experience, Si Senor
Best Customer Service, Peppers Supermarket
Best Workplace, Deming Public Schools
Best New Business, Dickey’s BBQ
Most Resilient Business, Marie’s Italian Grill
Best Storefront, Copper Kettle Coffee
Best Shopping Experience,Peppers Supermarket
Best Health & Well-being Care Group, Mimbres Memorial Hospital
Most Unique Business, Panda’s Rolled Ice-Cream
Best Hang Out & Entertainment Experience, The Happy Camper Clubhouse
Most Relaxing, The Happy Camper Clubhouse
May 21st marked the first first-ever Best Lemonade Stand contest throughout Luna County. Lemmy and judges arrived in a long black limousine provided by Terrazas Funeral Home to score stands on best looking, most creative or inventive design and gave discretionary bonus points.
Lemonade Day was an experiential, educational program for elementary age children that teaches them the process of starting and then running their very own business – a lemonade stand. On Lemonade Day children in Deming and Luna County will be able to set up their lemonade stand businesses throughout the city and open for sales. The money they make will be theirs to keep. They are encouraged to spend some of their profit, save some of their profit, and share some of their profit with a charity of their choice.
The program was started in Houston, Texas in 2007 as a 501(c)3 by entrepreneur and philanthropist, Michael Holthouse. Since then, it has expanded to more than 81 programs throughout North America, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico. The average profit for participating children last year was $224, however many children in high customer traffic areas throughout their cities make much more – many even over $1,000 on that one day.
The Deming event was one of only two in New Mexico this year. The other was in Albuquerque.
A total of 12-judges participated between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 pm. Morning judges included Jill Black, Idie Karr, Chelsea Evans, Monica Topham, Jenifer Jones and Mayor Benny Jasso. Afternoon judges included Barbara Reedy, Christie Ann Harvey, Jay Yates, Teresa Sanchez, Desa Malina and Teresa Aguilera.
Troyer says there were at least 40 lemonade stands participating, with 148 registered names in total. The enthusiasm and participation throughout town was truly infectious. It was fun to see children, parents, grandparents and community out and getting involved. “We are all looking forward to doing it again next year!," Troyer added.
A 9-minute clip of the day is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/XmPrHVvedF8
Congratulations to our amazing young entrepreneurs and 2022 Best Lemonade Stand Winners:
First Place - Q’s Homemade Lemonade. Congratulations to business owners Israel and Kiahna Valdez.
Second Place - Llama-Nade. Congratulations to business owner Katherine Johnston
Third Place - Main Squeeze. Congratulations to business owners Ingrid Madrid, Leilanny Calderon and Emmalyn Flores.
This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: Chamber announces Best of KOTS winners
