Past public servants honored at annual chamber of commerce banquet
LA Junta Tribune
The La Junta Chamber of Commerce was not dissuaded by the COVID-19 pandemic when it came to the question of whether or not its annual banquet would take place this year.
Things were different, though, in that the banquet was held at 7 p.m. Monday virtually, as opposed to its traditional location in Otero Junior College s Rizzuto Banquet Room.
Although COVID-19 was not a direct theme of the virtual banquet, its impacts on local businesses, schools, government and the people of La Junta was. Likewise, how the La Junta Chamber of Commerce responds to the ongoing pandemic in 2021 was a major topic for Chamber Board President Mickie Lewis.
Otero County opens applications for new small business COVID-19 relief
LA Junta Tribune
Additional help is on the way for Otero County businesses struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic, as a new avenue to request that help opened Monday.
Otero County Economic Development Coordinator Danelle Berg said at the board of county commissioners meeting that a new COVID-19 relief grant program s application period just opened and that she is taking calls.
The grant is for businesses making less than $2.5 million in revenue annually. The bill provides $37 million in direct aid grants and annual fee waivers to struggling businesses, and also creates a grant program and allocates funds specifically for arts and cultural organizations as well as minority owned businesses, Berg said.