Author: lydia

“Partnering with SunPower to offer these incentives makes it easy and affordable for members to purchase solar systems for their homes and businesses today,” said Allan Oliver, CEO of the New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce.  “This exciting new program not only offers a significant savings to our members, but will help support jobs in the fast-growing clean-energy sector.”

In addition to the discounts on high-efficiency SunPower solar systems, the company will offer free, comprehensive solar workshops, including information on available state and local financial incentives, via its authorized dealers, NMGCC members Positive Energy and Consolidated Solar Technologies. These workshops will be scheduled throughout the summer months in the Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruces areas.

“This is a great opportunity for members to install the most reliable solar panels available today at a reduced rate,” said Jim Pape, president, SunPower residential and commercial business unit.  “SunPower solar systems offer guaranteed performance, delivering both monthly financial savings and clean, renewable solar power for 25 years or more.”

The program offers residential customers rebates up to $2,000 in addition to any federal and local incentives and up to $10,000 for commercial solar projects.

Members can call SunPower at 1-877-779-7496, or visit www.sunpowercorp.com/asp/nmgcc for residential information, or www.sunpowercorp.com/bsp/greenchamberbiz for commercial inquiries. A qualified SunPower dealer will respond within three business days.

About the New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce:

With more than 1100 member businesses statewide, the New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for business owners who subscribe to a Triple Bottom Line that invests in people, protects land, air and water, and creates long-term profits.  One of its goals is to unleash the creative force of business to rebuild local economies and to take advantage of new opportunities in a fast-growing clean energy economy.  For more information, visit www.nmgreenchamber.com.

About SunPower

SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers the highest efficiency, highest reliability solar panels and systems available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company’s quarter century of experience and guaranteed performance to provide maximum return on investment throughout the life of the solar system. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.

The folks at the New Mexico Tourism Department are busy counting the votes to see where to send green chile cheeseburger lovers to find the best plates in the state. Stay tuned for the 2011 results!

The New Trail Arrives May 19th

New Mexico didn’t invent the hamburger, but we’re the one who added green chile and made it hot! Sample this culinary treasure on your next trip, or turn your next trip into a sampling of burgers down our highways and byways, including Route 66.

No state is more passionate about its burger than New Mexico. A juicy thick patty grilled over an open flame or sizzled on a griddle, then blanketed in molten Cheddar or other cheese, and topped off with enough New Mexican green chile to tingle the tastebuds—what could be more glorious?

The green chile cheeseburger has been a staple on menus here since the middle of the last century. Burgers gained in popularity during the glory years of American road travel, when the asphalt ribbon Route 66 bisected New Mexico from west to east. Many lay claim to the idea of adding the state’s chile to a classic cheeseburger. The fiery burger’s early esteem was fueled by decades-old burger hotspots like The Owl Café and Buckhorn Tavern in San Antonio, Burt’s Burger Bowl in Santa Fe, Bobcat Bite just outside of Santa Fe, and Blake’s Lotaburger’s original Albuquerque location.

The national media’s fueled the flames of passion for our burgers. Alan Richman’s “The 20 Hamburgers You Must Eat Before You Die” (GQ, July 2008) includes Buckhorn Tavern and Bobcat Bite, and George Motz’s Hamburger America book and film singled out Bobcat Bite for even more accolades. The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” host, Guy Fieri, loved the well-known Bert’s Burger Bowl but even sleuthed out Albuquerque’s fabulous Monte Carlo Steak House, hidden behind a humble package liquor store. The Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” brought its roadshow to New Mexico and saw Buckhorn Tavern crush grillmeister Flay.

Those places all deserve the attention they get, but you’ll miss out big-time, if you limit your burger budget to only those spots. However, a search for all the great burgers might take an intrepid diner too many years and a few too many calories to find.

We’ve made it easy, selecting some 4 dozen of the state’s outstanding green chile cheeseburger restaurants, cafes, drive-ins, and joints. Now this was tough! Some 8,000 people—residents, visitors, reviewers, and other restaurateurs—weighed in. By no means did they or we exhaust the possibilities, but we did try to make sure visitors have options on the most travelled routes, along with pit stops in all corners of the state. Now you have no excuse to miss Lucky Boy, a Chinese mom-and-pop shop, or Home of the Laguna Burger, in a superette inside a gas station on a pueblo west of Albuquerque, or newcomer Badlands Burgers in Grants, winner of the Governor’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge, held during the New Mexico State Fair.

Some of the best news about our burgers is really old news. Decades ago, prepared condiments may have started at a local farm, and the bun may have come from a local bakery. So it is again. New Mexico-raised beef is turning up on more and more restaurant menus, as is New Mexico-grown chile. Albuquerque’s Bueno Foods, supplier of pungent pods for many a restaurant, recently began designating “New Mexico Grown, Guaranteed” on menus around the state. Chile is one of our most important but most endangered crops.

You’re sure to find great burger places we missed. We don’t want you to miss anything yourself, so always call ahead or check the establishment’s website to confirm details before going out of your way. We update periodically, but facts can change.

Happy trails and buen provecho!

Click here for a map of the 2009 Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail

You might have seen the old Quemado motel building on your way into town: to say it was a bit “rundown” was a bit of an understatement. Still, it was home to one old gentleman, who recently relocated to a much nicer house where he can live out his twilight years in peace and dignity.

After our very own Kelly Gatlin took some pics, the owner of the property, Tommy Padilla—who also has the Rito Quemado convenience store next door—cleaned it up and took it down to create a proper parking area.

A little bit of progress is a good thing, especially when everyone comes out on top!

Images courtesy of Kelly Gatlin/La Luz Photography

The Historical Society of New Mexico (HSNM) and New Mexico State Monuments are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a day of teachers’ sessions and workshops at the Lincoln State Monument on Saturday, May 7. These will be held in the historic San Juan Mission Church in old Lincoln Town and are a part of the 2011 New Mexico History Conference to be held in Lincoln County on May 5 – 8. The workshops will be focused on the history and impacts of New Mexico’s achieving statehood in 1912 and are part of the commemoration of the Statehood Centennial. Other sessions of the Conference will be ongoing at the Ruidoso Convention Center on May 6 and 7.

No, we’re not advocating zombie-hood… We’re just hoping Ann and Parker find a new home for Mary Mac’s really soon and we can all go back to the business of good food and good fun! For those that missed it, here’s a recent letter sent out to Mary Mac regulars and friends. We wish you a speedy recovery, guys!

On another note – I am struggling with the words to write this.  As of today, April 14th Mary Mac’s is now closed. The business did not fail, in fact it could be said the exact opposite is true, it was thriving.  We have been growing and building a strong clientele over the past year.  The winter went much better than expected which is a strong indicator of future growth.  Thanks to all of our great customers and friends.  It has been so much fun.  Lots of work and long hours but defintely a labor of love.  I have enjoyed cooking and serving a variety of dishes at Mary Mac’s.  Love the conversation, laughter, and just about everything else.  We met each challenge and worked to overcome them.   We got through some tough situations and moved on.   Regarding the real property, we have not been as successful.  There was a large payment due and with all the challenges we have faced just to move forward and keep growing, we couldn’t make the payment.  Now the entire note has been called in and we are forced to leave.   We are looking for another opportunity and possibly another location for Mary Mac’s Cafe.  We hope to serve in the future.

Events Calendar – all events for Mary Mac’s Cafe are cancelled at this time.  I am very sorry about this.  Especially the flea market as it can be such a great place for people to get together and move unwanted things and make some money for themselves and charities.  I will continue to send the events calendar out if people would like me to.  I’d like to hear back from you.  I have 3 new items to add for tomorrow and will correct the events and send out.

Wishing everyone well,

Ann and Parker Fillion

 

Ruidoso lies in the rugged Sierra Blanca mountain range of south central New Mexico, where it merges with the Sacramento Mountains to the south. The region’s alpine scenery is a big draw for visitors—some of whom fall in love and decide to call it home.  Added attractions such as the world-class performing arts center (the Spencer Theater), a museum (affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC), and outdoor activities for everyone, such as skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, and golfing including the Ruidoso Downs racetrack and the slopes of Ski Apache, make it irresistible.

In fact, according to the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce, there are 101 reasons to  call it the ultimate Playground of the Southwest!

101 Things To Do In Ruidoso

 

Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks will join all national parks across the country in waiving entrance fees while we celebrate National Park Week, April 16-24. The theme this year is Healthy Parks, Healthy People. Special events: April 16 -Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks are joining park partners for the March for Parks Event and Earth Day Celebration at Living Desert Zoo & Garden State Park from 9AM to 1PM. On Saturday April 23, children will be the special guests at national parks for the fifth annual Junior Ranger Day.

Stop by the Visitor Center when you arrive to pick up your free car permit. In addition, Western National Parks Association is offering 15% off everything in the bookstore.

If you have questions about Guadalupe Mountains National Park, please contact Karl Pierce at 915-828-3251 x2300. For queries about Carlsbad Caverns National Park, contact Paula J. Bauer at 575-785-3090.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park 3225 National Parks Highway Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220

To plan your visit to Carlsbad Caverns, call 575-785-2232 or visit www.nps.gov/cave.

To see a map of all the National Parks and Monuments in New Mexico
visit http://www.nps.gov/state/nm

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — Manufacturers Now Have Faster, More Cost-Effective Testing Options With Single Laboratory Able to Certify for Countries Worldwide

To speed entry for solar panel manufacturers into the North American and international markets, a new laboratory opened today in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that offers worldwide certification services from one location.

CFV Solar Test Laboratory, (http://www.cfvsolar.com/) a photovoltaic (PV) certification test company, is jointly owned by CSA Group, VDE Testing and Certification Institute, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) and Fraunhofer USA Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE).

The CFV laboratory offers complete certification and non-certification testing services for PV technologies not readily available at other test locations, including flat panel, thin film and concentrating PV (CPV) testing. The facility will help manufacturers to enter the market more rapidly and at lower cost, as the laboratory can simultaneously certify solar panels for use in multiple countries and meet the unique standards for each country.

Driven by global needs for renewable energy and growing environmental demands, solar panel manufacturing and installation is roughly a $40 billion dollar industry worldwide, and will approach $100 billion by 2014, according to industry estimates. In North America, the utility PV market reached $1 billion in 2010 and is projected to reach $8 billion by 2015, according to GTM Research.

Solar panels require testing and certification to assure the safety, longevity and proper operations. Different countries worldwide have diverse standards for solar panel certification, making the testing process complex and costly for manufacturers.

“Solar panels are high-voltage electrical devices – often being placed in very close proximity to people in offices and homes – that must be properly tested and certified as being safe and effective in generating power,” said Ash Sahi, president and CEO, CSA Group. “We are proud to be one of the partners in this joint venture as no other solar testing facility offers the complete range of services and global capabilities as this new laboratory.”

Testing in the 25,000-square foot indoor lab will include climate chambers for thermal cycling and humidity freeze up of panels to 4m x 2.5m; a large area AAA+ rated solar simulator with temperature controlled enclosure for performance measurements; and access to a five-acre outdoor testing area with single and two-axis trackers for accelerated light soaking and CPV testing. The joint venture combines Fraunhofer’s technical expertise and extensive research capabilities with CSA Group and VDE’s solar certification proficiency, creating a new center of excellence for PV module testing.

“We are very excited to start this new venture in Albuquerque, New Mexico,” said Dr. Christian Hoepfner, director of technical operations at Fraunhofer CSE and president of CFV Solar Test Laboratory. “This new test laboratory will be instrumental in bringing new PV technologies and products to the market, while maintaining the excellent PV industry track record with regards to safety and product quality. The co-location with a Fraunhofer research group will help CFV to stay at the cutting edge of PV technology.”

“Our generations of international experience have shown that customer trust and an excellent reputation with authorities can be achieved and maintained only by ensuring independence, neutrality, and uncompromising quality,” said Wilfried Jäger, managing director of the VDE Testing and Certification Institute. “We look forward to applying our highest standards in working with customers in this dynamic and exciting industry, together with our joint venture partners. We believe our bundled services are truly unique and perfectly tailored to industry needs.”

“From other markets we learned that accurate and efficient testing, backed by profound R&D expertise, is a key element for quick deployment of the PV industry,” said Dr. Harry Wirth, head of department photovoltaic modules, systems and reliability at Fraunhofer ISE. “Our joint venture has the capabilities to provide the required comprehensive services.”

About CSA Group

CSA Group is an independent, not-for-profit membership association serving business, industry, government and consumers. CSA Group consists of three divisions: CSA Standards, a leading standards-based solutions organization, providing standards development, application products, training and advisory services; CSA International, which provides testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more, visit http://www.csagroup.org

About The VDE Testing and Certification Institute

The VDE Testing and Certification Institute is an independent institution which is nationally and internationally accredited. Headed by Wilfried Jäger, managing director, the VDE Institute is responsible for testing and certifying the safety and performance of electronic devices, components and systems for consumers and the general public by applying the highest standards of quality. Since 1920, the VDE mark has stood for safety and quality in electrical and information technology.

The Institute’s independent test engineers subject more than 100,000 electric and electronic products a year to rigorous tests before affixing the VDE mark. VDE experts supervise over 7,000 manufacturing plants throughout the world. Cooperation agreements with more than 50 countries ensure that the inspections conducted by the VDE Institute are internationally recognized. More than 200,000 product families and well over a million individual products worldwide carry VDE certification marks. The non-profit VDE Testing and Certification Institute in Offenbach, Germany, employs around 450 staff members. In the course of establishing a global network of local facilities, with a focus on Asia, the Institute has increased its staff by 300 employees to handle local testing and inspections. For more, visit http://www.vde.com

About Fraunhofer ISE and CSE

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the leading organization for applied research in Europe with 59 research institutes and 17,000 employees. Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a non-profit applied research organization headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan with six research centers that collaborate with major universities throughout the U.S. http://www.fraunhofer.org

One of Fraunhofer USA’s research centers is the Center for Sustainable Energy Systems CSE, located in Cambridge, MA. Fraunhofer CSE is an applied research and development laboratory dedicated to the commercialization of clean energy technologies. CSE engages in contract research and development with private companies, government entities, and academic institutions. Current research focuses on PV module design and manufacturing and energy efficient building technologies. http://cse.fraunhofer.org/

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, located in Freiburg, Germany is the largest solar energy research institute in Europe. The Institute is committed to promoting energy supply systems which are sustainable, economic, safe and socially just. ISE develops materials, components, systems and processes for seven different business areas: Energy-Efficient Buildings and Technical Building Components, Applied Optics and Functional Surfaces, Solar Thermal Technology, Silicon Photovoltaics, Alternative Photovoltaic Technology, Renewable Power Generation and Hydrogen Technology. ISE operates several testing centers for various solar technologies and in the building sector. http://www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Daily Nonstops and Double AAdvantage Miles

FORT WORTH, Texas, — American Eagle, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, today launched three daily round-trip flights between Albuquerque International Sunport and Los Angeles International Airport. The new service is operated with 63-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 jets featuring a two-class cabin, as well as 44-seat Embraer jets.

“We’re delighted to launch our service from Albuquerque to American’s cornerstone hub in Los Angeles,” said Gary Foss, Vice President – Planning and Marketing for American’s regional network. “With three daily nonstop flights, customers from Albuquerque will have more travel options throughout the day as well as more convenient connections to the world through American’s Los Angeles cornerstone hub, and the oneworld® global network. Favored destinations include Hawaii, Hong Kong, Japan, Peru, Australia and New Zealand.”

One example of those increased travel options is American’s new nonstop service from Los Angeles to Shanghai, which also begins April 5. The new Eagle service to and from Albuquerque is timed for convenient Shanghai connections. The new Los Angeles flights also complement existing American and American Eagle service to American’s cornerstone hubs in Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth. All this is part of a major expansion of the Los Angeles cornerstone hub that will see more than 30 flights added today to 15 communities for a total of over 150 daily flights.

“This new service is a positive for both business and leisure travelers,” said Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry. “More connections to more destinations are good for the whole community and are proven economic drivers for a city.”

Here is the schedule (all times local):

*Flown with 63-seat, two-class Bombardier jet

**Flown with 44-seat Embraer jet

AAdvantage® Double Mile Offer

Customers can earn double miles for travel between Los Angeles and Albuquerque beginning today through June 30, 2011. To participate in this promotion, customers need to register prior to travel using promotion code LAX2X. Customers can register and obtain complete offer terms and conditions for this promotion as well as learn about our triple mile offer for travel on our new nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai at www.aa.com/morelax. If you are not yet an AAdvantage member, it’s easy and free to enroll – just visit www.aa.com/enroll.

First Class Service on American Eagle

With the introduction of nine First Class seats on all of its CRJ-700 aircraft, Eagle now offers a premium product with the same level of outstanding service customers experience on American Airlines. Eagle’s complimentary First Class dining service on longer flights includes a continental breakfast with cereal or hot oatmeal and yogurt and a lunch or dinner that includes a fresh salad or a sandwich and dessert. First Class customers receive warm, cleansing towels and mixed nuts prior to their meals, which are served on china. On flights of shorter duration, beverage service will be accompanied by a gourmet snack mix. The new First Class seat includes four-way adjustable headrests, ergonomically-contoured back and seat cushions, together with a unique, articulated seat bottom, which allows customers to recline with less impact on the legroom of passengers seated behind them.

About American Eagle

American Eagle operates more than 1,500 daily flights to over 170 cities throughout the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Mexico and the Caribbean on behalf of American Airlines. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines serve 250 cities in 50 countries with, on average, more than 3,600 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American’s award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve approximately 900 destinations with more than 9,000 daily flights to 145 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

About the AAdvantage® Program

The AAdvantage program was the first frequent flyer program. Established in 1981, the program now has more than 62 million members. Members can earn miles at more than 1,000 participating companies, which include more than 30 hotel chains representing more than 60 brands, more than 20 airlines, eight car-rental companies, 10 financial companies, and over 350 brand name retailers. In addition, members can earn miles when making purchases with one of more than 100 affinity card products in over 40 countries. In 2009, AAdvantage members redeemed more than 150 billion miles to claim more than 6.9 million awards for flights, upgrades and car rentals. For more information and a listing of AAdvantage program participating companies, visit www.aa.com/aadvantage.

OMAHA, Neb., /PRNewswire/ — Union Pacific Railroad announced today that New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez signed into law a bill passed by the New Mexico Legislature granting Union Pacific a locomotive fuel tax deduction. This legislation paves the way for Union Pacific to begin construction of an all new rail facility near Santa Teresa, New Mexico in June 2011.

Construction of the new facility will create approximately 3,000 jobs during the build phase from 2011 to 2015. Union Pacific expects that more than 600 jobs will be based at the facility once it reaches full capacity in 2025. The estimated overall economic impact of the project for New Mexico exceeds $500 million, with Union Pacific’s investment highlighting the company’s strong commitment to enhancing the nation’s transportation infrastructure and setting the standard for outstanding customer service.

“Our strategic investment in this new facility helps improve capacity and enhance efficiency on a key part of our network, while also demonstrating our long-term commitment to deliver premium service to our customers,” said Jim Young, Union Pacific chairman and chief executive officer. “Investments of this kind are guided by our mission to serve and are leading to new business and record levels of safety and customer satisfaction.”

This state-of-the-art facility will be located just west of the Santa Teresa Airport on 2,200 acres and will include fueling facilities, crew change buildings, an intermodal yard and an intermodal ramp with an annual lift capacity of up to 250,000 intermodal containers. The New Mexico economy will get an immediate boost when construction on the project begins later this year. Upon completion of the facility, the southern region of the state will have greater access than ever before to the economic and environmental benefits of shipping freight by rail.

Construction of this facility is part of Union Pacific’s commitment to invest approximately $3.2 billion in 2011 – capital investment that is part of a long-term strategy to provide safe, efficient service across its 32,000 mile network.

Improved and additional rail capacity benefits everyone. It allows freight rail service to grow, helping to build a cleaner environment. Union Pacific can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel fuel, and, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, freight trains are nearly four times more efficient than trucks. Motorists also benefit from reduced congestion on highways as a single Union Pacific train can remove up to 300 trucks from our roads.

About Union Pacific

Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and provides Americans with a fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible and safe mode of freight transportation. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad emphasizes excellent customer service and offers competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America’s premier rail franchise.