By Linda Kor The Holbrook Chamber of Commerce met last week to discuss upcoming events and report on activities. The board also held its annual election with five vacancies. Four of those selected were already on the board including Daniella Day, Shar Gillespie, Paul Ortega and Tara Young, with new board member Chuck Minter added. According to Director Cindy Tafoya, the Holbrook Revitalization and Recovery Grant has been awarded to a number of local businesses to accommodate space concerns and to make improvements to appearance. She noted that she still has $2,500 available for non-matching grants up to $1,000 per business. Work completed so far include a new sign that has been put up at the First Step Work Shop on Hopi Drive and at Esmeralda’s Bella Vida Salon on First Avenue there is new parking in front of the building and new paint will be done as well. At the Empty Pockets on Navajo Blvd., new gravel has been placed out front and a new paint is being done on the façade of the building. There are several other businesses waiting for signage to be painted and replaced and other minor structural improvements. The businesses have until November to complete the projects. Tafoya reported on a job fair held two weeks ago with about 200 job openings advertised at the fair. There were at least 40 people that attended. The chamber board also discussed a movie “under the stars” to be held at the end of July but the movie has not been determined as of yet. It was also determined that Old West Fest will return in October as an in-person event, with a virtual option should COVID once again impact the community.
