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Raton, New Mexico, lies on the edge of the Rocky Mountains, partly on flat plains and partly on mesa. The town was established in 1879 when the Santa Fe Trail plowed through Raton Pass. Raton is home to about 8,000 of Colfax County's 21,000 people, and cows outnumber people by a ratio of ten o one. Coal mining has played an important part in the area's economics, and about 160 of Raton's citizens are miners. Nearby Capulan Volcano National Monument offers a first-hand look into a volcano cone, while mountain lakes and ski resorts beckon fishermen, hikers, horseback riders, and skiers. Raton also sits on Interstate 25. Tourism which accounts for about 50 percent of the town's receipts has had an important role in Raton's economic well-being for some time, but city leaders have also been working to broaden the town's industrial base. "Economic development has not blossomed until the last three years," said Woody Mitchell, director of the Raton Chamber and Economic Development Council. The Council was established in 1986 as a way of providing a fresh start to the city's economic development, a reorganizing of the town's efforts. The emphasis has been on team work, long-range planning and leadership development. "The team efforts have really enhanced our efforts here," Mitchell said. The key to this is broad community support. To Mitchell, creating this kind of relationship within the community is what economic development is all about. Since its inception, the Council budget has tripled to over $200,000 and membership has grown to about 150. During this time, a half dozen industries have come to Raton and created 200-250 jobs. Mitchell recently announced that an embroidery company from Dallas will be setting up shop in Raton. About 10 jobs are expected to be created at first, and between 15 and 20 more in the future. Three years ago, the Chamber and the city agreed to build a 72-acre industrial park at the local airport. A 10,000-square-foot building is expected to be built soon and perhaps house a supplier of electric power. Mitchell said financial arrangements are still being finalized. Final plans are also in the works for three other business prospects. The Council has also reached agreements for three statewide conventions, bringing over 700 people to the community. |
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| Financial help has been obtained through matching funds from the New Mexico Economic Development Department and the state Tourism Department, both of which "are very active and supportive" of Raton's work, Mitchell said. Mitchell stressed the importance of getting a broad, representative group of people in the community involved in economic development efforts. These people will, in turn, help others they know become active. Important aspects of the Council's job is to help these people succeed, by offering needed tools, information, training, and support. But there have been problems, Mitchell said, including Environmental Protection Agency regulations, a lack of tax incentives offered by some states, and a lack of financing, all of which hurt start-up efforts by marginal-type businesses and industries. Raton, NM . . . has a population of 7,372 people, of whom 81% are white and 18.6% are other races. Average annual per-capita income is $9,664. |
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| Financial help has been obtained through matching funds from the New Mexico Economic Development Department and the state Tourism Department, both of which "are very active and supportive" of Raton's work, Mitchell said. Mitchell stressed the importance of getting a broad, representative group of people in the community involved in economic development efforts. These people will, in turn, help others they know become active. Important aspects of the Council's job is to help these people succeed, by offering needed tools, information, training, and support. But there have been problems, Mitchell said, including Environmental Protection Agency regulations, a lack of tax incentives offered by some states, and a lack of financing, all of which hurt start-up efforts by marginal-type businesses and industries. Raton, NM . . . has a population of 7,372 people, of whom 81% are white and 18.6% are other races. Average annual per-capita income is $9,664. |
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