Web site

The Capitan Chamber of Commerce would like to take this opportunity to introduce our organization to you. The officers are Shirley Pavlovic, President, Phyllis Macaw, Vice President/Secretary, Lynne Story, Correspondence Secretary and Jo Mayberry, Treasurer. The directors are Kay Strickland, Maxine Wright and Phyllis Macaw, The members are business proprietors, your friends and neighbors.

The purpose of the Chamber is the furtherance of the overall and 'long-range interests of Capitan and surrounding communities. The organization places emphasis on supporting civic, cultural and recreational endeavors. Some of the projects the Chamber sponsors and/or funds in an endeavor to meet this objective are:

•    Buys thousands of brochures to advertise Smokey Bear and Capitan and pays to keep them stocked in strategic places

•    Answers many letters and phone calls inquiring about Capitan and Lincoln County

•    Pays to have the American Flag placed on 18 light poles in Capitan on holidays

•    Gives a graduating senior of Capitan High School a $300 scholarship to attend a New Mexico college and will give more scholarships as our budget allows

•    Purchases and maintains the Christmas decorations that adorn the light poles in Capitan

•    Sponsor the Christmas decoration/lighting contest and awards prizes

•    Sponsors a Capitan Clean-Up Day in conjunction with the Village

•    Sponsors a "Meet the Candidates Night" for local elections

•    Sponsors 4 annual flea markets

•    Sponsors 2 annual merchant's sidewalk sales

•    Pays to maintain the welcome sign on the east side of Capitan

•    Sponsors a Holiday Bazaar that benefits both the Chamber and our Senior Center

•    Hosts a Christmas open house at the Chamber

In addition, this past year the Chamber helped pay for sidewalks, some of the plants and the birdbath at the Veteran's Park. We worked with the Village to put on a great July 4th parade, and we partnered with Rio Ruidoso Realtors to open a visitor's center.

These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication and support of past and present Chamber members, who unselfishly volunteer. For many years the Chamber ran Thursday night Bingo to help fund many of these projects. But now we need your help. So, if you enjoy the Christmas decorations, the July 4th parade and think that the other projects listed above are beneficial to Capitan, please support the Capitan Chamber of Commerce. Become a member and/or volunteer. If you're already a member, please join us for meetings. Come to our events, flea markets and sales. Support the local merchants. We need your help and input. You don't have to own or run a business to join. Thank you, and thanks to the Mayor and Village Trustees for allowing the Chamber this opportunity to address you.