Date:
7/8/2002
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Donna Gutierrez
ROSWELL – ENMU-Roswell was well represented among the 32-member delegation that attended the 53rd All-America City Awards Competition in Kansas City, Missouri
June 13-15.
It was Roswell's third year as a finalist in the competition and the third time was the charm as a panel of judges selected Roswell as one of the ten All-America Cities. Sponsored by the National Civic League, this annual award recognizes communities which identify and tackle their most pressing challenges, by involving public, non-profit and private sectors. Out of 30 finalist cities, the ten winners of the All-America city title serve as models for the entire nation.
Roswell's presentation to the judges focused on three projects. The Community Dental Initiative operated through ENMU-Roswell utilizes a mobile dental van and a clinic to provide dental services to disadvantaged youth. The Dress for Success project brings together a number of organizations, including the Hispano Chamber of Commerce, to provide school uniforms to needy children. The 'Incidentally Roswell' project illustrated how the city has capitalized on its alien connection to promote tourism related businesses and generate positive job growth.
"We are very happy to be selected for this great honor," said Roswell Mayor Bill Owen, who led the Roswell delegation to Louisville, Ky., in 2000 and to Atlanta in 2001. "Being named an All-America City will help our community with economic development and job growth. "It is particularly welcome at a time when Roswell's overall economy is doing well, despite an economic downturn in other parts of the nation and the state," the mayor said. Owen said Roswell's gross receipts taxes continue to increase, showing consumer confidence in the community. "I know this will be a sign Roswell is on the move," Owen said. "Roswell has a tremendous number of dedicated citizens, all working to better our community. This award is an opportunity for us to tell the rest of the country about the incredible community in which we live."
Those who traveled to Kansas City from ENMU-Roswell were: Robert Rhodes, Customized Training Director; Jane Batson, Division of Health Chair; Donna Gutierrez, Community Relations Director; Rudy Garcia, Dental Clinic Manager; Wilfred Brady, Dental Van Driver and Dental Assistant; Steve Gonzales, Community Advisory Council Member; Peggy Harelson, EMS Training Center Assistant Coordinator and her son, Jonathan; and Avon Wilson, Adult Basic Education Director.
Roswell was recently picked as one of 10 All-America Cities. A number of employees from ENMU-Roswell attended the competition in Kansas City, Mo.
(photo by Jack Swickard)