From January 12, 2023 post.
PUEBLO OF ISLETA — With a broader mission and continued growth, the Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce is now doing business as the Greater Valencia County Chamber of Commerce.During the annual awards and installation gala on Saturday at Isleta Resort and Casino, the members of the chamber unanimously voted to change the name of the organization.Andrew Spears, of Edward Jones Financial, the new chamber president called for the vote, saying the board of directors decided on one change to the organization’s bylaws.“The rationale behind that was because as the chamber continues to grow county-wide, the change will better reflect our work and our focus,” Spears said.Along with the swearing-in of the chamber’s board of directors, the chamber also presented several awards to different businesses and individuals.Clara Garcia | News-Bulletin photosThe Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce named Randy Gettings as its Citizen of the Year. Pictured, from left, is Chamber President Andrew Spears, Executive Director Rhona Espinoza, Gettings, and John Ivey, past president.
Citizen of the YearThe Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Citizen of the Year is Randy Gettings. The Citizen of the Year is someone who is a contributor and volunteer to the community who receives no pay.“Randy is constantly shown to give back to our community. He promotes Belen and Valencia County through his Facebook page, Good Stuff About Belen,” said the gala’s emcee Rudy Espinoza. “He also was instrumental in bringing back Old Man Quejas to the Our Lady of Belen Fiestas. He worked with other volunteers tirelessly in putting it together to be burned at the fiestas. “He also created a new event in the county called the B Town Bike Rally, where hundreds of bikes travel from all over the southwest and converge at the Sheriff’s Posse Arena after a lengthy motorcycle run. He also has taken over the Rio Abajo Poker Run.”Gettings said he was surprised and humbled by the award.“I’d like to thank all the business people in Belen,” Gettings said. “Without you, I couldn’t do what I do. I’m just humbled right now. God bless you all.”
Original source can be found here.
