Farmington New Mexico
Welcome to Farmington, one of the fastest growing communities in New Mexico. A study of any community will reveal many connections and associations of the people who live there. To the casual observer it quickly is apparent that Farmington is an interesting mix of people of all cultures, ages, and backgrounds. This mix of people form Farmington's family.
For example, on each Saturday morning from mid July to the end of October, local farmers set up their fresh produce to sell at the Growers Market sponsored by the Farmington Chamber of Commerce. Staff members, volunteers, and farmers greet each other like long-lost relatives in the early dawn hours as they prepare for the 8:00 a.m. opening. Good-natured ribbing is part of the welcome that everyone receives. As the customers arrive they race to the booth of their favorite vender to purchase tomatoes that were picked just hours before. Customers and venders swap stories with one another as if they have known each other for years. It is a wonderful process to watch, reminiscent of a simpler period of time, when we took time for casual conversation with our neighbors.
Any morning of the week, you can visit one of the local diners and observe long-time Farmington residents talking about the issues of the day over a cup of coffee. Known as one of the informal power structures, these friends pool their individual knowledge to influence change within the formal power structure. You can pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee and enjoy the banter among friends just like at your own kitchen table. Just like family, you can bet there will be disagreements. However, when the day is done everyone puts their differences aside and friendships remain intact.
In Farmington and San Juan County, we work together. The Chambers of Commerce in the county work together on issues of mutual interest. The area city governments work with each other and with other entities in the county. San Juan College administrators support and work with businesses as well as other organizations. Working together is the norm instead of the exception.
Barbara Bush said, "To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there." This statement rings true for the community of Farmington. We suffer loss, celebrate successes, and stumble as we move forward. During each occurrence, you can count on community support. We do not know what the future will bring our way. Whatever happens in the future, we will be in one piece, and our community family will remain together.
Melissa Lane, President
Farmington Chamber of Commerce
