Seminar 2 - Artesia

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Our second in person seminar proved that the connection we found at the first seminar was no fluke.  With winds upwards of 40 mph, we enjoyed our sessions INSIDE the Artesia Chamber of Commerce off the heart of downtown.  Our tour of the Seven River Pecan Farm near Carlsbad was enjoyable even with the winds blowing across the fields.  It was pleasant sitting around and talking plans for our trip to Scotland and England.  In the morning we took a quick walk down to a local coffee shop which had a few different drinks on their morning menu, including the vanilla coke macchiato that I still may try to recreate as it was very intriguing.  Our food and company was enjoyable and I think we are all looking forward to hopping across the pond for more adventures!  

Our sessions ran the gamut and kicked off with discussing the legislative process with Representatives Brown and Townsend.  This discussion was eye opening for me regarding the impact that oil & gas has on the New Mexico economy and how our representatives interact with their constituents when not in session.  The oil and gas industry is a significant driver for the Artesia economy and it was insightful to hear about how the wells are drilled as well.  

Our other seminar topics included mental health first aid, rural law enforcement and its challenges, the wonderful people behind the local Chamber of Commerce, the local Holly Frontier Sinclair refinery, and the Superintendent from the Pecos Valley Artesian Conservancy. 

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