​It is election time for the New Mexico Route 66 Association Board of Directors.

​Early, Online Voting is now taking place for the New Mexico Route 66 Association Board of Directors.
Voting is open to Current New Mexico Route 66 Association Members Only. 
If you are a current member, you should have received an email from us with a link to the voting page on the evening on November 30th. (We were pretty excited and emailed the voting link early!)  Be sure to check your spam folder in case your email ended up there. If you did not receive an email, please send a note to the membership department: membership@rt66nm.org.

Current Members may cast their votes online between December 1st - December 9th, 2021.
 
In Person Voting on Election Day:
Current Members wishing to vote in person must submit their votes on December 11th, 2021 at Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post between 9:30am - 10:00am, before the meeting begins.
Votes will no longer be accepted once meeting starts at 10:00am.

Election and short meeting will be held:
Saturday, December 11, 2021
10:00 am - Noon
Enchanted Trails RV Park and Trading Post - 14305 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM  87121

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​Board of Directors Candidates 
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Vickie Ashcraft 
Albuquerque, NM - Bernalillo County 

• Owner, Enchanted Trails RV Park and Trading Post
• Current Board of Director Member
• Former Association President  (2008 - 2013)
• Started annual NM Route 66 Motor Tour and ongoing motor tour committee member.
• Created and in charge of association Facebook page – postings and answering FB messages.
• Took part in City of Albuquerque’s NM Rt. 66 Corridor Management Plan.
• Wrote grants for NM Dept. of Tourism Cooperative Marketing Program.
• Participated in numerous tv, newspaper and video interviews regarding Route 66.
• Handled magazine ad sales, billing and delivered the magazines throughout the state.
• Location host of meetings, events, and celebrations.

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​Alan Carlson
Albuquerque, NM - Bernalillo County 

• Albuquerque native; family here since 1880. I have lived in the same house since 1953.
• Current Board of Director Member
• Retired from auto-related manual labor in December of 2017. Car enthusiast and auto racing fan; have owned 108 vehicles (so far) since I was 16. My other expensive hobby was songwriting.
• Contributing writer for Route 66 Magazine (2001-2019)
• Contributing writer for Route 66 New Mexico Magazine (2005-present),
• Guest Editor for Route 66 New Mexico Magazine (2005 & 2007).
• Member of SouthWest Writers for 15 years; wrote story about Bo Diddley published in their book, 'Storyteller's Anthology', in 2013.
• Member of the Albuquerque Historical Society and received their first History Accolade (2018) for my documentation of early Albuquerque auto racing.
• Active in Historic Albuquerque Inc., helping gather photos, interviews and information.
• Active in the Historic Fairview Cemetery organization.
• I guess you could say the best part of my life is HISTORY!
• I want to continue writing stories for our magazine, do more state-wide networking for the association and help plan the next Motor Tour.

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​Gregory Hasman
Albuquerque, NM - Bernalillo County

• I enjoy writing and taking photos of anything interesting along the open road. I could put that to good use for the New Mexico Route 66 Association’s Magazine or social media pages.

• Recently moved to Albuquerque and joined the New Mexico Route 66 Association.
• Have experience as a member and director of the Wyoming state chapter of the Lincoln Highway Association. This included helping put together a national conference in Rock Springs in 2019, i.e. putting together a tour itinerary and bringing in speakers to talk at an event dinner.

• I am currently working on a story (or two, perhaps) for the Spring 2022 issue of the New Mexico Route 66 Association's Magazine. 

• As for my long-term plans, I hope to write as well as go to different communities and talk to folks about the importance of preserving 66 and recruit new businesses and sell ads for the publication.

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Jennifer Lazarz
Gallup, NM - McKinley County

• Tourism and Marketing Manager, Visit Gallup
• I've been with the City of Gallup for six years, first with the historic El Morro and then expanding into the tourism and marketing role. I manage public relations, marketing, sales, community development, and our lodger's tax fund. I've been hands-on with web development (Visit Gallup launches a new app and website in January!), graphic design, social media management, strategic planning, project management, & more. 
• Currently treasurer & finance committee chair for the Community Pantry (a non-profit food bank in McKinley County) as well as handling all their social media advertising and online raffles & events. 
• I have been working with the New Mexico Route 66 Association for several years now to promote Gallup and help improve the public's awareness of Gallup on western New Mexico Route 66. I have run ads in the New Mexico Route 66 Association Magazine, done local distribution, given out magazines at a conference and proposed adding the magazine to the State's coop marketing program.
• I believe the Association would benefit from my sales and marketing experience, the fact that I can help network the western portion of the Mother Road, and my relationship with the State Tourism office. 
• I'd like to assist with social media for the New Mexico Route 66 Association as well as facilitate a stronger relationship between the association and the State tourism department.
• Currently working to improve Route 66 signage and infrastructure within our community and identifying ways that I can work with partners in the Association and across the state to develop plans and implementation for the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. 
• I will be pitching Route 66 based itineraries at ABA Marketplace and the Travel Alliance Partners TAP dance in 2022.

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Chris Liebson
 Santa Fe, NM – Santa Fe County 

• Retired IT supervisor for the state of New Mexico
• Joined the association this year.
• Created in 2019 and administer the Facebook group called "Route 66 through New Mexico" to promote both subjects.
• Provided a tour of the entire route through New Mexico with my girlfriend who formerly worked with the New Mexico Tourism Department, and most recently to her mother a tour of the western section of the highway.
• As a former IT supervisor, I would provide technical assistance to the association managing IT resources.
• Work with City of Santa Fe councilors to promote the 100th Anniversary and its impact on the history of Santa Fe which is often overlooked.
• As for my long-term plans, continue to administer and grow my Facebook group with the focus on my home state and the mother road.

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​Connie Loveland
Tucumcari, NM - Quay County

• Executive Director, Tucumcari MainStreet
• I've been the Executive Director for Tucumcari MainStreet for 2 1/2 years where I work closely with the City of Tucumcari and Quay County Government, Tucumcari Chamber of Commerce and Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation. Our focus as a community driven nonprofit is to create economic development opportunities, work to preserve the historic cultural assets of our community and create a community both locals and tourists will love. I handle all aspects of project management, promotion, fundraising and grant writing for our organization as well as volunteer coordinator and event planning for Tucumcari MainSteet and the Tucumcari Railroad Museum.
• Currently serving as the Secretary for the NM Coalition of Main Street Communities as well as ex-officio member of the Tucumcari Chamber of Commerce.
• I enjoy local history, travel and photography. I believe the association would benefit from my networking and fundraising experience as well as my connection with the New Mexico MainStreet Association and MainStreet America.
• Team lead for the development of the new Visit Tucumcari brand launch in December 2020 which includes new logos, visitor guide development as well as social media and print marketing.
• Worked with the Association on the 2021 Motor Tour.
• I have been working with association Preservation Officer, Johnnie Meier, for the restoration of the Odeon Theatre neon sign.
• Tucumcari MainStreet is a member of the association and we have worked together on projects to promote Tucumcari through the association magazine as well as Fast TV Network. Tucumcari Mainstreet distributes the magazine through the Tucumcari Railroad Museum as well as handing them out to our local Main Street district businesses.
• I would like to assist with event planning such as the Motor Tour and any other events the association puts on. I am working with the Chamber of Commerce, City Marketing Team and local businesses to increase promotion of our local businesses, Museums and Tucumcari Talking Tour. I would love to work with Association to plan events and raise awareness for the upcoming 100th anniversary of Route 66!

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​Johnnie Meier
Embudo, NM - Rio Arriba County

• Owner, Classical Gas Museum
• Current Board of Director Member
• Current Association Preservationist
• Current Chair of Historic Preservation and Neon Preservation
• Former Association President (2001-2003)
• Created associations New Mexico Route 66 Magazine.
• Produced and Directed PBS documentary “Route 66, The Neon Road” in collaboration with the New Mexico Route 66 Association. It won the regional Emmy Award for Best Cultural Documentary of 2003.    
• Earned New Mexico Heritage Preservation Award for National Park Service Funded Neon Preservation Project resulting in the restoration of 10 neon signs on New Mexico's Route 66.
• One of 12 Dullest People in America certified by the Dull Men's Club - Included in the 2021 Dull Men's Calendar
• Regular contributor to Fast TV’s series, Legends of Route 66, sharing historic preservation knowledge and insight.

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David Nidel
Albuquerque, NM - Bernalillo County

• Charter Member who helped establish this association.
• Served as the 2nd President (1991-1993)
• Current Board of Director Member
• Helped in membership retention and growth.
• Published initial chapter newsletters.
• Helped to obtain funding and installation of New Mexico Route US66 signs across the state.
• Assisted in obtaining grant funding for conducting economic development studies and providing initiatives for New Mexico Route 66 communities.
• Website development
• Plan and assist with events and provide musical entertainment.
• Respectfully represent the best interests of the association in my personal and business dealings.
• I'm an entrepreneur and own my own business as well as serve as a Trustee in another corporation. I'm an NMSU online Graduate student in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. 
• I would like to serve as a resource for archiving our historical memorabilia, help with events, consult on technology issues, and other duties as time permits.

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Roland Penttila
Albuquerque, NM - Bernalillo County

• Retired Civil Engineer and Amateur Photographer
• Researched historic topics for Albuquerque Historical Society and Historic Albuquerque, Inc.
• Given many presentations for the historical societies and for the local Oasis organization.
• Served on the Board of Albuquerque Historical Society.
• Currently serving on the Board of Historic Albuquerque, Inc as well as their Treasurer.
• I have been a member of New Mexico Route 66 Association for four years.
• This past year I assisted the 2021 Motor Tour planning by contacting motel owners and other individuals in Tucumcari and helped assemble swag bags for the tour.
• I would support the activities of the organization in any way the Board chooses.
• I would like to help in planning for the 100th Anniversary. New Mexico should be ready to help celebrate this anniversary with local, as well as international visitors who are expected to visit the route in 2026. We should encourage all the cities along the route to welcome those guests with a great experience.
• I am also interested in doing some historic research on the route and writing a future article along with photos for the magazine. 

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Larry Plath
Albuquerque, NM - Bernalillo County

• Owner & Vice President of Southwest Outdoor Electric Inc, Signs
• 3rd generation sign manufacturer & installer and owner of a sign company established in 1968 by my father John L. Plath, a 2nd generation sign installer. My grandfather J. Wilbur Jones was a founding member of Zeon Signs in Albuquerque.
• Served as Executive Director of the New Mexico Sign Association and President of Mile High Little League.
• Restored several of the Route 66 restoration signs exhibited in the PBS documentary “Route 66, The Neon Road” in collaboration with the New Mexico Route 66 Association, such as the Sun and Sand Motel - Santa Rosa and the El Comedor de Anayas Rotosphere - Moriarty. The documentary won the regional Emmy Award for Best Cultural Documentary of 2003.
• Earned New Mexico Heritage Preservation Award for National Park Service Funded Neon Preservation Project resulting in the restoration of 10 neon signs on New Mexico's Route 66.
• Restored the De Anza Motor Lodge neon sign in Albuquerque that was relit on January 5, 2020.
• I have been a member of the New Mexico Route 66 Association since it was founded in 1989 and contributed old components and knowledge of signs on Route 66.
• I’m interested in preserving the legacy of The Mother Road by offering extensive knowledge of the many signs I’ve serviced and restored throughout the years, including signs on pre-1937 Route 66.
• I will be a proud, active and productive board member who contributes knowledge and guidance to the New Mexico Route 66 Association to preserve our routes neon sign legacy.

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F. Michelle Williams
Albuquerque, NM - Bernalillo County

• Native New Mexican and have travelled Route 66 all my life.
• Degree in Communications and experience in the hospitality and communications industry. I also have experience with producing newsletters and other communications.
• Served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Land of Enchantment BMW Riders Association; Board Member of the New Mexico Coalition for Literacy and held various roles in other civic organizations.
• Recently assisted in editing the latest edition of the New Mexico Route 66 Association Magazine and look forward to helping with future editions.
• Filed Public Information Requests to obtain data on the State's spending of dollars generated from the New Mexico Route 66 license plates.
• I am passionate about promoting and preserving Route 66 in New Mexico. With a very important anniversary on the horizon, it will be even more important to generate interest in preserving the Mother Road and getting New Mexico Businesses involved in promotion and preservation.
• I will work to build membership and support through personal contact with area businesses and lawmakers.
• In addition to continuing to pursue information on the allocation of funds from prior license plate sales, I am willing to work with the board on legislation to create a Route 66 Centennial license plate and for funding to promote and preserve New Mexico Route 66 through Transportation and Tourism dollars.

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Board of Directors terms, roles and responsibilities:
 
TERMS
The term of office of the Board of Directors shall be for 3 years. There are no limits to consecutive terms of office for Directors.
 
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend all board meetings, committee meetings and functions throughout the state and be prepared to participate.
• Serve on a minimum of one (1) committee and offer to take on special assignments as needed.
• Participate actively in the board’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.

• Stay informed about board and committee matters; review and comment on minutes and reports.
• Keep up-to-date on developments in the Association’s field.
• Follow developments in state and local areas that may affect the Association and inform board of such information.
• Determine and monitor the Association’s products and programs.
• Participate actively in the sale and distribution of Association’s products and programs.
• Participate in fundraising for the Association’s operations to finance products and programs adequately.
• Participate actively in the sale of new ads for the New Mexico Route 66 Magazine and follow up on all previous ads.
• Distribute New Mexico Route 66 Magazine in his/her area.
• Manage resources efficiently and effectively.
• Enhance the Association’s public image.
• Inform others about the Association.
• Participate actively in recruiting new memberships and follow up on renewal memberships as needed.
• Canvas elected officials and local leaders in his/her community for preservation needs and projects and who can help implement them.
• Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities such as reviewing the Association’s annual financial statements.
• Suggest nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the Association.
• Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies.
• Maintain your Association membership.

 
Thank you,
Melissa Lea Beasley-Lee, President
Sue Montgomery, Vice-President