COUNTY NEWS

The next monthly meeting of the Discoveries Action Team (DAT) will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 21 in Council Chambers. The team has changed the format for some of its meetings for 2019.

This month, the only item on the agenda is for the Place-Making (enhancing Los Alamos experiences) and Place-Marketing (promoting Los Alamos experiences) subgroups to hear and consider new ideas that have been submitted in advance. New members interested in joining the team are invited to come to the meeting. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch.

Some of the projects in progress are:

• Design of a Discovery Trail for Los Alamos that highlights our assets and our connectivity to other attractions nearby such as Ghost Ranch
• An Indoor Mercado where residents and visitors can gather and vendors can set up small shops
• Big Little Bird – a concept to bring moveable art to Los Alamos to interest visitors
• The Discoveries Challenge – a social media challenge among businesses or groups promoting curiosity and “aha” moments
• Activities for Young Teens – options for middle-school aged children to have a place to “hang out” with safe activities

These are just a few of the initiatives being driven by volunteers on either Place-Making or Place Marketing subgroups. The Discoveries Action Team is open to all County residents, businesses and organizations. Members are “champions” for the brand which incorporates the mindset that Los Alamos is a place that cultivates curiosity and creates aha moments and is represented by the brandline “where discoveries are made.”  They share a desire to improve Los Alamos amenities and offerings, and communicate these benefits to future residents, businesses and visitors.

Those interested in submitting a new idea to be considered before March 21 can e-mail julie.habiger@lacnm.us – the form to be completed for New Ideas will be e-mailed to you. You can also visit the Subscribe to Newsletters link and ask to be added to the Discoveries Action Team monthly distribution list for future meeting notices and updates.

The Discoveries branding initiative is designed to strengthen the reputation of Los Alamos and provide a place for community members to collaborate to make Los Alamos a wonderful place to live, work, play and stay. Discoveries Action Team goals include:

• Enhance the Los Alamos “Discoveries” experience
• Promote what makes Los Alamos unique
• Create a network of community ambassadors
• Market together with a unified voice and shared message