Preserving the past. Planning for the future.
Our History
Diverse cultures have lived and flourished in the Tucumcari area for ages. Let us tell you all about it!
Traces of the oldest civilizations in North America found throughout the Tucumcari region date back 10,000 years. Along the shores of what was once an inland sea, prehistoric hunters stalked mastodons and mammoths. Dinosaurs flourished and left their tracks behind.
Furthermore, some of the first businesses to open in 1902 a furniture store, hardware store, livery barn, hotel, bank & saloon. There was a merchant store that sold goods to railroad travelers and homesteading settlers. The tents swapped out with permanent homes, the first of which also contained the post office.
By 1926, Tucumcari became a destination along the famous Route 66 highway. Travelers began stopping by carload, making Tucumcari a popular place. Gas stations replaced wagon yards. Blacksmith shops and stables were a scene of the past, and cafes and motor courts took over. Today, Tucumcari’s proximity to I-40 continues to attract travelers. As the town continues to evolve, its people remain committed to preserving its rich history. Tucumcari residents work to bring economic growth, while remaining true to their heritage. It is the best of the old days and the new ones to come!
The Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce is eager to help you discover the greatness of our community!
Our city is rich in Native American, Wild West and Depression Era history. More than 5,000 people call Tucumcari home. Additionally, there are many more than live outside our city limits.
Our goal as a Chamber is to enhance economic growth and vitality in our city and surrounding area. We offer something for everyone, locals and visitors alike! We have great food, museums, local attractions and more! As a pass-through of Historical Route 66, we have a rich history and our community strives to share that with people of all ages and stages of life!
Our town has events year-round to enjoy. Come see why our community has a heart as big as the sky over Tucumcari Mountain.
TUCUMCARI CHAMBER BOARD
Kenton Perkins, President
Lee Judd, Vice President
Doctor Aaron Kennedy, 2nd Vice President
Christy Turner, Secretary
Kristine Olsen, Director
Bobby Hockaday, Director
Randi Jo Eidesmoe, Director
Chase Waters; Director
Veronica Encinas, Director
Scott Crotzer, Executive Director
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Below is a list of the benefits your business will receive if you choose to become a member of the Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce:
Advertising benefits:
- Listing on Website Directory
- Display your brochures, business cards, and flyers at the Chamber
- Receive reduced/discounted co-op rates to advertise in NM Vacation Guide, Route 66 New Mexico Magazine, International Route 66 Magazine, and others
- Be highlighted in the Tucumcari Visitor’s Guide Business Directory
Utilizing the following lists:
- NM State Representatives and Senators
- Businesses in Quay County: Tucumcari, San Jon, Logan, and Conchas Area Clubs & Organizations
- Chamber Members Bulk Mailing List
Use of our Bulk Permit Mailing Service (Min. 200 pieces)
Free Usage of Chamber Conference Room
E-Mails and Post Mailings regarding Chamber Events, Benefits and Training Opportunities
Referrals of Locals as well as Visitors to Your Business
Information about Legislative Issues that Affect Your Business and Local Lobbying Efforts for specific Business Needs
Participation Opportunities in Special Events:
- Christmas Parade of Lights
- Annual Banquet that includes entertainment and networking
- Free maps, including Mural Maps
Networking at Chamber Functions:
- Chamber Luncheons
- Grand Openings
- Ground Breakings
- Business After Hours Socials
- Ribbon Cuttings/Open Houses
Additional Credibility from a Chamber of Commerce Plaque
Active listening and consideration from the Executive Director and/or Board Members. These individuals:
- Are active on the Lodgers Tax Board
- Members of Tourism Association of New Mexico (TANM)
- Members of NM Chamber Executives Association
- Are Active participants in the Association of Commerce and industry Legislative Reception, Business Day, Issues Round Table, and Legislative Round Up
- Co- host of annual “Quay Day” –Legislative reception in Santa Fe
- Are Ex Officio members of the MainStreet Steering Committee
- Participate in Quay County Gaming Authority Meetings
- Participate in City and County Commission Meetings
- Are Ex Officio members of the Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors
- Participate in Wednesday Morning Work Group weekly Meetings
FILM TUCUMCARI
Tucumcari is the undiscovered film secret of eastern New Mexico. With a variety of locations, easy access to resources and an eager community, look no further! We can be your first and last stop for filming in New Mexico. As a certified rural area, there is up to 35% refundable tax credit for qualifying film programs through the State of New Mexico. Since we have that certification, you can save money while filming in vast landscapes.
Our weather is on average dry or mild throughout the year. The average winter low temperature is 38F (3C) and an average summer high of 97F (26C). Tucumcari is a year-round filming option.
Film Tucumcari helps streamline the permit process for film projects in the area. We function as a go between Tucumcari and your project. We are on-call during production to help coordinate resources and troubleshoot problems. Generally, we make your work in Tucumcari as simple as possible. Film Tucumcari has contacts within most entities in the city and county to save you time. These include City of Tucumcari, Tucumcari MainStreet, Mesalands Community College, Tucumcari Quay County Chamber of Commerce, etc.
Contact Film Tucumcari with location and resource questions at 575-461-1694.
Locations:
Our beautiful neighboring mesa and deserts are picture perfect, but there is more! We have many filming options available in Tucumcari and Quay County, including:
- Route 66 – restored and abandoned
- Movie theater – oldest running theater in New Mexico, single screen
- National Guard Armory Building – includes unlabeled basketball court, indoor shooting range, & walk-in safe
- Wind turbine – full size functioning and ground-level teaching display Classrooms – PreK through College
- Train railyard and station, circa pre 1950s.
- Offices, including medical
- Working iron forge & art studio
- Country life including ranch houses, ranch land, and farm
- Nearby lakefront access
- Abandoned buildings – gas stations, store fronts, hotels
- Historic Mainstreet, pictured above
- Restaurants including cafes and bars
- Convention center with kitchen
- Private airport
- Science labs – ethanol plant, paleontology lab
- Sports arenas – football, baseball, rodeo and more
- Museums & Murals
- Campgrounds and RV parks
Resources
City Filming Permit: Film Permit
Tucumcari has over 1200 rooms available. Our hoteliers are willing to work out long-term rentals. Please give enough prior notification and they will be happy to assist. Tucumcari has campgrounds for RV parking, also. On-site or nearby parking is available throughout town.
Line of credit may be available at local Tucumcari retailers. Please contact the Tucumcari Quay County Chamber of Commerce for more information.