Albuquerque Journal 7-21-03

I scarfed this from FRAD"S
Subject: Albuquerque Journal 7-21-03 Date: 07-21-2003
08:29 AM
Author: The Nameless Reply
Monday, July 21, 2003
Businesses Suffer Along Railway
By John Arnold Of The Journal
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad after months of uncertainty and a delayed opening is hauling railcars full of sightseers through the mountains between Chama and Antonito, Colo.
But you wouldn't know it by peeking in on Bob Manthey-Zorn's gift shop, The Railfan Store. At midday Tuesday, you could hear a pin drop in his store. There wasn't a customer in sight. "We go days and days and days without ever seeing anybody who rides the train," Manthey-Zorn said, standing in front of shelves lined with train books and videos. "As far as the walk-in traffic, it's literally nonexistent this year."
The railroad is running on a limited schedule this summer while federally mandated mechanical upgrades are made to each of the railroad's six locomotives.
Right now, one locomotive is running four one-way trips per week — two out of Chama and two out of Antonito. A bus picks passengers up and returns them to the departing depot.
The railroad operator says a second locomotive may be ready to run in September, allowing an expanded schedule. But for now, merchants must cope with fewer trips and consequently fewer customers.
Manthey-Zorn said his business this year is down more than 80 percent from what it would be in a good year.And as he and other merchants are quick to point out, the past two years have not been good ones. Last year, the railroad shut down for a month because of extreme fire danger in the Carson and Rio Grande national forests.
Since then, the railroad has dealt with a number of other hurdles, from funding to required maintenance and limited schedule this year.
When the railroad is running on a limited schedule, or not at all, businesses suffer. Some of them even close their doors for good. Chama Valley Chamber of Commerce President Dianne Burnside estimates that 10-12 area businesses shut down last year. She said even more could fail this year.
"The last two years have been devastating," Burnside said during an interview. "It's been 'Oh, my gosh, what are we going to do?' ''
Chama-area business owners are rethinking their business plans, marketing strategies and their reliance on the railroad. Burnside said that, for years, merchants have been complacent and comfortable, counting solely on the railroad to draw tourists.
Indeed, the Cumbres & Toltec railroad has been Chama's economic lifeline for decades. Mayor Archie Vigil estimated that the railroad dumps about $40 million a year into the local economy.
"With the closure last year, it was frightening to realize how much this community relies on the train," said Kim Smith Flowers, general manager of the Rio Grande Railway Preservation Corp., which operates the railroad.
It's not that the railroad doesn't attract visitors. Smith Flowers said the trips running this summer are often sold out, sometimes weeks in advance. She said recent hurdles encountered by the train have been caused by circumstances beyond anyone's control. "You can't just go down to the local NAPA store to buy parts," Smith Flowers said. "It's a time-consuming, money-consuming process."
So individual business owners are doing what they can to survive. Some, like Manthey-Zorn, are turning to the Internet to expand their customer base. Others are pooling resources to offer special promotions for potential visitors. "I got to thinking, if you're going to survive, you're going to have to be creative," said Mel Koven, who along with his wife runs Unicorn Gallery in Chama. Koven is one of several area merchants sponsoring a "Wild West Wedding" promotion, a contest that will award the winner a five-day Chama vacation and a wedding ceremony on the Cumbres & Toltec train.
Meanwhile, Burnside said the chamber of commerce is working more closely with the state tourism department to market the Chama Valley to tourists — especially those interested in outdoor recreation. The village is also planning to enhance its image by revitalizing its main street. Burnside said the project includes new gas street lights and a boardwalk. There is no question in her mind that Chama is experiencing a much needed transition period, not an irreversible economic plunge. Main street merchants share that optimism. "Am I going to survive? Absolutely," said hotel and gift shop owner Roger Hogan. "With the downtown project, (businesses) that do make it are going to come out like bandits."
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