LANL workers set record

Los Alamos National Laboratory employees pledged a record $1 million to United Way programs in Northern New Mexico and Santa Fe, according to a statement from the lab.

With a dollar-for-dollar match by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, which operates the laboratory, the total contribution is more than
$2 million.

The employee contributions along with the LANS match support the United Way of Northern New Mexico, United Way of Santa Fe County and other qualifying nonprofit organizations.

Homewise and CDFI praised

Two of the nation's top-performing Community Development Financial Institutions — Santa Fe-based Homewise and Chicago-based IFF — were honored recently at the national 2008 Opportunity Finance Network Conference for innovative, responsible lending programs that directly benefit low- and moderate-income communities.

As part of the second annual Wachovia NEXT Awards for Opportunity Finance, the two organizations received grants and low-cost loans known as "program-related investments" totaling $8.25 million.

IFF received $5.5 million and Homewise received $2.75 million. A national selection committee chose the two groups from a highly competitive field of 10 semifinalist organizations.

The award amounts are based on each organization's asset size — $5.5 million for CDFI with assets over $50 million and $2.75 million for those with assets in the $10 million-$50 million range.

Harmony for Life opening

A new wellness center, Harmony for Life, will hold its grand opening Friday (4-8 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m.- 4 p.m.) at 224 N. Guadalupe St.

The business, which is owned by Mari Tankenoff and Scott Bergér, offers life and business coaching and consulting, life counseling and holistic healing and bodywork.

For more information, call 984-1102 or visit www.harmonyforlife.com.

Heartland selected

Heartland Financial USA, Inc., parent company of New Mexico Bank & Trust, has been selected to participate in the U.S. Treasury Department's Capital Purchase Program.

The program is a voluntary initiative designed for publicly held U.S. financial institutions to build capital and increase the flow of credit to support the economy. The approval is preliminary and subject to certain conditions and the execution of definitive agreements.

Shipper marks anniversary

Glenn Tafoya, owner of Pack Ship and Mail, is celebrating its 20th anniversary as he and his staff are working through a busy Christmas season.

He hired two extra people and brought his son on board, temporarily, to help out at the business, located in the Solana Center, off West Alameda Street.

"We want to let people know they have to get their packages out," Tafoya said. "Wednesday is the last day for ground shipments to the East."

Tafoya offers a 10 percent discount for military shipments.

For more information, call 986-0616.

The New Mexican