Chamber director talks movies, area events

Editor’s note: The following is one in a series of continuing question-and-answer sessions with area leaders. Ernie Kos is the executive director of the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce.

Question: What has been the reaction of the community to the movie “Comancheria” being filmed in Clovis?

Kos: “The feedback that we’re getting is very positive. There’s been lots of locals that were chosen as part of the casting call and participated in a day’s worth of being on the set. For people in Clovis, that has been huge.

“I think it gives us not only a huge economic impact but it also created a lot of good energy.

“We had a casting call initially, and we had over 700 people that came to try out for the movie. And they stood in line on a hot summer day for over two hours.

“The thing that I love hearing is they stayed in the hotels. There were approximately 80 people with their crew not to mention the actors. They’re in restaurants at night and they’re shopping. We definitely realized outside money coming into the community during the film.”

Q: What are some of the events coming up in the near future?

Kos: “(This) week, we’ll host the High Plains Junior Rodeo Finals. That’s a big deal for Clovis. It started maybe 40-plus years ago in Clovis when some of the local dads started the rodeo association and we’ve hosted it ever since.

“After that, we’re partnering with Cannon Air Force Base for the Cannon Open House. It is open to the public and there will be static displays with lots of entertainment.

“There will be the Lt. Dan Band. That’s Gary Sinise. People are pretty pumped about the Lt. Dan Band.

“After that we’ve got the Curry County Fair and then the Clovis Music Festival.”

Q: Is Michael Salgado the first Latino artist to perform at the Clovis Music Festival?

Kos: “This the first time we have gone with a Latino Night and we’re hoping that it is a success.

Q: What has led the expansion of the genre of performers at the Clovis Music Festival?

Kos: “We are just interested in giving a cross section of music. Obviously, the music history here in Clovis is the ’50s and Buddy Holly music. To be totally frank, a lot of those groups aren’t around anymore.

“It’s kind of crazy to think that ’70s and ’80s music is now the oldies. We’re really pumped about Lou Gramm. We’ve had a lot of great feedback from people.

“We still are celebrating what happened here over 50 years ago. We’ll still always have a Buddy Holly impersonator just like you’ll always have a Santa Claus in the Christmas Light Parade.”

Q: What is the Chamber director excited about?

Kos: “The promise of the growth as it relates to Cannon Air Force Base and the mission that we have.

“We have been working on several economic development prospects. I’m definitely excited about our rock and roll history and music festival coming up.

“I’m real proud of where we’ve come from and I only see that we’re going to continue to grow. Growth to me is more than about numbers and dollars; it’s about people moving in and new relationships to be made. The whole leadership team as Cannon is new and I’m excited about getting to know them.

“We have a new city manager and a new hospital administrator that we’re excited about.”

“I’m looking forward to developing all those relationships.”

Q: What keeps the Chamber director up at night worrying?

Kos: “Right now this time of the year the thing that keeps me up late is the recruitment of sponsors.

“Just for instance, we were holding our breath before Smoke on the Water to see if all the money would be ready for the fireworks.

“The community is very generous. They’re being hit up for so many things and so many new things.”

— Compiled by Rick White, correspondent