Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: Nicholas Nordgren-Terres (left) attends Salsafest 2019 in downtown Safford. Nordgren Telles has announced that he will close his restaurant, La Paloma, and resign as chairman of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Corina Pino-Reyes Appointed as New President of the Board of Commerce
by John Johnson
jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com
About a week after the Safford-Graham County Chamber of Commerce announced Nicholas Nordgren Telles as its new chairman, he resigned and was replaced by Corina Pino-Reyes.
After being elected, President Nicholas Nordgren-Terres outlined his priorities for the year.
“I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Chamber this year. I look forward to meeting more business owners out in the community as we share the Chamber’s mission and New Year’s goals,” Nordgren said. Mr Telles said earlier. “I want more minority-owned businesses to join our ranks as well as expand the Chamber’s services to the business community.”
But Congress received two pieces of disturbing news this week as Nordgren Telles announced his intention to close his restaurant in Solomons, La Paloma and resign as president.
“We are very disappointed to see Nick leave,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vance Bryce, adding, “We know how difficult it is for local businesses in this time of inflation and rising wages. We wish only the best for him and appreciate all the volunteer work he has done for our community and the Chamber of Commerce.”
Nordgrän-Tellez started managing La Paloma in 2011 and acquired the business in 2016.
Nordgrän-Tellez will be replaced in April by Corina Pino Reyes, who has been with the Valley TeleCom Group for 18 years.
She is passionate about bringing broadband to businesses and schools, according to a press release from the Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband Nick Reyes have her two children, nine-year-old Mia and her five-year-old Santos. Their family are active members of the Holy Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Pino Reyes is a former member of the Gila Basin Partnership Committee and a member of the Rotary Club of Safford. She is a member of Gila Valley Her Leadership Cohort 15.
