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Ramon Vigil and Michael Velasquez: Working for Battle Mountain Works for Them A job at the San Luis Project car, be a place to start or a place to start again. It's one for Ramon Vigil and the other for Michael Velasquez. Vigil, 21, began as a mechanic with Battle Mountain Gold and recently switched to equipment operator. Born in Taos, he moved to San Luis with his family at age 16 and graduated from Centennial High School. Vigil attended New Mexico Highlands University for two years, majoring in pre-fores[rv. Then, he worked in construction in Santa Fe and as a ranch hand in San Luis before enrolling last winter in the training program in diesel mechanics sponsored by the State of Colorado and Battle Mountain Gold. "Working for Battle Mountain has helped me pay back some school loans." said Vigil. who is single and lives with his parents in San Luis. The job also has built his self-confidence. "When I'm operating, I make my own decisions. My boss will ask me my opinion on things. It makes you feel like you're worth some- thing," he said. Ramon l'igil CAREER CHANGE Velasquez, 35, had been manag- ing [he Old Fort Market in Fort Garland for a number of years when the San Luis Project rekindled a lifelong interest. "I like mechanics a lot," said Velasquez, choosine the career change. "I thought I'd give i[ a try." Velasquez was born and raised in Denver. Working with machinery was a firs[ love, and he studied auto mechanics at the Red Rocks campus of the Community College of Denver. Then his work life took him in other directions. He had managed the Old Fort Market since moving in 1977 to Fort Garland. where his wife Ila is :t school nurse at Sierra Grande School. But l elasquez chose to return to mechanics when Battle Mountain and the State of Colorado offered the training proeram at the vocational school in A amosa last winter. "I saw the opportunity." he said. "This was a shot to try o~ be a mechanic." So fat he is happy with his deci- sion. "I really like what I'm doing. You know, you talk to a lot of people who don't like their jobs, but I really do," he said. Partly it's the people he works for. "This is a caring company," said Velasquez. "They care about their employees t.nd about people in een- eral." And Partly it's the people he works with, most of whom trained together. Dt.ring the training program last winter "there wasn't a time when ane or anotf.er of us didn't want to quit. "We Helped pull each other through. lt's almost a big family thing," Velasquez said. Dodson: San Luis Project Shops at Home "Whenever We Can" Local suppliers already are see- ing the benefits of Battle Mountain Gold's attempts to purchase materials, equipment and supplies locally when- ever possible. Local purchases made in Costilla County totaled $140.673 for calendar year ] 989, according to Gary Dodson, San Luis Project general superintendent. During January and February of 1990. the San Luis Project made an additional 521,291 in purchases in Costilla County, Dodson said. "We m' to buy from local ven- dors whenever we ran." Dodson said. "Of coucs~ :`r_ h.r.C t~ i~c rumpr[i- tive in ~~nru.e ~::,: r: •. ir,." he added. One local firm was on the job as of the beginning of March preparing for some concrete work around the re- cently completed suppon buildings. "They've measured for some side- walks and slabs. and they plan to pour them when the weather permits;' Dodson said. Because minine is a specialized industry, most San Luis Project spend- ing will go outside the county and even outside the San Luis Valley. The "big ticket items" -heavy equipment pans, industrial pumps, and other industrial equipment -just aren't available locally. However, same San Luis Project needs may be within the abilities of local suppliers. Dodson mentioned industrial supplies, hardware, automo- tive supplies, and hand tools - [he kinds of things that are common at hardware stores. Large haul truck tires probably will have to be procured from a major vendor elsewhere, but the San Luis Project will x in the market for auto- motive and light truck tires, too. A local vendor may be competitive in the supply, service, and repair of this category of sires. Initianng a supplier relationship with the San Luis Project isn't compli- cated. "Just make an appointment with the Battle Mountain Gold office to het on the approved vendor list." Dodti~~n said. ,L1irltae! Velasquez