RAVEN Rural Virtual Networking (RVN) FAQ

Victory through Cooperation for Torrance County Businesses

What is RAVEN?

The goal of Rural Virtual Networking (RAVEN) is simple: create a strong network where small businesses in Torrance County can support one another and share business opportunities. In short, it’s victory through cooperation, rather than victory through competition.

The Mountainair Dispatch built RAVEN to give local business owners the tools and community they need to succeed, whether that’s through new partnerships, shared knowledge, or just the reassurance that you’re not alone in running your business.

How Do RAVEN Meetings Work?

RAVEN brings people together in three ways:

Online Meetings (Zoom or Google Meet):
- Online sessions are the primary format.
- This saves time, keeps travel off the long highways of New Mexico, and lets you hop right back to work once the meeting ends.
Private Chat Room (Telegram):
- Secure, encrypted, and members-only.
- A fast, safe space to ask spur-of-the-moment questions, share tips, or get advice without broadcasting your business challenges publicly.
In-Person Gatherings (Quarterly):
- Held in restaurants, retail spaces, or local venues.
- Social in focus: build on connections from online meetings, share a meal or a coffee, and support local businesses in the process.

The Mountainair Dispatch’s rural virtual networking events are made possible by the support of its paying members. I cannot stress enough that what I do with the Mountainair Dispatch is only possible because of the kindness of people here in Torrance County who support the site. Through their generosity, I can purchase the necessary tools to report on Torrance County and offer programs for its residents and businesses. Would you like to be a member? Click here to join on an annual or monthly basis. If membership is not right for you, but you still want to support the Mountainair Dispatch, I would be grateful if you clicked here to make a one-time contribution.

Who Can Join?

Everyone is welcome. RAVEN is designed to be inclusive of all small businesses in Torrance County:

Solo artisans and craftspeople
Non-profits and service providers
Retailers and restaurant owners
Farmers and ranchers
Professionals and consultants with experience to share

Torrance County is home to a diverse population with remarkable talents, and RAVEN thrives on that diversity.

How Do I Become a Member?

It’s easy. Simply sign up here, and you will be added to our list of people to notify of upcoming events.

Why It Matters

RAVEN isn’t just another meeting. It’s:

A way to save time while still networking.
A place to share challenges and solutions with people who understand rural business life.
A chance to keep money in Torrance County by building relationships locally instead of relying only on outside networks.

Together, we can create something stronger: a rural business community that supports itself, grows together, and looks out for one another.