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Snowbirds set up camp off Dully's Lane at Slab City as they escape the cold in a free and eccentric part of the county. (ERIC MILLER PHOTO / January 13, 2013) |
A variety of local businesses hope to see profits increase this winter due to the yearly arrival of the snowbirds.
The seasonal snowbirds, who visit between the months of October and April, are expected to economically impact local shopping centers, churches, golf courses and restaurants, explained Joann Flores, El Centro Chamber of Commerce director of membership and programs.
A number of winter visitors also shop at the local “Vons, Costco, and gas stations all over the Valley,” which help “impact our local economy,” Flores said.
Mary Chambers, like many snowbirds, enjoys finding everything she needs at some of the Valley’s many nearby markets.
“I think she might have raised Wal-Mart’s profits by 20 percent,” joked Mary’s husband, David.
Many local restaurant owners have come to appreciate the added customers during this time of year.
“We enjoy talking to them and asking them where they are from,” said Carlos Weir, owner of Las Chabelas Restaurant in Brawley. “We get a lot of the snowbirds that stay up near Bombay Beach and Niland who come into town to do some shopping.”
Rosie Cuellar said she never gets tired of seeing and serving familiar and new faces alike.
“We get a lot of visitors from Canada,” Cuellar, co-owner of Camacho’s Place, said. “Just (Friday) someone told me this was the best Mexican food they’d ever had and it made my day. The carne asada, the chile rellenos and the special quesadillas are always popular with them.”
Lou Thoenes of Cascade, Mont., also shared his thoughts on the financial impact he and other snowbirds bring to the local economy.
“It has to be a big boost to the economy when we all get here because, I mean, Yuma has some 250,000 new people just in the winter time, and I’m sure El Centro gets something near the same,” Thoenes said.
Staff Writer Celeste Alvarez can be reached at 760-337-3442 or at calvarez@ivpressonline.com
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