hia awards
Get to know the 2013
Restaurateur of the Year:
Tom and Jerean Hutchinson
Tom and Jerean Hutchinson moved to Las
Cruces and acquired the La Posta de Mesil-
la property and business in 1996. La Posta
has been recognized as the Greater Las Cru-
ces Chamber of Commerce Business of the
Year and as one of the “Top Ten Great Mex-
ican Restaurant in the USA” by USA Today.
Tom Hutchinson is a 1977 graduate of the
U.S. Naval Academy and spent nine years
active duty as a Naval Aviator and Naval
Academy instructor/coordinator before
joining the Naval Reserves in 1985. He is
now a retired Captain.
His professional affili-
ations include being a
board member for the
National
Restaurant
Association and New
Mexico Restaurant As-
sociation, past chair and
current board member
of the Mesilla Valley Eco-
nomic Development Al-
liance and many more.
Tom was recognized as
“Volunteer of the Year”
in 2003 by the New Mexi-
co Industrial Executives Association for his
work in economic development. In 2003
and 2011 he was awarded “Citizen of the
Year” by the greater Las Cruces Chamber
of Commerce, becoming the first ever two
time winner of the award.
Jerean Camuñez Hutchinson is a native
of Las Cruces. She received her Bachelor
of Business Administration Degree from
New Mexico State University (NMSU) in
1980, and her Master’s Degree from George
Washington University in 1985. Jerean
held several positions with various
firms throughout the country including
computer programmer, systems analyst,
information management marketing man-
ager and project leader for a major govern-
ment contractor.
She is a 2005 NMSU College of Business
Hall of Fame inductee and received the
2010 NMSU James F. Cole Memorial Award
for Service. Some of her professional affil-
iations include past president of the Old
Mesilla Association, NMSU Business Advi-
sory Council and Board of Councilors for
Citizens Bank.
Tom and Jerean have been married over 33
years and have three children: Christopher,
Brett and Elena.
This year, Julio Cesar Chavez sponsored a
“Mix your Fix” bartender competition which
included an original recipe submission and
a second round mystery basket. The winner
of the competition was Cesario Alvillar from
Route 66 Hotel and Casino. An After Party
followed round two of the competition with
entertainment from Vanilla Pop.
Along with the six main award categories,
ProStart students from Gadsden, Cloudcroft
and Sandia High Schools were recognized
for placing first in the state competition in
May. ProStart is a curriculum that prepares
high school students who want to work in
the restaurant industry by teaching them cu-
linary and management skills. Also to be rec-
ognized were Hospitality Industry Education
Foundation scholarship recipients.
NMRA Board President, Randy Kenna and Adeline
Herrera enjoy the night's festivities.
Jerean Hutchinson gives
an acceptance speech for
winning the 2013
Restaurateur of the Year
Award, the highest honor
given at HIA.
"Mix Your Fix" Bartender Competition winner, Cesario Alvillar,
prepares his signature cocktail in round one.
Restaurant Neighbor Award Winners, Dale and Janie Balzano,
show off their award with the Trinity's chef, Luis Martinez.
The layered chocolate cake dessert was a great way to end
the four-course meal.
14 New Mexico Restaurant Association
Tomand Jerean celebrate with their staff fromLa Posta deMesilla.
