2018-2019 CHAMBER ACHIEVEMENTS

The mission of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce is “to grow the local economy and serve as the voice of business.” Despite limited staff, funding and resources, the Chamber is an important influence in the growth and prosperity of the Santa Fe community. Twenty-one board members, five committees and dozens of valuable volunteers assist and advise Chamber staff, helping create programs that support the mission of the organization.

At its annual planning session in May 2017, the Chamber Board of Directors identified a number of priorities that support the Chamber’s mission and create clear collaborations with other organizations. Chief among these are job creation, increasing the supply of income-appropriate housing, workforce development and advocacy. Chamber programs and activities can be divided into four core competencies:

Lobbying as the Voice of Business

• Assisting city staff to find solutions to the city’s $15 million deficit without raising taxes.

• Lobbying for the Midtown LINC-St. Michael’s Drive Overlay District, which will dramatically improve higher-density housing, job creation and transportation in the area.

• Support for the mission of Los Alamos National Laboratory and the resulting regional economic development.

• Support for additional flights and improvements at Santa Fe Airport through the Fly Santa Fe campaign and successful recruitment of daily Santa Fe-Phoenix flights.

• Lobbying for consistent local and state tourism marketing funding.

• Hosting conversations with municipal candidates, merchants meetings, legislative previews, and other events to inform the electorate about candidates and legislative issues.

• Monthly breakfast events that draw dozens of business and community leaders.

• Support for rational local regulation of the growing short-term rental industry.

• Helping found the Santa Fe Housing Action Coalition — a diverse group dedicated to increasing the supply of housing for all residents and prospective residents.

• Lobbying to reduce unnecessary rules and regulations and to support commonsense licensing.

• Identifying best uses for the Santa Fe University of Art and Design property and surrounding properties.

• Creating the Every Day Matters campaign, which rewards Santa Fe Public School students who demonstrate excellence in classroom attendance, resulting in improved graduation rates. • Supporting early childhood development through investment in pre-K and ongoing partnership with United Way of Santa Fe County

Growing the Local Economy

• Working with local merchant groups to address issues and to advocate for an improved business environment.

• Lobbying for improved broadband and cellular service throughout the community.

• Lobbying for the New Mexico film industry and connecting local businesses with film and media opportunities. • Strengthening and diversifying the local economy, including the health care, technology, government, and creative sectors. • Improving broadband access, reducing regulations, creating regional collaborations and strengthening relations with government

Promoting a Prosperous Community

• Hosting the sold-out third annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon, with more than 300 attendees and a panel of successful local women leaders.

• Lobbying in support of better area transportation, including the RTD Blue Bus regional service.

• Collaborating on numerous programs to improve Santa Fe Public Schools, including Opportunity Santa Fe.

• Creating the A2D customer service program to improve community relationships with visitors and customers.

• Creating the Senior Lifestyle Expo, which drew hundreds to DeVargas Center in October.

• Partnering with other businesses, community groups and nonprofits to create a more diverse, prosperous and healthy city.

Creating Connection Opportunities

• Sponsoring MIX Santa Fe, where hundreds of young professionals gather and connect. The Chamber is the fiscal agent for MIX.

• Hosting regular Chamber events that draw more than 4,000 attendees each year.

• Offering membership benefits and member-to-member discounts.

Organizational Improvements

• Increasing community sponsorships for Chamber programs and events.

• Creating the Member of the Month program.

• Sending thousands of referrals, links, page views and online mentions to member businesses.