New Mexico businesses need your support
During these life-altering times, numerous changes are happening on many levels. I recently heard the term “retail apocalypse,” which describes how retail businesses are closing their doors and many people are losing their jobs. More people are now shopping on the internet, leaving the malls void of tenants and empty.
This will continue, and it’s going to get worse. In Santa Fe, for example, within the last few months, Staples closed its doors, and Sears did, too. If these multimillion-dollar companies are struggling, you can just imagine how tough it is for the small, local businesses facing similar obstacles.
I own Santa Fe Computer Supplies Inc., a woman-owned Santa Fe business of 29 years. I’m a printing broker and sell computer supplies. During these past few years, many printing companies in New Mexico have had to bid against the State Printing and Graphic Design Services division, a state agency. Agency officials can afford to underbid competitive printing companies because they are supported by New Mexico taxpayers. They don’t pay their
employees. They don’t pay for the printing location or equipment. They all are paid by us, the taxpayers of New Mexico.
Something is wrong with this picture when so many printing companies, along with other businesses, are making every effort to continue. My understanding was that State Printing and Graphic Design Services was established to do printing for the various state government departments. As small business owners, we are striving to keep our businesses going. Now, we have to compete with our own government. How does this help New Mexico businesses that pay their taxes and are struggling during these uncertain times?
A recent report by the New Mexico Office of the State Auditor analyzed large government information technology contracts of $60,000 or more, and found that $40 million out of $48 million spent in fiscal year 2015 on IT products and services went to firms in other states. More than half of the state’s IT contracts awarded to out-of-state businesses were “sole source” purchases with no public bidding, accounting for more than $20 million in spending.
“In the information technology sector, 84 cents of every public dollar goes to companies outside New Mexico,” said State Auditor Tim Keller. “Awarding more of those contracts to homegrown businesses would go a long way towards creating local jobs and helping our economy.”
If the goal is to increase economic development in New Mexico, everyone must be committed to the support, survival and growth of small businesses throughout the state. We must all walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
It has been said by those who are experts in economic development that every dollar spent in the state of New Mexico turns around seven times. When money leaves our state, it is gone and gone for good. Every one of us — every citizen of New Mexico — should pledge to support local New Mexico businesses and “buy New Mexico” at every opportunity. Please support New Mexico businesses.
When money leaves our state, it is gone and gone for good.