August 2026—Business Advocate

Welcome to the Business Advocate page, your digital companion to the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce’s monthly newspaper segment. Here you'll find all the highlights featured in this month’s print edition, including a letter from our President, upcoming events, member spotlights, ribbon cuttings, and more—kept up to date so you never miss a beat in Santa Fe’s vibrant business community.

From the President's Desk

Why We Do What We Do

One of the questions I ask our team before every Chamber program or event is surprisingly simple:

Why are we doing this?

It's a question we take seriously because the Chamber hosts nearly 50 programs and events each year. Every one of them should earn its place on the calendar by advancing our mission: to strengthen the local economy and serve as the voice of business in community affairs.

When I first joined the Chamber, there was one event I wasn't completely sure about.

Our annual Golf Tournament.

I'll admit it, I don't golf.

Like many people, I'd heard the saying that "business gets done on the golf course," but I wondered if that alone was enough. Was a golf tournament really helping us fulfill our mission?

Over the years, I've realized I was asking the wrong question.

​Today, I see our annual Golf Tournament as much more than a day on the course. It's one of the many ways we bring our business community together. It's where relationships are built, partnerships begin, and Chamber members have an opportunity to increase their visibility in a fun, relaxed setting.

Some participants spend the day golfing. Others welcome players at a tee box, showcase their business, reconnect with longtime clients, or meet potential new customers. Every conversation, every introduction, and every handshake has the potential to grow into something meaningful.

The truth is, business relationships aren't always built in boardrooms.

​Sometimes they're built over coffee.

Sometimes they're built at a ribbon cutting.

And sometimes they're built on a golf course.

That's why every Chamber program is evaluated by the same standards: Does it advance our mission? Does it provide meaningful value to our members? Is it financially sustainable? And how can we make it even better next year? Those questions guide every decision we make because our goal isn't simply to host events, it's to create opportunities that strengthen Santa Fe's business community.

​Our annual Chamber Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, August 17, at the Santa Fe Country Club, and I hope you'll consider being part of it.

​If your business has never participated at the tournament before, this may be the year to give it a try. Spend the day meeting fellow Chamber members, welcoming golfers, and sharing your story. You may be surprised that the best return on your investment isn't the just might be the conversations.

And if golf isn't your thing, that's okay.

With nearly 50 programs and events throughout the year, there's something for everyone—from networking and business education to advocacy, leadership development, and signature community events. I encourage you to find the opportunities that fit your business, get involved, and discover the value of being an active part of the Santa Fe Chamber.
To learn more about the Golf Tournament, sponsorship opportunities, or any of our upcoming programs and events, visit the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce website.

Get involved. Build relationships. Work together. Strengthen Santa Fe.
​
Bridget Dixson, ACE, IOM
President and CEO
Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce

New Members

Angel Studios
Film
Michael Jenkins
295 West Center Street
Provo, UT 84601
(315) 256-1275
Angel.com

Ardham Technologies, Inc.
Information Technology
Nicole Abreu
8100 Lang Avenue NE, Suite 300
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 872-9040
Ardham.com

BeWell, New Mexico's Health Insurance Marketplace
Healthcare
Ashley McKinstry
7601 Jefferson Street NE, Suite 120
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 525-2032
BeWellNM.com

Garsa Group
Commercial Property Management
418 Cerrillos Road, Suite 11
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 473-3434
GarsaGroup.com

Public Charter Schools of New Mexico
Nonprofit Organizations
Jamie Gonzales
PO Box 25284
Albuquerque, NM 87125
(505) 842-8203
PCSNM.org

Southwest Weddings
Advertising Agency
8625 Golf Course Road NW, Suite B-1
Albuquerque, NM 87114
(505) 797-2749
SWWeddings.com

Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C.
Legal Services
James Tawney
1121 4th Street NW, Suite 1-C
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 300-1000
TacInjuryLaw.com

Chamber Calendar

2026 Annual Golf Tournament
Monday, August 17, 9:00 AM Shotgun Start
Santa Fe Country Club, 3950 Country Club Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507
 
A Path to Success – Chamber Orientation
Wednesday, August 26, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM – Via Zoom Meeting
 
Santa Fe Rising: Sip & Stretch at Yogasource – Celebrating National Wellness Month
Thursday, August 27, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Yogasource, 901 W San Mateo Rd, Unit K, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Ribbon Cuttings

On Friday, July 24, 2026, Hightower Signature Wealth proudly celebrated the opening of its new Santa Fe office and recent rebranding. The milestone marked an exciting new chapter, reaffirming the firm's commitment to providing holistic wealth management, personalized financial planning, and lasting value for the clients, families, and communities it serves. Visit the new office at 400 Kiva Court. Learn more at HightowerSignature.com

Pedal to the petal! On Monday, July 27, 2026, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, in partnership with Bike Santa Fe and Reanimator, installed bike racks for convenient bike parking near the main entrance. Cyclists are always welcome at the Garden. Gear up and ride to check out the Garden’s latest commitment to accessibility and sustainability. Learn more at VisitSFBG.org and BikeSantaFe.org

Members of the Month

Santa Fe Fiesta returns this September for its 314th year, filling the city with music, dance, food, and community. Rooted in the original 1712 Fiesta Proclamation, this event keeps Santa Fe’s traditions alive through concerts, parades, markets, and celebrations across town. Fiesta honors New Mexico’s rich cultural roots and supports local artists, performers, and businesses. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting for the first time, Fiesta is a chance to share in the spirit of Santa Fe. Find details at SantaFeFiesta.org. ¡Que viva la Fiesta de Santa Fe

Anytime Plumbing, Heating & Pipelining is expanding its trenchless pipelining, leak detection, water quality, and high-efficiency heating services across Northern New Mexico. Working with homeowners, businesses, property managers, schools, and organizations, they provide comprehensive plumbing, heating, sewer, drain, and water heater solutions, with a focus on transparency, education, and long-lasting results. Their mission is to serve the community, not just in plumbing. Learn more at AnytimePlumbing505.com.