Investing in the Future: Why Supporting Young Professionals Matters
 
In Santa Fe, we are proud of our culture, our creativity, and our strong sense of community. At the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, we are equally focused on ensuring that our community continues to grow and thrive for generations to come.

That means asking an important question: how do we attract, retain, and support the next generation of business professionals here in Santa Fe? The answer is not just about jobs. It is about connection, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.

Santa Fe’s median age is approximately 46, which tells us something important. If we are not intentional about engaging young professionals, we risk becoming a community people age out of, rather than one they choose to build a future in.

Last month, our team had the opportunity to participate in a community non profit pitch contest hosted by Paseo Pottery, where local organizations shared ideas and initiatives that are making an impact. As we prepared for that moment, we found ourselves reflecting on the breadth of work happening at the Chamber.

We talked about our Feria Southside initiative, which supports Spanish-speaking and immigrant entrepreneurs. We considered our community safety resource page, which connects individuals and businesses to critical services. And we looked at Santa Fe Rising, our year-round initiative focused on young professionals. What became clear in that conversation is that while all of these efforts matter, they are also connected by a larger question: what does the future workforce of Santa Fe look like?

We often talk about housing challenges, affordability, and access to childcare. These are real and urgent issues. But alongside them is another challenge we must address with equal urgency: ensuring that Santa Fe remains a place where young professionals can build careers, find community, and choose to stay. That is why the Chamber has made a deliberate investment in Santa Fe Rising.

Santa Fe Rising is designed to create consistent opportunities for connection and growth. Through monthly gatherings, leadership conversations, and shared community experiences, participants are building meaningful relationships and finding their place within Santa Fe. These are not one-time events. They are ongoing touchpoints that help individuals grow both personally and professionally.

We are already seeing momentum. Participants are engaging in new ways, from cultural experiences like the opera to conversations that build leadership skills and professional confidence. Businesses and nonprofits are also stepping forward, asking how they can connect with and support this next generation of talent. This work is about more than professional development. It is about retention. It is about belonging. It is about making a long-term investment in the people who will shape Santa Fe’s future. When young professionals feel connected, they are more likely to stay. When they stay, they contribute, lead, and help build a stronger, more vibrant community.

As a Chamber, we will continue to prioritize this work. We invite our business community to be part of it by encouraging participation, supporting these efforts, and helping create pathways for young professionals to succeed here.

Santa Fe has always been a place people are drawn to. Together, we can ensure it is also a place where they choose to stay, grow, and lead.
 
Bridget Dixson, IOM
President and CEO
Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce

​On Thursday, April 23, 2026, Twilight Health/UNIFI Health held a ribbon cutting and open house to celebrate the grand opening of their new offices. The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce was excited to celebrate this Tri-Chamber member alongside the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce and the Española Valley Chamber of Commerce.

A Unified Business Voice for New Mexico’s Future
 
As President and CEO of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, I have the opportunity to work alongside business leaders every day who care deeply about the future of our community and our state. One thing I know for certain is this: the decisions made at the state level have a direct impact on our local businesses, our workforce, and our overall economic health. That’s why I’m especially proud of an upcoming event that reflects something we don’t always see enough of, true collaboration across New Mexico’s business community.
 
On Wednesday, April 22, the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, Santa Fe Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the New Mexico Veteran Chamber of Commerce to host “New Mexico’s Next Governor: Candidate Perspectives.” This isn’t just another event. It’s a moment for the business community to come together with a shared purpose.
 
It’s also a reflection of the broader partnerships it takes to move our state forward. This event is made possible with the support of Homewise, a leader in advancing housing solutions in our community, and the Family Leadership Council of New Mexico, part of Growing Up New Mexico, which works to elevate the voices of families and strengthen early childhood systems across our state. Because when we talk about the future of New Mexico’s economy, we’re also talking about housing our workforce and ensuring families have the support they need to participate fully in that economy. By partnering across regions and organizations, we are creating an opportunity for business leaders and community members to hear directly from gubernatorial candidates and better understand their priorities for New Mexico’s future. Our members, our employers, and our workforce all have a stake in the direction of this state.
 
The event will feature candidates in a moderated format focused on issues we hear about every day from our business community: workforce development, economic growth, housing, education, and public safety. These are not abstract policy discussions. These are real challenges and opportunities that affect whether businesses can grow, hire, and succeed in New Mexico. What makes this effort especially meaningful is the collaboration behind it. Each of these chambers represents a different part of our state, a different perspective, and a different set of members. But we are aligned in one key belief: that informed leadership matters, and that the business community deserves the opportunity to hear directly from those who are seeking to lead New Mexico.
 
When we come together like this, alongside partners who are addressing housing and family support systems, our collective voice is stronger and more complete. And that matters, not just for today, but for the future we are building for the next generation of New Mexicans.
 
I encourage our community to attend, to listen, and to stay informed as we look ahead. Because the future of New Mexico isn’t decided in isolation. It’s shaped by informed leadership and a unified business community.
 
Bridget Dixson, IOM
President and CEO
Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, EVO Entertainment Santa Fe celebrated the grand opening of their new Santa Fe location. Their new location provides a modern, welcoming space for guests to relax, connect, and experience the joy of great movies together. Learn more at evo.co

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, JVS Hair Studio held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of their new salon. JVS Hair Studio is a welcoming, full-service salon offering expert hairstyling, precision cuts, color services, and personalized hair care. Learn more at jvshairstudio.square.site/
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Strengthening Santa Fe’s Future Together
 
Santa Fe’s future depends on the strength of its local businesses. When businesses thrive, they create jobs, support families, invest in nonprofits, and help sustain the services our community depends on. When they struggle, we all feel it. That is why the work of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce is centered on one simple goal: strengthening businesses so we can strengthen Santa Fe.
 
This legislative session, I have spent significant time at the Roundhouse advocating for policies that support workforce participation, childcare access, and economic stability. Reliable childcare allows parents to remain in the workforce. Public safety measures protect local retailers and commercial corridors. Thoughtful economic policy helps ensure Santa Fe remains competitive and resilient in a changing economy.
 
Advocacy is only one part of our work. We are equally focused on leadership and workforce development. Leadership Santa Fe continues to cultivate emerging and established leaders who serve across industries and nonprofits. Our workforce partnerships help connect employers with talent. Through initiatives like Feria, we are expanding opportunity for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs and strengthening pathways into the broader business community.
 
We also create spaces where collaboration happens. From business expos to the annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon, these gatherings are more than events. They are opportunities to build relationships, share ideas, and spark partnerships that move our economy forward.
 
The Chamber is not simply a networking organization. We are an advocate, a connector, and a catalyst for progress.
 
Each March, we invite new businesses and organizations to become part of this work through our March Membership Madness campaign. Those who join this month receive special incentives, including promotional visibility and event credits. More importantly, they gain access to timely legislative updates, workforce connections, leadership development programs, and a network of more than 600 businesses committed to Santa Fe’s future.
 
If you are interested in learning more about our advocacy efforts, legislative engagement, workforce initiatives, or upcoming community programs, we invite you to connect with us.
Visit santafechamber.com or call (505) 988-3279 to learn how you can get involved.
Together, we can continue building a vibrant, resilient, and thriving Santa Fe.
 
 
Bridget Dixson, IOM
President and CEO
Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Coronado Paint & Decorating celebrated the grand re-opening of their newly remodeled space. Serving the Santa Fer community for over 40 years, they have the largest selection and best value for carpet, tile, wood flooring and more. Learn more at coronadodecorating.com

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Milk and Honey Coffee held the grand opening of their new coffee shop and shared the celebration with the community during a ribbon cutting ceremony. They are now serving delicious coffee along with breakfast favorites such as crepes, waffles, and tacos.

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Chanel Doinoff Jewelry celebrated the grand opening of their new jewelry boutique gallery with ribbon cutting ceremony. Specializing in unique, artisan-crafted necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings, they combine quality materials with creative design to bring distinctive wearable art.

Learn more at chaneldoinoff.com.