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 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.

A Chamber That Reflects Santa Fe Today
 
The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce is not the organization many people still imagine when they hear the word “chamber.” As we move into 2026, our work is focused on meeting Santa Fe where it is today and helping shape where it is headed next. That means supporting businesses of all sizes, investing in people at every stage of their professional journey, and addressing the real challenges facing our local economy.
 
We are building pathways for emerging leaders through Santa Fe Rising, our program for young professionals who want to build careers, connections, and community here. Retaining talent in Santa Fe requires more than employment opportunities. It requires belonging, leadership development, and meaningful ways to engage.
 
We are also expanding our Women’s Leadership programming beyond a single annual luncheon. Quarterly gatherings allow for deeper conversations, mentorship, and connection across industries and career stages, reflecting the evolving role women play in Santa Fe’s economy and civic life.
 
Inclusiveness is not a buzzword for the Chamber. Through Feria, we continue to elevate Spanish-speaking and Southside businesses by connecting them to resources, relationships, and advocacy. This work ensures more businesses are seen, supported, and positioned for long-term success.
 
Leadership development remains central to our mission. Through our long-standing relationship with Leadership Santa Fe, the Chamber helps prepare informed, engaged leaders who understand the complexity of our community and are ready to serve on boards, commissions, and in civic roles.
 
The Chamber is also deeply engaged in advocacy at the local and state level. As each legislative session approaches, we advance priorities that support workforce stability, housing, public safety, and a competitive environment for local businesses. From organized retail crime and public safety initiatives to broader economic policy, we work alongside lawmakers, law enforcement, and community partners to pursue practical solutions. Advocacy may happen behind the scenes, but its impact is felt across Santa Fe.
 
Telling Santa Fe’s business story is part of this work. CONNECT Santa Fe, our annual business directory and magazine produced in partnership with the Santa Fe New Mexican, will be released later this winter and highlights the businesses, leaders, and neighborhoods shaping our local economy. The Santa Fe Chamber continues to serve as a catalyst for change, a convener of people and ideas, and a champion for the business community.
 
If you want to be part of that work, there are many ways to engage. Become a Chamber member. Volunteer your time. Serve on a committee or board. Join a program. Lend your voice. The future of Santa Fe’s business community is shaped by those willing to step in and lead. Learn more at www.santafechamber.com.
 
Bridget Dixson, IOM
President and CEO
Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce