From the President's Desk

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