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We're still buzzing from all of the energy, connection, and inspiration of being together at this event and we hope you are too! It was amazing to see over 400 women come together for inspiring keynotes, dynamic breakout sessions, and thought-provoking panel conversations. Thank you to all who attended and made it such a success. Check out our photo gallery to relive your favorite moments!  The Business of Engaging in Community Issues
One of the things I value most about our Chamber is that we don’t just celebrate ribbon cuttings or host events. We roll up our sleeves and engage in the issues that matter most to our community. This fall, there is a lot happening that will directly impact both our businesses and our families, and I want to share a few highlights with you. Childcare and our workforce. On average, families in New Mexico spend nearly $12,000 a year per child on childcare. That is a staggering number, and it is why the Governor’s recent announcement to expand childcare to all families, regardless of income, is such a game changer. As someone who serves on the state’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department task force, I can tell you this is a bold step forward. It will not happen overnight, but it positions New Mexico as a leader nationally and helps us address one of the biggest barriers to workforce participation. Minimum wage and your input. The City Council is currently considering raising the minimum wage to $17.50. While we know many employers already pay above that, it is important to understand how this proposal would impact businesses across sectors. That is why we have launched a survey to check the temperature of the business community. I encourage you to visit our website and share your perspective. Your input will shape how we move forward together. Civic engagement and upcoming events. Last week, we hosted a very productive conversation with our mayoral candidates, giving our community the opportunity to hear directly from those who want to lead Santa Fe. Now, we are looking ahead to our City Councilor Meet and Greet on Wednesday, October 8, at La Fonda on the Plaza. These events are such a valuable way to build relationships and ensure that your voice is part of the dialogue shaping our city’s future. Stay connected. Whether it is big policy changes like universal childcare, important conversations around wages, or the chance to meet with our local leaders, your Chamber is committed to being at the table and making sure you are too. I also want to remind you that our 10th Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon and Summit is just around the corner on October 17 and 18. It is a chance to celebrate leadership, build connections, and be inspired. Visit santafechamber.com to learn more about all of these initiatives and events. Together, we can ensure Santa Fe’s business community remains strong, resilient, and ready for the future. Bridget Dixson, IOM President and CEO Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce  On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Fly Boyz LLC celebrated their expansion throughout the Santa Fe market with a ribbon cutting. Specializing in elevating marketing opportunities, event footage and real estate footage, their drone videography takes storytelling to new heights.
Learn more at flyboyz.net.  On Friday, September 19, 2025, ElleWell Holistic Center celebrated their 10-year Anniversary with a ribbon cutting at their newly expanded location in Santa Fe. Their mission is to provide quality holistic healthcare for life, a mission that was honored during this event.
Learn more at ellewell.com.  On Tuesday, August 9, 2025, Be the Blessing Richard Montoya Organization celebrated their Jeans for Teens with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Santa Fe. This event allowed community teens from around Northern New Mexico that otherwise wouldn’t have back to school clothes to choose a few new clothing items for free.
Learn more at betheblessingtherichardmontoyaorganization.com.  Celebrating Ten Years of Leadership, Resilience, and Community
Ten years ago, I came across an article in Forbes magazine that stopped me in my tracks. It said Santa Fe had the most women entrepreneurs per capita in the country. That fact filled me with pride—but it also sparked an idea. What if we brought these incredible women together? What if we created a space where their stories, challenges, and successes could be shared? That vision became the Women’s Leadership Luncheon. At that very first gathering at La Fonda, I hoped for 40 women to attend. Instead, more than 100 showed up. The energy was electric, alive with laughter, genuine connection, and inspiration. In that moment, I knew we had tapped into something powerful, something our community had been waiting for. In the decade since, the Women’s Leadership Luncheon has grown into one of the largest women’s leadership events in New Mexico. I’ve had the privilege of listening to women from all walks of life share their resilience, their lessons learned, and their courage in balancing work, family, and leadership. Each year, I am struck by the honesty of the conversations and the strength in the stories told. It is a reminder that leadership is not defined by titles or positions, but by courage, resilience, and community. This milestone year invites us to pause and reflect. It is a celebration of the women who have paved the way, the women who are leading today, and the women who will shape the future. The luncheon has become more than a single event—it is a movement of mentorship, encouragement, and connection. When women lift each other up, the ripple effects strengthen not only our businesses but also our entire community. As we mark the 10th anniversary, my hope is that every woman who attends leaves with the knowledge that her story matters, her leadership matters, and that together, we are shaping the future of Santa Fe. This year, I invite you to be part of that future. Join us at the 10th Anniversary Women’s Leadership Luncheon & Summit to celebrate how far we’ve come—and to envision, together, what’s next. For more information about the 2025 Women’s Leadership Luncheon & Summit and to secure your conference passes, visit santafechamber.com. Bridget Dixson, IOM President and CEO Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce had a beautiful day on the green at the Santa Fe Country Club on Monday, August 18, for the 2025 Sam's Club Scramble golf tournament! Congratulations to our winners:
On the Course Game Winners
On Course Raffle Winners
 On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Mosaic Animal Emergency and Specialty celebrated its One-Year Anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Santa Fe. Dr. Julia Donnelly, Dr. Nicole Chamney, and Dr. Sonja Sim welcomed the community to an open house, offering a chance to learn more about how the clinic serves pets, families, and veterinarians across Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico.
Learn more at mosaicanimal.com.  On Thursday, August 14, 2025, Leaf & Tackle LLC celebrated their Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Santa Fe. It was a fantastic opportunity to commemorate this Indigenous, and Chicano-owned family business. This event highlighted their products grown in New Mexico and rooted in tradition.
Learn more at leafandtackle.com.  Investing in the Future: Why Supporting Young Professionals Matters
In Santa Fe, we are proud of our culture, our creativity, and our commitment to community. But like many cities, we face a challenge: how do we attract and retain the next generation of business professionals—and ensure they thrive here? That’s exactly what the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce is addressing through its Santa Fe Rising initiative. This program is designed to support young professionals (typically under 45) who are eager to grow their careers, connect with peers, and contribute meaningfully to the Santa Fe economy. National data shows that cities with strong support systems for young professionals see measurable benefits—from increased entrepreneurship to long-term workforce stability. In fact, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, over 60% of millennials say they are more likely to stay in a city where they feel professionally connected and supported. In Santa Fe, where workforce retention has long been a concern, this matters. Earlier this year, the Chamber surveyed its own young professionals. The results were clear: they want monthly opportunities to meet in person, gain new skills, and participate in conversations about Santa Fe’s future. Their top interests include mentorship, professional development, and community impact. That’s why Santa Fe Rising is rolling out a dynamic lineup of monthly events—including business mixers, leadership workshops, and speaker panels featuring local entrepreneurs and civic leaders. The goal is simple: help our young professionals build roots, not just résumés. These efforts are about more than networking. They’re about building a bridge between generations and ensuring our city remains vibrant, competitive, and forward-thinking. When we invest in young leaders, we’re investing in the long-term health of our community. The Chamber invites all of Santa Fe to support this work—by encouraging employers to sponsor participation, by attending public events, or even by becoming a mentor. Let’s show the next generation that Santa Fe isn’t just a beautiful place to visit—it’s a place to build a life. For a full calendar of Santa Fe Rising events and ways to get involved, visit santafechamber.com. Bridget Dixson, IOM President and CEO Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce |
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October 2025
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