From the President's Desk

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