 On Friday, November 7, 2025, Duke City Games Santa Fe celebrated the grand opening of their fifth location on Zafarano Drive. Duke City Games is New Mexico’s #1 for Magic, Pokémon, & more.
Learn more at dukecity.games.  Child Care Is Smart Economic Infrastructure
If New Mexico wants to compete for talent, attract new industries, and grow our economy, we must start by investing in what makes a productive workforce possible. That means treating child care as the economic infrastructure it truly is. Every employer I talk to, from hospitals to small business owners, faces the same challenge: recruiting and retaining qualified workers. Too many parents are sidelined from the workforce or forced to reduce hours because they can’t find reliable care or the cost just doesn't make sense. Universal child care changes that equation. By removing child care costs as a barrier to employment and to a family's financial goals, we strengthen the labor force participation rate, a powerful measure of our state’s economic vitality. This isn’t just family policy or a social program; it’s a strategic investment. When parents can work and employers can fill jobs, productivity soars, incomes rise, and businesses grow. Research shows that for every dollar invested in early care and education, the long-term economic return can reach up to seven dollars through higher earnings, reduced social costs, and stronger communities. Those are numbers any businessperson can appreciate. Universal child care also supports our ability to train and retain a competitive workforce. When families have stable care, employees can pursue skills and training, apprenticeships, and higher education, building the skilled workforce that our economy depends on. Companies benefit from reduced absenteeism and turnover and higher morale, while the state gains an edge in attracting employers who see child-friendly policies as indicators of a strong, modern economy. At the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, we hear directly from employers who want to do right by their teams but struggle to find solutions that work. That is why the Chamber has been a strong advocate for family-friendly workplace policies, and long-term investment in our state’s early childhood system. We know that supporting families is not only the right thing to do, but also smart business. New Mexico’s Early Childhood Trust Fund gives us a sustainable way to maintain this investment over time, ensuring that child care access does not depend on federal cycles or budget swings. That long-term stability is exactly what the business community needs to plan for growth. Universal child care is not a handout; it is an economic driver. By investing in the foundations of our workforce and our business community, we are investing in New Mexico’s capacity to compete, innovate, and prosper for generations to come. It is time for business and government to lead together. Let’s make child care a permanent part of New Mexico’s economic development strategy and ensure every family has access to the care they need to work, thrive, and contribute to our state’s success. Bridget Dixson, IOM President and CEO Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce  On Friday, October 31, 2025, LOMA LLC. celebrated their grand opening with a Dia de Los Muertos themed open house. LOMA is a coworking space that caters to professionals and creatives seeking an office space that differs from traditional corporate offices.
Learn more at lomacowork.com  On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Mayweather Boxing + Fitness Santa Fe celebrated their one-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting at their Cerrillos Road location. The community came out support this exciting milestone and check out the benefits of a boxing style workout.
Learn more at mayweather.fit/santa-fe-nm.  On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Trees, Water & People celebrated the grand opening of their new Santa Fe offices with a ribbon cutting. Trees, Water & People has worked alongside Pueblo communities to restore and protect critical ecosystems in New Mexico for the last 7 years and look forward to many years of continuous work ahead.
Learn more at treeswaterpeople.org. 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!  On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Mari Lopez Designs celebrated the grand opening of their new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Santa Fe. The community was invited by this women-owned business to see the new space and browse the store offering artistic tile, wood and hand-loomed carpet selections as well as locally designed countertop options.
 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 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. |
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