FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

Happy Spring!

It was great to see so many Santa Feans at the Business Expo and Job Fair in April. This was the largest Expo we have ever hosted, with every parking space filled and hundreds of local residents and businesses connecting.

There’s lots of activity in the business community as we look ahead to the busy summer season. At the Chamber, we are excited for the June 2nd Red Carpet Business Awards Gala at Skylight. We encourage you to get your tickets early and help us celebrate some of the most successful entrepreneurs in our community. Get out and support the Outside Bike n Brew Festival, which will bring hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts and entrepreneurs to town May 19th to 22nd at Fort Marcy Park.

The Chamber Board of Directors will be meeting in May to formulate an annual plan of work under the banner “Collaborate and Prosper.” Incoming Board Chair, Sayuri Yamada of PNM, will lead the discussion on ways that we can further the mission to grow the local economy and serve as the voice of business. Some of the priorities that are already emerging are: increasing flights at Santa Fe Municipal Airport, conducting customer service training, and helping our fastest-growing companies find the resources they need to succeed.

I will be attending meetings with the Association of Commerce and Industry – the state’s chamber of commerce – and the New Mexico Hospitality Association to find areas of common interest and greater collaboration.

Kudos to the City Council for conducting very open and transparent hearings, as they make the tough decisions required to balance the city budget.

The Chamber’s Business Links, a monthly golf networking program sponsored by Constructive Assets, restarts at Quail Run on Friday, May 13. Foursomes will be randomly assigned and refreshments will follow the event. Sign up at www.santafechamber.com.

Now is the time to sign up for the 2016-17 Leadership Santa Fe and Youth Leadership classes. Last year we sold out, so apply early at www.leadershipsantafe.org!

Thank you,

Simon Brackley President and CEO