On April 8th, the Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon in which they discussed many changes.
Guess speaker Bill Lee, a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for organization management, served on the Board of Regents for six years. He currently teaches leadership development as a faculty member. Bill is a certified Clifton-Strengths executive and personal coach, and the president and CEO of the fourth element leadership. He serves as the McKinley County Commissioner and has been recognized as one of the top 22 CEOs in New Mexico. Additionally, he was recognized as the Regional Champion by the Northwest, New Mexico Council of Appointed Officials by two governors. Bill was also named third on the New Mexico State Fair Commission and currently sits on the New Mexico Tourism Commission. In 2023, he was inducted into the New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame.
President of the Chamber of Commerce Heather Porter stated “[He] brings deep roots and wide-ranging leadership experiences to everywhere he [enters].” During this luncheon, Lee reflected on “What is it that people truly need from their leaders and from their organizations that they rely on and align with?” He went on to explain that this particular subject has been researched for over sixty years by a Gallup organization, which found the most consistent needs to be “Hope, trust, compassion, and stability.” The chamber is an anchor in our community “In order to fulfill that role, the chamber must embody those four needs on an everyday basis.”
Hope is grown from the idea or belief that things can be better, and the chamber causes hope when they advocate for local businesses. Trust is earned and can only be built through collaboration. Compassion is the human side of business, showing that local businesses matter. Stability is to have the chamber as a reliable partner even in uncertain times.
“These four things are also the very foundation of a resilient business community, and they get stronger when we lead with the three core values of a chamber of commerce: commerce, collaboration, [and] community.”
He admitted that the chamber struggles, facing challenges and falling on uncertain times, but is ready to be rebuilt. “We’re ready to rebuild the integrity of the organization by choosing courage over company, by choosing what’s right over what’s fast, fun and easy, and by practicing not just professing our core values of commerce, collaboration, and community. We’re ready to lead again.” Lee called the attendees to action. “We will not only strengthen the chamber of commerce, but we will strengthen the very fabric [and] soul of this community.”
Porter announced the current three primary focuses of the chamber, which includes updating their website so businesses and communities would have better access, the banquet which will have a live band, gambling and more, and the world class leadership development program. “We want you guys to all come.” She stated.
Additionally, on July 1st, Melinda Salazar will be the new president of the chamber. The Pearls and Poker banquet, which she has been planning, will feature black jack, poker, roulette, slot machines, and a crafts table. There will be tickets for dinner which can be redeemed for tokens, which will help to get raffle tickets for the gambling.
There are also a number of community events, fundraising initiatives, and member events planned throughout the year. The chamber is exploring training opportunities and seeking board members and a director to rebuild and strengthen the organization.
A contract focused solely on chamber duties has been terminated so they could improve communication and collaboration with the mining museum and other organizations. The chamber is advocating for small businesses at a state level, working with various agencies to support growth and community development.
An event Supported by the chamber of commerce that is sure to attract a lot of attention in the Spokes on 66 Car Show. There are over 40 applicants, with registrations from places such as Arizona, Colorado, and Texas.
The Grants Chamber of Commerce is seeking support from the business community to rebuild and strengthen its organization. A committed group of volunteers is leading the effort, but they need financial backing to establish a strong chamber that can advocate for businesses and collaborate with other organizations.
Editor’s Note: Spokes on 66 is coming in June. It is being hosted by Grants MainStreet Project Inc.