Welcome to the 2008 Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory, Business Reference and Community Profile. The guide is a resource for local businesses and people potentially relocating to Santa Fe.

This year’s guide features easy-to-read listings of member businesses arranged alphabetically and by category with details including representatives, addresses, telephone numbers and websites. These listings are also available online at www.santafechamber.com, where you can email companies directly and print out category listings.

The Business Reference section is a listing of economic development organizations throughout the Santa Fe area, and contains information for those thinking about starting or expanding an existing business or moving a business to Santa Fe. Visit www.santafechamber.com for more information about the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce and a calendar of Chamber events.

Business in Santa Fe

Santa Fe is one of the great destination cities of the world. The multicultural tradition, rich history, outstanding climate, and healthy environment make it a great place to live and do business.

The Santa Fe area economy is based on a strong hospitality industry and the influence of Los Alamos National Laboratory, which employs over 8,000 in the area. Santa Fe’s reputation as a world-class destination has created a strong tourist and high-end retail economy, and the art market is a strong draw.

Economic Development Plan

In 2003 the Santa Fe City Council commissioned an economic development plan to help diversify the economy and create greater wealth and opportunity for all citizens. The Austin, Texas firm Angelou Economics was hired, and they recommended a combination of retention and recruitment activities that respect the traditions and challenges unique to Santa Fe. The plan identified seven specific areas to encourage growth and apply economic development resources. The target areas are –

• Design;
• Arts and culture;
• Hospitality;
• Water conservation and clean energy technologies;
• Software development;
• Publishing and new media; and
• Outdoor gear and apparel.

Secondary targets are health care, retiree services, and food and beverage products. The Chamber is committed to supporting the plan and helping to implement this economic development strategy.

New projects underway include redevelopment of the Santa Fe Railyard, a new downtown Civic Center scheduled to open this year, a large-scale project on property owned by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, a regional water project shared by city and county governments, a new campus home for the financial services firm Thornburg Companies, and a number of developments focused on increasing the supply of affordable housing. Other new projects include regional jet service at the Santa Fe Airport; the opening of Physicians Medical Center of Santa Fe, a new acute care hospital; the beginning of Rail Runner commuter train service from Albuquerque to Santa Fe toward the end of the year; the development of a Health Sciences Center and an Advanced Technology Center at Santa Fe Community College; the business development of Los Soleras; the initial planning of a career/technical center to support the high schools; and expansion of the Museum of New Mexico.