Chairman of the Board Message for 2010
by Randolph (Randy) Sanchez
It is my sincere privilege to serve as Chairman of the Board of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce in 2010. As a member since 1993 and an active board member for seven years I have had the distinct pleasure to work with the wonderful team at the Chamber. Their professionalism, dedication and experience in promoting economic development and opportunities for its over 1,500 members is unparalleled!
Building a Legacy. Despite the economic downturn in 2009, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce was busy literally building a legacy with a multi-million dollar building expansion for its new Barelas Economic Opportunity Center (BEOC). I am so proud to have participated in the early stages of what was once only a dream to expand the Chamber’s services to its members. This dream will become a reality with the GRANDE opening planned for February 2010!
The Chamber’s Board of Directors and Management Team have worked hard over the last four years to raise enough money to build this 9,000 square foot expansion. I would like to extend a special GRACIAS to all of our members who contributed to this worthy cause, and to both the current and past board members who made personal financial contributions to the building fund. This dedication, coupled with the 100% financial contributions from the Chamber’s Management Team and staff, is a tribute to the community’s engagement.
Ultimate Potential. A few months ago, the Chamber initiated an online survey to each of its over 1,500 business members to determine how the Chamber team can better serve you. Not surprisingly, the overwhelming benefit most of our members liked was the business to business networking opportunities that the Chamber provides. Establishing informal “personal relationships” with other business leaders has proven to be successful in garnering more business.
I encourage you to take advantage of the more than 40 networking events scheduled this year, including bi-weekly El Cambio Business Exchange luncheons, quarterly After Hours Business Exchange Mercados and monthly Biz Gratis events after hours. By getting engaged with Chamber events you will undoubtedly increase the chances of reaching your ultimate potential!
As Chairman this year my hope is to expand on the results of the survey and focus on three important areas: attracting Hispanic youth to our Chamber, growing our membership base and focusing on the “value added” products/services we offer our members to enhance their businesses. I encourage you to get involved with some of the committees that will be looking at these areas. Any Chamber member can participate! Our goal is to maximize the strengths of the Chamber by providing you, our customer, with the best resources and connectivity possible. Thank you all for your continued support of the Chamber and I look forward serving you this year.
Randy Sanchez