By Jo Mixon
Chamber Executives From All Over the State of New Mexico
I believe being a member of the New Mexico Chamber Executives Association (NMCEA) is one of the most important affiliations I have made, not only for our chamber, but for myself as well. NMCEA is an organization of chamber executives from across the state, working together to improve the business climate in New Mexico, while developing ways to enhance the quality of life in the communities that we represent. NMCEA provides leadership for chamber employees through its networks and resources. We learn about ways to strengthen our professional development. Our member chambers represent more than 10,000 businesses throughout the state. We meet twice a year for Conferences. The winter conference is always in Albuquerque, hosted by the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. The summer conference is moveable. We are invited to visit various places all around the state. In January, during Legislation, we meet again in Santa Fe. Plus, on a daily basis, 365 days per year, the members of this group are just emails and phone calls away, joining expertise together with helpful advice and camaraderie.
Last week I traded our mountain for another, to attend the 2014 NMCEA Summer Conference, hosted by the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce, in Ruidoso. Opening night at conference is fun greeting friends and associates I see only a few times per year and meeting new ones. But it quickly turns serious, as we get to business. Our time is short, so it is always tightly filled with speakers and round tables and workshops. The topics vary and are designed around important information to help equip us with tools to better serve our members. We also keep abreast of what is happening at state level that will have an impact on our businesses. Since the chamber is a voice for your business and we are such a small community, this contact is extremely important for us in Angel Fire.
Last year the NMCEA awarded me a full scholarship to attend the Institute for Organizational Management (IOM). Since 1921, IOM has been the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities. Institute has educated hundreds of thousands of past, current, and future nonprofit leaders from across the country, making it one of the oldest and most highly regarded adult education programs in nonprofit management. I am eternally grateful to NMECA for granting me this scholarship and for my Board of Directors for making the four year commitment for me to continue this education.
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