Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrates 2023, looks forward to new year

2023 was a banner year for the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce.

According to CEO and President Jerry Schalow, the chamber raised more than $250,000 from fundraisers for the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce, Rio Rancho Community Foundation and Leadership Sandoval.

Schalow said some of the chamber’s most attended events during the year included:

• Oktoberfest, with more than 4,500 people
• Small Business Saturday brought in 400
• The Mayor’s Gala had 360
• Boots and Bling had 280
• The chamber’s quarterly luncheons had 530

The Chamber held 44 ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate new business and new members in Sandoval County.

Here’s other impacts the RRRCC made in the community in 2023:

Economic boom

“The Discover Sandoval program facilitated the filling of new jobs and vacant positions in Sandoval County and all Central New Mexico,” Schalow said. “This resulted in the fastest-growing median household income in the state in the fastest-growing region of the state.”

New and expanding businesses

“Provided over $150 million in new investment to the region, bolstering our diverse and thriving economy,” Schalow said. “The chamber worked with businesses, developers and investors throughout the year.”

Championing small businesses

“Our support programs equipped hundreds of entrepreneurs with guidance, education and networking opportunities, paving the way for their success,” Schalow said.

Education powerhouse

“The chamber brought the Regional Civics Bee to our community and had contestants from all over the state,” Schalow said. “It was the largest Civics Bee event ever held in the state of New Mexico. We worked with Rio Rancho Public Schools to prepare for the launch of career-technical education initiatives, ensuring our future generations are equipped with in-demand skills for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Community Connect

“We hosted over 100 events connecting businesses, fostering collaboration and strengthening the fabric of our community,” Schalow said. “From networking events, mixers, luncheons to business expos, leadership programs and educational programs, we kept the networking fire burning bright.”

Advocacy at its finest

“We were the voice for businesses at the local, state and national levels, advocating for policies that promote economic growth and a vibrant business climate,” Schalow said. “We worked closely with the city of Rio Rancho on a comprehensive sign ordinance and at the state level worked to stop the paid family leave act that would have adversely affected individual residents and businesses with a mandatory program that would have reduced their net pay. We champion our communities’ best interests.”

Veteran appreciation

“We launched the Veterans Business Support Coalition, providing grants and resources to our brave veterans starting and growing their businesses,” Schalow said. “The chamber rolled out phase two of the Hometown Heroes program, recognizing veterans along Rio Rancho Blvd. The mayor is an integral supporter of this program and would not be possible without his unwavering commitment to veterans in our community.

Education 2.0

“We expanded our education partnership with WESST, bringing business start-up and support programs directly into Rio Rancho, sparking new start-ups and expansions,” Schalow said.

Community first

“Our Nonprofit Alliance group supported over 64 of nonprofit organizations through meetings, volunteer initiatives and fundraising events, proving that Rio Rancho’s heart beats for its community,” Schalow said.

Rio Rancho awards

“At our annual Boots and Bling Awards Dinner, we celebrated the achievements of outstanding businesses and individuals, shining a spotlight on the talent and dedication that fuels our community’s success,” Schalow said.

What will the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce do for an encore in 2024?

• The first Business After Hours on Jan. 9 will be Meet the RRRCC Board of Directors for 2024
• Rio Rancho Day will be held at the Edit House in March to celebrate the community’s success and growth opportunities in 2024.
• Boots and Bling will be held April 13
• Civics Bee Event deadline for applications is Jan. 8 and the event will be held April 20.
• The chamber is working with several companies on new locations in the community along with expansions.

“2024 should be a great year for continued growth and expansion of our business community and our initiatives,” Schalow said.