2008-2009 COMMITTEES TO JOIN!

Influence decisions.

Make new contacts.

Impact your community.

Join a committee.

Committee members influence decisions, make new contacts,

generate new leads, and impact the community by volunteering.

Please review the various committees available for

you to join as an exclusive member benefit.

Then, fill out the form at the bottom and we will contact you with information about committee participation!

We welcome volunteers throughout the year!

BUSINESS ADVOCACY AND
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DIVISION

DIVISION VICE CHAIR:

NADYNE BICKNELL
505-298-0295, ncbick@comcast.net
 

GACC STAFF:

LARRY GONZALES SMITH
Vice President of Regional Public Policy & Government Relations
505-764-3746, lsmith@abqchamber.com

RANDY TRASK
Senior Director of Business, Economic Development & International Affairs
505-764-3747, rtrask@abqchamber.com
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BUSINESS ADVOCACY AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS PLANNING COUNCIL
Council Chair:
Nadyne Bicknell, 505-298-0295, ncbick@comcast.net

Influence public policy decisions that impact business. The

Chamber serves as an advocate for the business community at the local, state and federal levels. The council crafts the Chamber’s legislative agenda and policy positions for action by the Chamber Board of Directors for presentation to the City Council, County Commission and State Legislature. Meetings convene monthly.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Wayne Brown, Moss Adams, 505-830-6200,

wayne.brown@mossadams.com

The Chamber recognizes that Albuquerque area businesses are now competing in a global marketplace. The International Trade Committee promotes opportunities for members to learn more about important trade- related issues. In addition, the Chamber provides members a first-hand opportunity to explore international trade prospects through coordinated discovery missions to nations with emerging economies, such as China. This committee also looks for opportunities to host international trade experts and dignitaries from countries throughout the world for informational sessions with committee members. Meetings convene every two months.

SITES AND SIGHTS COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Paul Sowards, (505) 720-2055, psowardsbaq@aol.com

The Greater Albuquerque Area developed tremendously over the past decade. Our region now boasts many world headline-making companies, several of the nation's largest master planned communities, a plethora of cultural amenities that rival those of the country's largest cities, and revitalization success stories that set a new standard for the region's quality of life. In one whirlwind insider's tour, the business community will see, first-hand, these individual developments that made the Albuquerque region an economic development star over the last decade. The tour will astound and surprise both newcomers and lifelong residents with the useful and insightful information it imparts. The tour showcases Bernalillo, Valencia and Torrance counties. Last program year's tour featured Bernalillo and Sandoval counties. A tour as detailed and extensive as Sites and Sights requires a planning committee made up of members that are passionate and knowledgeable about the region. Meetings convene April through June.

COMMUNICATIONS AND

SPECIAL EVENTS DIVISION

GACC STAFF:

BEVERLY CRUZ
Vice President of Communications and Special Events
505-764-3750, bcruz@abqchamber.com

HILARY REAL
Director of Special Events
505-764-3743, hreal@abqchamber.com

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CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP AWARDS COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Michelle Campbell, Presbyterian Healthcare Services,
505-923-6307, micampbe@phs.org

Each year the Chamber presents an evening of glitz and glamour as it recognizes the stars of our community, individuals and organizations that embody what it means to be a good corporate citizen. Join the committee that selects the recipients from the small, medium, large, and non-profit categories. Committee members solicit applications from a diverse range of candidates, then evaluate candidates on a series of factors - their financial viability, their contribution to the community, and their commitment to creating a safe and stable environment. In addition to the Corporate Citizenship awards, the committee will select an individual to receive the Harry E. Kinney "Good Neighbor" Award presented in memory of our late Mayor and all for which he stood. Meetings convene September through March.

LINKS FOR LITERACY TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Del Esparza, Esparza Advertising, 505-765-1505, del@esparzaadvertising.com

The Chamber presents the 4th Annual "Links for Literacy” golf tournament; a day of fun in the sun, where golfers can mix business with pleasure. Committee members assist with recruiting hole sponsorships and foursomes, and other promotion for this daylong event. Tournament participants will enjoy lunch, an easy shotgun-scramble format, followed by a cocktail reception and awards dinner. Tournament proceeds go to support Albuquerque Reads, the Chamber's literacy program for local kindergartners. Meetings convene November through June.

L.O.B.O. (LEADERS OF BUSINESS OUTREACH)

PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Lonnie Talbert, First Community Bank, 505-764-5499, ltalbert@fcbnm.com

Join the Chamber and UNM Lobo Athletics in preparing student athletes for a successful entrance into the workforce. Known for their skill, discipline, and determination both on the field and in the classroom, it is no great leap to foresee the contributions student athletes can make to the workforce upon their graduation. Committee members will assist with creating workshop and presentation curriculum, which will focus on networking skills, etiquette, resumes and cover letters, industry overviews, and interview techniques among other topics. Additionally, committee members may serve as mentors and will assist with recruiting other members of the business community to serve as mentors to these students. Meetings convene August through May.

MILITARY AFFAIRS ARMED FORCES BANQUET
PLANNING COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Lonnie Talbert, First Community Bank, 505-764-5499, ltalbert@fcbnm.com

Support our local military community. The Chamber's Military Affairs committee works closely with Kirtland Air Force Base and local military offices to support our men and women in uniform. Held on Armed Forces Day each May, this black-tie, formal event is the largest military gala in the state of New Mexico. Outstanding service men and women receive awards and recognition. The event also features a nationally renowned military leader as the keynote speaker. Meetings convene August through May.

U.S.S. ALBUQUERQUE COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Sharon Gordon, Central New Mexico Community College,
505-224-3068, sgordon@cnm.edu

This committee forges a strong relationship with the crew of the USS Albuquerque, a U.S. Navy fast attack submarine. From care packages to helping with trips for some of the crew to come to town, this committee plays a vital role in the morale of the crew and is know as one of the best support committees (for a boat) in the nation. Meetings convene year-round.

CRIME & SAFETY PLANNING DIVISION

DIVISION VICE CHAIR:

MIKE BURGESS
General Manager & Vice President, KOB-TV 4,
505-764-2400, mburgess@kobtv.com
 

GACC STAFF:

RANDY TRASK
Senior Director of Business, Economic Development & International Affairs
505-764-3747, rtrask@abqchamber.com
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CRIME & SAFETY PLANNING COUNCIL
Council Chair:
Mike Burgess, KOB-TV 4, 505-764-2400, mburgess@kobtv.com

Crime is an economic development issue. The Chamber focuses on property crimes with the goal of creating a safer environment in which to live and work in central New Mexico. The Council provides members an opportunity to help develop policies, craft legislation and support initiatives that will reduce crime in general and property crimes, such as auto theft, business and home burglaries, and check fraud in particular. Council members work closely with law enforcement agencies and other community groups to advocate for initiatives that enhance public safety, which in turn supports economic growth. Meetings convene every six weeks.

HEALTHCARE DIVISION

DIVISION VICE CHAIR:

NORM BECKER
President & CEO, New Mexico Mutual Group,
505-345-7260, normb@nmmcc.com
 

GACC STAFF:

LARRY GONZALES SMITH
Vice President of Regional Public Policy & Government Relations,
505-764-3746, lsmith@abqchamber.com

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HEALTHCARE PLANNING COUNCIL
Council Chair:
Norm Becker, New Mexico Mutual Group, 505-345-7260, normb@nmmcc.com

The Chamber is committed to building a framework for universal coverage that is economically feasible, protects small businesses, maintains private insurance and the delivery of quality medical services, and slows the rising cost of healthcare for all of our state's residents. The Healthcare Planning Council works with healthcare providers, elected officials and the business community to help achieve these goals. Council members are at the forefront of the healthcare reform initiative. Meetings convene every six weeks

LEADERSHIP &

ALBUQUERQUE READS DIVISION

DIVISION VICE CHAIR:

DEL ARCHULETA
CEO, Molzen-Corbin & Associates, 505-242-5700, darchuleta@molzencorbin.com
 

GACC STAFF:

MICHAEL GAYLOR
Vice President of Leadership Programs & Albuquerque Reads,
505-764-3770, mgaylor@abqchamber.com

LISY GONZALES
Leadership Program Administrator, 505-764-3739, lgonzales@abqchamber.com

NENA PERKIN
Leadership Program Administrator, 505-764-3736, nperkin@abqchamber.com

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ALBUQUERQUE READS COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Eloise Gift, Keller Williams Realty, 505-363-5156, eloise@eloisegift.com

Make a difference in a kindergartner's life. Join the Albuquerque Reads Committee and help plan and implement this outstanding and successful program. The committee's work includes program expansion, volunteer recruitment, logistics, fundraising efforts, and more! Albuquerque Reads is now in three schools and we hope to add schools in the years to come. Test results reveal that tutoring kindergartners at their school, one-on-one, makes a difference. Work with us to keep this critical program moving forward! Meetings convene monthly.

ALBUQUERQUE READS LUNCHEON COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Nancy Valenzuela, Central New Mexico Community College,
505-224-3701, mvalenzuela11@cnm.edu

Help recognize the efforts of the Albuquerque Reads volunteer tutors, corporate sponsors, and teachers, and celebrate the accomplishments of the children served by the program. This committee plans and implements year-end celebration luncheons for each of the schools participating in the Reads program. Meetings convene monthly.

ALBUQUERQUE READS TUTORS
Provide volunteer opportunities for your employees and make a difference in the life of a child. Studies show that if a child cannot read at grade level by third grade, he or she will probably drop out of high school. Albuquerque Reads reverses this growing problem. Help a young child learn to read by volunteering to tutor kindergarten students at one of the participating Albuquerque Public Schools. Training is provided. The program achieves dramatic results. Help a child today by becoming a tutor!

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Ross Busby, Bank of the West, 505-843-9180, ross.w.busby@bankofthewest.com

If you have a passion for Leadership Development, this committee is for you! We host an annual Leadership Conference each year. This conference offers an opportunity to refresh, rejuvenate, reacquaint participants with colleagues and meet new ones, and walk away with valuable information, immediately applicable in their workplaces. The conference also serves as a venue for the Leadership Albuquerque Alumni Association to present its annual Community Leadership Award to a deserving member of our community. Committee members make a one-year commitment to the planning and implementation of the event. Committee members assist in recruiting and screening keynote speakers; securing a venue; planning the conference program; securing sponsorships; marketing the conference and building registrations; and attending and providing assistance during the event. Meetings convene monthly.

YOUNG EXECS
Committee Chair:
Megan Mayo, Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau,
505-222-4349, mayo@itsatrip.org

This group of young professionals in their 20's and 30's meets to network and learn from each other and about the issues facing the Greater Albuquerque area. Monthly business networking, Lunch with Leaders, after-work social activities and civic engagement opportunities are all part of this program. Join your peers and get on the fast track to involvement in your organization and your community. Meetings convene monthly.

MEMBER SERVICES DIVISION

DIVISION VICE CHAIR:

TOM MORTON
General Manager, Albuquerque Convention Center - SMG Management,
505-768-3868, tmorton@albuquerquecc.com

GACC STAFF:

KEITH EDWARDS
Vice President of Membership & Sales,
505-764-3731, kedwards@abqchamber.com

MARY BROWN
Director of Member Relations, 505-764-3753, mbrown@abqchamber.com

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AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Becky Caruso, ReSource Office Products,
505-261-1374, becky.caruso@resourceofp.com

Establish relationships early on with new or expanding companies by representing the Chamber and your own business at various events as an Ambassador. Participate in groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies for new or expanding businesses and share in recognizing their achievements. Ambassadors also participate in recognizing member anniversaries, helping increase member participation in Chamber programs, and briefing new members about Chamber services. Meetings convene monthly.

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT DIVISION

DIVISION VICE CHAIR:

VINCE MURPHY
Chief Executive Officer, Strategic & Learning Services,
505-823-2000, vmurphy@slsinc.com

GACC STAFF:

MICHAEL GAYLOR
Vice President of Leadership Programs and Albuquerque Reads,
505-764-3770, mgaylor@abqchamber.com

ANDREA NASH
Senior Director of Member Services,

Small Business & Entrepreneurship,
505-764-3725, anash@abqchamber.com

MARY BROWN
Director of Member Relations, 505-764-3753, mbrown@abqchamber.com
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DUKE CITY DOZEN AWARDS COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Deb Austin, Office Alternatives, 505-796-9600, deb@officealternatives.com

The Chamber presents the Duke City Dozen Awards each year in recognition of the entrepreneurs and small businesses that are the backbone of our community's economic base. Committee members encourage potential candidates to submit applications. These candidates are then evaluated on their ability to demonstrate innovative, creative, and unique ways of delivering products and services. The committee selects ten organizations for the Innovate Albuquerque Award as well as the individuals who are to receive the Maxie Anderson Award and the Home-Based Business Award. Meetings convene from September through February.
 

HOME-BASED & SMALL BUSINESS EXPO COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Cathryn Fletcher, All-Ways Traveling, 505-296-7300, info@allwaystraveling.com

This committee will plan the 2nd Annual Home-Based & Small Business Expo event. This event connects the home-based and small business owner with their peers and to those wishing to market to this type of business owner. The event also provides participants with workshops on the unique issues faced when operating this type of business. As a committee member, you will recruit and screen workshop presenters, market the event, build registrations, sell booth spaces and assist on the day of the event. Meetings convene November through April.

NM SUMMIT ON AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS COMMITTEE
Committee Chair:
Vince Murphy, Strategic & Learning Services, 505-823-2000, vmurphy@slsinc.com

Join the New Mexico Summit on American Competitiveness Committee and help the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce organize an exciting event focused on convening New Mexico's premier leaders of business, government and academia to discuss what steps the public and private sectors can take to make New Mexico's economy the most competitive in the 21st Century. Meetings convene April through June.

TRANSPORTATION DIVISION

DIVISION VICE CHAIR:

LARRY AHRENS
Partner, Ahrens-Garrity Public Relations, 505-798-2660,

 larry@a-gpr.com

GACC STAFF:

RANDY TRASK
Senior Director of Business, Economic Development & International Affairs
505-764-3747, rtrask@abqchamber.com

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TRANSPORTATION PLANNING COUNCIL
Council Chair:
Larry Ahrens, Ahrens-Garrity Public Relations, 505-798-2660, larry@a-gpr.com

The Chamber works closely with its regional partners in addressing transportation issues that affect the economic success of the region. The planning council focuses on several multi-modal projects including highway infrastructure improvement, light rail and public transportation alternatives. Council members also work with local, state and federal authorities to address the transportation issues which impact the region. Meetings convene every six weeks.
 

Join a Committee Today!

Are you interested in joining a Chamber committee? Then, please fill out the form below and we will contact you with information about the committee, when they meet, etc.