Chamber Matters: A note from your CEO

Building a Culture of Belonging: The Key to Employee Retention

This month, I virtually attended the "Seasonal Connect and Pabian Law's Trends, Ideas, and Culture in Hospitality" conference to see what other tourist communities are up to. While it was my first Zoom conference experience, the fast-paced presentations and informative content proved valuable. One presentation in particular, "How to Send Belonging Cues Across the Employee Lifecycle" by LeAnne Legasse SHRM-SCP, a former Texas Tech University professor and current expert consultant, resonated deeply.

Ms. Legasse's opening resonated on two levels. First, she revealed her upbringing in Ruidoso, New Mexico, a small community similar to ours. Second, she highlighted the importance of employers communicating that their employees matter, emphasizing the concept of "belonging cues."

The impact of belonging was striking: 'Employees who experience a sense of belonging and importance in their jobs are 10x more likely to be deeply invested and involved in the workplace.' Notably, belonging extends beyond work, encompassing the knowledge that your employer genuinely cares about your wellbeing outside the office.

Recognizing our unique challenges in attracting and retaining employees, the Chamber conducted a member survey. While the response rate was limited, it provided valuable insights.

Key Findings:

• Average number of employees: 8
• 50% part-time, 50% full-time
• Primary responding industry: Lodging
• Standard practices: competitive wages, PTO, sick leave, growth opportunities, recognition, regular communication, and wellbeing initiatives.

Ms. Legasse's presentation offers a powerful message: employees thrive when they feel valued and connected, transcending traditional practices like competitive salaries, although those remain important. It's about fostering a culture of belonging where individuals feel their contributions matter and their employer genuinely considers their wellbeing.

The member survey provided valuable insights into the current practices, and while we continue to gather information, it's clear that fostering belonging is critical in our unique environment.

Building a culture of belonging is a shared journey. The Chamber looks forward to partnering with you, our members, to unlock the collective potential of our workforce and create a vibrant and sustainable future for our mountain communities.

- Naoma Staley

Chamber Matters

We'd like to welcome our new members! Please click on their link below to learn more and to support them.

• Snarky Malarkey Gifts Gone Amiss
• SBDC - UNM Taos
• The Vault
• Rex Foundation
• Casali Real Estate
• Mountain Peak Properties
• Hotel Ryland
• Big River Raft Trips
• Freeze Dried Mountain Goodies
• Shotgun Willie's
• Li'l Willie's Shenanigans
• Enchanted Forest X-Country Ski/Snowshoe Area
• Yesterday's Diner

Networking Nights Social

Expand your network and catch up with colleagues at the Red River Chamber's Member Socials! These events are a casual and fun way to make new connections and reconnect with familiar faces in the community. Our next social is Tuesday, April 2nd. The location will be announced.

Board of Director Elections

Our annual Chamber board of director elections are nearly upon us.

• March 19 - Nominating Committee selected
• April 16 - Nominations for board submitted
• May 26 - Board elections
• June 25 - Executive Committee appointments

Financial Matters

Strong Financials, Thriving Community

SANTA FE, N.M. – The most up-to-date economic information for the State of New Mexico, including all 33 counties, is now available on the Economic Development Department website at February 2024 Economic Summary - All 33 Counties (newmexico.gov)

The County Reports project is an initiative by the EDD to offer more comprehensive data about spending, unemployment, and wages to local communities.

“We know this first-of-its-kind project has been an asset for legislators and local decision makers as they look at their own communities to see how they need to diversify and grow jobs after the health emergency,” Cabinet Secretary Keyes said.

“These reports can provide valuable insights for them as they work with us and all their other partners to rebuild jobs and make their economies stronger.”

To see 2024 economic data for Taos County, go to February 2024 Economic Summary - Taos.docx (newmexico.gov)

Community Column

Red River Chamber of Commerce: A True Partner for Business Success

Hi everyone, I am Sara Stennett, and I own Frontier Soap. My family has vacationed in Red River for years. Being from Lubbock, Texas, the cool mountains of Red River are where we want to be, wherever we have time to get away.

I was already a soap maker when I envisioned making a business out of it while on vacation in Red River a few years back. A soap business focused on the natural beauty of the Rockies and all things "frontier" was born.

Then, when Naoma learned during an event a couple of years ago that the idea for my company was born in and of Red River, I was invited to join the Red River Chamber of Commerce, and I jumped at the opportunity! I love helping Red River stay, the wonderful place my family has always experienced. The Chamber has given back to me with lower vending fees for members and unlimited advice and support to assist me in making my business journey as smooth and successful as possible while in Red River and beyond. Being a member has also been very profitable for my business due to the connections with the Chamber's other member businesses.

The Chamber has generously offered invaluable benefits that have supported my business journey:

• Reduced vending fees for members: This translates to significant cost savings.
• Unlimited advice and support: From marketing strategies to helpful tips and tricks, the Chamber provides valuable resources to help me succeed.
• Profitable connections: My membership has opened doors to valuable partnerships with other local businesses.

Being a member has truly helped Frontier Soap to flourish. Please explore the many advantages the Red River Chamber offers its members.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story,

Sara Stennett, Owner & Soapmaker, Frontier Soap

Hiring?

As a member, you can use your Wild Apricot login to post and manage job vacancies on the Red River Jobs Board. Job announcements can be posted for 30, 60, or 90 days.

The job board is also open to non-Chamber members, so if you get to the payment page and it is not $0.00, you forgot to log in. Job postings are free for Chamber members.

To access the RR Jobs Board, go to our website at www.RedRiverChamber.org and click on Work > RR Jobs. Alternatively, you can click here: https://redriverchamberofcommerce.mcjobboard.net/jobs

If you have trouble logging in, please email us at rrinfo@redriverchamber.org.

Volunteer Training Schedule

Apr 24 5:30 - 7:00 P Volunteer Training: What You Need To Know About Working Security At An Event

May 22 5:30 - 7:00 P Volunteer Training: What You Need To Know About Working A Gate At An Event

Jun 5 4:30 - 5:00 P Volunteer Training: What You Need To Know About Working A Gate At An Event

Jun 5 5:30 - 7:00 P Volunteer Training: What You Need To Know About Working Security At An Event

Aug 28 5:30 - 7:00 P Volunteer Training: What You Need To Know About Working Security At An Event

Sep 25 5:30 - 7:00 P Volunteer Training: What You Need To Know About Working A Gate At An Event

Oct 2 4:30 - 5:00 P Volunteer Training: What You Need To Know About Working A Gate At An Event

Oct 2 5:30 - 7:00 P Volunteer Training: What You Need To Know About Working Security At An Event

Visitation Data

Jan 1 to Feb 25, 2024

Estimated annual visits: 194.6K

Average length of visits:  5 Hours

Calendar

March

Mar 4 4:00 - 5:30 P Vino in the Valley Planning Meeting at RRBC

Mar 12 1:00 – 2:00 P Finance Committee Meeting at Chamber

Mar 19 10:00 – 11:00 A Monthly Board of Directors Meeting: Board Nominating Committee at Chamber

Mar 25 4:00 - 5:30 P Vino in the Valley Planning Meeting at Sheehan Winery

Mar 27 noon - 1:00 P Local Employees: Winter Season Thanks at Community House

April

Apr Mondays 4:00 - 5:30 P Vino in the Valley Planning Meeting at various locations

Apr 2 6:00 - 8:00 P Member Social: Celebrating a Successful Winter Season at TBD

Apr 3 4:00 - 5:00P Membership Committee Meeting at Chamber

Apr 9 1:00 – 2:00 P Finance Committee Meeting

Apr 10 9:00 A – 2:00 P Member Training: Subject TBA

Apr 16 10:00 – 11:00 A Monthly Board of Directors Meeting: Board Nominees Announced

Apr 24 5:30 - 7:00 P Volunteer Training - Event Security

May

May 1 4:00 - 5:00 P Membership Commitee Meeting at Chamber

May 3-17 Voting Period for Chamber Board of Directors

May 13 4:00 - 5:30 P Vino Planning Committee Meeting at TBA

May 14 1:00 – 2:00 P Finance Committee Meeting

May 17 9:00 – 11:00 A Volunteer Opportunity: Roadside Cleanup (Orientation given on-site)

May 21 10:00 – 11:00 A Monthly Board of Directors Meeting: Board Elections

May 22 5:30 - 7:00 P Volunteer Training: What You Need To Know About Working a Gate at an Event

May 27 4:00 - 5:30 P Vino Planning Committee Meeting at TBA

Upcoming Events

Vino in the Valley

July 4th Parade & Celebration

Oktoberfest