In the News
Local Students Compete in 2025 Civics Bee
April 5, 2025
“Several metro area students participated in the National Civics Bee this year, looking to take the next step towards a national competition. The competition aims to inspire middle school-aged students to engage with government, leadership, and civic responsibility. Saturday’s event was won by Keith Lee, who placed third in the national competition last year.“
-KRQE 13
Amythyst Marciano from NMCC joins Terry Travis Discussing National Civics Bee Anticipation
March 30, 2025
“When adults, educators, business people, or organizational figureheads in the community endorse and encourage [participating students’] ideas, they’ll carry that passion into adulthood, into their careers or secondary pursuits, so that they’re always engaged in their communities. And that’s ultimately what we really want!”
-The Weekend with Terry Travis, 96.3 KKOB-FM
House Committee Ties Tax Credit for Working Class to Oil Tax Hike
March 14, 2025
“Some questioned the wisdom of tying “an ongoing tax credit to volatile oil and gas revenues,” as Alison Riley, public policy director of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, put it.”
-Santa Fe New Mexican
New Mexico Students Take Spotlight in Albuquerque Local Civics Competition for National Civics Bee
March 6, 2025
“The enthusiasm we’ve seen from students this year is incredible,” said Amythyst Marciano, Director of Media & Communications of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. “These young leaders are stepping up to engage in essential conversations about government, community, and advocacy. We invite the community to witness their passion and talent firsthand. The National Civics Bee isn’t just about competition—it’s about preparing the next generation of informed, active citizens. As these students take the stage, they represent the future of leadership in New Mexico and beyond. And at the end of the journey lies a $100,000 educational savings account—that’s a huge step towards a prosperous future!”
-Fox 4 News
Bid for New Mexico to Join Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact
March 4, 2025
“‘House Bill 110 not only streamlines the hiring process, but also alleviates the critical teacher shortage many schools in New Mexico face, especially in rural areas,’ Alison Riley, director of public policy for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said during the meeting.”
-Source NM
Medicaid Forward is a Bad Bill–Vote No
March 1, 2025
“It appears chaos has engulfed Washington, D.C., and its effects are starting to be felt in New Mexico. Only a few weeks ago, funding towards essential services was cut off abruptly and without explanation by the federal government, including Medicaid. Thankfully, after several tense days, most of these programs were reinstated, yet looming questions on the fate of federal funding for programs persist. With the reliability of federal funds is in question, we should move to protect our state from the instability as best we can, including for those most vulnerable.” (by Alison Riley)
-Artesia Daily Press
NMCC Considers HB 148 House Committee Delay
February 19, 2025
“Alison Riley, public policy director for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said autonomous trucks have been driven 3.8 million miles and have had 76% fewer accidents per mile driven than human-operated vehicles. She said those accidents had resulted in no fatalities. ‘Banning autonomous trucks will put New Mexico at a disadvantage compared to neighboring states that are welcoming this technology,’ [Riley] said.”
-City Desk ABQ
NMCC Stands in Opposition to Green Amendment
February 17, 2025
“Allison Riley, public policy director for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce (NMCC), said the chamber opposes the New Mexico Green Amendment as the “undefined” terms could lead to lawsuits and “project delays,” despite the state’s “strong environmental laws.”Riley made her statement at the New Mexico House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee meeting on February 3, 2025.”
-New Mexico Sun
NMCC Weighs in on Ceasing Tax on Tips
February 11, 2025
“This legislation recognizes the vital role that service industry workers play in our economy and ensures they can keep more of their hard-earned income. By reducing the tax burden on tipped workers, this measure supports small businesses that rely on a strong workforce and enhances the financial well-being of thousands of New Mexicans,” New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Director Alison Riley told NM Political Report.”
-NM Political Report
PFAS Clears First Committee Despite Concerns
February 10, 2025
“Alison Riley with the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce was among the public commenters who opposed the bill.
‘A ban like this could force manufacturers out of New Mexico and jeopardize jobs and investments in our state,’ she said.”
-New Mexico Political Report
City to Launch Workforce Development Academy
February 5, 2025
“The academy’s funding comes through a series of grants: $50,000 from Aspen Institute and $10,000 each from Deloitte Consulting LLP, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Sandia National Laboratories, the University of New Mexico and the Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico, for a total of $100,000.
‘This will provide a great opportunity for us to address workforce challenges in a collaborative way and identify strategies and solutions that will help more community members connect to rewarding careers in fields that fuel economic growth and improved quality of life in our region,’ CNM President Tracy Hartzler said in a statement.”
-Albuquerque Journal
Legislators Push for NM to Gain Authority over Water Pollution
January 30, 2025
“‘Small municipalities, public safety agencies and other tax-payer funded service agencies that currently pay nothing for federal permits, will now bear the financial burden for all state-issued permits,’ said Allison Riley, the director of public policy for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.”
-KUNM 89.9 FM
Paid Family and Medical Leave Act Passes First Committee: Assurances Needed
January 29, 2025
“Alison Riley, Public Policy Director for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said this: ‘There’s definitely a way to craft legislation that would support businesses as well as families. Unfortunately, the bill that’s being discussed in committee does miss that mark. … Employees can’t afford a tax on already stretched thin wages. And from what we’re seeing, employers are already working with their employees when they welcome a child into the world, or they have to step away to care for family.'”
-PeteDinelli.com
NMCC Discusses Paid Family Medical Leave
January 28, 2025
“SANTA FE, N.M. – It only took five days for a new paid family and medical leave proposal to leap past the starting line in the Roundhouse, but the battle is only just beginning. Now, we have a better idea where business leaders are drawing the line.
‘There’s definitely a way to craft legislation that would support businesses as well as families. Unfortunately, the bill that’s being discussed in committee does miss that mark,’ said Alison Riley, a public policy director for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.”
-KOB 4 News
NMCC’s Focus During the Legislative Session
January 26, 2025
“The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce remains committed to championing legislative priorities that drive economic growth, foster innovation and create opportunities for businesses of all sizes. As the voice of New Mexico’s business community, our focus is on policies that reduce unnecessary burdens, promote fairness, and ensure a vibrant economic climate for all.”
-Albuquerque Journal
Business Day in Santa Fe 2025 on 96.3 KKOB
January 25, 2025
Terry Travis on KKOB’s The Weekend features NMCC’s Director of Media & Communications, Amythyst Marciano, for a chat about the new and exciting Business Day in Santa Fe 2025 venue. Listen for new tidbits on NMCC CEO Leslie Hielema, and the benefits of NMCC advocacy during the legislative session, all with the sparkle of morning show wit and charm!
NMCC Names New CEO: Leslie Hielema
January 14, 2025
“When Leslie Hielema started the job as Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce’s president and CEO more than a decade ago, her goal was to focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Hielema, who has more than 15 years of experience in business development and pushing economic growth, will bring that same playbook to the Land of Enchantment starting next week in her new role as CEO and president of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, one of the state’s most influential voices in the business community, the Chamber announced Tuesday.”
-Albuquerque Journal
Retail Crime Fighting Goes High Tech
May 13, 2024
“Building a case against a man recently charged as an alleged ‘fence,’ who resold stolen high-dollar perfumes, purses and clothes, can largely be attributed to data collected by the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association and its use of Auror, a retail crime intelligence and loss prevention platform that shares information between law enforcement and retailers…NMORCA was created two years ago through the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. It currently has more than 500 members, including 15 law enforcement agencies.”
With less than a week left, much of governor’s gun, crime package seems stalled.
February 9, 2024
“Public safety continues to be a top concern for New Mexicans,” Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Maddy Hayden wrote in an email, citing the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce’s recent 2024 Voter Pulse survey. She noted that the waiting period bill was moving through the Legislature but said much more needs to be done.
Poll: New Mexico on wrong track
February 6, 2024
As the end of the 2024 legislative session approaches, NMCC’s team is working hard as the Voice of New Mexico Business statewide and in the Roundhouse. Earlier this week, NMCC President & CEO Rob Black spoke with the Roswell Daily Record regarding NMCC’s 2024 Voter Pulse Survey, providing insight into the poll’s results for readers across New Mexico. The Voter Pulse Survey is conducted by NMCC annually and gauges what voters believe to be the most important issues for the legislative session.
What New Mexico Business Leaders are Pushing for in the 2024 Legislature
January 15, 2024
NMCC’s President & CEO Rob Black provided a great deal of insight to the Albuquerque Journal in the past week regarding NMCC’s priorities and concerns for the legislative session. Mr. Black covered topics ranging from CTE program funding, paid family medical leave, regulatory processes, and more.
Lessons from the Avangrid Merger Failure
January 9, 2024
NMCC’s President & CEO, Rob Black, discusses the lessons learned from the failed Avangrid merger, which would have had a $300 million benefit to the state. This instance speaks to the importance of streamlining policies that will encourage companies to move or expand their businesses here, so New Mexico does not lose out on future opportunities. It is also critical to not allow fringe groups to derail what is good for the state.
Skilled Trades Mobile Workshop Debuts at Los Lunas High School
December 21, 2023
Be Pro Be Proud New Mexico, a program launched by the New Mexico Center for Economic Opportunity (NMCEO), which is the education, charitable and research foundation of NMCC, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, made its first stop at Los Lunas High School on November 9th, 2023
Gov. Lujan Grisham to lead trade mission to Australia
October 22, 2023
The governor’s delegation to Australia includes a prominent list of officials, among them New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black, Economic Development Division Director Mark Roper, Environment Secretary James Kenney, Avangrid Director of Innovation Enrique Bosch and New Mexico Partnership President and CEO Melinda Allen.
PRC examiner’s behavior raises concerns
October 22, 2023
Those statements raised concerns among some local business leaders about potential bias by the hearing examiners, who are supposed to remain completely impartial to reach a balanced conclusion about issues in the case. The examiners are now preparing a “recommended decision” on PNM’s rate request that will later be presented to PRC commissioners to make a final decision on the issues.
New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black, who reviewed the hearing transcripts, said the language used by the hearing examiners raises concerns about “regulatory uncertainty” at the PRC, which investors and utility industry executives are closely watching.
“The hearing examiners’ comments come across as both antagonistic and prejudicial,” Black told the Journal. “This lack of professionalism has a chilling effect on economic development. Companies don’t want to invest tens of millions of dollars in a jurisdiction where their regulators, acting in a quasi- judicial fashion, behave this way.”
Lujan Grisham to lead trade mission to Australia
October 20, 2023
A month after leading a trade mission to Taiwan, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is heading to Australia.
The Governor’s Office announced Friday that Lujan Grisham is leading a business and trade mission Sunday to participate in the Asia Pacific Hydrogen 2023 Summit…The “official delegation” traveling with the governor includes Environment Secretary James Kenney, Deputy Chief of Operations Caroline Buerkle and New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black.
Chambers of commerce take fight to organized retail crime
October 2, 2023
Local business organizations are trying new ways to fight organized shoplifting.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead over the past year to bring together retailers, legislators, district attorneys, the attorney general and law enforcement agencies across the state to strengthen the state’s laws on theft.
The chamber in September 2022 also launched its own New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association to serve as a clearinghouse for retailer photos and videos of organized crime in action that law enforcement can immediately download.
Chamber CEO Rob Black also praised an anti-retail theft law that passed this year, saying he has never seen a new law have such an immediate impact.
“In less than two months, 23 individuals were charged with felony organized retail crime,” Black said.
New Mexico law enforcement and retailers discuss tackling retail crime
September 28, 2023
It’s a major problem costing businesses millions and inconveniencing shoppers. Lawmen and women, state leaders, and retailers met on Thursday to come up with ways to tackle organized retail crime.
Twenty-three different law enforcement agencies, and 30 different retailers including small businesses and big box stores, came together to learn more on how to hold shoplifters accountable. “We need judges to do their job when you all arrest those people,” said Rep. Marian Matthews (D- ABQ).
During the conference put on by the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association, leaders said organized retail crime costs retailers billions of dollars a year while taking away jobs. The goal of Thursday’s event was to create partnerships with one another.
Police and stores work together to combat organized retail crime
September 28, 2023
“Our retailers came to the chambers, said we needed help, and one of the reasons they needed help was the impact it is having on their employees and putting them at risk because there is a level of violence that was increasing in shoplifting in New Mexico,” said Rob Black, the CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is hosting more than 20 different law enforcement agencies and 30 different stores on how to work together.
They are now using a new platform to help fight crime.
“It’s a place where they can upload security footage. They can upload pictures of license plates. Law enforcement can see that in real-time. Other retailers can say, hey, that guy was just in our store and started to build those cases,” Black said.
Black was one of the people involved with the organized crime law known as HB-234.
Dannemann: Civics Helps Make Democracy Work
August 23, 2023
The New Mexico Chamber hosted the 2023 statewide National Civcs Bee on Saturday, encouraging young New Mexicans to take an interest in civics.
Carbon capture will benefit the state
June 21, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black provides commentary on leveraging record-breaking revenue from oil and gas to invest in CCS and hydrogen in the state to pave the way for economic growth and a cleaner energy future.
Taking a bite out of organized, retail theft
May 10, 2023
Anti-ORC bill, HB 234, was a priority for NMCC during the 2023 legislative session. The bill is already making a difference in New Mexico as evidenced by the three dozen ORC-related arrests that have taken place in the last few weeks. HB 234 goes into effect on June 16th, but the bill’s impact can already be felt in New Mexico.
Governor’s veto pen punctures tax bill that tried to do too much
April 1, 2023
Business leaders around the state voiced their opposition to HB 547, the Omnibus Tax Bill. This included NMCC’s Tax Policy Committee Chair, James O’Neill, and Vice Chair, John Tysseling, who wrote “The proposed House ‘omnibus tax bill’ squanders a unique opportunity for meaningful Gross Receipts Tax reform in favor of short-term tax giveaways that will not help grow our economy. The fiscal revenue surplus currently available can significantly address long-standing tax policy issues that make New Mexico’s economy less competitive for investment and growth.”
Chamber leaders assess impact on businesses after legislative session
March 27, 2023
NMCC’s President & CEO Rob Black provides insight into the 2023 regular legislative session from NMCC’s perspective, stating, “Overall the legislative session was a good session for business and our economy.” Mr. Black discussed the bills NMCC supported and opposed that made this session a success.
President & CEO, Rob Black, speaks on The Bob Clark Podcast about the 2023 Session
March 22, 2023
Today, NMCC’s President & CEO, Rob Black, was a guest on The Bob Clark Podcast and provided insight into the 2023 legislative session from the business community’s perspective. Mr. Black also discussed the bills that passed and did not pass that made the session a success for business.
US industry groups urge EPA to expedite state authority over carbon capture permits
March 15, 2023
NMCC joined seven other business organizations around the nation to send a letter to EPA administrator, Michael Regan, requesting that the EPA grant states authority over their respective Class VI wells which serve as permanent carbon dioxide injection sites.
Letter to the Editor- Tax reform must make New Mexico small businesses competitive
March 12, 2023
NMCC’s Taxation policy committee chair and vice chair submitted a letter to the editor the the Las Cruces Sun News regarding the harmful omnibus tax bill, HB547TRCSub, stating that the bill would hurt small businesses in New Mexico by placing further tax burdens and raising the cost of goods for them. This letter was also cited in a recent article from the Carlsbad Current Argus, stating that NMCC is one of the several business groups opposing the bill.
NMCC in the News: Governor proposes tax cut
February 12, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black calls HB 367 a win for New Mexico’s Business community, stating, “We believe these much-needed targeted tax reforms will save our small businesses money, make our tax code more competitive, and help retain and grow jobs in New Mexico.”
2 House Bills Compete to Tackle ‘Epidemic’ of Organized Retail Crime in New Mexico
February 3, 2023
When asked how they would characterize the problem of organized retail crime in New Mexico, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black said, “Growing and severe. We have an ongoing epidemic of people going into stores, multiple times a day, stealing multiple times a day, and then selling that or trading those goods for drugs.”
Black came to speak as an expert witness in support of House Bill 234 but said: “I hope one of these two bills gets out of committee because it’s essential for our retail community and our customers. That’s just New Mexicans in general. That we provide our law enforcement the tools to tackle this problem.”
Albuquerque Sting Puts a Dent in Organized Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
Rob Black, President and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview Thursday such crimes are “a growing threat that is costing our retail businesses. We are seeing crimes that we once thought were petty theft turn into something that is more organized, with repeat offenders becoming more brazen and using firearms more often. We need better tools to address those problems.”
He praised Thursday’s multi-agency sting operation in Albuquerque, noting it’s one way to combat the problem. “That’s how we get things done — by working together,” he said.
4 Investigates: The Impact of Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
“The consequences are, we’re going to see more businesses closing. We’re going to continue to see them be able to provide less services in our communities and we’re going to see less customers feeling anxious about going into the community and going shopping. And we should not fear going to buy some eggs at the grocery store,” said Rob Black.
The state is taking a massive hit. According to the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, it’s estimated New Mexico is losing $37 million a year in taxes, just from retail crime. That means thousands of jobs and millions in lost wages.
Anti-Retail Theft Operation Results in 16 Arrests
February 2, 2023
Rob Black of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce said the organization started the Organized Retail Crime Association in September to work closely with law enforcement to address issues around retail theft.
“This is a very large problem and it is creating a situation where our employees and our customers are in danger from violence that has escalated over the last few years,” he said.
New public safety council to address organized retail crime in New Mexico
January 24, 2023
This week, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham invited NMCC President & CEO Rob Black to join the Business Advisory Council for Crime Reduction, which was created by the Governor due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
“Nobody knows what’s going on more than the business community about the risks in your storefronts, your communities,” Lujan Grisham told an audience of business officials during a Tuesday event organized by the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The governor then said during a Wednesday news conference she was creating the business public safety council due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
The governor also took the opportunity during the news conference to invite New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black, who was present for the event, to serve on the fledgling council.
Black told the Journal that he would be interested in joining the council.
“If there’s a role for me, I’m happy to do it,” Black said.
Workforce emerges as a top issue for large and small employers
January 18, 2023
The NASC reports that the workforce is a growing problem around the nation, including New Mexico. NMCC plans to mitigate this issue by prioritizing education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff among other issues during the 2023 session.
NASC says that “workforce has emerged as THE issue among chamber members large and small.”
The report delves into causes and remedies. The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce’s portion of the report mirrors those concerns. We’ll hear more about them during the legislative session that just kicked off…The good news is that business is trying to expand the pool by reaching out to “any and all disengaged groups of adults and young people” (in Texas this includes inmates) and getting involved in school funding, childcare, housing, and pre-K public education.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is focused on education and workforce development. Its long list of priorities includes education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff.
NM minimum wage could go even higher under legislative proposals
January 5, 2023
Rob Black, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday many businesses around the state are already paying employees above minimum wage levels due to a worker shortage.
He said increasing the minimum wage to $16 an hour would make New Mexico’s minimum wage one of the nation’s highest – the minimum wage in Washington, D.C., is currently $16.50 per hour – and would place a strain on businesses.
“Our preference would be that it’s the market that drives those decisions, and not government mandates,” Black said.
New Mexico’s Chandler on wage hike proposal: State’s minimum wage should allow workers to ‘be able to meet basic necessities’
January 1, 2023
New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black disagreed with Chandler and believes that a large pay hike will hurt the state’s economy because businesses won’t be able to hire as many employees.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he told KOB 4. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.
“There’s a diversity of opinions from all perspectives. I think there’s willingness to have that conversation, but $16 an hour is frankly a non-starter for the business community.”
NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, comments on proposed wage hikes in New Mexico
December 30, 2022
New Mexico has the 15th highest minimum wage in the country but lawmakers have already pre-filed multiple bills to increase New Mexico’s minimum wage. NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, is concerned about the impact this kind of increase could have on New Mexico’s ability to grow and diversify the economy.
One of NMCC’s goals is to create a more competitive, investment-friendly, business environment. In response to the proposed wage increases, Black told the Santa Fe New Mexican, “The less mandates we have on doing business makes us more competitive. Those sorts of large increases kill businesses. It makes it very difficult for businesses to adjust. It makes it very hard to hire high school kids for their first job.”
Black also voiced his concerns about a wage increase negatively impacting NM’s incoming workforce to KOB 4 Eyewitness News and the New Mexico Sun, stating, “It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment. If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager at a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
New Mexico lawmaker proposes $16 minimum wage
December 30, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, believes drastically raising the state’s minimum wage will have negative consequences for the economy. He believes higher wages will force businesses to reevaluate how many employees they can afford – and what kind of workers they hire.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he said. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
“Those employers that can restructure their business model will, those that can’t, won’t be able to, they’ll have to find cost-cutting other ways, or they won’t be able to continue to operate,” Black said.
Both Rep. Chandler and Black agree economic factors have already encouraged many businesses to increase wages on their own. According to ZipRecruiter, 87% of New Mexicans already earn $20/hour or higher.
Business leaders say state prepared for wage increase
December 22, 2022
Rob Black, CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, agreed with Carol Wight of the New Mexico Restaurant Association that state businesses have understood since 2019 that the increases are “baked in” and have prepared for the Jan. 1 boost, but he said that it still will have a big impact on employers.
“It is a significant one,” Black said. “Fifty cents is a big increase, especially with all the additional increases that businesses are dealing with now in terms of operating costs and interest rate increases.”
Now that the state is in a “pause” regarding mandated wage increases, Black and Wight said their associations will not want to see new legislation in 2023 requiring further wage increases in the near future.
Black said further mandated increases could put New Mexico at a competitive disadvantage to neighboring states with larger economies. Texas has a minimum wage in 2023 of $7.25, Colorado has a $13.65 minimum wage taking effect this year and Arizona’s minimum wage for 2023 will be $13.85.
State task force recommends new proposal for paid leave
November 29, 2022
The task force is made up of representatives from advocacy groups, labor unions, chambers of commerce, and business owners. Some members said having a healthier workforce would benefit workers and business owners.
Other task force members said businesses would struggle with the cost. “The challenge is how do you implement it? How do you pay for it? That’s where there’s [sic] some differences of opinion on the task force,” said President of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black.
Lawmakers, advocates discuss task force’s recommendations for paid family leave fund
November 28, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, served on the task force. He said while the chamber supports paid family and medical leave, he believes it should be primarily employee-funded. Employers have to incur additional expenses paying for replacement workers for those who take leave as it is, he said.
“Employers are going to be concerned about a new burden and cost on their businesses being put on them by the state,” Black said. “I think there will be a lot of concern and anxiety about what this will look like.”
New Mexico Democracy Project Invites Candidates To Help Build Trust In Elections
October 30, 2022
NMCC has partnered with New Mexico First, the New Mexico Local News Fund, New Mexico Open Elections and New Mexico PBS to support the New Mexico Democracy Project. This initiative supports five key principles to build trust in New Mexico’s elections, including: honest election processes, civil campaigning, secure voting, fair oversight, and ensuring trusted outcomes. As a nonpartisan initiative, many current and former legislators and officials have already endorsed the New Mexico Democracy Project.
Health coverage ‘a key competitiveness issue’ for New Mexico small businesses
October 22, 2022
In a tough labor market, health care insurance may be just the amenity small business owners need to attract and retain employees. Fortunately, it just got a little more affordable in New Mexico.
“Looking at the role that health care benefits play is a key competitiveness issue for employers,” Rob Black, president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, told the Albuquerque Journal.
In fact, medical insurance is a must-have, according to 86% of employees surveyed nationally for a 2022 MetLife study.
Federal incentives accelerate New Mexico’s hydrogen economy
September 25, 2022
New Mexico has vast infrastructure already in place to rapidly build a hydrogen economy, giving it competitive advantages over many other states and creating huge economic development opportunities, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Rob Black. That includes a mature natural gas industry to readily supply hydrogen plants, unique geology for underground carbon sequestration, huge wind and solar resources now under development to supply power for green electrolysis production, and an experienced fossil fuel-based workforce that can easily be retrained for jobs in the hydrogen industry.
“We’re already a mature energy state, which helps immensely in the logistical transition to hydrogen,” Black told the Journal. “New Mexico has a lot of opportunities to lead in local and national efforts to build a hydrogen economy.”
New Mexico Retail Crime platform catches criminals in real time
September 22, 2022
“We are seeing both an increase in retail crime, organized retail crime in New Mexico and in the region, but we’re also seeing an increase in the violence associated with that,” said Rob Black, vice president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. “I think one of the benefits to this program is that it’s going to save our law enforcement hours and hours. This allows them to do it in one place very efficiently, so our hope is that it becomes a real powerful tool for law enforcement freeing up their time to do more on the groundwork,” Black said
There’s no silver bullet in crime, but this may be silver lining
September 17, 2022
“‘I don’t think there’s a silver bullet, but I think part of what we’ve tried to do with the launch of the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association is one, create a platform that allows for a public-private partnership between business, retail and law enforcement,” Black said. “Where we can, in real time, share security footage, photographs of license plates of suspects, descriptions, et cetera, into a platform that law enforcement can then easily build cases with.’
The concept of collaboration, paired with technology, he added, allows the many law enforcement agencies in the area to avoid operating in silos.”
Officials: NM to join retail crime info-sharing network
August 31, 2022
Officials called the news conference to announce that New Mexico is joining a 20-state network used by businesses and law enforcement to track criminal activity in real time.
The platform, called the Auror retail crime platform, offers an online platform that allows retailers to quickly share security video, cellphone images and other information with law enforcement.
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative – called the New Mexico Organized Crime Association – will allow statewide and multi-state sharing of crime data.
How NM is looking to bring workers back
August 8, 2022
To target youth and career exploration, the department has worked with community and state partners on a project that is meant to teach kids in junior high school and high school about trade positions that are needed in the state.
“We’ve heard that loud and clear from the districts and also from the employers that those are the skills that they really want to see our youth have an early experience with and an opportunity for,” Martinez said.
The New Mexico program, slated to start next year, operates in half a dozen states across the country and teaches students about technical career positions such as “welding” or other needed trades, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Rob Black.
It’s not shoplifting, it’s organized retail crime
July 26, 2022
“During a recent meeting of the Legislative Finance Committee, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce told legislators that organized retail crime endangers customers and employees and drives up costs. The financial impact is nearly $900 million, more than 5,000 lost jobs and $18 million in lost tax revenues.”
PNM inundated with companies seeking clean energy
July 24, 2022
As New Mexico works to diversify away from dependence on oil and gas, building out more renewable generation is critical, Black added.
Talent contest: New Mexico employers describe fierce competition for hiring
February 19, 2022
Committee considers new plan on hydrogen
February 10, 2022
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2022
Legislative priorities for NM employers, workers to pay attention to
January 22, 2022
NM Chamber CEO: State ‘well-positioned’ to take advantage of burgeoning space industry
July 26, 2021
New Mexico offering cash to return to work
July 2, 2021
NM lawsuit triggers national concern about surgical supplies
June 25, 2021
NM posts second-highest unemployment rate in the nation
June 25, 2021
One-on-One with Rob Black, President & CEO, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
May 24, 2021
New Mexico to encourage unemployed to return to work
April 29, 2021
State will prod umemployed to return to work, governor says
April 28, 2021
Recreational marijuana could attract younger workforce to New Mexico
April 2, 2021
Updated: As recreational cannibis legislation advances, New Mexico business associations consider impacts
March 31, 2021
Business to lawmakers: We’re in a world of hurt
March 29, 2021
NM small businesses ‘in a world of hurt,’ speaker says
March 24, 2021
Invest in New Mexico’s early childhood workforce
March 20, 2021
Little League hit by equipment thieves
March 19, 2021
Report: NM Health reform could cost thousands of jobs
March 17, 2021
Pollution control bill advances to New Mexico Senate Floor, oil and gas industry dissents
March 5, 2021
Amy Barabe, lobbyist with the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association said the trade group which represents more than 1,000 oil and gas companies in New Mexico “strongly opposed” the bill.
She warned the bill would “upend” ongoing collaboration between the State of New Mexico and the industry in developing regulations on methane.
Barabe was joined in opposition by other trade groups, oil companies and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
Editorial: NM businesses need Senate to amend flawed paid-leave bill
March 5, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Oil industry leader: 2021 investement will be driven by policies
March 2, 2021
Proposed Overhaul of New Mexico Wildlife Agency Stalls
February 23, 2021
Lawmakers shoot down bill to upend state-industry collaboration
February 23, 2021
Halfway home: Lawmakers hit crucial stretch
February 18, 2021
Tampering with complex energy bill would do more harm than good
February 18, 2021
Environmental lawsuits bill draws criticism
February 12, 2021
PNM Resources shareholders approve deal to merge with Avangrid
February 12, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs rent, mortgage relief for businesses
February 9, 2021
New Mexico community solar proposal clears first hurdle
January 28, 2021
New Mexico Clean Fuel Standard Act advances in Senate
January 27, 2021
U.S. Chamber of Commerce condones federal leasing ban
January 27, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs tougher environemental protections
January 27, 2021
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2021
People will power New Mexico’s economic recovery
January 22, 2021
New Mexico chamber CEO: ‘We need to do things quickly’ for economic recovery
January 18, 2021
“We need to do things quickly coming out of COVID just to keep businesses with the hope of being able to keep going,” Black told The Center Square. Many jobs permanently lost are gone forever because business models shifted online, Black said. “Part of what we have to do is quickly respond, retrain, help certify folks into different types of employment,” he said.
Business groups launch ‘Virtual Roundhouse’
January 12, 2021
Join in lawmaking through the Virtual Roundhouse
January 12, 2021
“The Virtual Roundhouse of New Mexico is free and open to the public. The digital conference runs through March 20, and a one-time registration allows access to the entire event, which includes Q and A sessions with legislators, presentations from cabinet members and digital chats with event speakers.”
New website seeks to help the public participate in legislative session
January 10, 2021
Public can attend Virtual Roundhouse for insights on business trends, session priorities
January 7, 2021
Economic report charts path to recovery
December 9, 2020
For strained businesses, it’s not the time for paid sick leave
December 7, 2020
“We’ve heard ‘We’re all in this together.’ If that is truly the case, now is definitely not the time for Albuquerque’s City Council to force more heavy-handed regulations on struggling local businesses,” ACI said in a statement. “The ongoing COVID situation should not be an excuse to impose more costs on local businesses.
Pandemic brings more economic uncertainty in New Mexico
November 23, 2020
New Mexico Students Take Spotlight in Albuquerque Local Civics Competition for National Civics Bee
March 6, 2025
“The enthusiasm we’ve seen from students this year is incredible,” said Amythyst Marciano, Director of Media & Communications of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. “These young leaders are stepping up to engage in essential conversations about government, community, and advocacy. We invite the community to witness their passion and talent firsthand. The National Civics Bee isn’t just about competition—it’s about preparing the next generation of informed, active citizens. As these students take the stage, they represent the future of leadership in New Mexico and beyond. And at the end of the journey lies a $100,000 educational savings account—that’s a huge step towards a prosperous future!”
-Fox 4 News
Bid for New Mexico to Join Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact
March 4, 2025
“‘House Bill 110 not only streamlines the hiring process, but also alleviates the critical teacher shortage many schools in New Mexico face, especially in rural areas,’ Alison Riley, director of public policy for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said during the meeting.”
-Source NM
Medicaid Forward is a Bad Bill–Vote No
March 1, 2025
“It appears chaos has engulfed Washington, D.C., and its effects are starting to be felt in New Mexico. Only a few weeks ago, funding towards essential services was cut off abruptly and without explanation by the federal government, including Medicaid. Thankfully, after several tense days, most of these programs were reinstated, yet looming questions on the fate of federal funding for programs persist. With the reliability of federal funds is in question, we should move to protect our state from the instability as best we can, including for those most vulnerable.” (by Alison Riley)
-Artesia Daily Press
NMCC Considers HB 148 House Committee Delay
February 19, 2025
“Alison Riley, public policy director for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said autonomous trucks have been driven 3.8 million miles and have had 76% fewer accidents per mile driven than human-operated vehicles. She said those accidents had resulted in no fatalities. ‘Banning autonomous trucks will put New Mexico at a disadvantage compared to neighboring states that are welcoming this technology,’ [Riley] said.”
-City Desk ABQ
NMCC Stands in Opposition to Green Amendment
February 17, 2025
“Allison Riley, public policy director for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce (NMCC), said the chamber opposes the New Mexico Green Amendment as the “undefined” terms could lead to lawsuits and “project delays,” despite the state’s “strong environmental laws.”Riley made her statement at the New Mexico House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee meeting on February 3, 2025.”
-New Mexico Sun
NMCC Weighs in on Ceasing Tax on Tips
February 11, 2025
“This legislation recognizes the vital role that service industry workers play in our economy and ensures they can keep more of their hard-earned income. By reducing the tax burden on tipped workers, this measure supports small businesses that rely on a strong workforce and enhances the financial well-being of thousands of New Mexicans,” New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Director Alison Riley told NM Political Report.”
-NM Political Report
PFAS Clears First Committee Despite Concerns
February 10, 2025
“Alison Riley with the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce was among the public commenters who opposed the bill.
‘A ban like this could force manufacturers out of New Mexico and jeopardize jobs and investments in our state,’ she said.”
-New Mexico Political Report
City to Launch Workforce Development Academy
February 5, 2025
“The academy’s funding comes through a series of grants: $50,000 from Aspen Institute and $10,000 each from Deloitte Consulting LLP, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Sandia National Laboratories, the University of New Mexico and the Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico, for a total of $100,000.
‘This will provide a great opportunity for us to address workforce challenges in a collaborative way and identify strategies and solutions that will help more community members connect to rewarding careers in fields that fuel economic growth and improved quality of life in our region,’ CNM President Tracy Hartzler said in a statement.”
-Albuquerque Journal
Legislators Push for NM to Gain Authority over Water Pollution
January 30, 2025
“‘Small municipalities, public safety agencies and other tax-payer funded service agencies that currently pay nothing for federal permits, will now bear the financial burden for all state-issued permits,’ said Allison Riley, the director of public policy for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.”
-KUNM 89.9 FM
Paid Family and Medical Leave Act Passes First Committee: Assurances Needed
January 29, 2025
“Alison Riley, Public Policy Director for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said this: ‘There’s definitely a way to craft legislation that would support businesses as well as families. Unfortunately, the bill that’s being discussed in committee does miss that mark. … Employees can’t afford a tax on already stretched thin wages. And from what we’re seeing, employers are already working with their employees when they welcome a child into the world, or they have to step away to care for family.'”
-PeteDinelli.com
NMCC Discusses Paid Family Medical Leave
January 28, 2025
“SANTA FE, N.M. – It only took five days for a new paid family and medical leave proposal to leap past the starting line in the Roundhouse, but the battle is only just beginning. Now, we have a better idea where business leaders are drawing the line.
‘There’s definitely a way to craft legislation that would support businesses as well as families. Unfortunately, the bill that’s being discussed in committee does miss that mark,’ said Alison Riley, a public policy director for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.”
-KOB 4 News
NMCC’s Focus During the Legislative Session
January 26, 2025
“The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce remains committed to championing legislative priorities that drive economic growth, foster innovation and create opportunities for businesses of all sizes. As the voice of New Mexico’s business community, our focus is on policies that reduce unnecessary burdens, promote fairness, and ensure a vibrant economic climate for all.”
-Albuquerque Journal
Business Day in Santa Fe 2025 on 96.3 KKOB
January 25, 2025
Terry Travis on KKOB’s The Weekend features NMCC’s Director of Media & Communications, Amythyst Marciano, for a chat about the new and exciting Business Day in Santa Fe 2025 venue. Listen for new tidbits on NMCC CEO Leslie Hielema, and the benefits of NMCC advocacy during the legislative session, all with the sparkle of morning show wit and charm!
NMCC Names New CEO: Leslie Hielema
January 14, 2025
“When Leslie Hielema started the job as Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce’s president and CEO more than a decade ago, her goal was to focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Hielema, who has more than 15 years of experience in business development and pushing economic growth, will bring that same playbook to the Land of Enchantment starting next week in her new role as CEO and president of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, one of the state’s most influential voices in the business community, the Chamber announced Tuesday.”
-Albuquerque Journal
Retail Crime Fighting Goes High Tech
May 13, 2024
“Building a case against a man recently charged as an alleged ‘fence,’ who resold stolen high-dollar perfumes, purses and clothes, can largely be attributed to data collected by the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association and its use of Auror, a retail crime intelligence and loss prevention platform that shares information between law enforcement and retailers…NMORCA was created two years ago through the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. It currently has more than 500 members, including 15 law enforcement agencies.”
With less than a week left, much of governor’s gun, crime package seems stalled.
February 9, 2024
“Public safety continues to be a top concern for New Mexicans,” Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Maddy Hayden wrote in an email, citing the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce’s recent 2024 Voter Pulse survey. She noted that the waiting period bill was moving through the Legislature but said much more needs to be done.
Poll: New Mexico on wrong track
February 6, 2024
As the end of the 2024 legislative session approaches, NMCC’s team is working hard as the Voice of New Mexico Business statewide and in the Roundhouse. Earlier this week, NMCC President & CEO Rob Black spoke with the Roswell Daily Record regarding NMCC’s 2024 Voter Pulse Survey, providing insight into the poll’s results for readers across New Mexico. The Voter Pulse Survey is conducted by NMCC annually and gauges what voters believe to be the most important issues for the legislative session.
What New Mexico Business Leaders are Pushing for in the 2024 Legislature
January 15, 2024
NMCC’s President & CEO Rob Black provided a great deal of insight to the Albuquerque Journal in the past week regarding NMCC’s priorities and concerns for the legislative session. Mr. Black covered topics ranging from CTE program funding, paid family medical leave, regulatory processes, and more.
Lessons from the Avangrid Merger Failure
January 9, 2024
NMCC’s President & CEO, Rob Black, discusses the lessons learned from the failed Avangrid merger, which would have had a $300 million benefit to the state. This instance speaks to the importance of streamlining policies that will encourage companies to move or expand their businesses here, so New Mexico does not lose out on future opportunities. It is also critical to not allow fringe groups to derail what is good for the state.
Skilled Trades Mobile Workshop Debuts at Los Lunas High School
December 21, 2023
Be Pro Be Proud New Mexico, a program launched by the New Mexico Center for Economic Opportunity (NMCEO), which is the education, charitable and research foundation of NMCC, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, made its first stop at Los Lunas High School on November 9th, 2023
Gov. Lujan Grisham to lead trade mission to Australia
October 22, 2023
The governor’s delegation to Australia includes a prominent list of officials, among them New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black, Economic Development Division Director Mark Roper, Environment Secretary James Kenney, Avangrid Director of Innovation Enrique Bosch and New Mexico Partnership President and CEO Melinda Allen.
PRC examiner’s behavior raises concerns
October 22, 2023
Those statements raised concerns among some local business leaders about potential bias by the hearing examiners, who are supposed to remain completely impartial to reach a balanced conclusion about issues in the case. The examiners are now preparing a “recommended decision” on PNM’s rate request that will later be presented to PRC commissioners to make a final decision on the issues.
New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black, who reviewed the hearing transcripts, said the language used by the hearing examiners raises concerns about “regulatory uncertainty” at the PRC, which investors and utility industry executives are closely watching.
“The hearing examiners’ comments come across as both antagonistic and prejudicial,” Black told the Journal. “This lack of professionalism has a chilling effect on economic development. Companies don’t want to invest tens of millions of dollars in a jurisdiction where their regulators, acting in a quasi- judicial fashion, behave this way.”
Lujan Grisham to lead trade mission to Australia
October 20, 2023
A month after leading a trade mission to Taiwan, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is heading to Australia.
The Governor’s Office announced Friday that Lujan Grisham is leading a business and trade mission Sunday to participate in the Asia Pacific Hydrogen 2023 Summit…The “official delegation” traveling with the governor includes Environment Secretary James Kenney, Deputy Chief of Operations Caroline Buerkle and New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black.
Chambers of commerce take fight to organized retail crime
October 2, 2023
Local business organizations are trying new ways to fight organized shoplifting.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead over the past year to bring together retailers, legislators, district attorneys, the attorney general and law enforcement agencies across the state to strengthen the state’s laws on theft.
The chamber in September 2022 also launched its own New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association to serve as a clearinghouse for retailer photos and videos of organized crime in action that law enforcement can immediately download.
Chamber CEO Rob Black also praised an anti-retail theft law that passed this year, saying he has never seen a new law have such an immediate impact.
“In less than two months, 23 individuals were charged with felony organized retail crime,” Black said.
New Mexico law enforcement and retailers discuss tackling retail crime
September 28, 2023
It’s a major problem costing businesses millions and inconveniencing shoppers. Lawmen and women, state leaders, and retailers met on Thursday to come up with ways to tackle organized retail crime.
Twenty-three different law enforcement agencies, and 30 different retailers including small businesses and big box stores, came together to learn more on how to hold shoplifters accountable. “We need judges to do their job when you all arrest those people,” said Rep. Marian Matthews (D- ABQ).
During the conference put on by the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association, leaders said organized retail crime costs retailers billions of dollars a year while taking away jobs. The goal of Thursday’s event was to create partnerships with one another.
Police and stores work together to combat organized retail crime
September 28, 2023
“Our retailers came to the chambers, said we needed help, and one of the reasons they needed help was the impact it is having on their employees and putting them at risk because there is a level of violence that was increasing in shoplifting in New Mexico,” said Rob Black, the CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is hosting more than 20 different law enforcement agencies and 30 different stores on how to work together.
They are now using a new platform to help fight crime.
“It’s a place where they can upload security footage. They can upload pictures of license plates. Law enforcement can see that in real-time. Other retailers can say, hey, that guy was just in our store and started to build those cases,” Black said.
Black was one of the people involved with the organized crime law known as HB-234.
Dannemann: Civics Helps Make Democracy Work
August 23, 2023
The New Mexico Chamber hosted the 2023 statewide National Civcs Bee on Saturday, encouraging young New Mexicans to take an interest in civics.
Carbon capture will benefit the state
June 21, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black provides commentary on leveraging record-breaking revenue from oil and gas to invest in CCS and hydrogen in the state to pave the way for economic growth and a cleaner energy future.
Taking a bite out of organized, retail theft
May 10, 2023
Anti-ORC bill, HB 234, was a priority for NMCC during the 2023 legislative session. The bill is already making a difference in New Mexico as evidenced by the three dozen ORC-related arrests that have taken place in the last few weeks. HB 234 goes into effect on June 16th, but the bill’s impact can already be felt in New Mexico.
Governor’s veto pen punctures tax bill that tried to do too much
April 1, 2023
Business leaders around the state voiced their opposition to HB 547, the Omnibus Tax Bill. This included NMCC’s Tax Policy Committee Chair, James O’Neill, and Vice Chair, John Tysseling, who wrote “The proposed House ‘omnibus tax bill’ squanders a unique opportunity for meaningful Gross Receipts Tax reform in favor of short-term tax giveaways that will not help grow our economy. The fiscal revenue surplus currently available can significantly address long-standing tax policy issues that make New Mexico’s economy less competitive for investment and growth.”
Chamber leaders assess impact on businesses after legislative session
March 27, 2023
NMCC’s President & CEO Rob Black provides insight into the 2023 regular legislative session from NMCC’s perspective, stating, “Overall the legislative session was a good session for business and our economy.” Mr. Black discussed the bills NMCC supported and opposed that made this session a success.
President & CEO, Rob Black, speaks on The Bob Clark Podcast about the 2023 Session
March 22, 2023
Today, NMCC’s President & CEO, Rob Black, was a guest on The Bob Clark Podcast and provided insight into the 2023 legislative session from the business community’s perspective. Mr. Black also discussed the bills that passed and did not pass that made the session a success for business.
US industry groups urge EPA to expedite state authority over carbon capture permits
March 15, 2023
NMCC joined seven other business organizations around the nation to send a letter to EPA administrator, Michael Regan, requesting that the EPA grant states authority over their respective Class VI wells which serve as permanent carbon dioxide injection sites.
Letter to the Editor- Tax reform must make New Mexico small businesses competitive
March 12, 2023
NMCC’s Taxation policy committee chair and vice chair submitted a letter to the editor the the Las Cruces Sun News regarding the harmful omnibus tax bill, HB547TRCSub, stating that the bill would hurt small businesses in New Mexico by placing further tax burdens and raising the cost of goods for them. This letter was also cited in a recent article from the Carlsbad Current Argus, stating that NMCC is one of the several business groups opposing the bill.
NMCC in the News: Governor proposes tax cut
February 12, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black calls HB 367 a win for New Mexico’s Business community, stating, “We believe these much-needed targeted tax reforms will save our small businesses money, make our tax code more competitive, and help retain and grow jobs in New Mexico.”
2 House Bills Compete to Tackle ‘Epidemic’ of Organized Retail Crime in New Mexico
February 3, 2023
When asked how they would characterize the problem of organized retail crime in New Mexico, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black said, “Growing and severe. We have an ongoing epidemic of people going into stores, multiple times a day, stealing multiple times a day, and then selling that or trading those goods for drugs.”
Black came to speak as an expert witness in support of House Bill 234 but said: “I hope one of these two bills gets out of committee because it’s essential for our retail community and our customers. That’s just New Mexicans in general. That we provide our law enforcement the tools to tackle this problem.”
Albuquerque Sting Puts a Dent in Organized Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
Rob Black, President and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview Thursday such crimes are “a growing threat that is costing our retail businesses. We are seeing crimes that we once thought were petty theft turn into something that is more organized, with repeat offenders becoming more brazen and using firearms more often. We need better tools to address those problems.”
He praised Thursday’s multi-agency sting operation in Albuquerque, noting it’s one way to combat the problem. “That’s how we get things done — by working together,” he said.
4 Investigates: The Impact of Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
“The consequences are, we’re going to see more businesses closing. We’re going to continue to see them be able to provide less services in our communities and we’re going to see less customers feeling anxious about going into the community and going shopping. And we should not fear going to buy some eggs at the grocery store,” said Rob Black.
The state is taking a massive hit. According to the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, it’s estimated New Mexico is losing $37 million a year in taxes, just from retail crime. That means thousands of jobs and millions in lost wages.
Anti-Retail Theft Operation Results in 16 Arrests
February 2, 2023
Rob Black of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce said the organization started the Organized Retail Crime Association in September to work closely with law enforcement to address issues around retail theft.
“This is a very large problem and it is creating a situation where our employees and our customers are in danger from violence that has escalated over the last few years,” he said.
New public safety council to address organized retail crime in New Mexico
January 24, 2023
This week, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham invited NMCC President & CEO Rob Black to join the Business Advisory Council for Crime Reduction, which was created by the Governor due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
“Nobody knows what’s going on more than the business community about the risks in your storefronts, your communities,” Lujan Grisham told an audience of business officials during a Tuesday event organized by the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The governor then said during a Wednesday news conference she was creating the business public safety council due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
The governor also took the opportunity during the news conference to invite New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black, who was present for the event, to serve on the fledgling council.
Black told the Journal that he would be interested in joining the council.
“If there’s a role for me, I’m happy to do it,” Black said.
Workforce emerges as a top issue for large and small employers
January 18, 2023
The NASC reports that the workforce is a growing problem around the nation, including New Mexico. NMCC plans to mitigate this issue by prioritizing education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff among other issues during the 2023 session.
NASC says that “workforce has emerged as THE issue among chamber members large and small.”
The report delves into causes and remedies. The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce’s portion of the report mirrors those concerns. We’ll hear more about them during the legislative session that just kicked off…The good news is that business is trying to expand the pool by reaching out to “any and all disengaged groups of adults and young people” (in Texas this includes inmates) and getting involved in school funding, childcare, housing, and pre-K public education.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is focused on education and workforce development. Its long list of priorities includes education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff.
NM minimum wage could go even higher under legislative proposals
January 5, 2023
Rob Black, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday many businesses around the state are already paying employees above minimum wage levels due to a worker shortage.
He said increasing the minimum wage to $16 an hour would make New Mexico’s minimum wage one of the nation’s highest – the minimum wage in Washington, D.C., is currently $16.50 per hour – and would place a strain on businesses.
“Our preference would be that it’s the market that drives those decisions, and not government mandates,” Black said.
New Mexico’s Chandler on wage hike proposal: State’s minimum wage should allow workers to ‘be able to meet basic necessities’
January 1, 2023
New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black disagreed with Chandler and believes that a large pay hike will hurt the state’s economy because businesses won’t be able to hire as many employees.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he told KOB 4. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.
“There’s a diversity of opinions from all perspectives. I think there’s willingness to have that conversation, but $16 an hour is frankly a non-starter for the business community.”
NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, comments on proposed wage hikes in New Mexico
December 30, 2022
New Mexico has the 15th highest minimum wage in the country but lawmakers have already pre-filed multiple bills to increase New Mexico’s minimum wage. NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, is concerned about the impact this kind of increase could have on New Mexico’s ability to grow and diversify the economy.
One of NMCC’s goals is to create a more competitive, investment-friendly, business environment. In response to the proposed wage increases, Black told the Santa Fe New Mexican, “The less mandates we have on doing business makes us more competitive. Those sorts of large increases kill businesses. It makes it very difficult for businesses to adjust. It makes it very hard to hire high school kids for their first job.”
Black also voiced his concerns about a wage increase negatively impacting NM’s incoming workforce to KOB 4 Eyewitness News and the New Mexico Sun, stating, “It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment. If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager at a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
New Mexico lawmaker proposes $16 minimum wage
December 30, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, believes drastically raising the state’s minimum wage will have negative consequences for the economy. He believes higher wages will force businesses to reevaluate how many employees they can afford – and what kind of workers they hire.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he said. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
“Those employers that can restructure their business model will, those that can’t, won’t be able to, they’ll have to find cost-cutting other ways, or they won’t be able to continue to operate,” Black said.
Both Rep. Chandler and Black agree economic factors have already encouraged many businesses to increase wages on their own. According to ZipRecruiter, 87% of New Mexicans already earn $20/hour or higher.
Business leaders say state prepared for wage increase
December 22, 2022
Rob Black, CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, agreed with Carol Wight of the New Mexico Restaurant Association that state businesses have understood since 2019 that the increases are “baked in” and have prepared for the Jan. 1 boost, but he said that it still will have a big impact on employers.
“It is a significant one,” Black said. “Fifty cents is a big increase, especially with all the additional increases that businesses are dealing with now in terms of operating costs and interest rate increases.”
Now that the state is in a “pause” regarding mandated wage increases, Black and Wight said their associations will not want to see new legislation in 2023 requiring further wage increases in the near future.
Black said further mandated increases could put New Mexico at a competitive disadvantage to neighboring states with larger economies. Texas has a minimum wage in 2023 of $7.25, Colorado has a $13.65 minimum wage taking effect this year and Arizona’s minimum wage for 2023 will be $13.85.
State task force recommends new proposal for paid leave
November 29, 2022
The task force is made up of representatives from advocacy groups, labor unions, chambers of commerce, and business owners. Some members said having a healthier workforce would benefit workers and business owners.
Other task force members said businesses would struggle with the cost. “The challenge is how do you implement it? How do you pay for it? That’s where there’s [sic] some differences of opinion on the task force,” said President of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black.
Lawmakers, advocates discuss task force’s recommendations for paid family leave fund
November 28, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, served on the task force. He said while the chamber supports paid family and medical leave, he believes it should be primarily employee-funded. Employers have to incur additional expenses paying for replacement workers for those who take leave as it is, he said.
“Employers are going to be concerned about a new burden and cost on their businesses being put on them by the state,” Black said. “I think there will be a lot of concern and anxiety about what this will look like.”
New Mexico Democracy Project Invites Candidates To Help Build Trust In Elections
October 30, 2022
NMCC has partnered with New Mexico First, the New Mexico Local News Fund, New Mexico Open Elections and New Mexico PBS to support the New Mexico Democracy Project. This initiative supports five key principles to build trust in New Mexico’s elections, including: honest election processes, civil campaigning, secure voting, fair oversight, and ensuring trusted outcomes. As a nonpartisan initiative, many current and former legislators and officials have already endorsed the New Mexico Democracy Project.
Health coverage ‘a key competitiveness issue’ for New Mexico small businesses
October 22, 2022
In a tough labor market, health care insurance may be just the amenity small business owners need to attract and retain employees. Fortunately, it just got a little more affordable in New Mexico.
“Looking at the role that health care benefits play is a key competitiveness issue for employers,” Rob Black, president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, told the Albuquerque Journal.
In fact, medical insurance is a must-have, according to 86% of employees surveyed nationally for a 2022 MetLife study.
Federal incentives accelerate New Mexico’s hydrogen economy
September 25, 2022
New Mexico has vast infrastructure already in place to rapidly build a hydrogen economy, giving it competitive advantages over many other states and creating huge economic development opportunities, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Rob Black. That includes a mature natural gas industry to readily supply hydrogen plants, unique geology for underground carbon sequestration, huge wind and solar resources now under development to supply power for green electrolysis production, and an experienced fossil fuel-based workforce that can easily be retrained for jobs in the hydrogen industry.
“We’re already a mature energy state, which helps immensely in the logistical transition to hydrogen,” Black told the Journal. “New Mexico has a lot of opportunities to lead in local and national efforts to build a hydrogen economy.”
New Mexico Retail Crime platform catches criminals in real time
September 22, 2022
“We are seeing both an increase in retail crime, organized retail crime in New Mexico and in the region, but we’re also seeing an increase in the violence associated with that,” said Rob Black, vice president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. “I think one of the benefits to this program is that it’s going to save our law enforcement hours and hours. This allows them to do it in one place very efficiently, so our hope is that it becomes a real powerful tool for law enforcement freeing up their time to do more on the groundwork,” Black said
There’s no silver bullet in crime, but this may be silver lining
September 17, 2022
“‘I don’t think there’s a silver bullet, but I think part of what we’ve tried to do with the launch of the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association is one, create a platform that allows for a public-private partnership between business, retail and law enforcement,” Black said. “Where we can, in real time, share security footage, photographs of license plates of suspects, descriptions, et cetera, into a platform that law enforcement can then easily build cases with.’
The concept of collaboration, paired with technology, he added, allows the many law enforcement agencies in the area to avoid operating in silos.”
Officials: NM to join retail crime info-sharing network
August 31, 2022
Officials called the news conference to announce that New Mexico is joining a 20-state network used by businesses and law enforcement to track criminal activity in real time.
The platform, called the Auror retail crime platform, offers an online platform that allows retailers to quickly share security video, cellphone images and other information with law enforcement.
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative – called the New Mexico Organized Crime Association – will allow statewide and multi-state sharing of crime data.
How NM is looking to bring workers back
August 8, 2022
To target youth and career exploration, the department has worked with community and state partners on a project that is meant to teach kids in junior high school and high school about trade positions that are needed in the state.
“We’ve heard that loud and clear from the districts and also from the employers that those are the skills that they really want to see our youth have an early experience with and an opportunity for,” Martinez said.
The New Mexico program, slated to start next year, operates in half a dozen states across the country and teaches students about technical career positions such as “welding” or other needed trades, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Rob Black.
It’s not shoplifting, it’s organized retail crime
July 26, 2022
“During a recent meeting of the Legislative Finance Committee, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce told legislators that organized retail crime endangers customers and employees and drives up costs. The financial impact is nearly $900 million, more than 5,000 lost jobs and $18 million in lost tax revenues.”
PNM inundated with companies seeking clean energy
July 24, 2022
As New Mexico works to diversify away from dependence on oil and gas, building out more renewable generation is critical, Black added.
Talent contest: New Mexico employers describe fierce competition for hiring
February 19, 2022
Committee considers new plan on hydrogen
February 10, 2022
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2022
Legislative priorities for NM employers, workers to pay attention to
January 22, 2022
NM Chamber CEO: State ‘well-positioned’ to take advantage of burgeoning space industry
July 26, 2021
New Mexico offering cash to return to work
July 2, 2021
NM lawsuit triggers national concern about surgical supplies
June 25, 2021
NM posts second-highest unemployment rate in the nation
June 25, 2021
One-on-One with Rob Black, President & CEO, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
May 24, 2021
New Mexico to encourage unemployed to return to work
April 29, 2021
State will prod umemployed to return to work, governor says
April 28, 2021
Recreational marijuana could attract younger workforce to New Mexico
April 2, 2021
Updated: As recreational cannibis legislation advances, New Mexico business associations consider impacts
March 31, 2021
Business to lawmakers: We’re in a world of hurt
March 29, 2021
NM small businesses ‘in a world of hurt,’ speaker says
March 24, 2021
Invest in New Mexico’s early childhood workforce
March 20, 2021
Little League hit by equipment thieves
March 19, 2021
Report: NM Health reform could cost thousands of jobs
March 17, 2021
Pollution control bill advances to New Mexico Senate Floor, oil and gas industry dissents
March 5, 2021
Amy Barabe, lobbyist with the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association said the trade group which represents more than 1,000 oil and gas companies in New Mexico “strongly opposed” the bill.
She warned the bill would “upend” ongoing collaboration between the State of New Mexico and the industry in developing regulations on methane.
Barabe was joined in opposition by other trade groups, oil companies and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
Editorial: NM businesses need Senate to amend flawed paid-leave bill
March 5, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Oil industry leader: 2021 investement will be driven by policies
March 2, 2021
Proposed Overhaul of New Mexico Wildlife Agency Stalls
February 23, 2021
Lawmakers shoot down bill to upend state-industry collaboration
February 23, 2021
Halfway home: Lawmakers hit crucial stretch
February 18, 2021
Tampering with complex energy bill would do more harm than good
February 18, 2021
Environmental lawsuits bill draws criticism
February 12, 2021
PNM Resources shareholders approve deal to merge with Avangrid
February 12, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs rent, mortgage relief for businesses
February 9, 2021
New Mexico community solar proposal clears first hurdle
January 28, 2021
New Mexico Clean Fuel Standard Act advances in Senate
January 27, 2021
U.S. Chamber of Commerce condones federal leasing ban
January 27, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs tougher environemental protections
January 27, 2021
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2021
People will power New Mexico’s economic recovery
January 22, 2021
New Mexico chamber CEO: ‘We need to do things quickly’ for economic recovery
January 18, 2021
“We need to do things quickly coming out of COVID just to keep businesses with the hope of being able to keep going,” Black told The Center Square. Many jobs permanently lost are gone forever because business models shifted online, Black said. “Part of what we have to do is quickly respond, retrain, help certify folks into different types of employment,” he said.
Business groups launch ‘Virtual Roundhouse’
January 12, 2021
Join in lawmaking through the Virtual Roundhouse
January 12, 2021
“The Virtual Roundhouse of New Mexico is free and open to the public. The digital conference runs through March 20, and a one-time registration allows access to the entire event, which includes Q and A sessions with legislators, presentations from cabinet members and digital chats with event speakers.”
New website seeks to help the public participate in legislative session
January 10, 2021
Public can attend Virtual Roundhouse for insights on business trends, session priorities
January 7, 2021
Economic report charts path to recovery
December 9, 2020
For strained businesses, it’s not the time for paid sick leave
December 7, 2020
“We’ve heard ‘We’re all in this together.’ If that is truly the case, now is definitely not the time for Albuquerque’s City Council to force more heavy-handed regulations on struggling local businesses,” ACI said in a statement. “The ongoing COVID situation should not be an excuse to impose more costs on local businesses.
Pandemic brings more economic uncertainty in New Mexico
November 23, 2020
Chambers of commerce take fight to organized retail crime
October 2, 2023
Local business organizations are trying new ways to fight organized shoplifting.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead over the past year to bring together retailers, legislators, district attorneys, the attorney general and law enforcement agencies across the state to strengthen the state’s laws on theft.
The chamber in September 2022 also launched its own New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association to serve as a clearinghouse for retailer photos and videos of organized crime in action that law enforcement can immediately download.
Chamber CEO Rob Black also praised an anti-retail theft law that passed this year, saying he has never seen a new law have such an immediate impact.
“In less than two months, 23 individuals were charged with felony organized retail crime,” Black said.
Chambers of commerce take fight to organized retail crime
October 2, 2023
Local business organizations are trying new ways to fight organized shoplifting.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead over the past year to bring together retailers, legislators, district attorneys, the attorney general and law enforcement agencies across the state to strengthen the state’s laws on theft.
The chamber in September 2022 also launched its own New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association to serve as a clearinghouse for retailer photos and videos of organized crime in action that law enforcement can immediately download.
Chamber CEO Rob Black also praised an anti-retail theft law that passed this year, saying he has never seen a new law have such an immediate impact.
“In less than two months, 23 individuals were charged with felony organized retail crime,” Black said.
Chambers of commerce take fight to organized retail crime
October 2, 2023
Local business organizations are trying new ways to fight organized shoplifting.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead over the past year to bring together retailers, legislators, district attorneys, the attorney general and law enforcement agencies across the state to strengthen the state’s laws on theft.
The chamber in September 2022 also launched its own New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association to serve as a clearinghouse for retailer photos and videos of organized crime in action that law enforcement can immediately download.
Chamber CEO Rob Black also praised an anti-retail theft law that passed this year, saying he has never seen a new law have such an immediate impact.
“In less than two months, 23 individuals were charged with felony organized retail crime,” Black said.
New Mexico law enforcement and retailers discuss tackling retail crime
September 28, 2023
It’s a major problem costing businesses millions and inconveniencing shoppers. Lawmen and women, state leaders, and retailers met on Thursday to come up with ways to tackle organized retail crime.
Twenty-three different law enforcement agencies, and 30 different retailers including small businesses and big box stores, came together to learn more on how to hold shoplifters accountable. “We need judges to do their job when you all arrest those people,” said Rep. Marian Matthews (D- ABQ).
During the conference put on by the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association, leaders said organized retail crime costs retailers billions of dollars a year while taking away jobs. The goal of Thursday’s event was to create partnerships with one another.
Police and stores work together to combat organized retail crime
September 28, 2023
“Our retailers came to the chambers, said we needed help, and one of the reasons they needed help was the impact it is having on their employees and putting them at risk because there is a level of violence that was increasing in shoplifting in New Mexico,” said Rob Black, the CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is hosting more than 20 different law enforcement agencies and 30 different stores on how to work together.
They are now using a new platform to help fight crime.
“It’s a place where they can upload security footage. They can upload pictures of license plates. Law enforcement can see that in real-time. Other retailers can say, hey, that guy was just in our store and started to build those cases,” Black said.
Black was one of the people involved with the organized crime law known as HB-234.
Dannemann: Civics Helps Make Democracy Work
August 23, 2023
The New Mexico Chamber hosted the 2023 statewide National Civcs Bee on Saturday, encouraging young New Mexicans to take an interest in civics.
Carbon capture will benefit the state
June 21, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black provides commentary on leveraging record-breaking revenue from oil and gas to invest in CCS and hydrogen in the state to pave the way for economic growth and a cleaner energy future.
Taking a bite out of organized, retail theft
May 10, 2023
Anti-ORC bill, HB 234, was a priority for NMCC during the 2023 legislative session. The bill is already making a difference in New Mexico as evidenced by the three dozen ORC-related arrests that have taken place in the last few weeks. HB 234 goes into effect on June 16th, but the bill’s impact can already be felt in New Mexico.
Governor’s veto pen punctures tax bill that tried to do too much
April 1, 2023
Business leaders around the state voiced their opposition to HB 547, the Omnibus Tax Bill. This included NMCC’s Tax Policy Committee Chair, James O’Neill, and Vice Chair, John Tysseling, who wrote “The proposed House ‘omnibus tax bill’ squanders a unique opportunity for meaningful Gross Receipts Tax reform in favor of short-term tax giveaways that will not help grow our economy. The fiscal revenue surplus currently available can significantly address long-standing tax policy issues that make New Mexico’s economy less competitive for investment and growth.”
Chamber leaders assess impact on businesses after legislative session
March 27, 2023
NMCC’s President & CEO Rob Black provides insight into the 2023 regular legislative session from NMCC’s perspective, stating, “Overall the legislative session was a good session for business and our economy.” Mr. Black discussed the bills NMCC supported and opposed that made this session a success.
President & CEO, Rob Black, speaks on The Bob Clark Podcast about the 2023 Session
March 22, 2023
Today, NMCC’s President & CEO, Rob Black, was a guest on The Bob Clark Podcast and provided insight into the 2023 legislative session from the business community’s perspective. Mr. Black also discussed the bills that passed and did not pass that made the session a success for business.
US industry groups urge EPA to expedite state authority over carbon capture permits
March 15, 2023
NMCC joined seven other business organizations around the nation to send a letter to EPA administrator, Michael Regan, requesting that the EPA grant states authority over their respective Class VI wells which serve as permanent carbon dioxide injection sites.
Letter to the Editor- Tax reform must make New Mexico small businesses competitive
March 12, 2023
NMCC’s Taxation policy committee chair and vice chair submitted a letter to the editor the the Las Cruces Sun News regarding the harmful omnibus tax bill, HB547TRCSub, stating that the bill would hurt small businesses in New Mexico by placing further tax burdens and raising the cost of goods for them. This letter was also cited in a recent article from the Carlsbad Current Argus, stating that NMCC is one of the several business groups opposing the bill.
NMCC in the News: Governor proposes tax cut
February 12, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black calls HB 367 a win for New Mexico’s Business community, stating, “We believe these much-needed targeted tax reforms will save our small businesses money, make our tax code more competitive, and help retain and grow jobs in New Mexico.”
2 House Bills Compete to Tackle ‘Epidemic’ of Organized Retail Crime in New Mexico
February 3, 2023
When asked how they would characterize the problem of organized retail crime in New Mexico, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black said, “Growing and severe. We have an ongoing epidemic of people going into stores, multiple times a day, stealing multiple times a day, and then selling that or trading those goods for drugs.”
Black came to speak as an expert witness in support of House Bill 234 but said: “I hope one of these two bills gets out of committee because it’s essential for our retail community and our customers. That’s just New Mexicans in general. That we provide our law enforcement the tools to tackle this problem.”
Albuquerque Sting Puts a Dent in Organized Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
Rob Black, President and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview Thursday such crimes are “a growing threat that is costing our retail businesses. We are seeing crimes that we once thought were petty theft turn into something that is more organized, with repeat offenders becoming more brazen and using firearms more often. We need better tools to address those problems.”
He praised Thursday’s multi-agency sting operation in Albuquerque, noting it’s one way to combat the problem. “That’s how we get things done — by working together,” he said.
4 Investigates: The Impact of Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
“The consequences are, we’re going to see more businesses closing. We’re going to continue to see them be able to provide less services in our communities and we’re going to see less customers feeling anxious about going into the community and going shopping. And we should not fear going to buy some eggs at the grocery store,” said Rob Black.
The state is taking a massive hit. According to the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, it’s estimated New Mexico is losing $37 million a year in taxes, just from retail crime. That means thousands of jobs and millions in lost wages.
Anti-Retail Theft Operation Results in 16 Arrests
February 2, 2023
Rob Black of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce said the organization started the Organized Retail Crime Association in September to work closely with law enforcement to address issues around retail theft.
“This is a very large problem and it is creating a situation where our employees and our customers are in danger from violence that has escalated over the last few years,” he said.
New public safety council to address organized retail crime in New Mexico
January 24, 2023
This week, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham invited NMCC President & CEO Rob Black to join the Business Advisory Council for Crime Reduction, which was created by the Governor due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
“Nobody knows what’s going on more than the business community about the risks in your storefronts, your communities,” Lujan Grisham told an audience of business officials during a Tuesday event organized by the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The governor then said during a Wednesday news conference she was creating the business public safety council due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
The governor also took the opportunity during the news conference to invite New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black, who was present for the event, to serve on the fledgling council.
Black told the Journal that he would be interested in joining the council.
“If there’s a role for me, I’m happy to do it,” Black said.
Workforce emerges as a top issue for large and small employers
January 18, 2023
The NASC reports that the workforce is a growing problem around the nation, including New Mexico. NMCC plans to mitigate this issue by prioritizing education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff among other issues during the 2023 session.
NASC says that “workforce has emerged as THE issue among chamber members large and small.”
The report delves into causes and remedies. The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce’s portion of the report mirrors those concerns. We’ll hear more about them during the legislative session that just kicked off…The good news is that business is trying to expand the pool by reaching out to “any and all disengaged groups of adults and young people” (in Texas this includes inmates) and getting involved in school funding, childcare, housing, and pre-K public education.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is focused on education and workforce development. Its long list of priorities includes education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff.
NM minimum wage could go even higher under legislative proposals
January 5, 2023
Rob Black, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday many businesses around the state are already paying employees above minimum wage levels due to a worker shortage.
He said increasing the minimum wage to $16 an hour would make New Mexico’s minimum wage one of the nation’s highest – the minimum wage in Washington, D.C., is currently $16.50 per hour – and would place a strain on businesses.
“Our preference would be that it’s the market that drives those decisions, and not government mandates,” Black said.
New Mexico’s Chandler on wage hike proposal: State’s minimum wage should allow workers to ‘be able to meet basic necessities’
January 1, 2023
New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black disagreed with Chandler and believes that a large pay hike will hurt the state’s economy because businesses won’t be able to hire as many employees.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he told KOB 4. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.
“There’s a diversity of opinions from all perspectives. I think there’s willingness to have that conversation, but $16 an hour is frankly a non-starter for the business community.”
NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, comments on proposed wage hikes in New Mexico
December 30, 2022
New Mexico has the 15th highest minimum wage in the country but lawmakers have already pre-filed multiple bills to increase New Mexico’s minimum wage. NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, is concerned about the impact this kind of increase could have on New Mexico’s ability to grow and diversify the economy.
One of NMCC’s goals is to create a more competitive, investment-friendly, business environment. In response to the proposed wage increases, Black told the Santa Fe New Mexican, “The less mandates we have on doing business makes us more competitive. Those sorts of large increases kill businesses. It makes it very difficult for businesses to adjust. It makes it very hard to hire high school kids for their first job.”
Black also voiced his concerns about a wage increase negatively impacting NM’s incoming workforce to KOB 4 Eyewitness News and the New Mexico Sun, stating, “It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment. If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager at a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
New Mexico lawmaker proposes $16 minimum wage
December 30, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, believes drastically raising the state’s minimum wage will have negative consequences for the economy. He believes higher wages will force businesses to reevaluate how many employees they can afford – and what kind of workers they hire.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he said. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
“Those employers that can restructure their business model will, those that can’t, won’t be able to, they’ll have to find cost-cutting other ways, or they won’t be able to continue to operate,” Black said.
Both Rep. Chandler and Black agree economic factors have already encouraged many businesses to increase wages on their own. According to ZipRecruiter, 87% of New Mexicans already earn $20/hour or higher.
Business leaders say state prepared for wage increase
December 22, 2022
Rob Black, CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, agreed with Carol Wight of the New Mexico Restaurant Association that state businesses have understood since 2019 that the increases are “baked in” and have prepared for the Jan. 1 boost, but he said that it still will have a big impact on employers.
“It is a significant one,” Black said. “Fifty cents is a big increase, especially with all the additional increases that businesses are dealing with now in terms of operating costs and interest rate increases.”
Now that the state is in a “pause” regarding mandated wage increases, Black and Wight said their associations will not want to see new legislation in 2023 requiring further wage increases in the near future.
Black said further mandated increases could put New Mexico at a competitive disadvantage to neighboring states with larger economies. Texas has a minimum wage in 2023 of $7.25, Colorado has a $13.65 minimum wage taking effect this year and Arizona’s minimum wage for 2023 will be $13.85.
State task force recommends new proposal for paid leave
November 29, 2022
The task force is made up of representatives from advocacy groups, labor unions, chambers of commerce, and business owners. Some members said having a healthier workforce would benefit workers and business owners.
Other task force members said businesses would struggle with the cost. “The challenge is how do you implement it? How do you pay for it? That’s where there’s [sic] some differences of opinion on the task force,” said President of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black.
Lawmakers, advocates discuss task force’s recommendations for paid family leave fund
November 28, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, served on the task force. He said while the chamber supports paid family and medical leave, he believes it should be primarily employee-funded. Employers have to incur additional expenses paying for replacement workers for those who take leave as it is, he said.
“Employers are going to be concerned about a new burden and cost on their businesses being put on them by the state,” Black said. “I think there will be a lot of concern and anxiety about what this will look like.”
New Mexico Democracy Project Invites Candidates To Help Build Trust In Elections
October 30, 2022
NMCC has partnered with New Mexico First, the New Mexico Local News Fund, New Mexico Open Elections and New Mexico PBS to support the New Mexico Democracy Project. This initiative supports five key principles to build trust in New Mexico’s elections, including: honest election processes, civil campaigning, secure voting, fair oversight, and ensuring trusted outcomes. As a nonpartisan initiative, many current and former legislators and officials have already endorsed the New Mexico Democracy Project.
Health coverage ‘a key competitiveness issue’ for New Mexico small businesses
October 22, 2022
In a tough labor market, health care insurance may be just the amenity small business owners need to attract and retain employees. Fortunately, it just got a little more affordable in New Mexico.
“Looking at the role that health care benefits play is a key competitiveness issue for employers,” Rob Black, president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, told the Albuquerque Journal.
In fact, medical insurance is a must-have, according to 86% of employees surveyed nationally for a 2022 MetLife study.
Federal incentives accelerate New Mexico’s hydrogen economy
September 25, 2022
New Mexico has vast infrastructure already in place to rapidly build a hydrogen economy, giving it competitive advantages over many other states and creating huge economic development opportunities, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Rob Black. That includes a mature natural gas industry to readily supply hydrogen plants, unique geology for underground carbon sequestration, huge wind and solar resources now under development to supply power for green electrolysis production, and an experienced fossil fuel-based workforce that can easily be retrained for jobs in the hydrogen industry.
“We’re already a mature energy state, which helps immensely in the logistical transition to hydrogen,” Black told the Journal. “New Mexico has a lot of opportunities to lead in local and national efforts to build a hydrogen economy.”
New Mexico Retail Crime platform catches criminals in real time
September 22, 2022
“We are seeing both an increase in retail crime, organized retail crime in New Mexico and in the region, but we’re also seeing an increase in the violence associated with that,” said Rob Black, vice president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. “I think one of the benefits to this program is that it’s going to save our law enforcement hours and hours. This allows them to do it in one place very efficiently, so our hope is that it becomes a real powerful tool for law enforcement freeing up their time to do more on the groundwork,” Black said
There’s no silver bullet in crime, but this may be silver lining
September 17, 2022
“‘I don’t think there’s a silver bullet, but I think part of what we’ve tried to do with the launch of the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association is one, create a platform that allows for a public-private partnership between business, retail and law enforcement,” Black said. “Where we can, in real time, share security footage, photographs of license plates of suspects, descriptions, et cetera, into a platform that law enforcement can then easily build cases with.’
The concept of collaboration, paired with technology, he added, allows the many law enforcement agencies in the area to avoid operating in silos.”
Officials: NM to join retail crime info-sharing network
August 31, 2022
Officials called the news conference to announce that New Mexico is joining a 20-state network used by businesses and law enforcement to track criminal activity in real time.
The platform, called the Auror retail crime platform, offers an online platform that allows retailers to quickly share security video, cellphone images and other information with law enforcement.
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative – called the New Mexico Organized Crime Association – will allow statewide and multi-state sharing of crime data.
How NM is looking to bring workers back
August 8, 2022
To target youth and career exploration, the department has worked with community and state partners on a project that is meant to teach kids in junior high school and high school about trade positions that are needed in the state.
“We’ve heard that loud and clear from the districts and also from the employers that those are the skills that they really want to see our youth have an early experience with and an opportunity for,” Martinez said.
The New Mexico program, slated to start next year, operates in half a dozen states across the country and teaches students about technical career positions such as “welding” or other needed trades, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Rob Black.
It’s not shoplifting, it’s organized retail crime
July 26, 2022
“During a recent meeting of the Legislative Finance Committee, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce told legislators that organized retail crime endangers customers and employees and drives up costs. The financial impact is nearly $900 million, more than 5,000 lost jobs and $18 million in lost tax revenues.”
PNM inundated with companies seeking clean energy
July 24, 2022
As New Mexico works to diversify away from dependence on oil and gas, building out more renewable generation is critical, Black added.
Talent contest: New Mexico employers describe fierce competition for hiring
February 19, 2022
Committee considers new plan on hydrogen
February 10, 2022
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2022
Legislative priorities for NM employers, workers to pay attention to
January 22, 2022
NM Chamber CEO: State ‘well-positioned’ to take advantage of burgeoning space industry
July 26, 2021
New Mexico offering cash to return to work
July 2, 2021
NM lawsuit triggers national concern about surgical supplies
June 25, 2021
NM posts second-highest unemployment rate in the nation
June 25, 2021
One-on-One with Rob Black, President & CEO, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
May 24, 2021
New Mexico to encourage unemployed to return to work
April 29, 2021
State will prod umemployed to return to work, governor says
April 28, 2021
Recreational marijuana could attract younger workforce to New Mexico
April 2, 2021
Updated: As recreational cannibis legislation advances, New Mexico business associations consider impacts
March 31, 2021
Business to lawmakers: We’re in a world of hurt
March 29, 2021
NM small businesses ‘in a world of hurt,’ speaker says
March 24, 2021
Invest in New Mexico’s early childhood workforce
March 20, 2021
Little League hit by equipment thieves
March 19, 2021
Report: NM Health reform could cost thousands of jobs
March 17, 2021
Pollution control bill advances to New Mexico Senate Floor, oil and gas industry dissents
March 5, 2021
Amy Barabe, lobbyist with the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association said the trade group which represents more than 1,000 oil and gas companies in New Mexico “strongly opposed” the bill.
She warned the bill would “upend” ongoing collaboration between the State of New Mexico and the industry in developing regulations on methane.
Barabe was joined in opposition by other trade groups, oil companies and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
Editorial: NM businesses need Senate to amend flawed paid-leave bill
March 5, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Oil industry leader: 2021 investement will be driven by policies
March 2, 2021
Proposed Overhaul of New Mexico Wildlife Agency Stalls
February 23, 2021
Lawmakers shoot down bill to upend state-industry collaboration
February 23, 2021
Halfway home: Lawmakers hit crucial stretch
February 18, 2021
Tampering with complex energy bill would do more harm than good
February 18, 2021
Environmental lawsuits bill draws criticism
February 12, 2021
PNM Resources shareholders approve deal to merge with Avangrid
February 12, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs rent, mortgage relief for businesses
February 9, 2021
New Mexico community solar proposal clears first hurdle
January 28, 2021
New Mexico Clean Fuel Standard Act advances in Senate
January 27, 2021
U.S. Chamber of Commerce condones federal leasing ban
January 27, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs tougher environemental protections
January 27, 2021
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2021
People will power New Mexico’s economic recovery
January 22, 2021
New Mexico chamber CEO: ‘We need to do things quickly’ for economic recovery
January 18, 2021
“We need to do things quickly coming out of COVID just to keep businesses with the hope of being able to keep going,” Black told The Center Square. Many jobs permanently lost are gone forever because business models shifted online, Black said. “Part of what we have to do is quickly respond, retrain, help certify folks into different types of employment,” he said.
Business groups launch ‘Virtual Roundhouse’
January 12, 2021
Join in lawmaking through the Virtual Roundhouse
January 12, 2021
“The Virtual Roundhouse of New Mexico is free and open to the public. The digital conference runs through March 20, and a one-time registration allows access to the entire event, which includes Q and A sessions with legislators, presentations from cabinet members and digital chats with event speakers.”
New website seeks to help the public participate in legislative session
January 10, 2021
Public can attend Virtual Roundhouse for insights on business trends, session priorities
January 7, 2021
Economic report charts path to recovery
December 9, 2020
For strained businesses, it’s not the time for paid sick leave
December 7, 2020
“We’ve heard ‘We’re all in this together.’ If that is truly the case, now is definitely not the time for Albuquerque’s City Council to force more heavy-handed regulations on struggling local businesses,” ACI said in a statement. “The ongoing COVID situation should not be an excuse to impose more costs on local businesses.
Pandemic brings more economic uncertainty in New Mexico
November 23, 2020
Chambers of commerce take fight to organized retail crime
October 2, 2023
Local business organizations are trying new ways to fight organized shoplifting.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead over the past year to bring together retailers, legislators, district attorneys, the attorney general and law enforcement agencies across the state to strengthen the state’s laws on theft.
The chamber in September 2022 also launched its own New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association to serve as a clearinghouse for retailer photos and videos of organized crime in action that law enforcement can immediately download.
Chamber CEO Rob Black also praised an anti-retail theft law that passed this year, saying he has never seen a new law have such an immediate impact.
“In less than two months, 23 individuals were charged with felony organized retail crime,” Black said.
Chambers of commerce take fight to organized retail crime
October 2, 2023
Local business organizations are trying new ways to fight organized shoplifting.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead over the past year to bring together retailers, legislators, district attorneys, the attorney general and law enforcement agencies across the state to strengthen the state’s laws on theft.
The chamber in September 2022 also launched its own New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association to serve as a clearinghouse for retailer photos and videos of organized crime in action that law enforcement can immediately download.
Chamber CEO Rob Black also praised an anti-retail theft law that passed this year, saying he has never seen a new law have such an immediate impact.
“In less than two months, 23 individuals were charged with felony organized retail crime,” Black said.
Chambers of commerce take fight to organized retail crime
October 2, 2023
Local business organizations are trying new ways to fight organized shoplifting.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead over the past year to bring together retailers, legislators, district attorneys, the attorney general and law enforcement agencies across the state to strengthen the state’s laws on theft.
The chamber in September 2022 also launched its own New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association to serve as a clearinghouse for retailer photos and videos of organized crime in action that law enforcement can immediately download.
Chamber CEO Rob Black also praised an anti-retail theft law that passed this year, saying he has never seen a new law have such an immediate impact.
“In less than two months, 23 individuals were charged with felony organized retail crime,” Black said.
New Mexico law enforcement and retailers discuss tackling retail crime
September 28, 2023
It’s a major problem costing businesses millions and inconveniencing shoppers. Lawmen and women, state leaders, and retailers met on Thursday to come up with ways to tackle organized retail crime.
Twenty-three different law enforcement agencies, and 30 different retailers including small businesses and big box stores, came together to learn more on how to hold shoplifters accountable. “We need judges to do their job when you all arrest those people,” said Rep. Marian Matthews (D- ABQ).
During the conference put on by the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association, leaders said organized retail crime costs retailers billions of dollars a year while taking away jobs. The goal of Thursday’s event was to create partnerships with one another.
Police and stores work together to combat organized retail crime
September 28, 2023
“Our retailers came to the chambers, said we needed help, and one of the reasons they needed help was the impact it is having on their employees and putting them at risk because there is a level of violence that was increasing in shoplifting in New Mexico,” said Rob Black, the CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is hosting more than 20 different law enforcement agencies and 30 different stores on how to work together.
They are now using a new platform to help fight crime.
“It’s a place where they can upload security footage. They can upload pictures of license plates. Law enforcement can see that in real-time. Other retailers can say, hey, that guy was just in our store and started to build those cases,” Black said.
Black was one of the people involved with the organized crime law known as HB-234.
Dannemann: Civics Helps Make Democracy Work
August 23, 2023
The New Mexico Chamber hosted the 2023 statewide National Civcs Bee on Saturday, encouraging young New Mexicans to take an interest in civics.
Carbon capture will benefit the state
June 21, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black provides commentary on leveraging record-breaking revenue from oil and gas to invest in CCS and hydrogen in the state to pave the way for economic growth and a cleaner energy future.
Taking a bite out of organized, retail theft
May 10, 2023
Anti-ORC bill, HB 234, was a priority for NMCC during the 2023 legislative session. The bill is already making a difference in New Mexico as evidenced by the three dozen ORC-related arrests that have taken place in the last few weeks. HB 234 goes into effect on June 16th, but the bill’s impact can already be felt in New Mexico.
Governor’s veto pen punctures tax bill that tried to do too much
April 1, 2023
Business leaders around the state voiced their opposition to HB 547, the Omnibus Tax Bill. This included NMCC’s Tax Policy Committee Chair, James O’Neill, and Vice Chair, John Tysseling, who wrote “The proposed House ‘omnibus tax bill’ squanders a unique opportunity for meaningful Gross Receipts Tax reform in favor of short-term tax giveaways that will not help grow our economy. The fiscal revenue surplus currently available can significantly address long-standing tax policy issues that make New Mexico’s economy less competitive for investment and growth.”
Chamber leaders assess impact on businesses after legislative session
March 27, 2023
NMCC’s President & CEO Rob Black provides insight into the 2023 regular legislative session from NMCC’s perspective, stating, “Overall the legislative session was a good session for business and our economy.” Mr. Black discussed the bills NMCC supported and opposed that made this session a success.
President & CEO, Rob Black, speaks on The Bob Clark Podcast about the 2023 Session
March 22, 2023
Today, NMCC’s President & CEO, Rob Black, was a guest on The Bob Clark Podcast and provided insight into the 2023 legislative session from the business community’s perspective. Mr. Black also discussed the bills that passed and did not pass that made the session a success for business.
US industry groups urge EPA to expedite state authority over carbon capture permits
March 15, 2023
NMCC joined seven other business organizations around the nation to send a letter to EPA administrator, Michael Regan, requesting that the EPA grant states authority over their respective Class VI wells which serve as permanent carbon dioxide injection sites.
Letter to the Editor- Tax reform must make New Mexico small businesses competitive
March 12, 2023
NMCC’s Taxation policy committee chair and vice chair submitted a letter to the editor the the Las Cruces Sun News regarding the harmful omnibus tax bill, HB547TRCSub, stating that the bill would hurt small businesses in New Mexico by placing further tax burdens and raising the cost of goods for them. This letter was also cited in a recent article from the Carlsbad Current Argus, stating that NMCC is one of the several business groups opposing the bill.
NMCC in the News: Governor proposes tax cut
February 12, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black calls HB 367 a win for New Mexico’s Business community, stating, “We believe these much-needed targeted tax reforms will save our small businesses money, make our tax code more competitive, and help retain and grow jobs in New Mexico.”
2 House Bills Compete to Tackle ‘Epidemic’ of Organized Retail Crime in New Mexico
February 3, 2023
When asked how they would characterize the problem of organized retail crime in New Mexico, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black said, “Growing and severe. We have an ongoing epidemic of people going into stores, multiple times a day, stealing multiple times a day, and then selling that or trading those goods for drugs.”
Black came to speak as an expert witness in support of House Bill 234 but said: “I hope one of these two bills gets out of committee because it’s essential for our retail community and our customers. That’s just New Mexicans in general. That we provide our law enforcement the tools to tackle this problem.”
Albuquerque Sting Puts a Dent in Organized Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
Rob Black, President and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview Thursday such crimes are “a growing threat that is costing our retail businesses. We are seeing crimes that we once thought were petty theft turn into something that is more organized, with repeat offenders becoming more brazen and using firearms more often. We need better tools to address those problems.”
He praised Thursday’s multi-agency sting operation in Albuquerque, noting it’s one way to combat the problem. “That’s how we get things done — by working together,” he said.
4 Investigates: The Impact of Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
“The consequences are, we’re going to see more businesses closing. We’re going to continue to see them be able to provide less services in our communities and we’re going to see less customers feeling anxious about going into the community and going shopping. And we should not fear going to buy some eggs at the grocery store,” said Rob Black.
The state is taking a massive hit. According to the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, it’s estimated New Mexico is losing $37 million a year in taxes, just from retail crime. That means thousands of jobs and millions in lost wages.
Anti-Retail Theft Operation Results in 16 Arrests
February 2, 2023
Rob Black of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce said the organization started the Organized Retail Crime Association in September to work closely with law enforcement to address issues around retail theft.
“This is a very large problem and it is creating a situation where our employees and our customers are in danger from violence that has escalated over the last few years,” he said.
New public safety council to address organized retail crime in New Mexico
January 24, 2023
This week, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham invited NMCC President & CEO Rob Black to join the Business Advisory Council for Crime Reduction, which was created by the Governor due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
“Nobody knows what’s going on more than the business community about the risks in your storefronts, your communities,” Lujan Grisham told an audience of business officials during a Tuesday event organized by the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The governor then said during a Wednesday news conference she was creating the business public safety council due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
The governor also took the opportunity during the news conference to invite New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black, who was present for the event, to serve on the fledgling council.
Black told the Journal that he would be interested in joining the council.
“If there’s a role for me, I’m happy to do it,” Black said.
Workforce emerges as a top issue for large and small employers
January 18, 2023
The NASC reports that the workforce is a growing problem around the nation, including New Mexico. NMCC plans to mitigate this issue by prioritizing education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff among other issues during the 2023 session.
NASC says that “workforce has emerged as THE issue among chamber members large and small.”
The report delves into causes and remedies. The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce’s portion of the report mirrors those concerns. We’ll hear more about them during the legislative session that just kicked off…The good news is that business is trying to expand the pool by reaching out to “any and all disengaged groups of adults and young people” (in Texas this includes inmates) and getting involved in school funding, childcare, housing, and pre-K public education.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is focused on education and workforce development. Its long list of priorities includes education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff.
NM minimum wage could go even higher under legislative proposals
January 5, 2023
Rob Black, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday many businesses around the state are already paying employees above minimum wage levels due to a worker shortage.
He said increasing the minimum wage to $16 an hour would make New Mexico’s minimum wage one of the nation’s highest – the minimum wage in Washington, D.C., is currently $16.50 per hour – and would place a strain on businesses.
“Our preference would be that it’s the market that drives those decisions, and not government mandates,” Black said.
New Mexico’s Chandler on wage hike proposal: State’s minimum wage should allow workers to ‘be able to meet basic necessities’
January 1, 2023
New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black disagreed with Chandler and believes that a large pay hike will hurt the state’s economy because businesses won’t be able to hire as many employees.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he told KOB 4. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.
“There’s a diversity of opinions from all perspectives. I think there’s willingness to have that conversation, but $16 an hour is frankly a non-starter for the business community.”
NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, comments on proposed wage hikes in New Mexico
December 30, 2022
New Mexico has the 15th highest minimum wage in the country but lawmakers have already pre-filed multiple bills to increase New Mexico’s minimum wage. NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, is concerned about the impact this kind of increase could have on New Mexico’s ability to grow and diversify the economy.
One of NMCC’s goals is to create a more competitive, investment-friendly, business environment. In response to the proposed wage increases, Black told the Santa Fe New Mexican, “The less mandates we have on doing business makes us more competitive. Those sorts of large increases kill businesses. It makes it very difficult for businesses to adjust. It makes it very hard to hire high school kids for their first job.”
Black also voiced his concerns about a wage increase negatively impacting NM’s incoming workforce to KOB 4 Eyewitness News and the New Mexico Sun, stating, “It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment. If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager at a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
New Mexico lawmaker proposes $16 minimum wage
December 30, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, believes drastically raising the state’s minimum wage will have negative consequences for the economy. He believes higher wages will force businesses to reevaluate how many employees they can afford – and what kind of workers they hire.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he said. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
“Those employers that can restructure their business model will, those that can’t, won’t be able to, they’ll have to find cost-cutting other ways, or they won’t be able to continue to operate,” Black said.
Both Rep. Chandler and Black agree economic factors have already encouraged many businesses to increase wages on their own. According to ZipRecruiter, 87% of New Mexicans already earn $20/hour or higher.
Business leaders say state prepared for wage increase
December 22, 2022
Rob Black, CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, agreed with Carol Wight of the New Mexico Restaurant Association that state businesses have understood since 2019 that the increases are “baked in” and have prepared for the Jan. 1 boost, but he said that it still will have a big impact on employers.
“It is a significant one,” Black said. “Fifty cents is a big increase, especially with all the additional increases that businesses are dealing with now in terms of operating costs and interest rate increases.”
Now that the state is in a “pause” regarding mandated wage increases, Black and Wight said their associations will not want to see new legislation in 2023 requiring further wage increases in the near future.
Black said further mandated increases could put New Mexico at a competitive disadvantage to neighboring states with larger economies. Texas has a minimum wage in 2023 of $7.25, Colorado has a $13.65 minimum wage taking effect this year and Arizona’s minimum wage for 2023 will be $13.85.
State task force recommends new proposal for paid leave
November 29, 2022
The task force is made up of representatives from advocacy groups, labor unions, chambers of commerce, and business owners. Some members said having a healthier workforce would benefit workers and business owners.
Other task force members said businesses would struggle with the cost. “The challenge is how do you implement it? How do you pay for it? That’s where there’s [sic] some differences of opinion on the task force,” said President of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black.
Lawmakers, advocates discuss task force’s recommendations for paid family leave fund
November 28, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, served on the task force. He said while the chamber supports paid family and medical leave, he believes it should be primarily employee-funded. Employers have to incur additional expenses paying for replacement workers for those who take leave as it is, he said.
“Employers are going to be concerned about a new burden and cost on their businesses being put on them by the state,” Black said. “I think there will be a lot of concern and anxiety about what this will look like.”
New Mexico Democracy Project Invites Candidates To Help Build Trust In Elections
October 30, 2022
NMCC has partnered with New Mexico First, the New Mexico Local News Fund, New Mexico Open Elections and New Mexico PBS to support the New Mexico Democracy Project. This initiative supports five key principles to build trust in New Mexico’s elections, including: honest election processes, civil campaigning, secure voting, fair oversight, and ensuring trusted outcomes. As a nonpartisan initiative, many current and former legislators and officials have already endorsed the New Mexico Democracy Project.
Health coverage ‘a key competitiveness issue’ for New Mexico small businesses
October 22, 2022
In a tough labor market, health care insurance may be just the amenity small business owners need to attract and retain employees. Fortunately, it just got a little more affordable in New Mexico.
“Looking at the role that health care benefits play is a key competitiveness issue for employers,” Rob Black, president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, told the Albuquerque Journal.
In fact, medical insurance is a must-have, according to 86% of employees surveyed nationally for a 2022 MetLife study.
Federal incentives accelerate New Mexico’s hydrogen economy
September 25, 2022
New Mexico has vast infrastructure already in place to rapidly build a hydrogen economy, giving it competitive advantages over many other states and creating huge economic development opportunities, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Rob Black. That includes a mature natural gas industry to readily supply hydrogen plants, unique geology for underground carbon sequestration, huge wind and solar resources now under development to supply power for green electrolysis production, and an experienced fossil fuel-based workforce that can easily be retrained for jobs in the hydrogen industry.
“We’re already a mature energy state, which helps immensely in the logistical transition to hydrogen,” Black told the Journal. “New Mexico has a lot of opportunities to lead in local and national efforts to build a hydrogen economy.”
New Mexico Retail Crime platform catches criminals in real time
September 22, 2022
“We are seeing both an increase in retail crime, organized retail crime in New Mexico and in the region, but we’re also seeing an increase in the violence associated with that,” said Rob Black, vice president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. “I think one of the benefits to this program is that it’s going to save our law enforcement hours and hours. This allows them to do it in one place very efficiently, so our hope is that it becomes a real powerful tool for law enforcement freeing up their time to do more on the groundwork,” Black said
There’s no silver bullet in crime, but this may be silver lining
September 17, 2022
“‘I don’t think there’s a silver bullet, but I think part of what we’ve tried to do with the launch of the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association is one, create a platform that allows for a public-private partnership between business, retail and law enforcement,” Black said. “Where we can, in real time, share security footage, photographs of license plates of suspects, descriptions, et cetera, into a platform that law enforcement can then easily build cases with.’
The concept of collaboration, paired with technology, he added, allows the many law enforcement agencies in the area to avoid operating in silos.”
Officials: NM to join retail crime info-sharing network
August 31, 2022
Officials called the news conference to announce that New Mexico is joining a 20-state network used by businesses and law enforcement to track criminal activity in real time.
The platform, called the Auror retail crime platform, offers an online platform that allows retailers to quickly share security video, cellphone images and other information with law enforcement.
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative – called the New Mexico Organized Crime Association – will allow statewide and multi-state sharing of crime data.
How NM is looking to bring workers back
August 8, 2022
To target youth and career exploration, the department has worked with community and state partners on a project that is meant to teach kids in junior high school and high school about trade positions that are needed in the state.
“We’ve heard that loud and clear from the districts and also from the employers that those are the skills that they really want to see our youth have an early experience with and an opportunity for,” Martinez said.
The New Mexico program, slated to start next year, operates in half a dozen states across the country and teaches students about technical career positions such as “welding” or other needed trades, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Rob Black.
It’s not shoplifting, it’s organized retail crime
July 26, 2022
“During a recent meeting of the Legislative Finance Committee, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce told legislators that organized retail crime endangers customers and employees and drives up costs. The financial impact is nearly $900 million, more than 5,000 lost jobs and $18 million in lost tax revenues.”
PNM inundated with companies seeking clean energy
July 24, 2022
As New Mexico works to diversify away from dependence on oil and gas, building out more renewable generation is critical, Black added.
Talent contest: New Mexico employers describe fierce competition for hiring
February 19, 2022
Committee considers new plan on hydrogen
February 10, 2022
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2022
Legislative priorities for NM employers, workers to pay attention to
January 22, 2022
NM Chamber CEO: State ‘well-positioned’ to take advantage of burgeoning space industry
July 26, 2021
New Mexico offering cash to return to work
July 2, 2021
NM lawsuit triggers national concern about surgical supplies
June 25, 2021
NM posts second-highest unemployment rate in the nation
June 25, 2021
One-on-One with Rob Black, President & CEO, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
May 24, 2021
New Mexico to encourage unemployed to return to work
April 29, 2021
State will prod umemployed to return to work, governor says
April 28, 2021
Recreational marijuana could attract younger workforce to New Mexico
April 2, 2021
Updated: As recreational cannibis legislation advances, New Mexico business associations consider impacts
March 31, 2021
Business to lawmakers: We’re in a world of hurt
March 29, 2021
NM small businesses ‘in a world of hurt,’ speaker says
March 24, 2021
Invest in New Mexico’s early childhood workforce
March 20, 2021
Little League hit by equipment thieves
March 19, 2021
Report: NM Health reform could cost thousands of jobs
March 17, 2021
Pollution control bill advances to New Mexico Senate Floor, oil and gas industry dissents
March 5, 2021
Amy Barabe, lobbyist with the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association said the trade group which represents more than 1,000 oil and gas companies in New Mexico “strongly opposed” the bill.
She warned the bill would “upend” ongoing collaboration between the State of New Mexico and the industry in developing regulations on methane.
Barabe was joined in opposition by other trade groups, oil companies and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
Editorial: NM businesses need Senate to amend flawed paid-leave bill
March 5, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Oil industry leader: 2021 investement will be driven by policies
March 2, 2021
Proposed Overhaul of New Mexico Wildlife Agency Stalls
February 23, 2021
Lawmakers shoot down bill to upend state-industry collaboration
February 23, 2021
Halfway home: Lawmakers hit crucial stretch
February 18, 2021
Tampering with complex energy bill would do more harm than good
February 18, 2021
Environmental lawsuits bill draws criticism
February 12, 2021
PNM Resources shareholders approve deal to merge with Avangrid
February 12, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs rent, mortgage relief for businesses
February 9, 2021
New Mexico community solar proposal clears first hurdle
January 28, 2021
New Mexico Clean Fuel Standard Act advances in Senate
January 27, 2021
U.S. Chamber of Commerce condones federal leasing ban
January 27, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs tougher environemental protections
January 27, 2021
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2021
People will power New Mexico’s economic recovery
January 22, 2021
New Mexico chamber CEO: ‘We need to do things quickly’ for economic recovery
January 18, 2021
“We need to do things quickly coming out of COVID just to keep businesses with the hope of being able to keep going,” Black told The Center Square. Many jobs permanently lost are gone forever because business models shifted online, Black said. “Part of what we have to do is quickly respond, retrain, help certify folks into different types of employment,” he said.
Business groups launch ‘Virtual Roundhouse’
January 12, 2021
Join in lawmaking through the Virtual Roundhouse
January 12, 2021
“The Virtual Roundhouse of New Mexico is free and open to the public. The digital conference runs through March 20, and a one-time registration allows access to the entire event, which includes Q and A sessions with legislators, presentations from cabinet members and digital chats with event speakers.”
New website seeks to help the public participate in legislative session
January 10, 2021
Public can attend Virtual Roundhouse for insights on business trends, session priorities
January 7, 2021
Economic report charts path to recovery
December 9, 2020
For strained businesses, it’s not the time for paid sick leave
December 7, 2020
“We’ve heard ‘We’re all in this together.’ If that is truly the case, now is definitely not the time for Albuquerque’s City Council to force more heavy-handed regulations on struggling local businesses,” ACI said in a statement. “The ongoing COVID situation should not be an excuse to impose more costs on local businesses.
Pandemic brings more economic uncertainty in New Mexico
November 23, 2020
New Mexico law enforcement and retailers discuss tackling retail crime
September 28, 2023
It’s a major problem costing businesses millions and inconveniencing shoppers. Lawmen and women, state leaders, and retailers met on Thursday to come up with ways to tackle organized retail crime.
Twenty-three different law enforcement agencies, and 30 different retailers including small businesses and big box stores, came together to learn more on how to hold shoplifters accountable. “We need judges to do their job when you all arrest those people,” said Rep. Marian Matthews (D- ABQ).
During the conference put on by the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association, leaders said organized retail crime costs retailers billions of dollars a year while taking away jobs. The goal of Thursday’s event was to create partnerships with one another.
New Mexico law enforcement and retailers discuss tackling retail crime
September 28, 2023
It’s a major problem costing businesses millions and inconveniencing shoppers. Lawmen and women, state leaders, and retailers met on Thursday to come up with ways to tackle organized retail crime.
Twenty-three different law enforcement agencies, and 30 different retailers including small businesses and big box stores, came together to learn more on how to hold shoplifters accountable. “We need judges to do their job when you all arrest those people,” said Rep. Marian Matthews (D- ABQ).
During the conference put on by the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association, leaders said organized retail crime costs retailers billions of dollars a year while taking away jobs. The goal of Thursday’s event was to create partnerships with one another.
Police and stores work together to combat organized retail crime
September 28, 2023
“Our retailers came to the chambers, said we needed help, and one of the reasons they needed help was the impact it is having on their employees and putting them at risk because there is a level of violence that was increasing in shoplifting in New Mexico,” said Rob Black, the CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is hosting more than 20 different law enforcement agencies and 30 different stores on how to work together.
They are now using a new platform to help fight crime.
“It’s a place where they can upload security footage. They can upload pictures of license plates. Law enforcement can see that in real-time. Other retailers can say, hey, that guy was just in our store and started to build those cases,” Black said.
Black was one of the people involved with the organized crime law known as HB-234.
Dannemann: Civics Helps Make Democracy Work
August 23, 2023
The New Mexico Chamber hosted the 2023 statewide National Civcs Bee on Saturday, encouraging young New Mexicans to take an interest in civics.
Carbon capture will benefit the state
June 21, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black provides commentary on leveraging record-breaking revenue from oil and gas to invest in CCS and hydrogen in the state to pave the way for economic growth and a cleaner energy future.
Taking a bite out of organized, retail theft
May 10, 2023
Anti-ORC bill, HB 234, was a priority for NMCC during the 2023 legislative session. The bill is already making a difference in New Mexico as evidenced by the three dozen ORC-related arrests that have taken place in the last few weeks. HB 234 goes into effect on June 16th, but the bill’s impact can already be felt in New Mexico.
Governor’s veto pen punctures tax bill that tried to do too much
April 1, 2023
Business leaders around the state voiced their opposition to HB 547, the Omnibus Tax Bill. This included NMCC’s Tax Policy Committee Chair, James O’Neill, and Vice Chair, John Tysseling, who wrote “The proposed House ‘omnibus tax bill’ squanders a unique opportunity for meaningful Gross Receipts Tax reform in favor of short-term tax giveaways that will not help grow our economy. The fiscal revenue surplus currently available can significantly address long-standing tax policy issues that make New Mexico’s economy less competitive for investment and growth.”
Chamber leaders assess impact on businesses after legislative session
March 27, 2023
NMCC’s President & CEO Rob Black provides insight into the 2023 regular legislative session from NMCC’s perspective, stating, “Overall the legislative session was a good session for business and our economy.” Mr. Black discussed the bills NMCC supported and opposed that made this session a success.
President & CEO, Rob Black, speaks on The Bob Clark Podcast about the 2023 Session
March 22, 2023
Today, NMCC’s President & CEO, Rob Black, was a guest on The Bob Clark Podcast and provided insight into the 2023 legislative session from the business community’s perspective. Mr. Black also discussed the bills that passed and did not pass that made the session a success for business.
US industry groups urge EPA to expedite state authority over carbon capture permits
March 15, 2023
NMCC joined seven other business organizations around the nation to send a letter to EPA administrator, Michael Regan, requesting that the EPA grant states authority over their respective Class VI wells which serve as permanent carbon dioxide injection sites.
Letter to the Editor- Tax reform must make New Mexico small businesses competitive
March 12, 2023
NMCC’s Taxation policy committee chair and vice chair submitted a letter to the editor the the Las Cruces Sun News regarding the harmful omnibus tax bill, HB547TRCSub, stating that the bill would hurt small businesses in New Mexico by placing further tax burdens and raising the cost of goods for them. This letter was also cited in a recent article from the Carlsbad Current Argus, stating that NMCC is one of the several business groups opposing the bill.
NMCC in the News: Governor proposes tax cut
February 12, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black calls HB 367 a win for New Mexico’s Business community, stating, “We believe these much-needed targeted tax reforms will save our small businesses money, make our tax code more competitive, and help retain and grow jobs in New Mexico.”
2 House Bills Compete to Tackle ‘Epidemic’ of Organized Retail Crime in New Mexico
February 3, 2023
When asked how they would characterize the problem of organized retail crime in New Mexico, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black said, “Growing and severe. We have an ongoing epidemic of people going into stores, multiple times a day, stealing multiple times a day, and then selling that or trading those goods for drugs.”
Black came to speak as an expert witness in support of House Bill 234 but said: “I hope one of these two bills gets out of committee because it’s essential for our retail community and our customers. That’s just New Mexicans in general. That we provide our law enforcement the tools to tackle this problem.”
Albuquerque Sting Puts a Dent in Organized Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
Rob Black, President and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview Thursday such crimes are “a growing threat that is costing our retail businesses. We are seeing crimes that we once thought were petty theft turn into something that is more organized, with repeat offenders becoming more brazen and using firearms more often. We need better tools to address those problems.”
He praised Thursday’s multi-agency sting operation in Albuquerque, noting it’s one way to combat the problem. “That’s how we get things done — by working together,” he said.
4 Investigates: The Impact of Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
“The consequences are, we’re going to see more businesses closing. We’re going to continue to see them be able to provide less services in our communities and we’re going to see less customers feeling anxious about going into the community and going shopping. And we should not fear going to buy some eggs at the grocery store,” said Rob Black.
The state is taking a massive hit. According to the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, it’s estimated New Mexico is losing $37 million a year in taxes, just from retail crime. That means thousands of jobs and millions in lost wages.
Anti-Retail Theft Operation Results in 16 Arrests
February 2, 2023
Rob Black of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce said the organization started the Organized Retail Crime Association in September to work closely with law enforcement to address issues around retail theft.
“This is a very large problem and it is creating a situation where our employees and our customers are in danger from violence that has escalated over the last few years,” he said.
New public safety council to address organized retail crime in New Mexico
January 24, 2023
This week, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham invited NMCC President & CEO Rob Black to join the Business Advisory Council for Crime Reduction, which was created by the Governor due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
“Nobody knows what’s going on more than the business community about the risks in your storefronts, your communities,” Lujan Grisham told an audience of business officials during a Tuesday event organized by the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The governor then said during a Wednesday news conference she was creating the business public safety council due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
The governor also took the opportunity during the news conference to invite New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black, who was present for the event, to serve on the fledgling council.
Black told the Journal that he would be interested in joining the council.
“If there’s a role for me, I’m happy to do it,” Black said.
Workforce emerges as a top issue for large and small employers
January 18, 2023
The NASC reports that the workforce is a growing problem around the nation, including New Mexico. NMCC plans to mitigate this issue by prioritizing education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff among other issues during the 2023 session.
NASC says that “workforce has emerged as THE issue among chamber members large and small.”
The report delves into causes and remedies. The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce’s portion of the report mirrors those concerns. We’ll hear more about them during the legislative session that just kicked off…The good news is that business is trying to expand the pool by reaching out to “any and all disengaged groups of adults and young people” (in Texas this includes inmates) and getting involved in school funding, childcare, housing, and pre-K public education.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is focused on education and workforce development. Its long list of priorities includes education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff.
NM minimum wage could go even higher under legislative proposals
January 5, 2023
Rob Black, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday many businesses around the state are already paying employees above minimum wage levels due to a worker shortage.
He said increasing the minimum wage to $16 an hour would make New Mexico’s minimum wage one of the nation’s highest – the minimum wage in Washington, D.C., is currently $16.50 per hour – and would place a strain on businesses.
“Our preference would be that it’s the market that drives those decisions, and not government mandates,” Black said.
New Mexico’s Chandler on wage hike proposal: State’s minimum wage should allow workers to ‘be able to meet basic necessities’
January 1, 2023
New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black disagreed with Chandler and believes that a large pay hike will hurt the state’s economy because businesses won’t be able to hire as many employees.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he told KOB 4. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.
“There’s a diversity of opinions from all perspectives. I think there’s willingness to have that conversation, but $16 an hour is frankly a non-starter for the business community.”
NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, comments on proposed wage hikes in New Mexico
December 30, 2022
New Mexico has the 15th highest minimum wage in the country but lawmakers have already pre-filed multiple bills to increase New Mexico’s minimum wage. NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, is concerned about the impact this kind of increase could have on New Mexico’s ability to grow and diversify the economy.
One of NMCC’s goals is to create a more competitive, investment-friendly, business environment. In response to the proposed wage increases, Black told the Santa Fe New Mexican, “The less mandates we have on doing business makes us more competitive. Those sorts of large increases kill businesses. It makes it very difficult for businesses to adjust. It makes it very hard to hire high school kids for their first job.”
Black also voiced his concerns about a wage increase negatively impacting NM’s incoming workforce to KOB 4 Eyewitness News and the New Mexico Sun, stating, “It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment. If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager at a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
New Mexico lawmaker proposes $16 minimum wage
December 30, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, believes drastically raising the state’s minimum wage will have negative consequences for the economy. He believes higher wages will force businesses to reevaluate how many employees they can afford – and what kind of workers they hire.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he said. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
“Those employers that can restructure their business model will, those that can’t, won’t be able to, they’ll have to find cost-cutting other ways, or they won’t be able to continue to operate,” Black said.
Both Rep. Chandler and Black agree economic factors have already encouraged many businesses to increase wages on their own. According to ZipRecruiter, 87% of New Mexicans already earn $20/hour or higher.
Business leaders say state prepared for wage increase
December 22, 2022
Rob Black, CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, agreed with Carol Wight of the New Mexico Restaurant Association that state businesses have understood since 2019 that the increases are “baked in” and have prepared for the Jan. 1 boost, but he said that it still will have a big impact on employers.
“It is a significant one,” Black said. “Fifty cents is a big increase, especially with all the additional increases that businesses are dealing with now in terms of operating costs and interest rate increases.”
Now that the state is in a “pause” regarding mandated wage increases, Black and Wight said their associations will not want to see new legislation in 2023 requiring further wage increases in the near future.
Black said further mandated increases could put New Mexico at a competitive disadvantage to neighboring states with larger economies. Texas has a minimum wage in 2023 of $7.25, Colorado has a $13.65 minimum wage taking effect this year and Arizona’s minimum wage for 2023 will be $13.85.
State task force recommends new proposal for paid leave
November 29, 2022
The task force is made up of representatives from advocacy groups, labor unions, chambers of commerce, and business owners. Some members said having a healthier workforce would benefit workers and business owners.
Other task force members said businesses would struggle with the cost. “The challenge is how do you implement it? How do you pay for it? That’s where there’s [sic] some differences of opinion on the task force,” said President of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black.
Lawmakers, advocates discuss task force’s recommendations for paid family leave fund
November 28, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, served on the task force. He said while the chamber supports paid family and medical leave, he believes it should be primarily employee-funded. Employers have to incur additional expenses paying for replacement workers for those who take leave as it is, he said.
“Employers are going to be concerned about a new burden and cost on their businesses being put on them by the state,” Black said. “I think there will be a lot of concern and anxiety about what this will look like.”
New Mexico Democracy Project Invites Candidates To Help Build Trust In Elections
October 30, 2022
NMCC has partnered with New Mexico First, the New Mexico Local News Fund, New Mexico Open Elections and New Mexico PBS to support the New Mexico Democracy Project. This initiative supports five key principles to build trust in New Mexico’s elections, including: honest election processes, civil campaigning, secure voting, fair oversight, and ensuring trusted outcomes. As a nonpartisan initiative, many current and former legislators and officials have already endorsed the New Mexico Democracy Project.
Health coverage ‘a key competitiveness issue’ for New Mexico small businesses
October 22, 2022
In a tough labor market, health care insurance may be just the amenity small business owners need to attract and retain employees. Fortunately, it just got a little more affordable in New Mexico.
“Looking at the role that health care benefits play is a key competitiveness issue for employers,” Rob Black, president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, told the Albuquerque Journal.
In fact, medical insurance is a must-have, according to 86% of employees surveyed nationally for a 2022 MetLife study.
Federal incentives accelerate New Mexico’s hydrogen economy
September 25, 2022
New Mexico has vast infrastructure already in place to rapidly build a hydrogen economy, giving it competitive advantages over many other states and creating huge economic development opportunities, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Rob Black. That includes a mature natural gas industry to readily supply hydrogen plants, unique geology for underground carbon sequestration, huge wind and solar resources now under development to supply power for green electrolysis production, and an experienced fossil fuel-based workforce that can easily be retrained for jobs in the hydrogen industry.
“We’re already a mature energy state, which helps immensely in the logistical transition to hydrogen,” Black told the Journal. “New Mexico has a lot of opportunities to lead in local and national efforts to build a hydrogen economy.”
New Mexico Retail Crime platform catches criminals in real time
September 22, 2022
“We are seeing both an increase in retail crime, organized retail crime in New Mexico and in the region, but we’re also seeing an increase in the violence associated with that,” said Rob Black, vice president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. “I think one of the benefits to this program is that it’s going to save our law enforcement hours and hours. This allows them to do it in one place very efficiently, so our hope is that it becomes a real powerful tool for law enforcement freeing up their time to do more on the groundwork,” Black said
There’s no silver bullet in crime, but this may be silver lining
September 17, 2022
“‘I don’t think there’s a silver bullet, but I think part of what we’ve tried to do with the launch of the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association is one, create a platform that allows for a public-private partnership between business, retail and law enforcement,” Black said. “Where we can, in real time, share security footage, photographs of license plates of suspects, descriptions, et cetera, into a platform that law enforcement can then easily build cases with.’
The concept of collaboration, paired with technology, he added, allows the many law enforcement agencies in the area to avoid operating in silos.”
Officials: NM to join retail crime info-sharing network
August 31, 2022
Officials called the news conference to announce that New Mexico is joining a 20-state network used by businesses and law enforcement to track criminal activity in real time.
The platform, called the Auror retail crime platform, offers an online platform that allows retailers to quickly share security video, cellphone images and other information with law enforcement.
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative – called the New Mexico Organized Crime Association – will allow statewide and multi-state sharing of crime data.
How NM is looking to bring workers back
August 8, 2022
To target youth and career exploration, the department has worked with community and state partners on a project that is meant to teach kids in junior high school and high school about trade positions that are needed in the state.
“We’ve heard that loud and clear from the districts and also from the employers that those are the skills that they really want to see our youth have an early experience with and an opportunity for,” Martinez said.
The New Mexico program, slated to start next year, operates in half a dozen states across the country and teaches students about technical career positions such as “welding” or other needed trades, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Rob Black.
It’s not shoplifting, it’s organized retail crime
July 26, 2022
“During a recent meeting of the Legislative Finance Committee, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce told legislators that organized retail crime endangers customers and employees and drives up costs. The financial impact is nearly $900 million, more than 5,000 lost jobs and $18 million in lost tax revenues.”
PNM inundated with companies seeking clean energy
July 24, 2022
As New Mexico works to diversify away from dependence on oil and gas, building out more renewable generation is critical, Black added.
Talent contest: New Mexico employers describe fierce competition for hiring
February 19, 2022
Committee considers new plan on hydrogen
February 10, 2022
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2022
Legislative priorities for NM employers, workers to pay attention to
January 22, 2022
NM Chamber CEO: State ‘well-positioned’ to take advantage of burgeoning space industry
July 26, 2021
New Mexico offering cash to return to work
July 2, 2021
NM lawsuit triggers national concern about surgical supplies
June 25, 2021
NM posts second-highest unemployment rate in the nation
June 25, 2021
One-on-One with Rob Black, President & CEO, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
May 24, 2021
New Mexico to encourage unemployed to return to work
April 29, 2021
State will prod umemployed to return to work, governor says
April 28, 2021
Recreational marijuana could attract younger workforce to New Mexico
April 2, 2021
Updated: As recreational cannibis legislation advances, New Mexico business associations consider impacts
March 31, 2021
Business to lawmakers: We’re in a world of hurt
March 29, 2021
NM small businesses ‘in a world of hurt,’ speaker says
March 24, 2021
Invest in New Mexico’s early childhood workforce
March 20, 2021
Little League hit by equipment thieves
March 19, 2021
Report: NM Health reform could cost thousands of jobs
March 17, 2021
Pollution control bill advances to New Mexico Senate Floor, oil and gas industry dissents
March 5, 2021
Amy Barabe, lobbyist with the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association said the trade group which represents more than 1,000 oil and gas companies in New Mexico “strongly opposed” the bill.
She warned the bill would “upend” ongoing collaboration between the State of New Mexico and the industry in developing regulations on methane.
Barabe was joined in opposition by other trade groups, oil companies and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
Editorial: NM businesses need Senate to amend flawed paid-leave bill
March 5, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Oil industry leader: 2021 investement will be driven by policies
March 2, 2021
Proposed Overhaul of New Mexico Wildlife Agency Stalls
February 23, 2021
Lawmakers shoot down bill to upend state-industry collaboration
February 23, 2021
Halfway home: Lawmakers hit crucial stretch
February 18, 2021
Tampering with complex energy bill would do more harm than good
February 18, 2021
Environmental lawsuits bill draws criticism
February 12, 2021
PNM Resources shareholders approve deal to merge with Avangrid
February 12, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs rent, mortgage relief for businesses
February 9, 2021
New Mexico community solar proposal clears first hurdle
January 28, 2021
New Mexico Clean Fuel Standard Act advances in Senate
January 27, 2021
U.S. Chamber of Commerce condones federal leasing ban
January 27, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs tougher environemental protections
January 27, 2021
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2021
People will power New Mexico’s economic recovery
January 22, 2021
New Mexico chamber CEO: ‘We need to do things quickly’ for economic recovery
January 18, 2021
“We need to do things quickly coming out of COVID just to keep businesses with the hope of being able to keep going,” Black told The Center Square. Many jobs permanently lost are gone forever because business models shifted online, Black said. “Part of what we have to do is quickly respond, retrain, help certify folks into different types of employment,” he said.
Business groups launch ‘Virtual Roundhouse’
January 12, 2021
Join in lawmaking through the Virtual Roundhouse
January 12, 2021
“The Virtual Roundhouse of New Mexico is free and open to the public. The digital conference runs through March 20, and a one-time registration allows access to the entire event, which includes Q and A sessions with legislators, presentations from cabinet members and digital chats with event speakers.”
New website seeks to help the public participate in legislative session
January 10, 2021
Public can attend Virtual Roundhouse for insights on business trends, session priorities
January 7, 2021
Economic report charts path to recovery
December 9, 2020
For strained businesses, it’s not the time for paid sick leave
December 7, 2020
“We’ve heard ‘We’re all in this together.’ If that is truly the case, now is definitely not the time for Albuquerque’s City Council to force more heavy-handed regulations on struggling local businesses,” ACI said in a statement. “The ongoing COVID situation should not be an excuse to impose more costs on local businesses.
Pandemic brings more economic uncertainty in New Mexico
November 23, 2020
New Mexico law enforcement and retailers discuss tackling retail crime
September 28, 2023
It’s a major problem costing businesses millions and inconveniencing shoppers. Lawmen and women, state leaders, and retailers met on Thursday to come up with ways to tackle organized retail crime.
Twenty-three different law enforcement agencies, and 30 different retailers including small businesses and big box stores, came together to learn more on how to hold shoplifters accountable. “We need judges to do their job when you all arrest those people,” said Rep. Marian Matthews (D- ABQ).
During the conference put on by the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association, leaders said organized retail crime costs retailers billions of dollars a year while taking away jobs. The goal of Thursday’s event was to create partnerships with one another.
New Mexico law enforcement and retailers discuss tackling retail crime
September 28, 2023
It’s a major problem costing businesses millions and inconveniencing shoppers. Lawmen and women, state leaders, and retailers met on Thursday to come up with ways to tackle organized retail crime.
Twenty-three different law enforcement agencies, and 30 different retailers including small businesses and big box stores, came together to learn more on how to hold shoplifters accountable. “We need judges to do their job when you all arrest those people,” said Rep. Marian Matthews (D- ABQ).
During the conference put on by the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association, leaders said organized retail crime costs retailers billions of dollars a year while taking away jobs. The goal of Thursday’s event was to create partnerships with one another.
Police and stores work together to combat organized retail crime
September 28, 2023
“Our retailers came to the chambers, said we needed help, and one of the reasons they needed help was the impact it is having on their employees and putting them at risk because there is a level of violence that was increasing in shoplifting in New Mexico,” said Rob Black, the CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is hosting more than 20 different law enforcement agencies and 30 different stores on how to work together.
They are now using a new platform to help fight crime.
“It’s a place where they can upload security footage. They can upload pictures of license plates. Law enforcement can see that in real-time. Other retailers can say, hey, that guy was just in our store and started to build those cases,” Black said.
Black was one of the people involved with the organized crime law known as HB-234.
Dannemann: Civics Helps Make Democracy Work
August 23, 2023
The New Mexico Chamber hosted the 2023 statewide National Civcs Bee on Saturday, encouraging young New Mexicans to take an interest in civics.
Carbon capture will benefit the state
June 21, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black provides commentary on leveraging record-breaking revenue from oil and gas to invest in CCS and hydrogen in the state to pave the way for economic growth and a cleaner energy future.
Taking a bite out of organized, retail theft
May 10, 2023
Anti-ORC bill, HB 234, was a priority for NMCC during the 2023 legislative session. The bill is already making a difference in New Mexico as evidenced by the three dozen ORC-related arrests that have taken place in the last few weeks. HB 234 goes into effect on June 16th, but the bill’s impact can already be felt in New Mexico.
Governor’s veto pen punctures tax bill that tried to do too much
April 1, 2023
Business leaders around the state voiced their opposition to HB 547, the Omnibus Tax Bill. This included NMCC’s Tax Policy Committee Chair, James O’Neill, and Vice Chair, John Tysseling, who wrote “The proposed House ‘omnibus tax bill’ squanders a unique opportunity for meaningful Gross Receipts Tax reform in favor of short-term tax giveaways that will not help grow our economy. The fiscal revenue surplus currently available can significantly address long-standing tax policy issues that make New Mexico’s economy less competitive for investment and growth.”
Chamber leaders assess impact on businesses after legislative session
March 27, 2023
NMCC’s President & CEO Rob Black provides insight into the 2023 regular legislative session from NMCC’s perspective, stating, “Overall the legislative session was a good session for business and our economy.” Mr. Black discussed the bills NMCC supported and opposed that made this session a success.
President & CEO, Rob Black, speaks on The Bob Clark Podcast about the 2023 Session
March 22, 2023
Today, NMCC’s President & CEO, Rob Black, was a guest on The Bob Clark Podcast and provided insight into the 2023 legislative session from the business community’s perspective. Mr. Black also discussed the bills that passed and did not pass that made the session a success for business.
US industry groups urge EPA to expedite state authority over carbon capture permits
March 15, 2023
NMCC joined seven other business organizations around the nation to send a letter to EPA administrator, Michael Regan, requesting that the EPA grant states authority over their respective Class VI wells which serve as permanent carbon dioxide injection sites.
Letter to the Editor- Tax reform must make New Mexico small businesses competitive
March 12, 2023
NMCC’s Taxation policy committee chair and vice chair submitted a letter to the editor the the Las Cruces Sun News regarding the harmful omnibus tax bill, HB547TRCSub, stating that the bill would hurt small businesses in New Mexico by placing further tax burdens and raising the cost of goods for them. This letter was also cited in a recent article from the Carlsbad Current Argus, stating that NMCC is one of the several business groups opposing the bill.
NMCC in the News: Governor proposes tax cut
February 12, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black calls HB 367 a win for New Mexico’s Business community, stating, “We believe these much-needed targeted tax reforms will save our small businesses money, make our tax code more competitive, and help retain and grow jobs in New Mexico.”
2 House Bills Compete to Tackle ‘Epidemic’ of Organized Retail Crime in New Mexico
February 3, 2023
When asked how they would characterize the problem of organized retail crime in New Mexico, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black said, “Growing and severe. We have an ongoing epidemic of people going into stores, multiple times a day, stealing multiple times a day, and then selling that or trading those goods for drugs.”
Black came to speak as an expert witness in support of House Bill 234 but said: “I hope one of these two bills gets out of committee because it’s essential for our retail community and our customers. That’s just New Mexicans in general. That we provide our law enforcement the tools to tackle this problem.”
Albuquerque Sting Puts a Dent in Organized Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
Rob Black, President and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview Thursday such crimes are “a growing threat that is costing our retail businesses. We are seeing crimes that we once thought were petty theft turn into something that is more organized, with repeat offenders becoming more brazen and using firearms more often. We need better tools to address those problems.”
He praised Thursday’s multi-agency sting operation in Albuquerque, noting it’s one way to combat the problem. “That’s how we get things done — by working together,” he said.
4 Investigates: The Impact of Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
“The consequences are, we’re going to see more businesses closing. We’re going to continue to see them be able to provide less services in our communities and we’re going to see less customers feeling anxious about going into the community and going shopping. And we should not fear going to buy some eggs at the grocery store,” said Rob Black.
The state is taking a massive hit. According to the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, it’s estimated New Mexico is losing $37 million a year in taxes, just from retail crime. That means thousands of jobs and millions in lost wages.
Anti-Retail Theft Operation Results in 16 Arrests
February 2, 2023
Rob Black of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce said the organization started the Organized Retail Crime Association in September to work closely with law enforcement to address issues around retail theft.
“This is a very large problem and it is creating a situation where our employees and our customers are in danger from violence that has escalated over the last few years,” he said.
New public safety council to address organized retail crime in New Mexico
January 24, 2023
This week, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham invited NMCC President & CEO Rob Black to join the Business Advisory Council for Crime Reduction, which was created by the Governor due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
“Nobody knows what’s going on more than the business community about the risks in your storefronts, your communities,” Lujan Grisham told an audience of business officials during a Tuesday event organized by the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The governor then said during a Wednesday news conference she was creating the business public safety council due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
The governor also took the opportunity during the news conference to invite New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black, who was present for the event, to serve on the fledgling council.
Black told the Journal that he would be interested in joining the council.
“If there’s a role for me, I’m happy to do it,” Black said.
Workforce emerges as a top issue for large and small employers
January 18, 2023
The NASC reports that the workforce is a growing problem around the nation, including New Mexico. NMCC plans to mitigate this issue by prioritizing education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff among other issues during the 2023 session.
NASC says that “workforce has emerged as THE issue among chamber members large and small.”
The report delves into causes and remedies. The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce’s portion of the report mirrors those concerns. We’ll hear more about them during the legislative session that just kicked off…The good news is that business is trying to expand the pool by reaching out to “any and all disengaged groups of adults and young people” (in Texas this includes inmates) and getting involved in school funding, childcare, housing, and pre-K public education.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is focused on education and workforce development. Its long list of priorities includes education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff.
NM minimum wage could go even higher under legislative proposals
January 5, 2023
Rob Black, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday many businesses around the state are already paying employees above minimum wage levels due to a worker shortage.
He said increasing the minimum wage to $16 an hour would make New Mexico’s minimum wage one of the nation’s highest – the minimum wage in Washington, D.C., is currently $16.50 per hour – and would place a strain on businesses.
“Our preference would be that it’s the market that drives those decisions, and not government mandates,” Black said.
New Mexico’s Chandler on wage hike proposal: State’s minimum wage should allow workers to ‘be able to meet basic necessities’
January 1, 2023
New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black disagreed with Chandler and believes that a large pay hike will hurt the state’s economy because businesses won’t be able to hire as many employees.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he told KOB 4. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.
“There’s a diversity of opinions from all perspectives. I think there’s willingness to have that conversation, but $16 an hour is frankly a non-starter for the business community.”
NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, comments on proposed wage hikes in New Mexico
December 30, 2022
New Mexico has the 15th highest minimum wage in the country but lawmakers have already pre-filed multiple bills to increase New Mexico’s minimum wage. NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, is concerned about the impact this kind of increase could have on New Mexico’s ability to grow and diversify the economy.
One of NMCC’s goals is to create a more competitive, investment-friendly, business environment. In response to the proposed wage increases, Black told the Santa Fe New Mexican, “The less mandates we have on doing business makes us more competitive. Those sorts of large increases kill businesses. It makes it very difficult for businesses to adjust. It makes it very hard to hire high school kids for their first job.”
Black also voiced his concerns about a wage increase negatively impacting NM’s incoming workforce to KOB 4 Eyewitness News and the New Mexico Sun, stating, “It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment. If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager at a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
New Mexico lawmaker proposes $16 minimum wage
December 30, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, believes drastically raising the state’s minimum wage will have negative consequences for the economy. He believes higher wages will force businesses to reevaluate how many employees they can afford – and what kind of workers they hire.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he said. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
“Those employers that can restructure their business model will, those that can’t, won’t be able to, they’ll have to find cost-cutting other ways, or they won’t be able to continue to operate,” Black said.
Both Rep. Chandler and Black agree economic factors have already encouraged many businesses to increase wages on their own. According to ZipRecruiter, 87% of New Mexicans already earn $20/hour or higher.
Business leaders say state prepared for wage increase
December 22, 2022
Rob Black, CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, agreed with Carol Wight of the New Mexico Restaurant Association that state businesses have understood since 2019 that the increases are “baked in” and have prepared for the Jan. 1 boost, but he said that it still will have a big impact on employers.
“It is a significant one,” Black said. “Fifty cents is a big increase, especially with all the additional increases that businesses are dealing with now in terms of operating costs and interest rate increases.”
Now that the state is in a “pause” regarding mandated wage increases, Black and Wight said their associations will not want to see new legislation in 2023 requiring further wage increases in the near future.
Black said further mandated increases could put New Mexico at a competitive disadvantage to neighboring states with larger economies. Texas has a minimum wage in 2023 of $7.25, Colorado has a $13.65 minimum wage taking effect this year and Arizona’s minimum wage for 2023 will be $13.85.
State task force recommends new proposal for paid leave
November 29, 2022
The task force is made up of representatives from advocacy groups, labor unions, chambers of commerce, and business owners. Some members said having a healthier workforce would benefit workers and business owners.
Other task force members said businesses would struggle with the cost. “The challenge is how do you implement it? How do you pay for it? That’s where there’s [sic] some differences of opinion on the task force,” said President of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black.
Lawmakers, advocates discuss task force’s recommendations for paid family leave fund
November 28, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, served on the task force. He said while the chamber supports paid family and medical leave, he believes it should be primarily employee-funded. Employers have to incur additional expenses paying for replacement workers for those who take leave as it is, he said.
“Employers are going to be concerned about a new burden and cost on their businesses being put on them by the state,” Black said. “I think there will be a lot of concern and anxiety about what this will look like.”
New Mexico Democracy Project Invites Candidates To Help Build Trust In Elections
October 30, 2022
NMCC has partnered with New Mexico First, the New Mexico Local News Fund, New Mexico Open Elections and New Mexico PBS to support the New Mexico Democracy Project. This initiative supports five key principles to build trust in New Mexico’s elections, including: honest election processes, civil campaigning, secure voting, fair oversight, and ensuring trusted outcomes. As a nonpartisan initiative, many current and former legislators and officials have already endorsed the New Mexico Democracy Project.
Health coverage ‘a key competitiveness issue’ for New Mexico small businesses
October 22, 2022
In a tough labor market, health care insurance may be just the amenity small business owners need to attract and retain employees. Fortunately, it just got a little more affordable in New Mexico.
“Looking at the role that health care benefits play is a key competitiveness issue for employers,” Rob Black, president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, told the Albuquerque Journal.
In fact, medical insurance is a must-have, according to 86% of employees surveyed nationally for a 2022 MetLife study.
Federal incentives accelerate New Mexico’s hydrogen economy
September 25, 2022
New Mexico has vast infrastructure already in place to rapidly build a hydrogen economy, giving it competitive advantages over many other states and creating huge economic development opportunities, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Rob Black. That includes a mature natural gas industry to readily supply hydrogen plants, unique geology for underground carbon sequestration, huge wind and solar resources now under development to supply power for green electrolysis production, and an experienced fossil fuel-based workforce that can easily be retrained for jobs in the hydrogen industry.
“We’re already a mature energy state, which helps immensely in the logistical transition to hydrogen,” Black told the Journal. “New Mexico has a lot of opportunities to lead in local and national efforts to build a hydrogen economy.”
New Mexico Retail Crime platform catches criminals in real time
September 22, 2022
“We are seeing both an increase in retail crime, organized retail crime in New Mexico and in the region, but we’re also seeing an increase in the violence associated with that,” said Rob Black, vice president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. “I think one of the benefits to this program is that it’s going to save our law enforcement hours and hours. This allows them to do it in one place very efficiently, so our hope is that it becomes a real powerful tool for law enforcement freeing up their time to do more on the groundwork,” Black said
There’s no silver bullet in crime, but this may be silver lining
September 17, 2022
“‘I don’t think there’s a silver bullet, but I think part of what we’ve tried to do with the launch of the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association is one, create a platform that allows for a public-private partnership between business, retail and law enforcement,” Black said. “Where we can, in real time, share security footage, photographs of license plates of suspects, descriptions, et cetera, into a platform that law enforcement can then easily build cases with.’
The concept of collaboration, paired with technology, he added, allows the many law enforcement agencies in the area to avoid operating in silos.”
Officials: NM to join retail crime info-sharing network
August 31, 2022
Officials called the news conference to announce that New Mexico is joining a 20-state network used by businesses and law enforcement to track criminal activity in real time.
The platform, called the Auror retail crime platform, offers an online platform that allows retailers to quickly share security video, cellphone images and other information with law enforcement.
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative – called the New Mexico Organized Crime Association – will allow statewide and multi-state sharing of crime data.
How NM is looking to bring workers back
August 8, 2022
To target youth and career exploration, the department has worked with community and state partners on a project that is meant to teach kids in junior high school and high school about trade positions that are needed in the state.
“We’ve heard that loud and clear from the districts and also from the employers that those are the skills that they really want to see our youth have an early experience with and an opportunity for,” Martinez said.
The New Mexico program, slated to start next year, operates in half a dozen states across the country and teaches students about technical career positions such as “welding” or other needed trades, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Rob Black.
It’s not shoplifting, it’s organized retail crime
July 26, 2022
“During a recent meeting of the Legislative Finance Committee, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce told legislators that organized retail crime endangers customers and employees and drives up costs. The financial impact is nearly $900 million, more than 5,000 lost jobs and $18 million in lost tax revenues.”
PNM inundated with companies seeking clean energy
July 24, 2022
As New Mexico works to diversify away from dependence on oil and gas, building out more renewable generation is critical, Black added.
Talent contest: New Mexico employers describe fierce competition for hiring
February 19, 2022
Committee considers new plan on hydrogen
February 10, 2022
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2022
Legislative priorities for NM employers, workers to pay attention to
January 22, 2022
NM Chamber CEO: State ‘well-positioned’ to take advantage of burgeoning space industry
July 26, 2021
New Mexico offering cash to return to work
July 2, 2021
NM lawsuit triggers national concern about surgical supplies
June 25, 2021
NM posts second-highest unemployment rate in the nation
June 25, 2021
One-on-One with Rob Black, President & CEO, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
May 24, 2021
New Mexico to encourage unemployed to return to work
April 29, 2021
State will prod umemployed to return to work, governor says
April 28, 2021
Recreational marijuana could attract younger workforce to New Mexico
April 2, 2021
Updated: As recreational cannibis legislation advances, New Mexico business associations consider impacts
March 31, 2021
Business to lawmakers: We’re in a world of hurt
March 29, 2021
NM small businesses ‘in a world of hurt,’ speaker says
March 24, 2021
Invest in New Mexico’s early childhood workforce
March 20, 2021
Little League hit by equipment thieves
March 19, 2021
Report: NM Health reform could cost thousands of jobs
March 17, 2021
Pollution control bill advances to New Mexico Senate Floor, oil and gas industry dissents
March 5, 2021
Amy Barabe, lobbyist with the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association said the trade group which represents more than 1,000 oil and gas companies in New Mexico “strongly opposed” the bill.
She warned the bill would “upend” ongoing collaboration between the State of New Mexico and the industry in developing regulations on methane.
Barabe was joined in opposition by other trade groups, oil companies and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
Editorial: NM businesses need Senate to amend flawed paid-leave bill
March 5, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Oil industry leader: 2021 investement will be driven by policies
March 2, 2021
Proposed Overhaul of New Mexico Wildlife Agency Stalls
February 23, 2021
Lawmakers shoot down bill to upend state-industry collaboration
February 23, 2021
Halfway home: Lawmakers hit crucial stretch
February 18, 2021
Tampering with complex energy bill would do more harm than good
February 18, 2021
Environmental lawsuits bill draws criticism
February 12, 2021
PNM Resources shareholders approve deal to merge with Avangrid
February 12, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs rent, mortgage relief for businesses
February 9, 2021
New Mexico community solar proposal clears first hurdle
January 28, 2021
New Mexico Clean Fuel Standard Act advances in Senate
January 27, 2021
U.S. Chamber of Commerce condones federal leasing ban
January 27, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs tougher environemental protections
January 27, 2021
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2021
People will power New Mexico’s economic recovery
January 22, 2021
New Mexico chamber CEO: ‘We need to do things quickly’ for economic recovery
January 18, 2021
“We need to do things quickly coming out of COVID just to keep businesses with the hope of being able to keep going,” Black told The Center Square. Many jobs permanently lost are gone forever because business models shifted online, Black said. “Part of what we have to do is quickly respond, retrain, help certify folks into different types of employment,” he said.
Business groups launch ‘Virtual Roundhouse’
January 12, 2021
Join in lawmaking through the Virtual Roundhouse
January 12, 2021
“The Virtual Roundhouse of New Mexico is free and open to the public. The digital conference runs through March 20, and a one-time registration allows access to the entire event, which includes Q and A sessions with legislators, presentations from cabinet members and digital chats with event speakers.”
New website seeks to help the public participate in legislative session
January 10, 2021
Public can attend Virtual Roundhouse for insights on business trends, session priorities
January 7, 2021
Economic report charts path to recovery
December 9, 2020
For strained businesses, it’s not the time for paid sick leave
December 7, 2020
“We’ve heard ‘We’re all in this together.’ If that is truly the case, now is definitely not the time for Albuquerque’s City Council to force more heavy-handed regulations on struggling local businesses,” ACI said in a statement. “The ongoing COVID situation should not be an excuse to impose more costs on local businesses.
Pandemic brings more economic uncertainty in New Mexico
November 23, 2020
New Mexico law enforcement and retailers discuss tackling retail crime
September 28, 2023
It’s a major problem costing businesses millions and inconveniencing shoppers. Lawmen and women, state leaders, and retailers met on Thursday to come up with ways to tackle organized retail crime.
Twenty-three different law enforcement agencies, and 30 different retailers including small businesses and big box stores, came together to learn more on how to hold shoplifters accountable. “We need judges to do their job when you all arrest those people,” said Rep. Marian Matthews (D- ABQ).
During the conference put on by the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association, leaders said organized retail crime costs retailers billions of dollars a year while taking away jobs. The goal of Thursday’s event was to create partnerships with one another.
New Mexico law enforcement and retailers discuss tackling retail crime
September 28, 2023
It’s a major problem costing businesses millions and inconveniencing shoppers. Lawmen and women, state leaders, and retailers met on Thursday to come up with ways to tackle organized retail crime.
Twenty-three different law enforcement agencies, and 30 different retailers including small businesses and big box stores, came together to learn more on how to hold shoplifters accountable. “We need judges to do their job when you all arrest those people,” said Rep. Marian Matthews (D- ABQ).
During the conference put on by the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association, leaders said organized retail crime costs retailers billions of dollars a year while taking away jobs. The goal of Thursday’s event was to create partnerships with one another.
Police and stores work together to combat organized retail crime
September 28, 2023
“Our retailers came to the chambers, said we needed help, and one of the reasons they needed help was the impact it is having on their employees and putting them at risk because there is a level of violence that was increasing in shoplifting in New Mexico,” said Rob Black, the CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is hosting more than 20 different law enforcement agencies and 30 different stores on how to work together.
They are now using a new platform to help fight crime.
“It’s a place where they can upload security footage. They can upload pictures of license plates. Law enforcement can see that in real-time. Other retailers can say, hey, that guy was just in our store and started to build those cases,” Black said.
Black was one of the people involved with the organized crime law known as HB-234.
Dannemann: Civics Helps Make Democracy Work
August 23, 2023
The New Mexico Chamber hosted the 2023 statewide National Civcs Bee on Saturday, encouraging young New Mexicans to take an interest in civics.
Carbon capture will benefit the state
June 21, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black provides commentary on leveraging record-breaking revenue from oil and gas to invest in CCS and hydrogen in the state to pave the way for economic growth and a cleaner energy future.
Taking a bite out of organized, retail theft
May 10, 2023
Anti-ORC bill, HB 234, was a priority for NMCC during the 2023 legislative session. The bill is already making a difference in New Mexico as evidenced by the three dozen ORC-related arrests that have taken place in the last few weeks. HB 234 goes into effect on June 16th, but the bill’s impact can already be felt in New Mexico.
Governor’s veto pen punctures tax bill that tried to do too much
April 1, 2023
Business leaders around the state voiced their opposition to HB 547, the Omnibus Tax Bill. This included NMCC’s Tax Policy Committee Chair, James O’Neill, and Vice Chair, John Tysseling, who wrote “The proposed House ‘omnibus tax bill’ squanders a unique opportunity for meaningful Gross Receipts Tax reform in favor of short-term tax giveaways that will not help grow our economy. The fiscal revenue surplus currently available can significantly address long-standing tax policy issues that make New Mexico’s economy less competitive for investment and growth.”
Chamber leaders assess impact on businesses after legislative session
March 27, 2023
NMCC’s President & CEO Rob Black provides insight into the 2023 regular legislative session from NMCC’s perspective, stating, “Overall the legislative session was a good session for business and our economy.” Mr. Black discussed the bills NMCC supported and opposed that made this session a success.
President & CEO, Rob Black, speaks on The Bob Clark Podcast about the 2023 Session
March 22, 2023
Today, NMCC’s President & CEO, Rob Black, was a guest on The Bob Clark Podcast and provided insight into the 2023 legislative session from the business community’s perspective. Mr. Black also discussed the bills that passed and did not pass that made the session a success for business.
US industry groups urge EPA to expedite state authority over carbon capture permits
March 15, 2023
NMCC joined seven other business organizations around the nation to send a letter to EPA administrator, Michael Regan, requesting that the EPA grant states authority over their respective Class VI wells which serve as permanent carbon dioxide injection sites.
Letter to the Editor- Tax reform must make New Mexico small businesses competitive
March 12, 2023
NMCC’s Taxation policy committee chair and vice chair submitted a letter to the editor the the Las Cruces Sun News regarding the harmful omnibus tax bill, HB547TRCSub, stating that the bill would hurt small businesses in New Mexico by placing further tax burdens and raising the cost of goods for them. This letter was also cited in a recent article from the Carlsbad Current Argus, stating that NMCC is one of the several business groups opposing the bill.
NMCC in the News: Governor proposes tax cut
February 12, 2023
NMCC President & CEO Rob Black calls HB 367 a win for New Mexico’s Business community, stating, “We believe these much-needed targeted tax reforms will save our small businesses money, make our tax code more competitive, and help retain and grow jobs in New Mexico.”
2 House Bills Compete to Tackle ‘Epidemic’ of Organized Retail Crime in New Mexico
February 3, 2023
When asked how they would characterize the problem of organized retail crime in New Mexico, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black said, “Growing and severe. We have an ongoing epidemic of people going into stores, multiple times a day, stealing multiple times a day, and then selling that or trading those goods for drugs.”
Black came to speak as an expert witness in support of House Bill 234 but said: “I hope one of these two bills gets out of committee because it’s essential for our retail community and our customers. That’s just New Mexicans in general. That we provide our law enforcement the tools to tackle this problem.”
Albuquerque Sting Puts a Dent in Organized Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
Rob Black, President and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview Thursday such crimes are “a growing threat that is costing our retail businesses. We are seeing crimes that we once thought were petty theft turn into something that is more organized, with repeat offenders becoming more brazen and using firearms more often. We need better tools to address those problems.”
He praised Thursday’s multi-agency sting operation in Albuquerque, noting it’s one way to combat the problem. “That’s how we get things done — by working together,” he said.
4 Investigates: The Impact of Retail Crime
February 2, 2023
“The consequences are, we’re going to see more businesses closing. We’re going to continue to see them be able to provide less services in our communities and we’re going to see less customers feeling anxious about going into the community and going shopping. And we should not fear going to buy some eggs at the grocery store,” said Rob Black.
The state is taking a massive hit. According to the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, it’s estimated New Mexico is losing $37 million a year in taxes, just from retail crime. That means thousands of jobs and millions in lost wages.
Anti-Retail Theft Operation Results in 16 Arrests
February 2, 2023
Rob Black of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce said the organization started the Organized Retail Crime Association in September to work closely with law enforcement to address issues around retail theft.
“This is a very large problem and it is creating a situation where our employees and our customers are in danger from violence that has escalated over the last few years,” he said.
New public safety council to address organized retail crime in New Mexico
January 24, 2023
This week, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham invited NMCC President & CEO Rob Black to join the Business Advisory Council for Crime Reduction, which was created by the Governor due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
“Nobody knows what’s going on more than the business community about the risks in your storefronts, your communities,” Lujan Grisham told an audience of business officials during a Tuesday event organized by the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
The governor then said during a Wednesday news conference she was creating the business public safety council due to widespread concerns from the business community about crime.
The governor also took the opportunity during the news conference to invite New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black, who was present for the event, to serve on the fledgling council.
Black told the Journal that he would be interested in joining the council.
“If there’s a role for me, I’m happy to do it,” Black said.
Workforce emerges as a top issue for large and small employers
January 18, 2023
The NASC reports that the workforce is a growing problem around the nation, including New Mexico. NMCC plans to mitigate this issue by prioritizing education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff among other issues during the 2023 session.
NASC says that “workforce has emerged as THE issue among chamber members large and small.”
The report delves into causes and remedies. The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce’s portion of the report mirrors those concerns. We’ll hear more about them during the legislative session that just kicked off…The good news is that business is trying to expand the pool by reaching out to “any and all disengaged groups of adults and young people” (in Texas this includes inmates) and getting involved in school funding, childcare, housing, and pre-K public education.
The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce is focused on education and workforce development. Its long list of priorities includes education-to-career programs, collaboration between business and education, and a leadership program for school administrators and staff.
NM minimum wage could go even higher under legislative proposals
January 5, 2023
Rob Black, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday many businesses around the state are already paying employees above minimum wage levels due to a worker shortage.
He said increasing the minimum wage to $16 an hour would make New Mexico’s minimum wage one of the nation’s highest – the minimum wage in Washington, D.C., is currently $16.50 per hour – and would place a strain on businesses.
“Our preference would be that it’s the market that drives those decisions, and not government mandates,” Black said.
New Mexico’s Chandler on wage hike proposal: State’s minimum wage should allow workers to ‘be able to meet basic necessities’
January 1, 2023
New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Black disagreed with Chandler and believes that a large pay hike will hurt the state’s economy because businesses won’t be able to hire as many employees.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he told KOB 4. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.
“There’s a diversity of opinions from all perspectives. I think there’s willingness to have that conversation, but $16 an hour is frankly a non-starter for the business community.”
NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, comments on proposed wage hikes in New Mexico
December 30, 2022
New Mexico has the 15th highest minimum wage in the country but lawmakers have already pre-filed multiple bills to increase New Mexico’s minimum wage. NMCC President & CEO, Rob Black, is concerned about the impact this kind of increase could have on New Mexico’s ability to grow and diversify the economy.
One of NMCC’s goals is to create a more competitive, investment-friendly, business environment. In response to the proposed wage increases, Black told the Santa Fe New Mexican, “The less mandates we have on doing business makes us more competitive. Those sorts of large increases kill businesses. It makes it very difficult for businesses to adjust. It makes it very hard to hire high school kids for their first job.”
Black also voiced his concerns about a wage increase negatively impacting NM’s incoming workforce to KOB 4 Eyewitness News and the New Mexico Sun, stating, “It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment. If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager at a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
New Mexico lawmaker proposes $16 minimum wage
December 30, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, believes drastically raising the state’s minimum wage will have negative consequences for the economy. He believes higher wages will force businesses to reevaluate how many employees they can afford – and what kind of workers they hire.
“It would really, really exacerbate youth unemployment,” he said. “If you raise that wage from $12 an hour to $16 an hour, they’re not going to hire the teenager who has no experience, they’re going to hire somebody else. That puts that teenager in a disadvantage going forward because their work experience now was pushed off for years.”
“Those employers that can restructure their business model will, those that can’t, won’t be able to, they’ll have to find cost-cutting other ways, or they won’t be able to continue to operate,” Black said.
Both Rep. Chandler and Black agree economic factors have already encouraged many businesses to increase wages on their own. According to ZipRecruiter, 87% of New Mexicans already earn $20/hour or higher.
Business leaders say state prepared for wage increase
December 22, 2022
Rob Black, CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, agreed with Carol Wight of the New Mexico Restaurant Association that state businesses have understood since 2019 that the increases are “baked in” and have prepared for the Jan. 1 boost, but he said that it still will have a big impact on employers.
“It is a significant one,” Black said. “Fifty cents is a big increase, especially with all the additional increases that businesses are dealing with now in terms of operating costs and interest rate increases.”
Now that the state is in a “pause” regarding mandated wage increases, Black and Wight said their associations will not want to see new legislation in 2023 requiring further wage increases in the near future.
Black said further mandated increases could put New Mexico at a competitive disadvantage to neighboring states with larger economies. Texas has a minimum wage in 2023 of $7.25, Colorado has a $13.65 minimum wage taking effect this year and Arizona’s minimum wage for 2023 will be $13.85.
State task force recommends new proposal for paid leave
November 29, 2022
The task force is made up of representatives from advocacy groups, labor unions, chambers of commerce, and business owners. Some members said having a healthier workforce would benefit workers and business owners.
Other task force members said businesses would struggle with the cost. “The challenge is how do you implement it? How do you pay for it? That’s where there’s [sic] some differences of opinion on the task force,” said President of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Rob Black.
Lawmakers, advocates discuss task force’s recommendations for paid family leave fund
November 28, 2022
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, served on the task force. He said while the chamber supports paid family and medical leave, he believes it should be primarily employee-funded. Employers have to incur additional expenses paying for replacement workers for those who take leave as it is, he said.
“Employers are going to be concerned about a new burden and cost on their businesses being put on them by the state,” Black said. “I think there will be a lot of concern and anxiety about what this will look like.”
New Mexico Democracy Project Invites Candidates To Help Build Trust In Elections
October 30, 2022
NMCC has partnered with New Mexico First, the New Mexico Local News Fund, New Mexico Open Elections and New Mexico PBS to support the New Mexico Democracy Project. This initiative supports five key principles to build trust in New Mexico’s elections, including: honest election processes, civil campaigning, secure voting, fair oversight, and ensuring trusted outcomes. As a nonpartisan initiative, many current and former legislators and officials have already endorsed the New Mexico Democracy Project.
Health coverage ‘a key competitiveness issue’ for New Mexico small businesses
October 22, 2022
In a tough labor market, health care insurance may be just the amenity small business owners need to attract and retain employees. Fortunately, it just got a little more affordable in New Mexico.
“Looking at the role that health care benefits play is a key competitiveness issue for employers,” Rob Black, president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, told the Albuquerque Journal.
In fact, medical insurance is a must-have, according to 86% of employees surveyed nationally for a 2022 MetLife study.
Federal incentives accelerate New Mexico’s hydrogen economy
September 25, 2022
New Mexico has vast infrastructure already in place to rapidly build a hydrogen economy, giving it competitive advantages over many other states and creating huge economic development opportunities, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Rob Black. That includes a mature natural gas industry to readily supply hydrogen plants, unique geology for underground carbon sequestration, huge wind and solar resources now under development to supply power for green electrolysis production, and an experienced fossil fuel-based workforce that can easily be retrained for jobs in the hydrogen industry.
“We’re already a mature energy state, which helps immensely in the logistical transition to hydrogen,” Black told the Journal. “New Mexico has a lot of opportunities to lead in local and national efforts to build a hydrogen economy.”
New Mexico Retail Crime platform catches criminals in real time
September 22, 2022
“We are seeing both an increase in retail crime, organized retail crime in New Mexico and in the region, but we’re also seeing an increase in the violence associated with that,” said Rob Black, vice president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. “I think one of the benefits to this program is that it’s going to save our law enforcement hours and hours. This allows them to do it in one place very efficiently, so our hope is that it becomes a real powerful tool for law enforcement freeing up their time to do more on the groundwork,” Black said
There’s no silver bullet in crime, but this may be silver lining
September 17, 2022
“‘I don’t think there’s a silver bullet, but I think part of what we’ve tried to do with the launch of the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association is one, create a platform that allows for a public-private partnership between business, retail and law enforcement,” Black said. “Where we can, in real time, share security footage, photographs of license plates of suspects, descriptions, et cetera, into a platform that law enforcement can then easily build cases with.’
The concept of collaboration, paired with technology, he added, allows the many law enforcement agencies in the area to avoid operating in silos.”
Officials: NM to join retail crime info-sharing network
August 31, 2022
Officials called the news conference to announce that New Mexico is joining a 20-state network used by businesses and law enforcement to track criminal activity in real time.
The platform, called the Auror retail crime platform, offers an online platform that allows retailers to quickly share security video, cellphone images and other information with law enforcement.
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative – called the New Mexico Organized Crime Association – will allow statewide and multi-state sharing of crime data.
How NM is looking to bring workers back
August 8, 2022
To target youth and career exploration, the department has worked with community and state partners on a project that is meant to teach kids in junior high school and high school about trade positions that are needed in the state.
“We’ve heard that loud and clear from the districts and also from the employers that those are the skills that they really want to see our youth have an early experience with and an opportunity for,” Martinez said.
The New Mexico program, slated to start next year, operates in half a dozen states across the country and teaches students about technical career positions such as “welding” or other needed trades, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Rob Black.
It’s not shoplifting, it’s organized retail crime
July 26, 2022
“During a recent meeting of the Legislative Finance Committee, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce told legislators that organized retail crime endangers customers and employees and drives up costs. The financial impact is nearly $900 million, more than 5,000 lost jobs and $18 million in lost tax revenues.”
PNM inundated with companies seeking clean energy
July 24, 2022
As New Mexico works to diversify away from dependence on oil and gas, building out more renewable generation is critical, Black added.
Talent contest: New Mexico employers describe fierce competition for hiring
February 19, 2022
Committee considers new plan on hydrogen
February 10, 2022
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2022
Legislative priorities for NM employers, workers to pay attention to
January 22, 2022
NM Chamber CEO: State ‘well-positioned’ to take advantage of burgeoning space industry
July 26, 2021
New Mexico offering cash to return to work
July 2, 2021
NM lawsuit triggers national concern about surgical supplies
June 25, 2021
NM posts second-highest unemployment rate in the nation
June 25, 2021
One-on-One with Rob Black, President & CEO, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
May 24, 2021
New Mexico to encourage unemployed to return to work
April 29, 2021
State will prod umemployed to return to work, governor says
April 28, 2021
Recreational marijuana could attract younger workforce to New Mexico
April 2, 2021
Updated: As recreational cannibis legislation advances, New Mexico business associations consider impacts
March 31, 2021
Business to lawmakers: We’re in a world of hurt
March 29, 2021
NM small businesses ‘in a world of hurt,’ speaker says
March 24, 2021
Invest in New Mexico’s early childhood workforce
March 20, 2021
Little League hit by equipment thieves
March 19, 2021
Report: NM Health reform could cost thousands of jobs
March 17, 2021
Pollution control bill advances to New Mexico Senate Floor, oil and gas industry dissents
March 5, 2021
Amy Barabe, lobbyist with the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association said the trade group which represents more than 1,000 oil and gas companies in New Mexico “strongly opposed” the bill.
She warned the bill would “upend” ongoing collaboration between the State of New Mexico and the industry in developing regulations on methane.
Barabe was joined in opposition by other trade groups, oil companies and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
Editorial: NM businesses need Senate to amend flawed paid-leave bill
March 5, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Oil industry leader: 2021 investement will be driven by policies
March 2, 2021
Proposed Overhaul of New Mexico Wildlife Agency Stalls
February 23, 2021
Lawmakers shoot down bill to upend state-industry collaboration
February 23, 2021
Halfway home: Lawmakers hit crucial stretch
February 18, 2021
Tampering with complex energy bill would do more harm than good
February 18, 2021
Environmental lawsuits bill draws criticism
February 12, 2021
PNM Resources shareholders approve deal to merge with Avangrid
February 12, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs rent, mortgage relief for businesses
February 9, 2021
New Mexico community solar proposal clears first hurdle
January 28, 2021
New Mexico Clean Fuel Standard Act advances in Senate
January 27, 2021
U.S. Chamber of Commerce condones federal leasing ban
January 27, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs tougher environemental protections
January 27, 2021
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2021
People will power New Mexico’s economic recovery
January 22, 2021
New Mexico chamber CEO: ‘We need to do things quickly’ for economic recovery
January 18, 2021
“We need to do things quickly coming out of COVID just to keep businesses with the hope of being able to keep going,” Black told The Center Square. Many jobs permanently lost are gone forever because business models shifted online, Black said. “Part of what we have to do is quickly respond, retrain, help certify folks into different types of employment,” he said.
Business groups launch ‘Virtual Roundhouse’
January 12, 2021
Join in lawmaking through the Virtual Roundhouse
January 12, 2021
“The Virtual Roundhouse of New Mexico is free and open to the public. The digital conference runs through March 20, and a one-time registration allows access to the entire event, which includes Q and A sessions with legislators, presentations from cabinet members and digital chats with event speakers.”
New website seeks to help the public participate in legislative session
January 10, 2021
Public can attend Virtual Roundhouse for insights on business trends, session priorities
January 7, 2021
Economic report charts path to recovery
December 9, 2020
For strained businesses, it’s not the time for paid sick leave
December 7, 2020
“We’ve heard ‘We’re all in this together.’ If that is truly the case, now is definitely not the time for Albuquerque’s City Council to force more heavy-handed regulations on struggling local businesses,” ACI said in a statement. “The ongoing COVID situation should not be an excuse to impose more costs on local businesses.
Pandemic brings more economic uncertainty in New Mexico
November 23, 2020
New Mexico Democracy Project Invites Candidates To Help Build Trust In Elections
October 30, 2022
NMCC has partnered with New Mexico First, the New Mexico Local News Fund, New Mexico Open Elections and New Mexico PBS to support the New Mexico Democracy Project. This initiative supports five key principles to build trust in New Mexico’s elections, including: honest election processes, civil campaigning, secure voting, fair oversight, and ensuring trusted outcomes. As a nonpartisan initiative, many current and former legislators and officials have already endorsed the New Mexico Democracy Project.
Health coverage ‘a key competitiveness issue’ for New Mexico small businesses
October 22, 2022
In a tough labor market, health care insurance may be just the amenity small business owners need to attract and retain employees. Fortunately, it just got a little more affordable in New Mexico.
“Looking at the role that health care benefits play is a key competitiveness issue for employers,” Rob Black, president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, told the Albuquerque Journal.
In fact, medical insurance is a must-have, according to 86% of employees surveyed nationally for a 2022 MetLife study.
Federal incentives accelerate New Mexico’s hydrogen economy
September 25, 2022
New Mexico has vast infrastructure already in place to rapidly build a hydrogen economy, giving it competitive advantages over many other states and creating huge economic development opportunities, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Rob Black. That includes a mature natural gas industry to readily supply hydrogen plants, unique geology for underground carbon sequestration, huge wind and solar resources now under development to supply power for green electrolysis production, and an experienced fossil fuel-based workforce that can easily be retrained for jobs in the hydrogen industry.
“We’re already a mature energy state, which helps immensely in the logistical transition to hydrogen,” Black told the Journal. “New Mexico has a lot of opportunities to lead in local and national efforts to build a hydrogen economy.”
New Mexico Retail Crime platform catches criminals in real time
September 22, 2022
“We are seeing both an increase in retail crime, organized retail crime in New Mexico and in the region, but we’re also seeing an increase in the violence associated with that,” said Rob Black, vice president and CEO of New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. “I think one of the benefits to this program is that it’s going to save our law enforcement hours and hours. This allows them to do it in one place very efficiently, so our hope is that it becomes a real powerful tool for law enforcement freeing up their time to do more on the groundwork,” Black said
There’s no silver bullet in crime, but this may be silver lining
September 17, 2022
“‘I don’t think there’s a silver bullet, but I think part of what we’ve tried to do with the launch of the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association is one, create a platform that allows for a public-private partnership between business, retail and law enforcement,” Black said. “Where we can, in real time, share security footage, photographs of license plates of suspects, descriptions, et cetera, into a platform that law enforcement can then easily build cases with.’
The concept of collaboration, paired with technology, he added, allows the many law enforcement agencies in the area to avoid operating in silos.”
Officials: NM to join retail crime info-sharing network
August 31, 2022
Officials called the news conference to announce that New Mexico is joining a 20-state network used by businesses and law enforcement to track criminal activity in real time.
The platform, called the Auror retail crime platform, offers an online platform that allows retailers to quickly share security video, cellphone images and other information with law enforcement.
Rob Black, president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative – called the New Mexico Organized Crime Association – will allow statewide and multi-state sharing of crime data.
How NM is looking to bring workers back
August 8, 2022
To target youth and career exploration, the department has worked with community and state partners on a project that is meant to teach kids in junior high school and high school about trade positions that are needed in the state.
“We’ve heard that loud and clear from the districts and also from the employers that those are the skills that they really want to see our youth have an early experience with and an opportunity for,” Martinez said.
The New Mexico program, slated to start next year, operates in half a dozen states across the country and teaches students about technical career positions such as “welding” or other needed trades, said New Mexico Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Rob Black.
It’s not shoplifting, it’s organized retail crime
July 26, 2022
“During a recent meeting of the Legislative Finance Committee, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce told legislators that organized retail crime endangers customers and employees and drives up costs. The financial impact is nearly $900 million, more than 5,000 lost jobs and $18 million in lost tax revenues.”
PNM inundated with companies seeking clean energy
July 24, 2022
As New Mexico works to diversify away from dependence on oil and gas, building out more renewable generation is critical, Black added.
Talent contest: New Mexico employers describe fierce competition for hiring
February 19, 2022
Committee considers new plan on hydrogen
February 10, 2022
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2022
Legislative priorities for NM employers, workers to pay attention to
January 22, 2022
NM Chamber CEO: State ‘well-positioned’ to take advantage of burgeoning space industry
July 26, 2021
New Mexico offering cash to return to work
July 2, 2021
NM lawsuit triggers national concern about surgical supplies
June 25, 2021
NM posts second-highest unemployment rate in the nation
June 25, 2021
One-on-One with Rob Black, President & CEO, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
May 24, 2021
New Mexico to encourage unemployed to return to work
April 29, 2021
State will prod umemployed to return to work, governor says
April 28, 2021
Recreational marijuana could attract younger workforce to New Mexico
April 2, 2021
Updated: As recreational cannibis legislation advances, New Mexico business associations consider impacts
March 31, 2021
Business to lawmakers: We’re in a world of hurt
March 29, 2021
NM small businesses ‘in a world of hurt,’ speaker says
March 24, 2021
Invest in New Mexico’s early childhood workforce
March 20, 2021
Little League hit by equipment thieves
March 19, 2021
Report: NM Health reform could cost thousands of jobs
March 17, 2021
Pollution control bill advances to New Mexico Senate Floor, oil and gas industry dissents
March 5, 2021
Amy Barabe, lobbyist with the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association said the trade group which represents more than 1,000 oil and gas companies in New Mexico “strongly opposed” the bill.
She warned the bill would “upend” ongoing collaboration between the State of New Mexico and the industry in developing regulations on methane.
Barabe was joined in opposition by other trade groups, oil companies and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
Editorial: NM businesses need Senate to amend flawed paid-leave bill
March 5, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Governor Authorizes Expanded Business Loan Program, Tax Relief for Businesses, $600 rebate for individuals
March 4, 2021
Oil industry leader: 2021 investement will be driven by policies
March 2, 2021
Proposed Overhaul of New Mexico Wildlife Agency Stalls
February 23, 2021
Lawmakers shoot down bill to upend state-industry collaboration
February 23, 2021
Halfway home: Lawmakers hit crucial stretch
February 18, 2021
Tampering with complex energy bill would do more harm than good
February 18, 2021
Environmental lawsuits bill draws criticism
February 12, 2021
PNM Resources shareholders approve deal to merge with Avangrid
February 12, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs rent, mortgage relief for businesses
February 9, 2021
New Mexico community solar proposal clears first hurdle
January 28, 2021
New Mexico Clean Fuel Standard Act advances in Senate
January 27, 2021
U.S. Chamber of Commerce condones federal leasing ban
January 27, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs tougher environemental protections
January 27, 2021
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2021
People will power New Mexico’s economic recovery
January 22, 2021
New Mexico chamber CEO: ‘We need to do things quickly’ for economic recovery
January 18, 2021
“We need to do things quickly coming out of COVID just to keep businesses with the hope of being able to keep going,” Black told The Center Square. Many jobs permanently lost are gone forever because business models shifted online, Black said. “Part of what we have to do is quickly respond, retrain, help certify folks into different types of employment,” he said.
Business groups launch ‘Virtual Roundhouse’
January 12, 2021
Join in lawmaking through the Virtual Roundhouse
January 12, 2021
“The Virtual Roundhouse of New Mexico is free and open to the public. The digital conference runs through March 20, and a one-time registration allows access to the entire event, which includes Q and A sessions with legislators, presentations from cabinet members and digital chats with event speakers.”
New website seeks to help the public participate in legislative session
January 10, 2021
Public can attend Virtual Roundhouse for insights on business trends, session priorities
January 7, 2021
Economic report charts path to recovery
December 9, 2020
For strained businesses, it’s not the time for paid sick leave
December 7, 2020
“We’ve heard ‘We’re all in this together.’ If that is truly the case, now is definitely not the time for Albuquerque’s City Council to force more heavy-handed regulations on struggling local businesses,” ACI said in a statement. “The ongoing COVID situation should not be an excuse to impose more costs on local businesses.
Pandemic brings more economic uncertainty in New Mexico
November 23, 2020
Editorial: NM businesses need Senate to amend flawed paid-leave bill
March 5, 2021
Proposed Overhaul of New Mexico Wildlife Agency Stalls
February 23, 2021
Lawmakers shoot down bill to upend state-industry collaboration
February 23, 2021
Halfway home: Lawmakers hit crucial stretch
February 18, 2021
Tampering with complex energy bill would do more harm than good
February 18, 2021
Environmental lawsuits bill draws criticism
February 12, 2021
PNM Resources shareholders approve deal to merge with Avangrid
February 12, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs rent, mortgage relief for businesses
February 9, 2021
New Mexico community solar proposal clears first hurdle
January 28, 2021
New Mexico Clean Fuel Standard Act advances in Senate
January 27, 2021
U.S. Chamber of Commerce condones federal leasing ban
January 27, 2021
New Mexico Senate committee backs tougher environemental protections
January 27, 2021
Biden to halt oil drilling on public lands, sources say
January 26, 2021
People will power New Mexico’s economic recovery
January 22, 2021
New Mexico chamber CEO: ‘We need to do things quickly’ for economic recovery
January 18, 2021
“We need to do things quickly coming out of COVID just to keep businesses with the hope of being able to keep going,” Black told The Center Square. Many jobs permanently lost are gone forever because business models shifted online, Black said. “Part of what we have to do is quickly respond, retrain, help certify folks into different types of employment,” he said.
Business groups launch ‘Virtual Roundhouse’
January 12, 2021
Join in lawmaking through the Virtual Roundhouse
January 12, 2021
“The Virtual Roundhouse of New Mexico is free and open to the public. The digital conference runs through March 20, and a one-time registration allows access to the entire event, which includes Q and A sessions with legislators, presentations from cabinet members and digital chats with event speakers.”
New website seeks to help the public participate in legislative session
January 10, 2021
Public can attend Virtual Roundhouse for insights on business trends, session priorities
January 7, 2021
Economic report charts path to recovery
December 9, 2020
For strained businesses, it’s not the time for paid sick leave
December 7, 2020
“We’ve heard ‘We’re all in this together.’ If that is truly the case, now is definitely not the time for Albuquerque’s City Council to force more heavy-handed regulations on struggling local businesses,” ACI said in a statement. “The ongoing COVID situation should not be an excuse to impose more costs on local businesses.
Pandemic brings more economic uncertainty in New Mexico
November 23, 2020