Haaland Addresses Greater ABQ Chamber, Shares Plan to Open Statewide Office of Small Business 

Albuquerque, N.M. – Yesterday, Deb Haaland, the democratic nominee for governor in New Mexico, addressed the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and shared her intention to make New Mexico a great place to start and grow a business. She emphasized her commitment to partner with business owners across the state to make that vision a reality. 

As a former small business owner, Haaland traveled around the state selling homemade salsa to make ends meet. Haaland experienced the challenges that business owners face and will work to cut unnecessary red tape. 

“State government shouldn’t be the barrier to your dream of starting a business. Government must be a partner. I understand the obstacles small business owners face and I want to change that so New Mexicans can create jobs and build our economy. But I also know that we must address education and public safety so that our state can attract new industries that create opportunities for our kids right here at home,” Haaland said. 

“We appreciate Deb Haaland for meeting with the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and sharing her vision for New Mexico, including her plans on education, public safety, and economic development. As a former small business owner, Deb Haaland understands the struggles that small businesses face. It is important that we elect a governor who prioritizes business and works to make New Mexico a business friendly state,” said Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Terri Cole.

During Haaland’s address, she shared plans to open a statewide office of small business. This office would empower New Mexico’s small businesses and support new business owners by coordinating development programs, filling the gaps created by federal funding cuts, and providing an online clearinghouse for grants, capital, and other resources to help businesses get off the ground.

Haaland’s affordability agenda includes plans to cut red tape for businesses by offering more capacity and efficiency for state inspectors and help reduce timelines for housing construction. She will also put a moratorium on new building codes for housing to catch up with recent code changes, and ensure transparency regarding any changes to building codes.

Throughout her campaign, Haaland has traveled to all 33 counties in New Mexico, meeting directly with business owners, workers, and families to hear their concerns and share her vision for New Mexico. Haaland has a strong record delivering for small businesses. In Congress, she ensured New Mexico businesses had access to grants and loans and delivered funding for small business incubators. As Secretary of the Interior, she boosted local businesses with historic investments in infrastructure.