A complete copy of the study, which includes both the aggregate findings, as well as the individual commercial credit scores for each of the ten local chambers, is available on the ACCE and Cortera sites.  The study was contracted by ACCE and performed by Cortera, which reviewed payment behavior for chamber member businesses.

“Chamber members have long been seen as responsible and reliable members of their community,” said Mick Fleming, president and CEO of ACCE.  “What this study indicates is that the perception is right.  From a credit standpoint, chamber members on average are better businesses, and as a result they have significant advantages in obtaining the funds they need.  In this economy and the tight credit environment we are experiencing, that’s especially important.”

“The economic health of the entire supply chain is dependent on the payment behavior of each of its stakeholders,” said Jim Swift, president and CEO of Cortera. “This study suggests that chamber members are among the most dependable participants in this ecosystem.”

About the American Chamber of Commerce Executives

Established in 1914, ACCE is the only national association serving the professional development needs of chamber professionals throughout the United States and Canada. Representing more than 7,300 individuals, ACCE enhances the knowledge, leadership skills, and management effectiveness of chamber executives and their staff through education, benefits programs, trend analysis, benchmarking, and network development. ACCE promotes the highest standards of professional excellence and integrity within the chamber profession.

About Cortera

In a sea of business information providers, Cortera is different. With over 15 years of experience serving finance professionals, Cortera combines premium business information and innovative tools with a fresh community approach to commercial credit.  It represents the first community for small business credit reporting and a fundamentally new way to capture the collective insight of millions of financial transactions. As a result, small businesses can make smarter, informed decisions to ensure optimal cash flow while attracting more favorable payment terms from existing and potential business partners. Free credit reports on millions of businesses are available at http://start.cortera.com.

A very Happy and Prosperous 2010 from all of us at the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce to you, your friends and family. This year will undoubtedly be challenging and the Chamber is committed to strong leadership of the business community and continuing to endorse and promote issues that affect your business.

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers, sponsors and supporters who give so much time, resources and energy to the Chamber and local business.

Immediately upcoming we will be hosting the 2010 Legislative Reception at the Convention Center on January 25. Tickets are now available.

We are now preparing the 2010 calendar of Chamber events. If you would like to host, sponsor or partner with the Chamber, please email Lacie for information.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee is working on the 2010 Legislative Agenda. Read a draft here.

The Committee is also hosting a Candidates Forum in preparation for the March 4 City mayoral and council election. The Forum will be held at Collected Works Bookstore on February 18^th at 5:30pm. All are welcome

If you would like to learn more about Chamber committees and their programs, please contact Marilyn Blessie.

Read the Chamber’s blog here. Also please friend the Chamber on Facebook.

Listen to business issues and member businesses on Business Matters the Chamber’s radio show on Talk 1260 KTRC every Sunday morning at 10 am.

We have a few spaces still available for the April 23 – May 6, 2010 Chamber Trade Mission to Thailand. Contact Kathi Odell for information.

Confidential business assistance is available free to all Santa Fe businesses from Val Alonzo, the Chamber Business Development Director.

The Chamber is pleased to welcome air travelers to Santa Fe (SAF) on American Eagle Airlines from Dallas (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX). We are also advocating for direct daily air service to Denver (DIA).

The Class of 2010 of Leadership Santa Fe is already half way through the program and the participants are doing great work learning about personal skills, community issues and preparing to lead us into the future.

Remember to read the Chamber’s Business Advocate newsletter on the first Tuesday of each month in the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Read an opinion piece from the Chamber about job creation HERE.

Keeping your purchases in Santa Fe helps to create jobs and taxes and prosperity for all Santa Feans. Santa Fe – Buy Into It!

The Chamber’s website has a complete list of local business resources.

To help the Chamber and local businesspeople mentor local students contact Lacie Mackey for more information.

Mark your calendars for Santa Fe Restaurant Week from February 28th to March 6th, 2010.

Partnering with the Chamber is the best way that you can invest in the local business community Please contact me at any time with questions, suggestions or observations.

Best wishes for a great 2010.

Simon Brackley

President and CEO

Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce

505-988-3279



In this segment: Aseneth Kepler

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In this segment: Fishbone Marketing

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In this segment: Prudential Financial

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In this segment: Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio

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In this segment: St. Michael’s High School

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In this segment: DOM John Sherdon of Light Harmonics Institute

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In this segment:  Arbonne International

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In this Segment: Ford Smith

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