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The 5 Boldest Moves: Inside The Greater Albuquerque Chamber Of Commerce's 2025 Plan For Economic Transformation

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The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (GACC) is not just a networking hub; it is the central engine driving the economic and legislative future of New Mexico's largest city. As of late 2025, the Chamber has unveiled a highly focused and ambitious strategy designed to tackle some of the city's most pressing challenges, from urban revitalization to workforce development, solidifying its role as a powerful advocacy group for the entire Albuquerque business community.

The current focus is deeply embedded in their newly released 2024-2025 Plan of Action, which outlines strategic initiatives across commerce, collaboration, and community. This article provides an in-depth look at the Chamber's leadership, its boldest plans for the coming year, and the critical role played by the complementary Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce in shaping the city's diverse economic landscape.

Chamber Leadership and Key Executive Profiles (2025-2026)

The stability and vision of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce are anchored by its long-standing executive leadership and a newly elected Board of Directors, ensuring a clear strategic direction through the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

  • President and CEO: Terri L. Cole, CCE
    • Role: Ms. Cole serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.
    • Tenure: Recognized nationally for her business acumen, she has led the Chamber since 1983, providing decades of consistent leadership and strategic guidance to the Albuquerque business community.
  • Chairman of the Board (2025-2026): Peter Lorenz
    • Role: Chairman of the GACC Board of Directors.
    • Affiliation: Mr. Lorenz is the CEO of Unirac Inc., a leading company in the solar industry, bringing a strong perspective from the renewable energy sector to the Chamber's leadership.
  • EVP of Policy and Programs: D'Val Westphal
    • Role: Executive Vice President overseeing the Chamber's policy advocacy and program development.
  • EVP Administrative and Leadership Albuquerque: Lora Lee Ortiz
    • Role: Executive Vice President managing administrative functions and the prestigious Leadership Albuquerque program, which is currently accepting applications for its 2025 session.

The 5 Pillars of the 2024-2025 Plan of Action

The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce’s strategic document, the 2024-2025 Plan of Action, details five critical areas where the organization is committing resources and advocacy efforts. This plan is the blueprint for the Chamber’s goals to enhance the city’s economic vitality and quality of life.

1. Transforming Downtown Albuquerque

A major focus of the current Plan of Action is the revitalization of Downtown Albuquerque. The Chamber recognizes that a vibrant urban core is essential for attracting new businesses, retaining talent, and boosting civic pride. This initiative involves working closely with city officials and private developers to create a safer, more attractive, and economically dynamic central business district. The goal is to drive investment that will transform key areas, making Downtown a hub for both commerce and culture.

2. Improving Academic Performance in Public Schools

The Chamber has taken a proactive stance on education, viewing academic performance as a direct link to workforce quality and long-term economic health. The Plan of Action includes strategic partnerships aimed at improving educational outcomes in public schools, ensuring that the next generation of the Albuquerque workforce is highly skilled and prepared for 21st-century jobs. This advocacy effort underscores the importance of a seamless connection between the education system and the needs of the New Mexico business community.

3. Advocating for Pro-Business Legislation (2025 Legislative Agenda)

As the 2025 legislative session approaches, the GACC is highly active in shaping policy at the state level. Their Legislative Agenda is built on the core values of COMMERCE, COLLABORATION, and COMMUNITY. The Chamber publishes a daily Legislative RoundUp to keep members informed on the latest updates from Santa Fe. Key advocacy efforts include supporting policies that foster job creation, reduce regulatory burdens on businesses, and ensure fiscal responsibility within the state budget. The Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Summary details their specific collaboration with government and community partners to achieve these goals.

4. Elevating Key Industry Sectors

Albuquerque's economy is increasingly diversified, and the Chamber plays a crucial role in promoting key sectors. A major upcoming event reflecting this focus is the New Mexico's 2025 Energy Address, which brings together high-ranking public officials and leading policy experts to discuss the future of energy, a vital industry for the state. Furthermore, the Chamber actively supports institutions like the University of New Mexico (UNM) and its athletic programs (Go Lobos!), recognizing the significant economic impact the university has on the region, including its research and innovation ecosystem, such as UNM Rainforest Innovations.

5. Fostering Networking and Professional Development

The Chamber continues to host signature events designed to connect business leaders and provide professional growth opportunities. These events are essential for building the collaborative environment mentioned in their agenda:

  • Shakers & Stirrers: A popular networking series, including the annual Holiday Party, designed for informal business connections.
  • Leadership Albuquerque: A flagship program focused on cultivating future civic and business leaders through intensive instruction and community engagement, with applications for the 2025 session due in August.
  • Legislative Debrief: A post-session cocktail reception, often held at prominent locations like Hotel Andaluz, to debrief members on the outcomes of the legislative session.

The Critical Role of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce

While the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce serves the broad business community, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC) is a powerful, distinct entity that focuses on empowering the city’s vast Hispanic business sector. The AHCC’s unique initiatives are vital for the overall topical authority and richness of the Albuquerque economic landscape.

The AHCC's 2025 calendar is packed with programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and celebrating cultural heritage:

  • Emprendedores Program: This initiative provides workshops and mentorship specifically for Hispanic entrepreneurs, helping to strengthen small and minority-owned businesses across the city.
  • Business Echo Program: A groundbreaking collaboration that serves as the first business sector partnership with Project ECHO, focusing on IT Solutions to modernize and support local businesses.
  • Youth Summit and Futures Fair: A vibrant initiative designed to prepare the next generation of students for their future careers and educational paths, often looking ahead to the 2026 cycle.
  • Hispanic Heritage Month: A major annual event, including the 2025 celebration in October at venues like the Crown Plaza, which promotes the cultural and economic contributions of the Hispanic community.
  • Education Excellence Awards: An annual celebration recognizing students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.

The existence and success of both the GACC and the AHCC highlight Albuquerque’s commitment to an inclusive, collaborative, and diverse economic environment. Both Chambers often work in tandem on major city initiatives, such as the city's Program Year (PY) 2025 Action Plan, demonstrating a united front for New Mexico economic development.

Conclusion: A Unified Vision for Albuquerque's Future

As of late 2025, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, under the continued leadership of President and CEO Terri L. Cole and the new Chairman Peter Lorenz, is executing a clear, action-oriented plan. By focusing on the transformation of Downtown Albuquerque, improving academic performance, and aggressive legislative advocacy, the GACC is taking tangible steps to secure a prosperous future for its members and the wider community. Coupled with the specialized, high-impact programs of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, the city’s business leadership is unified in its goal to make Albuquerque a premier destination for commerce, innovation, and career growth, securing its position as a key player in the Southwest economy.

The 5 Boldest Moves: Inside the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Plan for Economic Transformation
albuquerque chamber of commerce
albuquerque chamber of commerce

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