Economic Forum: 'Different from other business groups'

Business leaders meet around two dozen times a year to talk about Albuquerque and New Mexico’s economic future.

The Economic Forum of Albuquerque was founded in 1982 as a non-partisan organization of local business and community leaders. The forum is searching for its next executive director. The current leader, Kathie Winograd, is leaving her position at the end of the year.

“It’s different from other business groups,” said Bob Murphy, a former executive director.

A big part of that difference is exclusivity. Pre-existing members must nominate new members.

Forum hosts presenters, and Murphy said members can use the information given at the events in real-life scenarios.

The talks hosted at the forum vary, but they all focus on New Mexico. When Murphy was in charge, he kept presentations focused on education and job growth.

As proof that Economic Forum has an effect outside its meetings, Murphy pointed to Cheryl Willman, a cancer researcher and executive director of Mayo Clinic Cancer programs.

She, in her former forum presentation, envisioned the possibility of a University of New Mexico cancer hospital. Her vision became the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, which opened in 2009.

Dale Dekker has been a forum member since 2002. He said networking is one of the most valuable aspects to forum.

“We’re really concerned with trying to make Albuquerque and New Mexico a better place to work, live and have a business and raise a family,” Dekker said.

He has presented three times about Spaceport America and other economic development ideas.

Mike Canfield is the president and CEO of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Indian Pueblos Marketing. He does a yearly presentation around Christmas about the economic development happening around the IPCC.

Canfield has been a member for around 10 years.

“It’s not an elitist organization," he said. "It never felt like an exclusive club."

Murphy said Economic Forum has made a concerted effort toward diversity.

“We have a really good membership with broad representation,” he said.