OPNION: Q&A with Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce president, CEO Ernie Cdebaca

Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series introducing readers to our new Community Council members. These are excerpts from a longer podcast interview with Ernie C’deBaca, president and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.

Q: The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber has been around for 50 years. How has it evolved?

A: While we’ve traditionally been known as the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber, we’ve recently started referring to ourselves more simply as the Hispano Chamber because our activities extend beyond Albuquerque and even outside the state. This helps clarify that our reach is broader than just one city.

Q: Is the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber the largest Hispanic chamber in the country?

A: It’s a close competition. We are among the largest. The ranking depends on factors like budget, membership and facilities. However, we do have a 22,000-square-foot facility with two buildings and a courtyard, which is fully paid for — something few Hispanic chambers can match.

Q: Given Albuquerque’s population size, is the chamber’s participation rate among the highest?

A: Yes, relatively speaking. We have 1,400 members, but with around 70,000 businesses in Bernalillo County, we’ve only scratched the surface. We aim to at least double our membership and have hired a director of community and business to help increase our visibility and outreach.

Q: Why is it important to have a separate Hispanic chamber?

A: The Chamber was founded because Hispanic business owners weren’t getting the representation and support they needed from the general Albuquerque Chamber at the time. The founders wanted a space where they could work together on shared challenges and opportunities. Today, we are much more diverse: 60% of our members are Hispanic, but 40% are not. We also often refer to ourselves as the small business chamber of New Mexico, as 80% of members have fewer than 30 employees, and 60% employ fewer than 10.

Q: What’s a key mission of the chamber?

A: One major focus is helping businesses grow and create generational wealth. Many of our members are entrepreneurs and small business owners working hard to build something lasting for their families. We provide programs, networking opportunities, and resources to help them succeed.

Q: How does your role on the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board benefit your chamber?

A: Being on the board allows me to see how other Hispanic chambers operate, share resources and bring national-level events to New Mexico. For example, because of our involvement with the national Chamber, we co-host the Energy Summit in Santa Fe, the only event of its kind outside the national conventions.

Q: Can anyone attend the Energy Summit?

A: Yes, it’s open to the public for a fee. It’s an opportunity to learn and network, especially for those interested in the energy sector.

Q: What other programs does the chamber offer to businesses?

A: We have a robust procurement program, helping small businesses navigate federal and state contracting opportunities. Members get access to training and events that would be costly elsewhere but are included as part of their membership.

Q: What’s happening with the chamber’s website?

A: We’re launching a new website soon in partnership with Real Time Solutions, the same company that built the U.S. Hispanic Chamber’s website. Working with local vendors ensures we get high-quality service while supporting the community.

Q: What’s the chamber’s goal for membership growth?

A: We want to grow from 1,400 to at least 2,500 members. Our new initiatives and visibility efforts aim to make that happen. Joining the Chamber means access to invaluable resources and networking opportunities to help businesses thrive.