By KATY KORKOS, manager

This is an open letter to the community, to thank you all for the opportunities that have come my way during my six years at the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce.

I’ve had the opportunity to play a role on the White Rock Master Plan Implementation Committee and have volunteered with the Los Alamos Historical Society, the United Way of Northern New Mexico, and with the groups advocating on behalf of the Manhattan Project National Historic Park. I’ve been part of two planning groups, which are establishing new foundations that will benefit the local community.

I’ve worked with senators and congressmen and their field representatives, the governor, the secretary for economic development, Los Alamos National Laboratory officials, county councilors and county government, on issues such as the Valles Caldera, free and open access to the West from Los Alamos, procurement policies at the Lab, Visitor Services, Atomic City Transit planning and many other issues as they arise.  

I’ve had the pleasure of working with a great team here at the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation – so many great people that I hesitate to name any, for fear I’ll leave some out.

Businesses in Los Alamos have some unique challenges. We’ve been through some serious ups and downs over the last six years, but I would say mostly “ups.” We got through the Las Conchas Fire, the government sequester, an ongoing recession, the cancellation of the CMRR project, a government shutdown exercise that fell right during the peak tourist season, and lots more. We deal with the difficulties of finding suitable space and aging infrastructure.

It’s been a pleasure to work for my members, whose hearts and souls are so much a part of their businesses. In my six years with the Chamber, I’ve seen membership grow from 193 to 320, across all segments of business. It has been my pleasure during those six years to host and facilitate 50 FAN Clubs (food and networking after hours,) 62 business breakfasts, six Chamberfests and dozens of lunch meet-ups. We’ve held five golf tournaments to benefit the United Way of Northern New Mexico, and dozens of ribbon cuttings, grand openings and open houses. I’ve presented and offered Chamber and Visitor Services to more than 250 groups of new hires at the Lab’s weekly new hire orientations, and to at least 50 groups of student orientations. I’ve had a tent at every Gordon’s Summer Concert, where I host Chamber businesses and enjoy the great music.

Businesses in Los Alamos have some unique challenges. We’ve been through some serious ups and downs over the last six years, but I would say mostly “ups.” We got through the Las Conchas Fire, the government sequester, an ongoing recession, the cancellation of the CMRR project, a government shutdown exercise that fell right during the peak tourist season, and lots more. We deal with the difficulties of finding suitable space and aging infrastructure. On the upside, we have a loyal clientele, a beautiful place in which to live and work, safe streets, a great school system, great medical care, a wonderful social service sector, a huge number of volunteers and real community engagement.

I’ve enjoyed my time at the Chamber immensely. We have some great applicants for my position, so I know my replacement will do a super job. I’m proud to have been a part of this wonderful business community. Keep up the good work!