Twenty years of working for Artesia Chamber of Commerce, its members, and the community. It is hard to believe that my time there is coming to an end.

Chamber life has been good to me. I have had the opportunity to be an integral part of so much activity as well as creating things to do. Over the years, we have seen our own Balloons & Tunes grow. We were able to create a sporting clays fun shoot that would be part of Eddy County Shooting Range’s early growth. We brought in Gus Macker tournament and then let it go some years later. We have hosted lots of cool performers over the years from Dueling Pianos to Break Sk8. We started an annual Washington Fly-in, hosted countless candidate Meet & Greets and Lunch & Learns, legislative receptions, and more. We have created partnerships with so many organizations to build great projects. It has all been a blast.

The extra special part of Chamber life has been the team. Fabulously supportive board members have provided direction to me year after year. Committed executive officers would meet at any time to discuss any issue necessary to ensure the Chamber team had considered all sides of an issue.

And, the team who makes it all happen every day is the best. Over the years, some very dedicated, community-focused people have given their heart and soul to the work of the Chamber for the benefit of Artesia. Together we have always tried to help our members get good information about the issues and activities around us, create opportunities for growth and for fun, and always bring people together. Working with them has always encouraged me and helped me do everything I ever did at the Chamber.

Alas, it is time for change. A new opportunity and challenge called to me. As the new City Administrator for Artesia, I hope to carry on in the same vein—with a mind to serve the community as best I can. I look forward to working with the city government team, assisting the mayor and councilors with their projects and goals, and building on all the good the City is already working on.

The great thing is that the Chamber is down the street. I know we will build new ways to work together. Most importantly, Artesia Chamber of Commerce will be in great hands with the caring people who remain there.

As the Chamber celebrates its 100th birthday, I am proud to have been part of it for the last 20 years. I cannot wait to see the coming years under new leadership that will carry on the traditions the Chamber has created over the last century. Success is in its future and I will be here cheering it on! Wherever you are, please support your Chamber of Commerce!

Hayley Klein,
Executive Director,
Artesia Chamber of Commerce