I picture an economic development team huddled around a boardroom table or over a cup of coffee, brainstorming ideas to attract new ventures or finding creative ways to help local entrepreneurs open, expand, and/or thrive.

I picture a family gathered around their kitchen table, crafting a business plan. I see them partnering with the Small Business Development Center, finding their dream brick-and-mortar space with a local realtor, filing permits, hanging their sign, and celebrating a Grand Opening with the biggest, proudest smiles when their dream becomes a reality.

I picture a sports team in the locker room getting an inspirational pep talk from their coaches centered on integrity, Christianity, and how hard their team hustles.

That hustle is real, and in Artesia, it starts early.

It starts with students striving for top grades. It starts with athletes giving their all for that Bulldog win! It is a fire inside that is so contagious it inspires everyone around you.

If H.U.S.T.L.E. were an acronym for our local spirit, it would stand for:

H — Harnessing

U — Unstoppable

S — Skills

T — To

L — Lead and

E — Empower

“Unstoppable” is not just a buzzword here, it’s also in the history of our community. Our Chamber, alongside over two dozen local chamber member businesses, has been operating in Artesia for more than 100 years. Since Artesia itself was incorporated just 120 years ago, that means these businesses helped build this community into what it is today. They are truly unstoppable, and so many others are right on their heels with that same historic milestone.

Entrepreneurs in Artesia have kept their flame lit through many major economic cycles. It is a legacy of resilience that lives on and inspires the next generation. This vision for progress is shared across our business community and supported heavily by our oil and gas partners who give back at every opportunity. Their ongoing investments not only beautify our city streets but deliver monumental quality-of-life projects like Artesia Public Library, Mack Chase Sports Complexes, Artesia Aquatic Center, and Artesia’s new, state-of-the-art recreation center which just opened this August.

Whether you are looking to spark a brand new idea, build on your current momentum, or hustle to take your business to the next level, Artesia Chamber of Commerce is in your corner. From local economic development to advocating for your business at the local, state, and/or national level, supporting our members is at the heart of what we do. We would love to connect; invite us out for coffee, grab lunch, or stop by the office to simply say hello. Oh, and while you are here, make sure to warmly welcome our new Membership and Communications Coordinator who joined us in June, Hannah Wilcocks.

Together, let’s keep Artesia’s hustle unstoppable!

Jessica Bollema,
Executive Director,
Artesia Chamber of Commerce