In 2002, a number of people came together to talk about how to strengthen the Santa Fe community, how to make Santa Fe more self-reliant, and how to create more and better jobs that would allow local people to stay in Santa Fe to work and raise their families.

The Alliance published its first directory, “Santa Fe’s Guide to Locally-Owned Businesses” in the spring of 2003. After only five months, the Alliance had 231 business members!

In 2003, the Alliance hired Angelou Economics to do an independent study specific to Santa Fe which examined the impact that shopping at locally-owned businesses has on the Santa Fe community.

Summer/Fall 2003

The Alliance participated in economic development planning discussions in collaboration with the City of Santa Fe, resulting in an economic development plan formulated by the city. Angelou Economics recommended that the Alliance develop a “Buy Locally-Owned” campaign.

Fall 2003

Angelou Economics presented the results of their study at a press conference hosted by the Alliance. Their findings confirmed that buying from locally-owned businesses delivers greater economic benefit to the Santa Fe economy than purchasing from national corporations, and that the Santa Fe Alliance has an important role in Santa Fe’s economic development.

Winter 2003-2004

The Santa Fe Alliance received its 501(c)6 status from the Internal Revenue Department.

The second edition of “The Link: Santa Fe’s Guide to Locally-Owned Independent Businesses” was published with 360 business members. This represented a 150% increase in membership over the previous issue.

Spring 2004

The Alliance met with representatives of Governor Bill Richardson’s office to educate them about the potential loss to New Mexico of millions of dollars under the state’s new Save Smart Program. This program was the state’s attempt to save money on office products by buying from large, out-of-state companies. On-going discussions helped the Governor’s office evaluate the impact of the Save Smart Program.

Summer 2004

The Alliance received funding from the City of Santa Fe to create a “Buy Locally-Owned.” As part of a national awareness campaign, the Alliance sponsored the Independents’ Week Challenge, July 1-7, during which Santa Fe City Council members were challenged to spend more of their money at locally-owned businesses. The winners, District 2 Councilors Rebecca Wurzburger and Karen Heldmeyer, had the highest percentage of locally-owned purchases during that week.

The third edition of “The Link: Your Guide to Locally-Owned Independent Businesses” was released. Boasting over 450 business members, the Alliance had become the fastest growing independent business alliance in the United States.