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Opinion: A fond farewell to the El Paso Chamber [1]

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Date: 2024-07-01  

As I step down from my position as President and CEO of the El Paso Chamber, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we have shared. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this vibrant community, and I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and relationships that have defined my time here.

Andrea Hutchins

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the unwavering professionalism and dedication of the El Paso Chamber staff. They are the backbone of our organization, constantly responding to the requests, opportunities, and advocacy efforts from our members. Their ability to pivot and work tirelessly ensures that our membership thrives in their businesses and takes pride in being part of the El Paso Chamber. Their commitment to excellence is nothing short of inspiring.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Board of Directors—our Executive Board, Foundation Board, Community Advisory Board, and Civic Action Lab. Your support, guidance, and advocacy for Chamber initiatives have been instrumental in our success. The committees that drive our initiatives are the heartbeat of the Chamber, advocating not just for our projects but for the Chamber’s role within the community. Your efforts have made a significant impact, and I am deeply grateful.

El Paso stands on the brink of an incredible future filled with opportunities. I am profoundly grateful to have played a small part in shaping that future. However, as we look ahead, I feel compelled to offer a word of caution. El Pasoans must take charge of their future. Our elected officials are smart, talented individuals who have the best interests of El Paso at heart, but they need clear direction from the community to be truly effective. Accountability and encouragement are key—every politician, no matter how capable, must be held accountable and supported in their vision for our community.

Recently, the Chamber released the results of an entertainment and sports venue analysis, comparing El Paso to similar-sized cities. The findings were stark: El Paso ranked nearly dead last in almost every category. This study should serve as a call to action. In other communities, people came together, set aside personal agendas, and worked collaboratively. Here, we must do the same. The City and County, along with other government-funded entities, must work together. The reason they do not is often because of personal grievances. When elected officials allow personal grievances to dictate their decision-making, it is the community that ultimately suffers. It is up to El Pasoans to demand otherwise.

We are all aware that El Paso faces challenges related to lower average wages compared to many of the communities we compared ourselves to. However, we have the potential to maximize our limited resources by working together. Fragmented efforts only dilute our impact. By uniting, we can stretch our resources further and achieve greater outcomes. It is imperative that we put aside our differences and collaborate for the greater good of El Paso.

Thank you, El Paso, for welcoming me, a military spouse who is not from here, with open arms. Your acceptance and understanding have meant the world to me. I love this community, and I am proud to have been a part of it. Though I am stepping down, I do not plan to be a stranger. El Paso will always hold a special place in my heart.

Andrea Hutchins served as president & CEO of the El Paso Chamber from August 2022 to June 2024, becoming the first woman to serve in the position in the organization’s 125-year history.

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[1] Url: https://elpasomatters.org/2024/07/01/opinion-el-paso-chamber-ceo-andrea-hutchins-farewel/

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