Albuquerque Independent Business Alliance

Just Sprinklers located on Montgomery just west of Eubank hosted AIBA’s fourth annual Burque Blooming event last week.

(NOTE: Some might remember a Just Sprinklers grand opening in 2008 at this location. Great memory. This was a repeat venue!)

Last Tuesday’s headliner, Fred Mondragon, Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Economic Development, spoke briefly about the importance of recruiting, retaining, starting and growing local businesses.

Just Sprinklers owner John Seaver commented, “This is what we’re about: family owned and operated,” as he introduced his wife and three children to the attendees. He gestured to the rows of green plants and told how a local grower from Belen talked him into adding them and he went on to discuss the other additions he’s making at customer requests.

People wandered through the fountain collection, touched the hanging baskets, discussed the merits of different lawn ornaments and just visited. From reporters like Megan Kamerick of New Mexico Business Weekly to AIBA Board Members like Myra Ghattas of Slate Street or Gail Martinez of Business Solutions, new members Mark Delaney & Marilyn Howard of oh Heavens Cheesecakes (open three days at that point) or non-members like master gardener Suzette Lindemuth or Mary Rothman of Ad-Art Design Studio, it was an easy, breezy time.

Whether you’re catching up with friends you haven’t seen in some time, elbowing for free food, or just checking out an indie-business event, AIBA offers a bit of everything at its networking festivities.

Oh, and Burque Blooming presented the typical New Mexico-in-the-windy-spring evening. I, for one, enjoyed it.