Albuquerque Independent Business Alliance

By Guest Blogger, Kelly Koepke

The husband and I recently had an interesting discussion about the job market in Albuquerque. We know more than 5 people (not in New Mexico) who have been or will soon be laid off. They’re middle and upper management at large regional and national companies. Their jobs are being merged, downsized and outright eliminated because of our country’s changing business climate.

We talked about what we could do to help them. Most are willing to pick up their families and move if the right opportunity presented itself. But we couldn’t come up with a single good prospect for any of them. Why? Because New Mexico is full of small businesses that employ only a few people each. And right now, many New Mexico businesses are taking a wait and see attitude about the economy.

Our local businesses have (mostly) survived the downturn precisely because they are small and agile. They retool quickly in the face of new challenges. It’s hard to turn a behemoth company like an airline or a major food manufacturer around on a dime. But it’s very easy to lay people off there.

By contrast, our small, local businesses have done well in responding to the current economic challenges. A great example is Palette Contemporary Art & Craft. Though not an AIBA member (hey Kurt, join up already!), Palette has always carried a range of modern and contemporary artworks in all price points. Sure, there’s the $50,000 Jasper Johns, but there are also stunning glass pieces for under $100. You won’t find anything Palette carries at a chain store, either.

Palette’s holding its own in an industry that has suffered more than most, because owner Kurt Nelson began refocusing his wares last fall on items that represent incredible values – with much of the new merchandise both beautiful and practical. Much of the high quality painting, ceramics, vintage watches and clocks, and other object d’art are under $150. These highly affordable pieces are excellent examples of their artists’ talents that represent a way to enjoy and collect art, as well as support a local business.

This isn’t an ad for Palette, and Kurt didn’t pay me to write this. Instead, it’s to get you thinking about why you patronize local businesses in the first place. It’s easy to get to know the decision makers at a small business. It was easy to meet Kurt and talk with him about how he’s adapting. It’s hard to get to know anyone at a large company, much less the one who will hire the director of a department, or who needs a new CFO. And you certainly won’t find one of a kind items at Wal-Mart.

(Are you an AIBA member?  Like to write?  Think you'd like to blog?  Let us know - drop a line to mary@maryschmidt.com.)