Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in NM, small and locally owned business across the state have been forced to close up shop, layoff employees, and pass along their potential profits to large retailers who were deemed safe to operate. Only after Governor Lujan Grisham’s latest lockdown order will they have to start limiting occupancy. The question is: can’t small businesses do the same and remain in business?

NMBC President and CEO Carla Sonntag spoke with KOAT News 7 at the beginning of the lockdown on the issue: “We are seeing the selection of winners and losers and it is the big box national chains that are winning in New Mexico this year, at the expense of our local businesses”. But there is a better way to help our state’s businesses remain open and keep our people safe. In a recent op-ed with the Albuquerque Journal, Carla Sonntag outlines what we stand to lose from over the top lockdown policies and the smarter steps NM can take to preserve the lives of the at risk and the livelihoods of everyone else. Read more HERE.