SENATE MEMORIAL 61

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

John Pinto

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE INDIAN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT TO UNDERTAKE A STUDY REGARDING THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A PROGRAM TO INCREASE MARKETING EFFORTS TO PROMOTE NATIVE AMERICAN ENTERPRISES.

     WHEREAS, during the 2011 state-tribal leaders summit, Governor Susana Martinez made a commitment to tribal leaders to increase marketing efforts to promote Native American enterprises nationally and internationally; and

     WHEREAS, the Indian affairs department and the New Mexico senate recognize that the presence of Native American communities and Native American enterprises provides unique economic development opportunities such as ecotourism, outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing, camping, historical and cultural tourism and Native American-owned gaming enterprises and resorts; and

     WHEREAS, Indian tourism currently ranks fourth among tourists' reasons for visiting the land of enchantment; and

     WHEREAS, the state has no consolidated marketing effort specific to Native American enterprises; and

     WHEREAS, Native American enterprises do not receive significant promotion outside of New Mexico as tourist attractions; and

     WHEREAS, promotion of Native American enterprises to a national and international market will advance the state's tourism industry and significantly increase economic growth and sustainability for the state and for New Mexico's tribes, nations and pueblos; and

     WHEREAS, the promotion of Native American enterprises to a national and international market will create employment in New Mexico and in New Mexico's tribes, nations and pueblos; and

     WHEREAS, the senate and the Indian affairs department regard tribal economic development as a key initiative;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the Indian affairs department be requested to collaborate with New Mexico's tribes, nations and pueblos, the tourism department and other necessary state departments and interested organizations to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing and implementing a program to increase marketing efforts to promote Native American enterprises; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study examine the feasibility of implementing a program that would:

          A. work collaboratively with New Mexico's tribes, nations and pueblos to develop promotional and marketing initiatives and to develop partnerships and financial leveraging opportunities;

          B. develop and run local, regional and international commercials and advertisements to promote Native American enterprises;

          C. coordinate and collaborate with out-of-state and international journalists and travel writers who have specific interests in writing about New Mexico Native American enterprises;

          D. cultivate relationships with tourist organizations, tour operators, travel agents and non-tribal business entities to develop, package and promote offers to visit Native American enterprises; and

          E. develop an economic impact study that reveals the economic impact of Native American enterprises, including the impact on job creation and the impact to the state budget; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the findings of the study, including any costs associated with implementation of the program, be reported by the Indian affairs department to the appropriate legislative interim committee by November 2012; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the secretary of Indian affairs, the secretary of tourism and the leaders of the tribes, nations and pueblos of New Mexico.

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