The About Perception Podcast

You’ve heard of marathons, trail races, and even obstacle course competitions. But what about racing with a burro?In this episode of the Perception Podcast, Tom Garrity speaks with Shane Weigand of New Mexico Pack Burros about one of the state's most unique and entertaining outdoor pursuits. Shane is the creator of the Strike It Rich Pack Burro Race Series.The conversation includes burros, event planning and burro race strategy! For more information visit NMPackBurros.comTom Garrity / TGG [00:00:04] Six, five, four, three, two, one. What is the countdown and commotion all about? The Garity Group public relation fingerprints are on all of New Mexico's iconic brands. Balloon Fiesta, Roswell UFOs, New Mexico Green Chili. Now get ready for burro racing. On this episode of the Perception Podcast, we're going to learn about the Strike It Rich Pack Burro Race Series. It's a growing four-event racing circuit in New Mexico where human runners and burros team up to tackle multi-mile mountain trail courses. Runners cannot ride the burros. They must lead, coax, or guide them by a rope while the animals carry a traditional mining panel. This podcast is being produced in June, 2026. Future races include the Sierra Blanca-Burro Bonanza on August 22nd in Ruidoso, and the Silver Lode Scramble-Pack burro Race on September 12th in Silver City. The first two events have already occurred for this year's series, the Turquoise Trail-Pack Burro Race in Cerillos, and the Magdalena-Burro Stampede, which is located west of Socorro, and east of the Very Large Array. I had a chance to catch up with the person who organizes all of these races. His name is Shane Wiegand and we talked just as scores of burros and racers started the Turquoise Trail Pack Burro Race. Shane, what just happened?  Shane Weigand [00:01:48] So we just had, I think, a little over 90 borough racing teams take off here in Sirios on Saturday, May 2. They all just took off down the street, flying at 100 miles an hour. They've got two different courses they're doing today. They've a three mile and a six mile. So the three mile is kind of a fun little loop around town. And the six mile is a straight up endurance course, a couple hundred feet of gain through the really tough Sirios Hills.  Tom Garrity / TGG [00:02:12] Wow, and they are tough. They are tough, so talk about what the experience is here today and how it got from, to this point.  Shane Weigand [00:02:19] Yeah, this is our, I think, fifth annual event here in Cerillos. So the whole story of pack row racing, right, started in 1949 out in Fairplay, Colorado. That's kind of a way to bring tourism and economic development back to some of these mining towns. And since then, we've been doing it for 76 years across the Southwest. I think 2021, we brought it here to Cerillos, here to New Mexico, and now four races planned for 2026.  Tom Garrity / TGG [00:02:46] So we're standing here in front of the start line, and it's quite an event. You have Main Street filled with a lot of vendors and art show going on and selling merchandise and just a lot of people taking pictures. What's the logistical effort to put something like this together?  Shane Weigand [00:03:02] Yeah, it's I mean at its core, right? It's porta potties and course race markers. As long as you have a really good race for the racers, like always keep it racer focused. The teams will always bring the spectators. So from there, you know, we've got some vendors. It's cool. This this event has really turned into a partnership with the local community. So they have art in the park going on at the same time. There's a number of other of our races that have similar partnerships with other festivals and fiestas. So Yeah, you've got vendors, you got the race teams, they all have electronic timing chips, so we do keep this really as a really good sport where it's got official times, official results, and from there, it's just making sure everybody's safe and having a good time.  Tom Garrity / TGG [00:03:48] How many volunteers are out here today working?  Shane Weigand [00:03:50] We've got about 30 volunteers for today, and they are so essential to helping spectators answer all their questions, keeping everybody safe, right? Because if you think about it, there's boroughs running up and down the road, so there's definitely a safety aspect. And then just helping with the little things, like parking and getting a cold water bottle in the hands of the racers.  Tom Garrity / TGG [00:04:11] And then how many racers? Let's talk about who they are and where they're from.  Shane Weigand [00:04:14] Yeah, I think I just counted. I think about just over 90. So I think 91 or 92. We had start today. They're from all over the west. They Folks often will rent a burrow for the day. So we've got a few ranches or a few rescues that alone a burro out to somebody for a day if you don't have a burro And then the rest of the folks haul their burrows from all across the west so Colorado, Arizona, obviously a ton of folks here from New Mexico. We've got people from Texas, Southern California and  Tom Garrity / TGG [00:04:42] Let us know a little bit about race strategy for, you know, those who might be on the long course today, six miles. What's going through their mind as they're leaving downtown Cerritos?  Shane Weigand [00:04:50] Yes, so there's a real race strategy to running with a burrow, right? So it's 50% you as a runner and it's 15% your burrow. And on the same day, you both have to have a good day together. And when you're competing with other teams, burrows are very visual. So they like to be able to see other burrows. So if you see a burro up in the head, your burro will get a little extra go to it and you try to catch that team in front of you. Likewise, if you're trying to get rid of a team, you can try to speed up as you around a corner and get out of kind of that visual zone of the borough behind you. And that slows them down dramatically. So there's definitely a little play in it and strategy.  Tom Garrity / TGG [00:05:23] Talk a little bit about the special nature of today's race as it relates to Axel, who was a previous participant and has done a number of different borough races.  Shane Weigand [00:05:34] Yeah, Axel's definitely in our heart today. He's a young man that is fighting bone cancer, a number of different types of cancer. He was a Pack Burro racer, so he's run a bunch of different races. And then unfortunately at a race last year, he had an injury and then they went and checked out that injury and come to find out it was bone cancer. So we, all of us are running for Axel this year, him and his whole family. We can't imagine everything they're going through, but they're here with us at every single race we go to every day.  Tom Garrity / TGG [00:06:04] And how can people get involved if they want to show up for Magdalena, Silver City or Ruidoso.  Shane Weigand [00:06:09] Yeah, we'd love to have you either come as a volunteer or a spectator. The spectators are always welcome at these events. Every one of the events starts at 10 a.m. I always recommend you get here about 9 so you can get good parking and get to meet the teams. Definitely walk around, take some pictures with the burros, and then race takeoff is 10 a. So definitely be here for that. And if you'd like to be a volunteer... NMPACBurrows.com, my email is on there. Just reach straight out, ask to be on our volunteer list, and I'll send you all the information for this race season.  Tom Garrity / TGG [00:06:40] Thank you to Shane Wiegand, New Mexico Pack Burrows, and the Strike It Rich Pack Burrow Race Series. For more information, visit nmpackburrows.com. Also, you can connect via Instagram, their handle, at @nmpackburros  The Garrity Group's non-profit, One Medal, was a sponsor of the race. The interview, though, was bonus, value-add, and we appreciate Shane making the time. Thank you for listening to the Perception Podcast sponsored by the Garrity Group Public Relations where we help small businesses to be heard and large organizations to be understood. For more information about our group, visit garritypr.com. This is Tom Garrity, have a great day.  

No Día do Libro pedímoslles aos nosos oíntes que nos recomenden unha lectura; falamos con Ismael Ramos, flamante gañador do premio O. Henry de relato curto; e coñecemos con Xermán Torres, a Asociación Mesa das Verbas de Vilagarcía. No programa abordamos o problema da falta de relevo xeracional no campo galego en conversa con José Manuel Rus, coordinador da Mostra de Exposición de Muimenta. Coñecemos o traballo que desenvolve José Antonio Ferreiro en Finca Villadangos, un referente na cría da vaca rubia galega. María José Agrafojo, profesora no CEIP Abanqueiro de Boiro, dinos como foi a súa participación no proxecto Incluídas, que fomenta os intercambios internacionais para achegar ao profesorado boas prácticas de educación inclusiva. Na Coruña a presidenta da asociación de veciños dos Mallos, Ana Fernández, descríbenos o problema que teñen coa proliferación de pombas no barrio. Falamos da iniciativa solidaria posta en marcha pola comunidade peruana en Vigo para axudar unha compatriota que resultou ferida de gravidade nun atropelo. No capítulo musical Marcos Parajó preséntanos o cartel do Cruceiro Fest e Tito Lesende infórmanos sobre as novidades galegas. Ademais, volve o consultorio de Nusca Chousa.

What quotes are shaping you right now?Not the ones framed on a wall. Not the ones you repost on social media.The ones that quietly sit in front of you every day — and challenge you to lead better.Thank you for joining, me, this is Tom Garrity. This month on the Perception Podcast, I’m taking you on a short field trip — to my office.At the base of my computer screen are three Post-it notes. They’ve survived desk clean-offs, office moves, and new monitors. They’re still there because they still matter.In the spirit of one beggar showing another beggar where to get food — here are three sayings that continue to shape my perceptions and my leadership.1. “People want to be part of something bigger than themselves.”You’ve heard versions of this from leaders across philanthropy, national service, and business. It aligns closely with Simon Sinek’s concept of starting with “Why.” That’s likely how it ended up on my screen — I’m a big fan.At its core, this statement reflects a fundamental human truth:People crave meaning.We move from “me” to “we.”From task to purpose.From activity to impact.Whether in business, community building, or family life, people want to know their effort matters — that it connects to something larger than their job description.This quote reminds me that leadership is not about spotlight — it’s about stewardship. It’s not about building a platform for an individual; it’s about building a mission that others can step into.It also checks motivation.Am I creating space for others to contribute to something meaningful?Or am I unintentionally shrinking the vision?When people feel part of something bigger, you get engagement. You get loyalty. You get legacy.The second saying you will find on my computer monitor screen…2. “Humility tells a better story.”This one likely came to me through the He Gets Us campaign, and it stuck.In a culture that rewards volume and self-promotion, humility feels countercultural — and powerful.“Humility tells a better story” suggests that service, self-awareness, and quiet confidence are more compelling than bravado.A better story is not one where the hero dominates the stage.It’s one where the hero grows.Humility shifts the focus outward. It allows empathy. It invites collaboration. It leaves room to admit mistakes and evolve.Arrogance creates a brittle narrative — one that cracks under pressure.Humility creates resilience — because it allows learning.As leaders, especially in communications and public life, it’s tempting to control the narrative. But the most compelling leaders don’t force their story — they live it.Humility tells a better story because it’s believable.The third and final saying you will find on my computer, at least for now…3. “People are not the enemy. They are the opportunity.”In today’s environment — especially online — it’s easy to see disagreement as combat. We all have seen what happens when keyboard warriors get the best of us.Social media is very good at telling us what’s wrong and who to blame. That line from The American President still rings true.But this Post-it note of wisdom forces a shift of mindset.When I see someone as an enemy, I conserve energy for defense.When I see someone as an opportunity, I conserve energy for growth.This quote reminds me that people with different perspectives are not obstacles — they are invitations.Invitation to listen.Invitation to understand.Invitation to collaborate better.It demands empathy as a first response, not a last resort.Even when there is disagreement — especially when there is disagreement — there is opportunity for refinement, for perspective, for better solutions.And sometimes, for personal growth.<

By the second week of January, most New Year’s resolutions are already negotiating their exit strategy.The gym is a little less crowded.The notebook with the fresh goals is sitting closed.And the optimism we felt on January 1st is now competing with real life.If you’ve ever set a goal with the best of intentions—and then quietly watched it fade—you’re not alone.Today, on the Perception Podcast, I want to share a simple practice that has helped me not just set intentions, but actually live them.Welcome to the Perception Podcast, presented by The Garrity Group Public Relations where we help small businesses to be heard and large organizations to be understood.I’m Tom Garrity.It’s a new year—and new years are usually filled with good intentions, goals, and resolutions, all born from a healthy dose of optimism.If you’re anything like me, you’ve identified an intention, set a goal, or decided on something you want to accomplish over the next 365 days—otherwise known, now, as 2026.Sometimes setting a goal is easy.Sometimes it takes real soul-searching.And short of writing it in wax on your bathroom mirror, sticking it on the refrigerator, or posting it on your vehicle dashboard—all of which I’ve tried at one point or another—how do you actually keep these life improvements top of mind?In the spirit of one beggar showing another beggar where to get food, I want to share a tip—a hack—a small nugget of wisdom about how I’ve gotten into the habit of setting, and more importantly, living, my intentions.Full disclosure: I did not invent this.I heard it once on a radio program and thought, “That’s a great idea. I think I’ll try that.”The first step is identifying your intentions or goals for the coming year.For me, that usually includes a few categories:A relationship intention—something I want to experience or accomplish with one or both of my daughtersAn activity or travel goalA personal goalA professional goalAnd sometimes a project around the house—build a wall, add a gate, replace the windowsAnd then I choose a theme for the year.Heads up: choosing a theme can be a bit of a preview of things to come.In 2020, my word was perseverance—which came in handy during COVID.2021 was resilience.2022 was forward.2023 was balance.2024 was transition.2025 was flourish.And my word for 2026 is intentional.We all have different words.We all have different things we want to accomplish.The question is: how do we remember them?Those of you who know me… know my social media world mostly lives on Instagram.Yes, I’m connected on Facebook, Threads, Twitter, and TikTok—because who doesn’t enjoy a good doom scroll on TikTok from time to time?Okay… I digress.During the first week or two of the year, I capture an image on my phone—something that could live on my Instagram feed. Something that represents a memory, a hope, or an adventure.I send the iPhone image to Walgreens, have it printed as a 4x4, pick it up, and write my intentions on the back of the photo with a thin Sharpie.Then I place it in what has become my “intentions photo frame.”To the visitor or guest, only the 2026 photo is visible, only I know what’s written on the back.That frame holds photos and intentions going all the way back to 2018, and it sits right next to my coffee maker—so I see it every single morning.Do I remember and recite everything I wrote down?No. I wish I did.But here’s what’s really cool.Once or twice a year, I’ll get curious and open the back of the frame—only to discover that I’ve been living many of the intentions I set months earlier.Sure, s

Small Business Featured on the Perception PodcastThis episode of the Perception Podcast will focus on small business and major business corporations.In addition to sharing insights on how New Mexico residents view small business and major business corporations, we are going to hear from Chrystal Trykoski of Enchanting Soap Collections.  This is a small business that providing a path forward for women in a very unique way.Learn more about Enchanting Soap Collections by visiting: https://enchantingsoapcollections.com====================================Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group Welcome to the Perception Podcast presented by The Garrity Group Public Relations. I'm your host, Tom Garrity. Today's episode focuses on one of the most consistent storylines in the 2025 Garrity Perception Survey: New Mexico's Unwavering Support for Small Business. Every year since 2011, The Garrity Group has partnered with Research and Pulling Inc. To understand who New Mexico residents trust. In February of this year, a statistically valid sample of 415 New Mexico residents shared their thoughts, giving us a 95% level of confidence in the results. And once again, small business rises to the top. Let's start with the numbers. Consistent with past surveys, four out of five New Mexico residents, 79%, hold a favorable opinion of small business. Only 5% hold an unfavorable view, and 16% are neutral or unsure. Compare that with the perception of major business corporations, which has a 30% favorability of New Mexico residents. That means major corporations have the lowest favorability. Among all 17 of the measured industries and institutions that were in the 2025 study. To put it into perspective, corporate favorability has dropped sharply over time, from 50% in 2020 down to 42% in 2023, and now just sitting at 30% favorability. Geographically, support for small business is especially strong in North Central, Eastern, and Central New Mexico. Meanwhile, the areas where major corporations perform best, relatively speaking, are North Central and Northwest New Mexico. At The Garrity Group, we often say that we help small businesses to be heard and large organizations to be understood. Much of our early work involved partnering with organizations that help entrepreneurial communities thrive, including one of our first clients known as Accion. Now it's known as DreamSpring, and they are a community development financial institution that's committed to supporting entrepreneurs through resources, mentorship, and microloans. One of my favorite memories from that time involves a simple bar of soap, Dream Spring, often highlighted products created by entrepreneurs they serve. And at this particular event that I was at about a year and a half ago, at our table sat a bar of soap with packaging. About a story that has stayed with me since that time. Fast forward about 18 months, I'm walking through the New Mexico Artisan Market at Hotel Albuquerque when I spot a booth. Beautiful soaps, handcrafted and familiar. I pick one up and immediately read the packaging. And I know that I've seen this before. That's when I had the honor of meeting the owner Chrystal Trykowski of Enchanting Soap Collections, a New Mexico small business rooted in purpose, sustainability, and a remarkable entrepreneurial story. I'm delighted to have her on the podcast today. Welcome to the Perception Podcast, Chrystal. Thank you so much, Tom. When I came up and we talked at the New Mexico Artisans Market, you shared a story and it was it was powerful. Share with our listeners your story. Chystal Trykoski, Enchanting Soal Collections [00:03:47] My mother and I, Roberta, we founded this company in 2006. In 2009 I exited this business for about 12 years. And then I got sober in 2019 for the last time. And in 2022, I rejoined Roberta on this journey, on this mission to empowe

This episode of the Perception Podcast will focus on trust in the election process—a topic that shapes how we view democracy itself.Our conversation spotlights one of our clients Observe New Mexico Elections. Observe New Mexico Elections is a nonpartisan group working to build confidence through independent election observation across 11 municipalities statewide. The organization’s immediate focus is the 2025 Municipal Election.  It’s long term focus is on confidence in our election process.Tom Garrity hosts this podcast which includes Carmen Lopez, co-leader of Observe New Mexico Elections, and Kelly Fajardo, a former state representative and member of Observe New Mexico Elections’ advisory committee.=======================================Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group [00:00:05] Welcome to the Perception Podcast from The Garrity Group, where we help small businesses to be heard and large organizations to be understood. I'm Tom Garrity. Today, we're focusing on trust in the election process, a topic that shapes how we view democracy itself. Our conversation spotlights one of our clients, Observe New Mexico Elections. Observe New Mexico Elections is a nonpartisan group working to build confidence through independent election observation across 11 municipalities statewide. The organization's immediate focus is the 2025 municipal election. Joining the Perception Podcast today, Carmen Lopez, co-leader of Observe New Mexico Elections, and Kelly Fajardo, a former state representative and member of Observe New Mexico Elections Advisory Committee. Welcome both Carmen and Kelly to the Perception Podcast.  Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group [00:01:02] Carmen, let's start with the big picture. For listeners who may not be familiar, what is Observe New Mexico elections and what inspired its creation?  Carmen Lopez, ONME Co-Leader [00:01:12] So Observe New Mexico Elections is a nonprofit in New Mexico. We are funded by The Carter Center, the Jimmy and Roslyn Carter Center in Atlanta. And we're concerned about the increase in both political polarization and the decline in trust and election outcomes. And so our goal is to increase people's knowledge level about elections, the transparency of elections, and as a result, to increase the public's level of trust in New Mexico's elections. And we do that by providing in-depth training about election law and process to hundreds of New Mexicans each year and supporting nonpartisan observers to watch elections throughout the entire state during the voting process and then throughout all the various election processes. And then we compile all that data into a final report that we share with the public. And we're led by an amazing board of high profile, accomplished people from across the political spectrum who care deeply about well-run elections and people's trust in election outcomes. Our board is led by former Governor Gary Carruthers, former Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court, Barbara Vihel, Ryan Cangiolosi, who is the chair of the Republican Party, Maureen Sanders, who's a civil rights attorney, and Kelly Fajardo, who's a former representative, and Leonard Gorman from the Navajo Nations Civil Rights Division. Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group [00:02:39] It's a it's a great board, including Kelly Fajardo. And Kelly, from your perspective as a former state legislator and current lobbyist, why did you decide to join Observe New Mexico Elections Advisory Committee? And what makes the initiative important to you? Kelly Fajardo, ONME Advisory Committee [00:02:55] I joined because of personal experience. So when I first started when I first ran for office back in 2012, there was a lot of distrust of the election process. A lot of it continues today. And back in the day down in Valencia County, me and my colleagues, we decided to put poll watchers into the different polls around the cou

The Garrity Group does a deep dive into the 2025 Garrity Perception Survey related to New Mexico Stress Levels. New Mexico residents are feeling a bit more stressed today than they did 10 years ago, according to the 2025 Garrity Perception Survey (GPS ’25). The findings show that 31% of New Mexico residents have a great deal of stress, an increase from 24% in the 2015 Garrity Perception Survey.Tom Garrity hosts this podcast which includes the team: Makayla Roberts, Michelle Bowling and Taeya Padilla.

This is a presentation providing insight to the full 2025 Garrity Perception Survey (GPS) The survey addresses New Mexico resident’s trust of 15 people/professions, favorability of 17 industries/institutions, access of news and information, role of government and corporations to do the right thing, level of stress being experienced by residents, and the role of personal faith. The presentation is provided by Tom Garrity who was the keynote speaker to the Albuquerque Economic Forum on June 25, 2025====================Good morning, and thank you very much, Meg. Thank you also to Emily and the Economic Forum team for providing this opportunity today to share a few insights from our perception survey. I'd also like to recognize some of our guests today, which include Peter Saint-Cyr, as well as Tripp Jennings, both journalists, as well the Gertie Group team of Michaela, Michelle, Amanda, and Taeya. So thank you all for being here today. When we started the firm in 1997, our main goal was to help small businesses to be heard and large organizations to be understood. And as a part of that, we wanted to make sure that we kind of put our money where our mouth is. And so we wanted be able to back that up. So we actually wanted to find a way. First we wanted find the industries where we wanted it to be in. And then we also wanted to really, you know, kind of find out how people access news and information. And so we thought that that information would really help us to compliment our four-step process of research, planning, execution, and evaluation because we all know that everybody is interested in results, but not everybody wants to pay for research. So we thought we would go ahead and take that first step of really identifying what that research looks like. And so, you know, the Garrity Perception Survey was born in 2011, and during that time we've had a chance to put together different surveys starting in 2011. It used to be rather consistent each year, and then we went ahead and made it every other year. You'll hear me refer to the 2020 Perception survey. And just kind of let, you know, kind of set the table on the 2020 survey because that's really kind of the benchmark. Post-COVID, is that survey was actually done in January of 2020. So when I reference those particular numbers, those numbers are, you know, all before the world changed as we knew it, not just here in New Mexico, but around the world. The 2025 Perception Survey was conducted February 3rd through 16th, included a statewide sample of 415 residents reflecting the United States Census. It has a 95% level of confidence, meaning that if you ask 95 New Mexicans, or 100 New Mexicans...

This is a presentation providing insight to the 2025 Garrity Perception Survey (GPS) on the topic of oil / gas and solar / wind favorability in New Mexico.  The presentation is provided by Tom Garrity who was the keynote speaker to the Albuquerque Business First Energy Summit on June 12, 2025.==================Thank you to Sandia Pueblo and also to Albuquerque Business First for putting on today's event as well as the sponsors and congratulations Jennifer James on your new role. It's going to be very exciting to see you continue to succeed there. In 1997, the Gerdy Group embarked on a journey to help small businesses to be heard and large organizations to be understood. The firm has seen a lot of changes over those years. And we've had some amazing team members as well as some clients, many of whom are in the room, and I'm glad that you're here today. We've had the opportunity to represent the New Mexico trifecta, which includes hot air balloons, New Mexico green chili and Roswell UFOs, now being referred to as unidentified anomalous phenomena, UAPs. I think UFOs just kind of rolls off the tongue. We've also had the chance to work with clients in the oil and gas industry. We have a very established footprint now in the transmission and the renewable energy industry. And in 2011, in support of our four step process of research, planning, execution, and evaluation, we partnered up with Albuquerque. Firm research and polling to really find out who New Mexico residents trust, what industries and institutions they view as favorable, and how people access news and information. Our 2025 perception survey was conducted February 3rd through 16th. It included a statewide sample of 415 residents reflecting the United States Census. It has a 95% level of confidence... 

Welcome to a view from Lift Off Left the podcast where you can get an insider's perspective of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta powered by ExxonMobil.  Each year, Balloon Fiesta hosts thousands of travelers from around the country who attend the event each year. In this episode, Tom Garrity speaks with Balloon Fiesta RV manager Jennifer Schurman to talk about RV's at this year's event.  

Welcome to a view from Lift Off Lane. The podcast where you can get an insider's perspective of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta powered by ExxonMobil. In addition to hot air balloons. What else is there to do at Balloon Fiesta Park? Well, in this episode, Tom Garrity speaks with Erica to learn more about the great entertainment at Balloon Fiesta and attractions along Main Street. 

Welcome to a view from Lift Off Lane, the podcast where you can get an insider's perspective of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta powered by ExxonMobil. In this episode, we will learn more about the different ways you can experience this year's event. Tom Garrity speaks with Shamaine Giannini who overseas, the popular Gondola Club, Camp 505, skyboxes and more. 

Welcome to a view from Lift Off Lane, the podcast where you can get an insider's perspective of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta powered by ExxonMobil. In this episode, Tom Garrity speaks with Tracey Hawkins to learn more about a popular attraction at Balloon Fiesta, The Balloon Discovery Center. 

Welcome to a view from Lift Off Lane, the podcast where you can get an insider's perspective of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta powered by ExxonMobil. In this episode, Tom Garrity speaks with Tracey Hawkins to learn more about being a Balloon Fiesta volunteer, as well as the difference between a navigator and a member of the Chase crew. 

In this episode of the Perception podcast, we're going to focus on a program that was announced on July 31st, with the main goal of providing more confidence in the integrity and security of New Mexico's election system. The national presidential election and the state's general election occur this November 5th, 2024. Joining me today on the Perception podcast is Carmen J. Lopez, the president of CL strategies, a company that supports communities to help them build and engage representative and accessible democracy. Carmen is here to share some information about a program called Observe New Mexico Elections. https://observenmelections.org

In today’s podcast, we will speak with Laurie Magovern the executive director of the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation. We will learn more about the museum, foundation and its leader.  The Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation is an independent, 501(c)3 non-profit support organization for the Balloon Museum. The Balloon Museum is a program of the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture.To learn more about the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation visit https://balloonmuseum.com/.

Welcome to the Perception Podcast, this is Tom Garrity with The Garrity Group Public Relations, we help small businesses to heard and large organizations to be understood.It is Perception season!  What does that mean?  It is when we shares insights from its 2023 Garrity Perception Survey.It all started in 2010, when the firm engaged Albuquerque-based Research and Polling to query New Mexico residents on the favorability of 17 industries, trust of 15 professions and how we access news and Information.  The first survey was in the field January 2011, there have been a total of eight over the years… the most recent is the 2023 Perception Survey. This is the first of the community overviews, provided to the annual meeting of the New Mexico Newspaper Association on October 28, 2023.  While I had hoped for a podium to hold my notes, the presentation was more “free-form” which was very appropriate to the audience.  My thanks to Sammy Lopez, the executive director of the NMPA for the opportunity.For more information visit https://garritypr.com/To sign-up for the full 2023 Garrity Perception Survey visit: https://garritypr.com/research/

In today’s podcast we are going to dive into one aspect of the 2023 Garrity Perception Survey.  Specifically, the level of Trust New Mexico residents have of State Government Officials. The Garrity Group helps small businesses to be heard and large organizations to be understood. To help support our mission, we commissioned Albuquerque’s Research & Polling to measure New Mexico adult residents’ perceptions of various types of industries, institutions, people and professions in the state, as well as to determine which sources residents access for news and information.   Research and Polling has conducted all of the previous projects surveys since inception of the Garrity Perception Survey in 2011.The scientific survey of 400 residents was conducted March 15-April 2, 2023, the survey results have a 95 percent level of confidence and a maximum margin of error of 4.9 percent.New Mexico residents were asked to rate their trust of 15 people and professions using a five-point scale –  where a score of “five” is complete trust and a score of one is complete distrust.  In 2011, 23% trusted state government.In 2014, trust of state government hit a low of 15%.And, 10 years later, in 2023, only 24 percent of residents trust state government… so slightly better than in 2011 and 2014… but is “better” still “good” when less than a quarter of New Mexico residents say they trust State Government Officials? Matt Grubbs, Investigative Reporter and Executive Producer at KOB-TV joins Tom Garrity to discuss the results related to trust of State Government Officials.https://www.kob.com/news_team/matt-grubs/For more information visit https://garritypr.com/To sign-up for the full 2023 Garrity Perception Survey visit: https://garritypr.com/research/

Meta's new Threads app has been generating a lot of buzz!  The Garrity Group team provides their insights about this new social media channel.  On this episode Tom Garrity (Threads @TomGarrity) , Andie Mercer (Threads @andie.mercer) and Makayla Roberts (Threads @makayla3_) provide their insights on the new app.TGG Perception ThreadsTom Garrity [00:00:06]  Welcome back to the Perception podcast. My name is Tom Garrity with the Garrity group Public Relations. Today, we have the team around the microphone and we're going to be talking about this latest thing called Threads, which is really kind of unique on the timing. I mean, it seems to have taken over, you know, aspects of the earned media space, talking about the social media space. With me today is Andie Mercer, vice president of the Garrity Group Public Relations, and Makayla Roberts, assistant account executive with the Garrity Group Public Relations, and people who are much more engaged and in touch with the digital space in the digital realm than I am. Why don't we start first with Andie? What? How would you describe threads? Andie Mercer [00:01:02] What a loaded question. I would say that thread is a less functional Twitter world. I would describe it as I am going to rock the mike at that. Tom Garrity [00:01:18] How do you really feel about that? Okay, Makayla, how would you like to add on to that or clarify what is that when you you know, when family talks to you about threads, how do you describe it? Makayla Roberts [00:01:33] So I would kind of agree with Andie, but I would kind of expand on it by saying I think it's a basic outline right now. I think they threw it out there to be a competitor with Twitter, but don't really have a lot of the engaging such as like, you know, engaging your certain following or DMS or things like that. It's kind of just a basic outline to throw your thoughts out there. Tom Garrity [00:02:01] Mm hmm. Interesting and nobody has mentioned that other word yet. Twitter. Andie Mercer [00:02:10] I think I mentioned it. Tom Garrity [00:02:11] You did? Oh, okay. I did now. So I could not or at all. And if this are just kidding, this is lives it takes. Of course, it's not even tape. So here's what I like about threads is that because obviously I feel like I'm out, but I'm outstanding in my own field on support of threads. I like it because it provides that alternative to Twitter. And, you know, I think that breaking it out as a separate item from Instagram, I think is smart because it seems as if Instagram for a time was trying to be all things to all people. I mean, because you had the Snapchat kind of functionality with with the stories and you have the pictures. And now, I mean, I've found that, you know, ever since they put the, you know, the stories on there, that my engagement on my pictures. I mean, people are interested in what I'm eating anymore. So I've really got to step up, step up my game. But that engagement has really decreased. And I think it's but my engagement with the with the stories has increased. And so I was glad to see that Threads wasn't another option within the Instagram app...  

Tom Garrity, Andie Mercer and Makayla Roberts continue the conversation by talking about the iPhone upgrades we like.  Android users should only listen to hear what you are missing out on ;-) TGG Perception iPhoneTom Garrity [00:00:03] All right. Welcome to the Perception podcast. This is Tom Garrity with the Garrity Group Public Relations. Joining me today is Vice President Andie Mercer and an assistant account executive, Makayla Roberts. We have just finished recording the session on threads. And I said, you know what? Hold on, guys. We're going to talk I'm going to throw one topic out at you. And those are drumroll. They have no idea what I'm going to ask, although they'll know once I ask, What is the one iPhone feature that you enjoy using the most? And so with that, let me see. Everybody is still on mute. So I will. Go ahead. Oh, Andie's up. Andie, you'll be the first one in. Andie Mercer [00:00:47] I will be the first two to jump on this. It's not iPhone specific, but airdrop like the connectivity between my laptop and my phone and my watch. I absolutely love that. It makes just living so seamless. Tom Garrity [00:01:13] That's good airdrop. Makayla Roberts [00:01:15] Makayla Dang. And it put out a good one. I do not know how I can follow up from that one. No, just kidding. But I think. My specific one. Can it be an app within? Sure. Tom Garrity [00:01:33] Absolutely.Makayla Roberts [00:01:34] My notes is I absolutely use notes for everything. I use it for lists. I use it for information. And the one feature that I absolutely love is that they now have it available to lock your notes. So if you have anything of importance, because me, I forget everything. If I do not have it written down so you can lock it with your face recognition. And that is a game changer for sure. Tom Garrity [00:02:02] Interesting. I and I didn't know what was going to be shared for me because I've shared this before. It is the do not disturb function in the personal kind of how you can set those up and stuff. There was a time that I did not like the Do not disturb because I was missing all these calls. Well, I realized then that I was on Do Not Disturb, and it's kind of like the school of hard knocks. That's the only way you know, that some of these features exist. The other item is, okay, I know I said one, but I'm going to say two. I have an iPhone 12 and an iPhone 13. And I have to say that when you look at them, they're somewhat similar. But the camera's on like the iPhone 12 is so much better. I mean, it is like night and day. So, you know, I would say that the 12 hour is hands. Above everything else as far as the camera goes. Andie Mercer [00:03:01] And I will add on to that, because my brothers are all Android users. I know. Wow. But in our group chats. Not to toot my own horn, but my photos are way better than theirs. The camera quality on iPhones is definitely something that I really enjoy. Tom Garrity [00:03:25] Yeah. And, you know, the chat feature, you know, I mean, let's face it, we all love the blue cloud. I mean, when I see that green cloud come up, I go, Oh. And yeah, I get a little kind of high, you know, snooty and stuff. I'm thinking, Oh, come on, people, get an iPhone. Your life will be so much better. I mean, I felt a feel sorry when I for people, when I see the green cloud in the text. Andie Mercer [00:03:50] And and the fact that I have to wear a green bubble group chat with my brothers reaction when I like someone's message, it sends the message that I like their message. It's not the same. Tom Garrity [00:04:06] Not the. Makayla Roberts [00:04:06] Worse. The worst of the green bubble chats is when it kicks you out of an existing group chat and ...

Welcome to the Perception Podcast, this is Tom Garrity.  We’ve had a lot going on here at The Garrity Group, but I wanted to share with you something that is off the beaten path … literally and figuratively.  Some of you know I am training to run the Black Hills Ultra Marathon 50 mile race with Team World Vision.  It is in South Dakota at the end of June.  As a part of the training and encouragement I had a chance to speak with World Record Holder and ultra marathoner Michael Wardian. Full TranscriptTom Garrity, The Garrity Group [00:00:01] It's. Welcome to the Perception podcast. This is Tom Garrity. We have a lot going on here at the guarantee that I wanted to share with you something that is off the beaten path, literally and figuratively. Some of you know, I'm training to run the Black Hills ultra 50-mile race for Team World Vision. It's in South Dakota at the end of June. And as a part of the training and encouragement, I had a chance to speak with world record holder. An ultra-marathoner, Michael Motian was gracious enough to share some insights that I think are also applicable in the world of public relations. And we'll tell you how at the end of the interview. Right now, picking up on Michael Wardian, talking about his background in running Michael Wardian, Ultramarathon Runner [00:00:50] qualified, ran the Boston Marathon, got hooked with running and then fell into Ultra shortly thereafter. I did my first 50-mile race in nineteen ninety-seven, so quite a few years ago. Then I've progressed through things. All ranked runners to international runners eventually earn my way through teams and been a pro athlete now for going on 20 some years. So, it's been it's been quite a journey from not even knowing how many laps are in a 400 to running for multiple days running across countries and representing Team USA along the way. So I've been really fortunate to have had the chance to, you know, take up a sport that I'm so into and passionate about and excited about. And I think the greatest thing, too, is just the chance to meet people along the way and do some good. And so I think that's what we're doing here. Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group [00:01:59] Outstanding team World Vision. How did you first get become aware of team World Vision? Michael Wardian, Ultramarathon Runner [00:02:07] And I'd say. I was probably I'd seen the logos and the shirts at some events. I feel like I may have seen team World Vision at Comrade's one year in South Africa. And then I was in twenty seventeen. I won the World Marathon Challenge, where you run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents and one of the prizes for winning that was you won fifteen thousand dollars. I think it was actually fifteen thousand euro donation to any charity of your choice. And in my professional life outside of running I'm an international broker. And so we work with like a bunch of private voluntary relief organizations, including World Vision ship, like bulk wheat and stuff to places all around the world. And then I'd seen the team, World Vision people, and I met some of them. And I thought, well, that would be a great charity. It'd be a two for one. Like, they do stuff up and running and they do stuff and in humanitarian food aid. So I was able to donate that check to World Vision and I kind of got introduced to Brian and Josh along the way. And then I was asked to be a part of the hood to coast relay. So that was that was really cool. And then I did some of the six ks for water locally. So definitely, definitely been, you know, a lengthy kind of journey with World Vision. I haven't got a chance to go to any of the mission sites yet. So that was something I was hoping to do when I ran comrade's. And it just hasn't happened yet. But hopefully that'll be coming up in the future. Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group [00:04:04] Outstanding. Outstan

The Farm and Ranching industry is one of the most favored industries and institutions in New Mexico.  According to the 2020 Garrity Perception Survey (GPS), 77% of New Mexico residents favor the industry with 46% of that group giving it a “very favorable” rating on a five-point scale. Among the 17 industries surveyed, the Farm and Ranching Industry is the second most favorable slightly behind Small Business. The scientific survey among New Mexico residents was conducted in late January 2020.This episode features New Mexico Cabinet Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte.

New Mexico’s national laboratories rank 5th among 17 industries and institutions included in the 2020 Garrity Perception SurveyNew Mexico’s national laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories have a high level of favorability among the state’s residents. According to the 2020 Garrity Perception Survey, the national labs rank 5th among the 17 industries and institutions with a 67 percent favorability among New Mexico residents. The national laboratories in similar company with small business, farm and ranch, renewable energy and local banks in favorability.Today, Tom Garrity, President and CEO of The Garrity Group Public Relations speaks with Kathy Keith, Director of the Community Partnerships Office at Los Alamos National Laboratory. External Sources:Los Alamos Laboratory Contributes $3 Billion a Year to the State's Economy. An independent economic impact analysis has found that Los Alamos National Laboratory is responsible for creating 24,169 jobs in New Mexico while contributing $3.1 billion a year—much of it in out-of-state dollars—to the New Mexico economy (https://www.lanl.gov/community/economic/index.php). Sandia National Laboratory now has more than 14,000 employees in Albuquerque alone. According to the Albuquerque Journal, the Sandia Laboratory contributed than $3.7 billion dollars into New Mexico’s economy, with $2.1 billion going straight to payroll (https://www.sandia.gov/working_with_sandia/economic_impact/).  

State Universities Fair Well Among Favorability of New Mexico Residents Universities boast 61% favorability, ranking 8th among 17 industries and institutions included in the 2020 Garrity Perception SurveyNew Mexico residents have a favorable opinion of state universities according to the 2020 Garrity Perception Survey (GPS). Among the 17 industries surveyed, the state universities are the eighth most favorable institution in the state. Based on the survey, 61 percent of New Mexico residents are favorable of state universities. The scientific survey among New Mexico residents was conducted in late January 2020.  Dr. Joseph Shepard, President of Western New Mexico University joins Tom Garrity, President and CEO of The Garrity Group Public Relations to discuss the findings.

New Mexico residents have unique perspectives about favorability and trust of public schools and educators. The 2020 Garrity Perception Survey reveals confidence in educators is strong, 69 percent of New Mexico residents trust teachers, ranking second out of fifteen professions. When the focus is on K-12 institutions, 41 percent of New Mexicans have a favorable impression of public schools; ranking fourteenth out of seventeen industries. The scientific survey of 408 residents has a 95 percent level of confidence.In this episode, Tom Garrity; President and CEO of The Garrity Group Public Relations speaks with Dr. Sue Cleveland, the superintendent and chief executive officer of the Rio Rancho Public Schools.GPS 2020_ Public Schools.mp4Tom Garrity [00:00:02] According to the 20 20 year perceptions survey, New Mexico residents have unique perspectives of education, competence and educators and strong. Sixty nine percent of New Mexico residents trust teachers. Forty one percent of the Mexicans have a favorable impression of public schools. This is Tom Garrity with the Garrity good public relations. Joining me today to talk about the 20 20 Garity Perception Survey is one of the most respected educators in the state, at least according to me. It is Dr. Sue Cleveland, the superintendent and chief executive officer of the Rio Rancho Public Schools. Welcome, Doctor Cleveland. It's good to see you. Dr. Sue Cleveland [00:00:38] It's good to see you as well. Thank you for having me today. Tom Garrity [00:00:42] You bet. So before we jump into the twenty 20 Perceptions survey findings, will you please just provide our viewers and listeners a little bit more insight about your leadership path and the Rio Rancho Public Schools? Dr. Sue Cleveland [00:00:56] Well, I am. I'm a native New Mexican. Dr. Sue Cleveland [00:01:00] I am a graduate of San Diego High School and went to you and them and then went to New Mexico State University, where my husband was getting an engineering degree. And then we left and went to Houston and were there for a good number of years. I was a teacher and administrator and one of the suburban districts in Houston. And then his work took us to the Carolinas. And I was an administrator and superintendent of a district outside of Charlotte. And I always wanted to come back homeless here. And my parents were here and we had a new baby. And so we made the trip back to New Mexico and this opportunity to work with the Rio Rancho School districts. It's just been a wonderful experience for me. I've just been so grateful to have had this opportunity. So that's kind of the pathway. I worked at all three levels. I worked at elementary, middle and high school. My primary background is, was high school, but. Can I have a pretty general background in education? Tom Garrity [00:02:08] Well, and you are the only superintendent that the Rio Rancho Public Schools has ever known. Dr. Sue Cleveland [00:02:15] I am the only one. I've been here quite a long time, and as I said, it's been a great experience. Tom Garrity [00:02:22] Well, the 2020 Perception Survey addresses trust of teachers and favorability of public schools. Let's talk about this, 69 percent of residents who have a very high level of trust in teachers. Your opinion, in your opinion, why are teachers the second most trusted profession in the state? Dr. Sue Cleveland [00:02:41] Well, I think number one was family and relatives. As I recall, and so it's it's wonderful to see teachers at the number two slot. The reason I think that occurs is that most parents make their children their number one priority. It's the most important thing in their lives. And so they pay a lot of attention to education and they want a good education for their children. Dr. Sue Cleveland [00:

Favorability of Financial Institutions Vary Based on Local versus National Banks  New Mexico Residents Favor Local Banks (67%) over National Banks (39%) in the 2020 Garrity Perception SurveyNew Mexico residents are more favorable towards local banks than they are national banks. According to the 2020 Garrity Perception Survey, Local Banks are viewed as the sixth most favorable of the 17 industries included in the research findings. National banks are the 15th most favorable institution. The scientific survey among New Mexico residents was conducted in late January 2020.“By their nature, local banks have a unique connection to the community; that affinity is clearly reflected in GPS findings,” said Tom Garrity; President and CEO of The Garrity Group Public Relations. “The changing world of community banks and credit unions have created some mergers of convenience. However, despite new names and expanded customer segments, local banks continue to be known for their community connections.”“National banks have a perception issue, but not because of the good work they do in our communities,” Garrity says. “The perception issues are likely due to issues at national banks in other parts of the country that get coverage on news networks or social media and review websites. Ever since the Great Recession of 2008, public perception of national banks has suffered. This is unfortunate because national banks help on their local communities, sometimes with greater financial impacts than local banks.” Jerry Walker, president and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers Association indicated in a 2020 Perception Broadcast that the number of local community banks in New Mexico has dwindled from 46 in 1991 to 33 this year. “NM is slow going into and slow going out of a recession,” says Mr. Walker. “With our regulatory environment, with the gross receipts tax system and corporate income taxes, which some bordering states do not have, we expect our business growth to be slower this year.”Local BanksNew Mexican’s favorability of Local Banks is consistent. In 2011, 66 percent of residents were favorable of local banks. In 2020, 67 percent of residents are favorable of local banks. New Mexico residents who annually earn between $40,000 and $79,999, have earned a high school degree and have lived in the state for more than 20 years are more favorable of local banks than other demographics.Geographically, residents living in the Northwest region are more favorable of local banks than those who live in other parts of the state.  New Mexicans living in the North Central region and the Albuquerque area are also favorable of local banks than residents in other parts of New Mexico.National BanksNational banks have routinely ranked lower than most other industries on the Garrity Perception Survey. The highest score for the industry came in 2015 with 41 percent of those surveyed having a favorable view. The lowest level of favorability was a mere 30 percent, in 2017. Favorability increased in 2020.Geographically, residents living in the Eastern and Northwestern parts of New Mexico tend to have a higher level of favorability of national banks than residents living in Albuquerque or Las Cruces.

The renewable energy industry ranks 7th among 17 industries and institutions included in the 2020 Garrity Perception Survey. This episode of the Perception Podcast features an interview with Mr.  Fernando Martinez, the executive director of the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority.New Mexico residents have a favorable opinion of the wind and solar industry according to the 2020 Garrity Perception Survey (GPS). Among the 17 industries surveyed, the renewable energy industry is the seventh most favorable industry in the state. The scientific survey among New Mexico residents was conducted in late January 2020. “The renewable energy industry is favorably positioning New Mexico to be a significant player in the generation and transmission of clean energy due in large part to New Mexico’s great assets in plentiful and quality wind and sunshine.” said Tom Garrity, President and CEO of The Garrity Group Public Relations. “The move to renewables is also driven by the 2019 Energy Transition Act that establishes a pathway for a low-carbon energy transition away from coal.”According to the State of New Mexico, the Energy Transition Act sets a statewide renewable energy standard of 50 percent by 2030 for New Mexico investor-owned utilities and rural electric cooperatives and a goal of 80 percent by 2040, in addition to setting zero-carbon resources standards for investor-owned utilities by 2045 and rural electric cooperatives by 2050.New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority’s Executive Director Fernando Martinez shared some insights about the increased favorability of the industry during a recent interview with Tom Garrity. “There are economic and environmental reasons for increased favorability of the industry.  Western energy policies have changed rapidly in the last few years. There are energy policies, meant to meet environmental benefits that are going to realized in NM and the surrounding states, but it is also great economics that are driving the wind and solar industry right now. Because wind and solar are now cheaper than new gas and new coal and that is even without the incentives of investment tax credits and production tax credits. We can say that wind and solar are now a large part of the new energy markets based solely on low cost.  And we expect by early 2030s that n w s will be cheaper than existing gas.”New Mexican’s favorability of the renewable energy industry has been consistently favorable, hovering right around 60 percent since the GPS started in 2011. Residents who are likely to have a favorable impression of the renewable energy industry includes voters who are registered as a democrat, have a graduate degree, household income of $40,000-$79,99 each year and between 50-64 years of age. Geographically, residents in the North Central region are the most favorable of wind and solar industry.  New Mexicans living in Albuquerque and the Las Cruces area are also favorable of the industry.About the Garrity Perception Survey and P.A.C.E. The 2020 Garrity Perception Survey is a scientific survey of New Mexico residents conducted by Research & Polling Inc. The survey has a 95% level of confidence.  The Garrity Group first commissioned the survey in 2011 and makes its cross-tab data available to help its clients identify and understand their target audience. The PACE solution leverages the demographic and geographic insights as a way for our clients to be relevant before their New Mexico audience. Identifying how our clients are Perceived by their Audiences, we Create a way for them to Engage relevant advocates.  For more information visit GarrityPR.com.

This episode of the #GPS2020 Podcast features the Film and Motion Picture Industry and an interview with Amber Dodson, who is the director of the New Mexico Film Office. We ask her to discuss the industry, which has a strong 70% favorability among New Mexico residents.The film industry ties for 3rd most favorable among 17 industries included in the 2020 Garrity Perception SurveyAlbuquerque, NM. – New Mexico residents have a very favorable opinion of the Film and Motion Picture Industry according to the 2020 Garrity Perception Survey (GPS). Among the 17 industries surveyed, the film and motion picture industry is the third most favorable in the state, tied with New Mexico community colleges. The scientific survey among New Mexico residents was conducted in late January 2020. The Film and Motion Picture Industry ties with Community Colleges as the third most favorable industry in New Mexico. Small Business (79%) and the Farm & Ranch Industry (77%) are the most favorable industries.  The National Laboratories and Local Banks (both 67%) follow the Film Industry as the next most favorable industries.Breaking Bad, No Country for Old Men and The Avengers are all productions that feature New Mexico in their credits and is one reason why the industry has such a favorable opinion among New Mexicans,” said Tom Garrity; President and CEO of The Garrity Group Public Relations. “According to NMFilm.com the industry has generated in excess of $1.4 billion into the New Mexico economy since 2015. In addition to economic impact, it provides a sense of pride when we see the state’s unique landscape featured on the big screen.”“It is not a mythical industry that happens somewhere else, it actually happens here on our streets, in our homes and employing our own local businesses in our state,” says Amber Dodson, Director of the New Mexico Film Office. “We are film friendly; this is an asset we have here when productions come to shoot here they are talking to, in general, to residents and business owners who have worked with the film industry and they think it is good for the economy, and it is. So many jobs are produced by the industry. Take for example, a feature film filmed here last year, Netflix’s Army of the Dead. They did most of the photography and production in Albuquerque and employed 501 New Mexico crew members, these are high paying jobs, lifelong careers as well as 2,000 background actors. This is a film friendly state because so many residents are employed or benefit from it.”Residents who are likely to have a favorable impression of the film and motion picture industry include people who have been residents of the state for less than eight years, a college graduate and over the age of 65 years. Geographically, residents living in North Central New Mexico have the highest favorability of the film industry than those living in other parts of the state. New Mexicans living in Albuquerque and the northwest parts of the state are also very favorable of the industry. 

We discussed the #GPS2020 Closer Look: Newspapers with Mr. Sammy Lopez, Executive Director of the New Mexico Press Association. In 2011 that newspaper ranked as the second most accessed information source in New Mexico. Fast forward to 2020, it dropped to fourth out of six sources, behind internet news sites and radio.

In times of crisis, we lean heavier on the opinions of those people we trust.This podcast features an excerpt of The 2020 GPS overview of New Mexican’s Trust of People and Professions. When it comes to who New Mexico residents trust, blood is thicker than water.We're not able to choose our family but we sure do trust them. Residents were asked to rate the trustworthiness of various people using a five-point scale where five is completely trustand one is completely distrust.  The large majority (76%) of New Mexicans view their family members or relatives as being trustworthy. Of this group, women were more likely to trust family members and relatives (81%) then men (61%).Teachers are trusted among 69 percent of New Mexico residents. Trust of teachers increases with the level of attained education. Among college graduates, 71 percent trust teachers, compared with 68% of high school graduates.Doctors are trusted by 66 percent of residents. In January, months before New Mexico’s first reported COVID-19 case, doctors had the highest level of trust among residents living in the Northwest (84%) and North Central (72%) parts of the state. Northwest New Mexico was harder hit by COVID-19 than any other part of the state. Also, 75 percent of residents 65 years or older trust doctors, compared to 67 percent of residents 18-34 years old.Rounding out the most trusted New Mexicans, 61 percent of residents trust scientists, and 58 percent view police officersas being trustworthy. Just over half (52%) of the state’s residents rate pastors, priests or other religious leaders as being trustworthy, which is a decline from 62 percent observed in 2017.On the flip side of the “red line,” a host of other people and professions have their work cut out. Those with trust below 50 percent often have to share one to two points defending their profession before proactively sharing something positive.Less than half of New Mexico residents view accountants (45%), judges (41%), the ordinary man or woman (40%), and business owners/executives (38%) as trustworthy. However, it should be noted that 26 percent view judges as untrustworthy, and 19 percent say the ordinary man or woman is untrustworthy. One in three residents view journalists as being trustworthy, while 33 percent distrust journalists and another 30 percent have mixed feelings. Residents living in New Mexico for more than 20 years have a higher level of trust (35%) for reporters than do residents who have been here for fewer than eight years (20%). More women (41%) than men (25%) trust journalists. Democrats (40%) and independent voters (30%) trust journalists more than Republicans (28%).When you look at trust by region, the numbers fluctuate. For example, in 2014 only 8 percent of residents living in the northwest region trusted journalists, compared to 57 percent who did not trust reporters and editors. In 2017, only 14 percent of residents on the east side of the state trusted journalists compared to 53 percent who distrusted the profession (read Closer Look: Newspapers on page 14).New Mexico residents are more likely to say they distrust the following people than they are to trust them: federal government officials (36% distrust, 29% trust); state government officials (35% distrust, 31% trust); lawyers (34% distrust, 29% trust); and advertising executives (40% distrust, 20% trust).For more information visit GarrityPR.com

Welcome to an overview of the 2020 Garrity Perception Survey, this is Tom Garrity.This segment addresses the 17 industries and institutions featured in the annual Garrity Perception Survey. It first started in 2011. The Garrity Group commissioned Research & Polling to conduct the survey.  It included a random sample of New Mexico adult residents, interviewed by telephone, between January 21st  and 30th , 2020.A total of 408 adult residents in New Mexico completed interviews providing a 95% confidence level.For more information about the Garrity Perception Survey, visit http://garritypr.com.

The Perception Podcast spends some time with Agnes Noonan who is the leader of WESST.  With locations in Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Roswell and Santa Fe the organization is a statewide small business development and training organization committed to growing New Mexico’s economy by cultivating entrepreneurship. Tom Garrity had the opportunity to serve on the WESST Board of Directors several years ago and has had the opportunity to remain connected to the organization through its clients like Comcast and organizations like Albuquerque Economic Forum.The conversation focused on her presentation to the Economic Forum which was an eye-opener on so many levels for Albuquerque’s business leaders.  The PowerPoint presentation is attached to this presentation.Link to learn more about WESST and to view their presentation to the Economic Forum http://garritypr.com/wesst-presentation 

Special Edition of the Perception Podcast focusing on the New Mexico First Forum: Sustainable Journalism: Preserving the Fourth EstateMeet the New Mexico First Spirit of Journalistic Excellence honoree Trip Jennings, Executive Director, New Mexico In DepthTom Garrity, President and CEO of the Garrity Group talks with Trip about his background in Journalism and thoughts on where the industry is headed.Trip Jennings, executive director. [email protected] NMinDepth.comTrip started his career in Georgia at his hometown newspaper, The Augusta Chronicle. Since then he’s worked at newspapers in California, Florida and Connecticut where he reported on many interesting stories, including the resignation and incarceration of Connecticut’s then-governor, John Rowland, and gang warfare in California. Since 2005, Trip has covered politics and state government for the Albuquerque Journal, The New Mexico Independent and the Santa Fe New Mexican.  He holds a Master’s of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga. In 2012, he co-founded New Mexico In Depth.The interviews are a part of Tom’s Perception Podcast through The Garrity Group.

The Perception Podcast today takes a bit of a darker turn as we focus on myth versus reality.  Breaking Bad vs Albuquerque,  The Wire vs. Baltimore Thank you for joining the perception podcast, this is Tom Garrity of The Garrity Group Public Relations. Based in Albuquerque where we help small businesses to be heard and large organizations to be understood in New Mexico.Joining me today on the Perception Podcast is Greg Abel of Abel Communications in Baltimore, Maryland.New Mexico is known for Green Chile and Baltimore is known for Crab Cakes. But if you watch mainstream television… those perceptions are so 1980’s! Both cities are known as being the iconic backdrops for television shows with a cult-like following: Albuquerque, NM is known for Breaking Bad and Baltimore is known for The Wire.This episode of the Perception Podcast provides Albuquerque listeners a chance to learn more about Baltimore and The Wire as a way to remind us that we are not alone!  Greg Abel shares some great insights that will resonate with Albuquerque and New Mexico residents.

Special Edition of the Perception Podcast focusing on the New Mexico First Forum: Sustainable Journalism: Preserving the Fourth EstateMeet our Panelists, Leaders in New Mexico JournalismGene Grant is the host of KNME’s public affairs program, New Mexico In Focus. A journalist and columnist, previous work includes the Albuquerque Tribune, Albuquerque Journal, and Weekly Alibi.  Listen to these podcasts to get a behind the scenes insights on the upcoming New Mexico First program, Sustainable Journalism: Preserving the Fourth Estate! Tom Garrity, President and CEO of the Garrity Group talks with our First Forum panelists, New Mexico journalists Gene Grant, Russell Contreras, Jessica Onsurez and Michelle Donaldson. Tom serves as a member of the New Mexico First Board of Directors and is chair of the upcoming First Forum Lecture Series—we thank him for contributing his time and talent. The interviews are a part of Tom’s Perception Podcast through his firm.

Special Edition of the Perception Podcast focusing on the New Mexico First Forum: Sustainable Journalism: Preserving the Fourth EstateMeet our Panelists, Leaders in New Mexico JournalismJessica Onsurez is the News Director for the USA Today network properties in southeast New Mexico: Carlsbad Current-Argus, Alamogordo Daily News and Ruidoso News. Her experience spans across education, government and data reporting.  Listen to these podcasts to get a behind the scenes insights on the upcoming New Mexico First program, Sustainable Journalism: Preserving the Fourth Estate! Tom Garrity, President and CEO of the Garrity Grouptalks with our First Forum panelists, New Mexico journalists Gene Grant, Russell Contreras, Jessica Onsurez and Michelle Donaldson. Tom serves as a member of the New Mexico First Board of Directors and is chair of the upcoming First Forum Lecture Series—we thank him for contributing his time and talent. The interviews are a part of Tom’s Perception Podcastthrough his firm.

Special Edition of the Perception Podcast focusing on the New Mexico First Forum: Sustainable Journalism: Preserving the Fourth EstateMeet our Panelists, Leaders in New Mexico JournalismMichelle Donaldson is vice president and general manager at KOB-4 TV news. She also worked as KRQE's news director and brings television as well as radio experience from the Phoenix and Detroit markets.  Listen to these podcasts to get a behind the scenes insights on the upcoming New Mexico First program, Sustainable Journalism: Preserving the Fourth Estate! Tom Garrity, President and CEO of the Garrity Group talks with our First Forum panelists, New Mexico journalists Gene Grant, Russell Contreras, Jessica Onsurez and Michelle Donaldson. Tom serves as a member of the New Mexico First Board of Directors and is chair of the upcoming First Forum Lecture Series—we thank him for contributing his time and talent. The interviews are a part of Tom’s Perception Podcast through his firm.

Bloomberg: Local News in America Is Dying. Charity Might Save ItSpecial Edition of the Perception Podcast focusing on the New Mexico First Forum: Sustainable Journalism: Preserving the Fourth EstateMeet our Panelists, Leaders in New Mexico JournalismRussell Contreras is a reporter with the Associated Press in Albuquerque. Previous work included the Boston Globe and Albuquerque Journal. Specialties include multi-media storytelling and enterprise writing. Listen to these podcasts to get a behind the scenes insights on the upcoming New Mexico First program, Sustainable Journalism: Preserving the Fourth Estate! Tom Garrity, President and CEO of the Garrity Group talks with our First Forum panelists, New Mexico journalists Gene Grant, Russell Contreras, Jessica Onsurez and Michelle Donaldson. Tom serves as a member of the New Mexico First Board of Directors and is chair of the upcoming First Forum Lecture Series—we thank him for contributing his time and talent. The interviews are a part of Tom’s Perception Podcast through his firm.

Since 2011, the Garrity Perception Survey has tracked how New Mexico residents get their news and information.In one corner, there is traditional media – this includes television, newspaper, and radio. Of the group, television has been, and remains, the most popular of the three news sources.Newspaper trends toward more of an older audience.  Newspaper’s strongest readers are located in the North Central and Northwest parts of New Mexico.Radio is favorable among demographics with lower annual incomes. Also, radio is strongest among the 35-49 and 50-64 age demographics.In the other corner, there is digital media – this includes internet news sites, social media and blogs.  Of the group, internet news sites are the most popular online source for information.Social media, which has come on strong in recent years, is accessed quite a bit for news and informationBlogs, very popular among subject matter groups, have yet to catch on like internet news sites and social media, as a place to get news and information.Geographically, digital media news sources are most popular in Albuquerque and in areas that are a part of other media markets.  This includes Farmington, Las Cruces, and Clovis markets their residents get news from the respective Durango, El Paso and Amarillo markets.To be successful in getting your personal or company news and information consumed by New Mexico residents,  we suggest developing strategies that can get your message in front of a variety of audiences.For topics relating to grand openings and pop culture, or to reach the largest number of people as quickly as possible, television and social media are solid resources.  Stories that are a bit wonky in nature (like those that are political in nature or issue oriented) should focus on newspaper and blogs. Radio is a great way to generate traffic to a brick and mortar site as well as a great vehicle to explain complex issues or promote topics that are conversational in nature.The challenge for both traditional and digital media sources is trust and relevancy.  Traditional media is more trusted than digital media.  Digital media is more relevant because of the “now”, but it lacks trust.One of the most underutilized aspects of getting the word out is something the industry refers to “atomizing content.”  This is making use of every possible aspect to share the story.  For example, when developing the news release, record the CEO’s comments on video using a mobile phone.  This information can be posted to a corporate website or used to populate digital media. The finished news release can be transformed into a blog post and turned into a week’s worth of social media content. The coverage of the news release can be shared on social media and the coverage links added to the news release page on the corporate website.More information and analysis of this information is available online at www.garrityperceptionsurvey.com.

New Mexico’s legal system is ripe with opportunity to gauge public opinion when compared to community conversations.The Garrity Perception Survey measures four areas related to the New Mexico legal and justice system.  It includes favorability of the courts and justice system as well as measures trust of judges, lawyers and law enforcement officers.Favorability of the courts and trust of lawyers do well to hover in the lower quarter of favorability.  Based on a seven-year statewide average, the courts system averages 26 percent favorability and lawyers average 21 percent favorability. Geographically, the two areas are hard pressed to find any pockets of significant support in any part of the state. It is safe to say that despite some very good people and qualified professionals, favorability of the court and trust of attorneys is difficult to increase given awareness of high crime rates, drunk drivers and repeat offenders.Interestingly, while New Mexico residents are not favorable of the courts they are trusting of its officers, the judges.  An 18 percent gap exists between trust of judges and favorability of the courts.  Geographically, judges have higher trust among residents living in the Eastern and South/Southwestern parts of the state.Police officers and law enforcement officers are the most trusted when compared with their two counterparts, judges and lawyers. However, New Mexico residents didn’t always have this level of trust (a 49 percent average) of police officers.In 2013 and 2014, a series of high profile incidents captured local, statewide and national attention.In 2013, the New Mexico State Police pulled over a van carrying the suspect and her five children.  After the second time the driver tried to speed away, officers fired three shots at the van’s tires. The police dash-cam video captured the exchange which made national coverage.  The officers were cleared of the shooting as a judge said they were justified to shoot at the tires.Also, in 2013, the Deming Police Department and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office conducted a full cavity search on a person who was pulled over for allegedly for not coming to a full stop at a stop sign in a Walmart parking lot.In 2014, the Albuquerque Police Department was involved in the fatal shooting of a homeless man who also suffered from mental disorders. After the shooting, the suspect was found to have knives in each hand.  The incident was one of several officer involved shootings faced by the department in as many months.The APD shootings captured the media attention and attracted attention of the United States Justice Department.  Police Chief Gordon Eden, an experienced law man and relatively new to his role as police chief, led changes to the force.  With the help of the Mayor and Albuquerque City Council, the Civilian Police Oversight Agency was established.These actions helped to rebuild trust among Albuquerque residents which in turn increased trust of police offices statewide.More information and analysis of this information is available online at www.garrityperceptionsurvey.com.

From 2011-2017, perceptions of healthcare in New Mexico have been impacted at a variety of levels.Consider these milestones at the Federal and State level.2010 inaugurated the Affordable Care Act (or ACA), also known as Obamacare.In 2013, the New Mexico Human Services Department halted funding to 15 behavioral health providers in response to allegations of Medicaid fraud this resulted in coverage interruptions for 30,000 of the state’s most vulnerable residents.Also in 2013, the New Mexico Healthcare Exchange was created by state law to help residents get affordable health care coverage.In 2014 the Veterans Health Administration was embroiled in a scandal where allegations of negligence were reported in the treatment of United States military veterans.As if 2013 didn’t have enough activity, New Mexico Governor Susanna Martinez expanded healthcare coverage, through the ACA, to include recipients of Medicaid. The expansion provided coverage for residents with household incomes up to 138 percent of the Federal poverty level.And according to US Census data, the uninsured rate in New Mexico fell from 18.6 percent in 2013 to 9.2 percent in 2016 — a drop of more than 50 percent, versus the national average drop of a little more than 40 percent.A 2015 report issued by the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center shows that New Mexico only has “nineteen hundred” primary care physicians. When compared to the State’s population, at the time, that equaled one primary care physician for every “thousand ninety-nine” New Mexicans in the state.Politically, in 2016, a unique political showdown developed between the legislature, Attorney General, State Auditor and Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.  At the center of the issue, the release of an audit claiming the Insurance Superintendent failed to collect nearly $200 million in taxes from insurance companies.The seven-year period also included new hospital construction and improvements as well as the creation of and merger of various insurance and medical groups.Despite the changes, New Mexico residents are generally consistent in how they feel about the medical system.  Favorability, hovers just below the 50 percent mark with the most fluctuation occurring in 2013 when it dropped from 49 percent to 46 percent.  Over the past seven years, the medical system has averaged 47 percent favorability among New Mexico residents.Geographically, residents in the Albuquerque area are the most consistent and generally have the highest levels of trust and favorability regarding doctors and the medical system. Residents in the Northwest have the largest swings in favorability of the medical system with a low of 45 percent in 2015 and high of 75 percent in 2016.  Trust of doctors also saw some extreme swings in North Central New Mexico with a 39 percent favorability in 2014 followed by 70 percent favorability in 2015.Interestingly, the oldest and youngest residents have the highest level of trust in physicians. The youngest (18-34 years of age), typically the lightest users of insurance and healthcare, have an average 66 percent trust of physicians compared to residents over the age of 65 years, the most frequent users of insurance and health care, who have a 69 percent average of trust in doctors. More information and analysis of this information is available online at www.garrityperceptionsurvey.com.

Faith and religion are intertwined with New Mexico history and who we are as a society.Generally, more than 70 percent of New Mexico residents place a high value of faith in their personal life.  Their favorability of religious institutions and trust of religious leaders isn’t far behind.Sixty five percent of New Mexico residents, on average, have a favorable view of religious institutions.  Sixty one percent of residents, on average, have a favorable view of religious leaders.However, drilling down into the numbers shows the impacts that scandal can have on perceptions of any industry.In 2013 and 2014, lawsuits against the Catholic Church, alleging abuse by several priests against parishioners, were in the headlines.  The New Mexico lawsuits were filed in 2013 and were reflected, in part, when the 2014 survey was in the field in February/March of that year. The lowest levels of trust and favorability of religious leaders and institutions were seen in the 2013 and 2014 surveys.  When news started to hit, Statewide trust of religious leaders dropped ten percent and favorability of religious institutions dropped eight percent.The negative hit was most evident among resident’s trust of priests in areas where there is a high level of catholic residents. Specifically, trust of religious leaders went from a high of 74 percent in 2013 to a low of 41 percent in 2015, a drop of 33 percent over the course of the year.  Trust of religious leaders in that region has still not recovered and trust among North Central residents remains the lowest in the state (an average of 58 percent).Conversely, areas with high level of protestant membership (Northwest and Eastern New Mexico) saw increases in trust of their religious leaders during that time.  In fact, residents in Northwest New Mexico saw an eleven percent increase in trust from 2013 to 2014.Paralleling legal settlements was an aggressive effort by the Catholic Church to own the narrative of showing compassion to the victims.  This resulted in a gradual increase of trust and favorability for all pastors and priests as well as churches.More information and analysis of this information is available online at www.garrityperceptionsurvey.com.

Perceptions of education swing wildly in New Mexico.  Media coverage and controversy tend to be the biggest sway of favorability and trust.  Another motivator of “perception” is political ideology.For example, favorability of universities tends to dip whenever there is controversy or transition in leadership.  Favorability of Universities in Southern New Mexico dipped when New Mexico State University was in the midst of a very hostile leadership transition. The same dip was seen in the Albuquerque area when the University of New Mexico’s sports programs grabbed the headlines.The scenario for K-12 education is not much different.  While people connect with people and not so much institutions, it should not be surprising about the general differences between the lower favorability of public schools and higher trust of teachers.  However, there are some things to notice in the seven years of perception surveys.In 2011, Public Schools enjoyed a 47 percent favorability.  The next year, it slipped to 38 percent. The ebb and flow of favorability continued.  Favorability increased for three years to 46 percent in 2015 only to drop again to 39 percent in 2017.Trust of Teachers is not as volatile, increasing three percent over the past seven years.  Teachers saw the lowest level of trust in 2013 (63 percent) and the highest level of trust in 2015 (74 percent).The age groups most vested in K-12 education are the 18-34 and 35-49 year old age group. New Mexico residents in these age groups are the most likely to have children in the public schools. Both of these age demographics place a high level of trust in teachers, both seeing peaks in 2015. The age groups tend to split a little more dramatically when it comes to favorability of public schools. The 18-34 age group, despite an 18 point shift from 2012 to 2015, tends to be more favorable of public schools than the 35-49 age group.Statewide, residents in Eastern New Mexico are the most favorable of public schools (51 percent average) while residents in Albuquerque have the lowest level of favorability (38 percent average).  Trust of teachers is highest in North Central New Mexico (an average of 70 percent). More information and analysis of this information is available online at www.garrityperceptionsurvey.com.

The energy industry will singlehandedly shape New Mexico’s future. Oil and gas coupled with “wind and solar” will respectively shape future state budgets and could become the state’s largest export to the west coast over the next 20 years.According to the Legislative Finance Committee, “New Mexico typically receives about $2 billion in direct revenue from oil and gas production through severance and property taxes and royalty and rental income. Additional indirect income is generated by sales and income taxes on “oil and gas” drilling and service, which generate about $300 million. The State of New Mexico’s 2018 budget is $6.3 billion.”According to the Wind Energy Foundation: “New Mexico stands out as an emerging wind powerhouse, adding wind power capacity at a faster rate than any other state in 2017. Wind farms supplied over 13 percent of the state’s electricity generation last year, enough to power over 422,000 average homes. New Mexico is now ranked 15th in the nation with installed capacity. A wave of new wind investment will soon advance the state’s leadership” in this arena.Over the past seven years, favorability of the two industries traditionally has had stark differences.  On average, 60 percent of state residents are favorable of the “solar and wind” industry versus 44 percent favorability of the “oil and gas” industry.Politically, those who identify themselves as republican are favorable of oil/gas while those who identify as democrat are just as favorable of solar/wind.Breaking down favorability of the industries by age reveals the 35-49 demographic is the most favorable of solar/wind while the 50+ demographic is most favorable of oil/gas.  Interestingly, the 65+ age group is least favorable of solar/wind compared to the 35-49 age group which is least favorable of oil/gas.Geographically, residents in North Central New Mexico are the most favorable of solar/wind  versus residents in Eastern New Mexico are the most favorable of oil/gas.Gender and ethnicity don’t really come into play as a differentiator for the solar/wind industry.  Male/Female and residents who identify themselves as Hispanic or Anglo are, on average, favorable of the renewable industry.The oil and gas industry is viewed with greater favorability among males versus females as well as residents who identify themselves as Anglo versus Hispanic.More information and analysis of this information is available online at www.garrityperceptionsurvey.com.

Providing insight and a voice for Fortune 500 companies that have a presence in New Mexico, The Garrity Group uses the data to demonstrate how New Mexico is not a “one size fits all” state.For example, how residents in Northwest New Mexico view the oil and gas industry varies differently than those in the North Central part of the state. We use the information with our “instate” clients as a basis for understanding the best way to approach unique communities throughout the Land of Enchantment.In the rapidly changing news industry, we use the information to shape our earned media plan. For example, if you want to use digital media to inform those who are favorable towards media, you will want to focus first on social media and then on bloggers.  If you are trying to decide whether print or radio is the best option to reach Farm & Ranch Industry advocates, the research skews toward newspaper. And if you are trying to chart ways to reach millennials, you will want to focus on “niche” digital campaigns.More information and analysis of this information is available online at www.garrityperceptionsurvey.com.

This is the introduction for the 2018 Garrity Perception Survey.  For more information please visit www.aboutperception.com In 1997, The Garrity Group embarked on its a journey to be a firm that shares its trusted public relation skills and unique New Mexico insights generously with its clients.In 2011, the firm stepped up its offering pursuing thought leadership through our annual Garrity Perception Survey.Over the past seven years’ the firm has commissioned Albuquerque-based Research & Polling to conduct the annual survey.Each year, survey participants are interviewed by telephone (both landlines and cell phones) in the February/March timeframe. The scientific, statewide survey usesthecurrent United States Census as its guide, to ensure there is no “over” or “under representation” of geographic or demographic populations. Each year, the survey features responses of approximately 405 New Mexico residents, consistently providing a 95 percent level of confidence. 

The Garrity Group has a quick five minute take on the perception issues facing the Ohio State University and its head coach for the football program. We also weigh in on how this piles onto other issues in the Big 10 with Michigan State, Maryland and Wisconsin.

The Perception Podcast features Phill Casaus, editor of The Santa Fe New Mexican. Phill offers insights as both a former editor at The Albuquerque Tribune and The Rocky Mountain News as well as work with the Albuquerque Public Schools Foundation. Tom Garrity caught up with Phill following his comments to the New Mexico Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. http://www.santafenewmexican.com

The Perception Podcast features Jim Strozier of Consensus Planning, a firm that specializes in planning, urban design and landscape architecture. Their clients include some craft breweries in the Albuquerque area. Tom Garrity caught up with Jim to discuss the Albuquerque craft brew scene.Companies discussed in this podcast include: Consensus Planning http://consensusplanning.com , High and Dry Brewing http://highanddrybrewing.com , Bow and Arrow Brewing http://www.bowandarrowbrewing.com , Marble Brewery http://www.marblebrewery.com

The Garrity Group is a long time supporter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico. Its long-time executive director, Kristin Rortvedt, is relocating to closer to family. This provided a great opportunity to get Kristin's insights on how to run a successful nonprofit and get her thoughts on other organizations that are making an impact.http://www.rmhc-nm.org/http://www.saranamabq.org https://www.fathersbuildingfutures.com