Today we visited with Johanna Nelson, the Director of the Office of Economic Development. Johanna shares the ‘Go Local, Go Different’ campaign, an initiative designed to bolster local businesses while fostering community spirit and economic growth. In our conversation, the spotlight is on Hit or Miss Archery, a family-owned business that is revolutionizing the recreational sports scene in Santa Fe.Owners Neil Overbay and his family have warmly embraced the Go Local initiative, seeing it as a chance to integrate more deeply into the community while showcasing the extensive world of archery beyond hunting. As they articulated, archery is a versatile sport, accommodating everyone from competitive sharpshooters to families seeking fun outings.
The episode unfolds with Hit or Miss Archery’s journey, from its original establishment in Albuquerque to its recent expansion into Santa Fe near the corner of Cerrillos Rd and Zafarano. Neil shares the challenges and excitement of opening a new location, underscored by the friendly reception from the Santa Fe community. The warm hospitality extended by local residents and organizations signifies a thriving network keen on supporting local businesses.
A significant part of our conversation explored the inclusive environment that Hit or Miss Archery strives to create. From offering private lessons to hosting corporate events, birthday parties, and even gender reveals, the business has managed to position itself as a cornerstone of community engagement. It’s evident that the Overbay family is not just selling archery gear but forging a place where families can make lasting memories.
Engagement with the local community is further exemplified by the partnerships hit-or-miss archery has fostered, including camaraderie with the Santa Fe Day Archers club. Such alliances not only promote the sport but also strengthen communal ties, showcasing the power of local collaborations in achieving collective success.
Despite initial nerves about expanding into a new area, Hit or Miss Archery’s experience indicates that when businesses choose to go local, they receive an invaluable welcome and support system. As Neil observed, supporting local — whether through engaging with local restaurants or retail — has become a fundamental philosophy for his family, echoing a sentiment that many local entrepreneurs share.
Ultimately, this episode is a testament to the robust and growing network of businesses in Santa Fe who are united under the banner of sustaining local growth. Joining initiatives like Go Local, Go Different isn’t just an opportunity for individual business prowess but a shared journey towards a more prosperous, connected, and vibrant Santa Fe. As we continue these insightful discussions, we invite all to discover and support the incredible entrepreneurs reshaping our city, one business at a time.
Join us for a conversation with Johanna Nelson, Director of Santa Fe’s Office of Economic Development as we explore the Go Local, Go Different campaign and the impact of supporting local businesses. This episode highlights Hit or Miss Archery, a family-owned business bringing a fresh recreational experience to Santa Fe. Hear how their business and other community-driven businesses are helping strengthen the local economy and what it means to shop local.
