On Friday, October 19, 75 students from New Mexico Highlands University, Luna Community College, University of New Mexico-Los Alamos, University of New Mexico-Taos, Northern New Mexico College, and Santa Fe Community College gathered at the Luna Community College campus to meet each other and hear stories of success from members of their communities.

The Los Alamos National Security (LANS) Governing Board voted to support a new Community Commitment Plan starting in 2013 which will provide $3 million in support to Northern New Mexico communities in the areas of economic development, education and community giving. The RDC is proud to be the partner for economic development and will partner with LANS and LANL to offer services to Northern New Mexico businesses.                                                           Top 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $1.25 million, 5-year grant to New Mexico Tech to support a partnership with the RDC and 5 Northern New Mexico Colleges.  The grant will provide assistance for students finishing 2-year degrees in technology related areas at Santa Fe Community College, UNM Los Alamos, Northern New Mexico College, UNM Taos and Luna Community College who wish to pursue a 4-year degree at New Mexico Tech.

The RDC will coordinate summer internships in Northern New Mexico for students while at New Mexico Tech and assist in finding full-time employment in our region once they have completed a 4-year degree.  Northern New Mexico communities have identified as a priority training our workforce for technology related jobs.  More info                                                   .Top 

• President, Steve Wells, President, Los Alamos National Bank
• Immediate Past President, Ron Martinez, Director, NNM Enlace
• President Elect, Jennifer Jenkins, Principal, Jenkins/Gavin Design and Development
• Secretary, Jack Jekowski, Principal Partner, Innovative Technologies Partnerships, LLC
• Treasurer, Cedric Page, Executive Director, University of New Mexico - Los Alamos     Top 

On October 4, the RDC recognized the first eight companies identified in our 20/20 Campaign.  Together the companies in the 2012 class employ 270 people and have combined revenues of over $59 million. These eight companies are identified as having high growth potential and currently have a proven and developed product or service. They receive important business resources, including operational, financial and technical support from service providers. The aim is to help them double their revenues and work force over the next four years. The eight companies are:

• Bicycle Technologies International, Santa Fe
• Black Mesa Winery, Velarde
• Performance Maintenance, Inc, Espanola
• Positive Energy, Santa Fe
• Santa Fe Brewing Company, Santa Fe
• Siriusware, Taos
• Star Cryoelectronics, Santa Fe
• Vapour Organic Beauty, Taos,

See photos from winning businesses here.

For more information about these companies and the 20/20 Program, click here.                                  Top 

The Regional Development Corporation with generous support from the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Security, LLC, and the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department has initiated The Native American Venture Acceleration Fund. This fund is designed to make awards to tribally owned companies that lead to diversity of revenues, create new jobs, and put systems in place that lead to growth. The awards will be up to $30,000 and we expect to have the awards made before the end of this calendar year. At this time, we have received 11 qualifying proposals. Next week there will be presentations by the businesses to a review committee, and then the awards will be announced this month.                     Top 

Regional Development Corporation received a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award for their Accelerate - Technical Training and Job Placement program (see story about Accelerate program)

IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential leaders. These awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world's largest independent non-profit membership and research organization devoted exclusively to the field of economic development. IEDC helps economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions.       Top 

The definition of success varies from person to person. To students enrolled in the RDC's Accelerate program at one of six institutions of higher education in Northern New Mexico, earning their certificate or 2-year technical degree is often an achievement that provides the first stepping stone on their pathway to success.

Liddie Martinez, Director Community and Economic Development at Securing Our Country in Los Alamos, served as the panel discussion facilitator. Students heard from several individuals, including Wagon Mound native and New Mexico State Auditor Hector Balderas; Kim Shanahan, the executive director of Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association; Gil Gallegos an assistant professor of computer science at Highlands; and Vangie Trujillo of the LANL Community Program's Office. They also heard from Olivia Lopez a master's student at UNM-Los Alamos and Fatima Pino an Accelerate student at the Center for Biomedical Engineering at UNM.

Luna student Edward Maes said the program is helping him reach his education goals. Maes, a Mora native, plans to graduate with an associates degree in general science in May. Once he graduates, he plans to pursue a bachelor's in forestry at Highlands. "I wasn't expecting these professional people to have a similar background as me," Maes said. "Hector (Balderas) is a first-generation college student and so am I."         Top 

About Us

kathy@rdcnm.org  

505-820-0402                                                                                                                                                   Top