News and Media

Carlsbad, New Mexico at the Heart of Fastest State Growth

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Carlsbad, NM, September, 2021 – According to the most recent U.S. Census tallies, Eddy County New Mexico was the fastest growing area of the state over the last ten year. With a growth rate of 15.8% and an overall population of 62,314 Eddy County continues to be a hot spot for economic vitality. Carlsbad, the county seat in Eddy, is the epicenter of this growth. The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) obtained the raw U.S. Census data recently and discovered that the Census County Division (CCD) shows Carlsbad’s population count at 40,665. According to the U.S. Census states can have one o...

U-Haul announces opening of three-story moving and storage center in Carlsbad

Friday, September 03, 2021

Demands for secure self-storage units and moving services prompted U-Haul to build a facility in Carlsbad. July 1 the Phoenix, Arizona- based company acquired property west of South Canal Street and U.S. Highway 62/180, a news release from the company stated. The company, founded in 1945 in Ridgefield, Washington, planned a three-story storage center which would sit on 6.23 acres and should open by next year, read the release. Continue reading here.

Eddy County Sees Significant Rise in COVID-19 Cases

Friday, August 06, 2021

As the number of COVID-19 cases increases rapidly in Eddy County, your most effective defense is the COVID-19 vaccine. Unfortunately, Eddy County represents one of the state’s highest resurgences in COVID-19 cases with positivity rate of 15.76%. Consequently, Artesia General Hospital is caring for a rising number of critically ill patients, and nearby healthcare facilities are exceeding capacity. The current vaccine rate in Eddy County, according to the Department of Health, is 41.1% – the fourth lowest of the state’s 33 counties. If you haven’t been vaccinated, it is not too late! Appointments can be scheduled through the New Mexico Department o...

Carlsbad is Open and Ready to Celebrate Park and Recreation Month

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

July is Park and Recreation Month and Carlsbad, New Mexico, is known for its outdoor spaces. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Lincoln National Forest, Brantley Lake State Park, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, and Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area enrich the excellent quality of life enjoyed by residents and create a vacation destination for visitors. They are also major economic drivers. Now that New Mexico is opening up from pandemic restrictions, programming is once again in full swing: Carlsbad is open and ready to be enjoyed. “Carlsbad is the gateway to two national parks and home to two state park...

New trailer and intern part of State grant for Keep Carlsbad Beautiful

Monday, July 19, 2021

More than $10,000 for an equipment trailer and a youth intern are part of a State grant for Keep Carlsbad Beautiful approved by the Carlsbad City Council. In a memorandum to councilors from City of Carlsbad Utilities Director Ron Myers, the City was awarded a $15,000 grant through the New Mexico Department of Tourism’s Keep New Mexico Clean and Beautiful Grant for the current fiscal year. Councilors approved the grant July 13 during a regular City Council meeting. Keep Carlsbad Beautiful Director Mary Garwood said the grant included $4,900 for an equipment trailer and $5,760 for a youth intern. Read full article.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Open For Reservation

Sunday, July 18, 2021

Photos of Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Eddy County, New Mexico. Carlsbad Caverns includes the largest chamber in North America , named the Big Room, which is almost 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high at its highest point according to National Park Service. The cavern features a variety of speleothems including columns, soda straws, draperies, helictites, and popcorn. The park offers bat flight viewing at sunset and sunrise. The park contains over 119 caves but only three caves are open to public tours. Carlsbad Caverns is the most famous and is full...

Carlsbad Medical Center remains steadfast in service to southeastern New Mexico

Saturday, July 17, 2021

I write today with hope for the future and gratitude for the resilience of our provider team at Carlsbad Medical Center. The pandemic has demonstrated how interconnected we all are, the impact each one of us can have and the benefit of working together for a common cause. We care deeply about our community and remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver safe, quality healthcare services. The arc of life is always present in a hospital, but its frailty has been very clear this past year. Thousands of patients received the medical care they needed thanks to our physicians, nurses, pharmacists...

15 Organizations Receive Economic Development Grants

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

SANTA FE, N.M. – Nearly $260,000 has been awarded to 15 local economic development organizations through LEADS, Local Economic Assistance & Development Support, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) announced today. Grant amounts ranged from $7,400 to $25,000 and funding is provided on a cost reimbursement basis. Funding provided through LEADS is intended to create jobs through recruitment, retention, expansion, and startup activities; develop the tax base; and provide incentives for business development. “LEADS is an important program because it allows us to invest in strong initiatives and collaborate with local communities as we work together to create jobs,” Economic Developmen...

New Mexico prepares for new rural broadband push

Saturday, July 03, 2021

When Carey Beam tried to initiate an online job training program for rural residents in Northern New Mexico, she got what she called “a kick in the teeth.” The group that wanted to run the program at a library in the village of Cuba told her the internet connection there was not strong enough to train people to work from home. That was summer 2019. Two years later, Beam, who has lived in the tiny community for five years, said nothing has changed. “We hit a roadblock with internet connectivity,” she said. Read full article.

NM internet company to expand rural services after being denied by state

Thursday, July 01, 2021

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The pandemic exposed just how bad internet access is in many parts of New Mexico. However, when a local internet firm wanted to expand service last year, a state agency denied their request. New Mexico Surf offers wireless internet and says their current system on Sandia Crest is overloaded. Last year, the New Mexico Department of Transportation denied their permit to build roadside utility poles for projects that would have expanded service in the east mountains. “That would cover the entire Sandia Park area that would allow us to give 100-meg service which a lot of the consumers only hav...

Carlsbad, NM Economic Department of Development Recognizes National Homeownership Month

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Any month can be “homeownership month” when you are purchasing a home. The Carlsbad Department of Development recognizes National Homeownership Month during June and beyond by raising awareness about the benefits that homeownership brings to families, neighborhoods, and communities alike. The real estate market is thriving, and Carlsbad is working to make homeownership a reality for individuals who dream of owning their own home. Why Homeownership Matters Owning a home is a cornerstone of the “American Dream.” Homeownership produces a sense of pride, financial stability, and equity. Many homeowners benefit from tax deductions and affordable monthly mortgage payments that are lower than th...

Carlsbad Museum and Art Center gets new name and logo

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

The Carlsbad Museum and Art Center returned to its roots after a name change approved by Carlsbad City Councilors. Founded in 1931 as the first municipal museum in New Mexico, the museum was known as the Carlsbad Museum or Carlsbad Municipal Museum. In the 1980s it became the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center, read a memo from City of Carlsbad Municipal Services Director Angie Barrios-Testa. Councilors approved the name change June 8 after a presentation at the May 25 meeting by Jameson Lucas IV of Open Minds Awake, a brand and design creative agency. Read full article.

New Mexico's economic outlook continues to improve

Monday, June 14, 2021

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – State lawmakers received a promising update about New Mexico's economy during a state interim committee meeting Monday. New Mexico businesses are expanding, according to the update. Intel, for example, is adding 700 new jobs. "We feel like this investment, which is an additional 700 jobs and 3.5 billion dollars of CapEx that they're going to spend, is not only going to be a huge uplift for that community of Rio Rancho and Albuquerque, but it's also going to put this facility in line for potential federal funding,” said Alicia Keyes, cabinet secretary of the Economic Development Department. Read full article.

Carlsbad Police get $101K grant from State for Enhanced 911 system

Friday, June 11, 2021

A $101,000 grant from the State of New Mexico should improve emergency telephone services at the Carlsbad Police Department. Tuesday night, the Carlsbad City Council approved a grant agreement for fiscal year 2022 with the Local Government Division of the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) for the Enhanced 911 Act. The New Mexico State Board of Finance awarded the grant to the City of Carlsbad May 18 for enhanced 911 services and equipment, read the agreement with the State. Read full article.

Here's How These Businesses Exploded During the Pandemic

Wednesday, June 09, 2021

It’s been incredibly interesting to watch just how the world has responded to the Covid-19 crisis. Some businesses and individuals didn’t seem to respond or pivot at all, but a select group of companies figured out how to not only stay afloat, but also thrive in the midst of this pandemic. These companies, the successful amidst the chaos, act as a compelling case study for many economists around the globe (since this is truly all unprecedented), and for myself. I’ve been looking at the companies that have actually grown during Covid-19, and I dug into just how they’ve been able to do it. Hopefully, this insight wil...

Front Line: Infrastructure Upgrades Vital to U.S. Economy

Wednesday, June 02, 2021

One of President Joe Biden’s first acts was to announce a $2.3 trillion bill to repair and upgrade the nation’s infrastructure. The bill addresses what has become a perennial topic of debate in Congress, and one that has repeatedly been set aside for action at some future date. It has been well-documented across the United States that years of neglect have resulted in roads and bridges in dire need of repair, outdated public transportation, subpar Internet service, and other critical infrastructure needs. In its most recent report card on the condition of America’s infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE...

In Focus: The Effects of the Pandemic on Industrial Design

Tuesday, June 01, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected every facet of our economy, increasing a cultural reliance on e-commerce that is here to stay. Retailers have responded by minimizing square footage of brick-and-mortar store fronts, keeping less inventory on site, and focusing more on entertainment and experiential retail to keep shoppers engaged. As a result, the need for warehousing and industrial space has exploded, driving the desire for large-scale, innovative facilities that maximize efficiency and logistical operations. The literal driving force behind the industrial surge is the expansion of transportation capabilities worldwide, with international trade becoming the engine of the global economy. Goods ar...

Spectacular Carlsbad Caverns: Tourism and Economic Benefits

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

National Parks are some of the best destinations to visit in the U.S., and one of those gems is Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Hidden beneath the Chihuahuan Desert’s deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and wildlife are ancient caves of all sizes that were formed when the slow drip of water ladened with sulfuric acid dissolved the limestone. The allure of Carlsbad Caverns National Park brings in major tourism that has substantial economic benefits for the community. Quoted in a press release, Douglas Neighbor, Superintendent of Carlsbad Caverns, said, “National Park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returnin...

$200 Million in LEDA Recovery Grants Available

Friday, May 14, 2021

Grants of Up to $100,000 For Businesses to Hire Employees SANTA FE, N.M. – Applications are now being accepted for Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) Recovery Grants of up to $100,000, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) and New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA) announced today. The temporary relief fund was created in the 2021 Legislative Session to help businesses that were hit the hardest by the pandemic. Applications are due no later than June 15, 2021. “We know that small businesses are the lifeline of New Mexico's economy; their success and stability is critical for building a successful and sustainable recovery," Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said...

8 Strategies For Lowering Your Startup Costs

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Starting a business can cost tens of thousands of dollars, even if you’re working with something small and lean. If you’re trying to launch a business that requires heavy equipment, or if you’re looking to expand quickly, you might need millions. It’s likely that you will face a financial burden upon entering the world of entrepreneurship. Fortunately, there are many strategies you can use to get the funding necessary to cover the expenses, such as working with a VC, an angel investor, or crowdfunding. But you may still need to call upon some creative tactics to reduce the expenses your business i...

New Mexico Makes an Elite List of Top Economic Development Projects

Monday, May 10, 2021

May 10th, 2021 – The State of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque have been recognized for closing one of the most impactful economic development projects of 2020. Site Selection, an international publication of business expansion and economic development, annually recognizes the Top 20 Deals in North America. The Netflix expansion in Albuquerque has made the most recent list of top 20 deals. It is the first time New Mexico has been chosen by Site Selection for Top 20 Deal recognition. “Netflix’s decision to expand in New Mexico comes at a time when we are working toward a strong, diversified economic recovery,&rdquo...

State Accepting Applications for the 2021 Outdoor Equity Fund

Monday, May 03, 2021

SANTA FE, N.M. – Applications for the Outdoor Equity Fund to support New Mexico's outdoor recreation economy are open, Director of the Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) Axie Navas announced today. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2021 by 5 pm MT. Now in its second year, the first-of-its-kind Outdoor Equity Fund supports organizations who focus on improving equitable access to the outdoors for local youth. The grant was created to foster transformative outdoor experiences, stewardship, and respect for New Mexico’s land, water, and cultural heritage. Spending time outside is more important than ever for our mental and physical well-being an...

The plain truth about virtual site visits for commercial real estate

Monday, May 03, 2021

There's a lot of talk and excitement among economic developers about using virtual tours to profile commercial real estate to potential investors and site selectors who may not be able to visit in person because of the pandemic. We get that - it IS genuinely exciting. There are so many compelling new ways to let people see a property - inside and out - from the comfort and safety of their offices. Even after the pandemic recedes, this will remain an excellent way to engage and inform businesses making location decisions. Unfortunately, there's also a lot of miscommunication and misinformation about what virtua...

During Economic Development Week Carlsbad, NM Celebrates Its Growth During the Pandemic

Friday, April 30, 2021

The sixth annual National Economic Development Week is May 9-15, 2021. National Economic Development Week was created in 2016 by the International Economic Development Council — the largest professional membership organization for economic developers — to recognize the unique role that economic development has in creating flourishing communities with strong economies. The Carlsbad New Mexico Department of Development is doing the work every day to support its business owners and residents. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a trying time, but through it all, Carlsbad’s diversified and robust economy continued its trajectory of growth. With so many companies succeeding, Carlsbad’s well-paid workforc...

Southeastern NM Business Finance Fair connects businesses to financial resources

Thursday, April 29, 2021

SANTA FE, N.M. – In an effort to assist businesses in obtaining the financial resources they need, and help lenders find projects they wish to finance, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) is hosting another finance fair, this time geared toward businesses and lenders located in Southeastern New Mexico, EDD Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced today. The online event will take place on June 9, 2021 from 12 – 2 p.m. Business Finance Fairs are part of an EDD initiative which seeks to connect funding entities with local projects. The Finance Fair debuted on July 17, 2019 in Taos...

State Approves Job Training Funds for 575 Trainees

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) board approved $2.8 million in funding to 15 companies to train and upskill a total of 575 employees, Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced. This tranche of companies approved at the April JTIP board meeting included three that have never applied for JTIP funding before, DeeDee’s Finest Beef Jerky in Española and Pronto Signs and Solstar Space Company in Santa Fe. Additionally, of the 15 awarded companies, six of them have received JTIP funding only once before. “JTIP is a proven tool to help businesses create jobs and keep them in Ne...

Airports in Eddy and Lincoln Counties Receive Nearly $1M for Improvements

Monday, April 19, 2021

Nine airports in New Mexico, including those in Eddy and Lincoln counties, received $1.7 million in federal grants for various improvements, U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell (R-NM) announced. She said the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the funds to airports in the Second Congressional District. Sierra Blanca Regional Airport was awarded $600,000, the most of any airport in the district, to reconstruct 6,300 feet of taxiway and 6,300 feet of runway, read the press release. Read full article.

EDD Announces New Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator

Monday, April 19, 2021

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Economic Development Department (EDD) is excited to announce that Shani Harvie will be stepping into a newly created position as Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator (JEDI Coordinator), EDD Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced today. Harvie will be responsible for connecting minorityowned businesses and community organizations in underserved communities with economic development programs, resources, and opportunities. The position, approved through Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office, will work to address systemic inequities and create equitable representation for all New Mexico businesses, while ensuring diversity and inclusion are prioritized moving forward. Read full article.

Adventure Vision Brings Eye Care to Children in Rural New Mexico

Friday, April 16, 2021

CARLSBAD, N.M., April 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In just five counties of rural New Mexico, more than 16,000 children are insured by Medicaid, but only 3% of these children have had an eye exam in the past year because, in these areas, there are not enough providers who offer appointments for children on Medicaid. At Adventure Vision, we are committed to making an impact on the access to care issue. Our mission is to provide vision care to children in underserved areas. This year, Adventure Vision is setting out to bring vision care to children in the more rural area...

How To Be Creative As An Entrepreneur

Tuesday, April 06, 2021

You might think that creativity requires the antithesis of rules and regulation. Even the thought of being creative conjures up images of disorder. Messy rooms, paint everywhere, scraps of paper with ideas scrawled across them. The frantic creative genius works away, oblivious to the world around them. Chaos. Method in madness. Flashes of brilliance among a cluttered existence. The best entrepreneurs are creative. They need to find ways of solving old and new problems. They picture a world that doesn’t yet exist, they bring products to life using only their imagination. They think of ways to move forward, grow bigger an...

In Focus: Driving Economic Prosperity Through Entrepreneurism

Monday, April 05, 2021

The coronavirus pandemic plunged the world into a deep health and economic crisis. The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine points to a “light at the end of the tunnel” for the country’s physical health, but as we collectively take stock for ways to rebuild our economy stronger and more resilient than before, we need to remember what works. Entrepreneurism has been, and will continue to be, a driver of long-term economic growth. The economic free fall brought about by the coronavirus was unexpected and unprecedented. Experts are still attempting to fully understand, quantify, and predict the full extent of the fallout...

The Secret To Business Survival In Today’s Tough Market

Sunday, April 04, 2021

As we were ringing in 2020, it’s safe to say that almost no one could have imagined the novel year that was virtually at our doorsteps. Like a monsoon, Covid-19 arrived, and with it a plethora of changes to not only how we live and work, but how business is conducted. Quarantines and lockdowns became a way of life, forcing companies to transform how they operate. Office staff, sales reps, and others who were considered non-essential workers began working from home. In-person meetings and sales calls became a thing of the past, replaced by collaboration tools to boost the efficiency o...

One Year After The First Wave Of Pandemic Jobs Losses, U.S. Adds Nearly A Million Jobs In March

Friday, April 02, 2021

A year after the devastating first wave of pandemic-related job losses came to light, the U.S. added 916,000 jobs in March, the Labor Department said. It’s an encouraging sign on the anniversary of what was an especially distressing week for the workforce. Weekly jobless claims surged to a staggering 6.65 million for the week ending March 28, 2020. At the time, it was the highest level ever recorded. That month, the U.S. economy lost a total of 701,000 jobs in the first payroll decline since 2010. This March, the unemployment rate fell slightly to 6%—down from 6.2% in February. It’s a stark difference from the unemployment rat...

Enjoy the Outdoors and Life on the Water in Carlsbad, NM

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

One reason the quality of life is superb in Carlsbad, NM is because the pioneers knew what they were doing when they settled along the Pecos River. When you think of Carlsbad, desert and caverns may come to mind, but right in town there are miles of riverfront walkways and trails, boating, fishing, and the popular Lake Carlsbad Beach Park. Travel a mere 12 miles north and the wide open spaces of Lake Brantley State Park are there to enjoy. In Carlsbad, it is easy to play as hard as you work. It is apparent why Carlsbad topped the lis...

Delta Constructors is happy to announce the opening of our new Carlsbad, New Mexico office.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Established in 2009, Delta delivers full-service Industrial Construction and Maintenance contracting, across three separate regions spanning from the Gulf Coast to Alaska’s North Slope. We strive to deliver the highest levels of performance in Safety, Quality, and Value to the clients and communities we serve. The Carlsbad regional office is our newest facility since Delta began support of the Delaware (Permian) Basin activities in 2015. Opened in the fall of 2020, our newly constructed 12,000 square foot facility on 10 acres features workspace for our administrative, procurement, engineering, and management staff, as well as a Fabrication and Maintenance shop space. Makin...

Ring Lights And Late Nights: How The Remote Revolution Has Changed The Workforce

Thursday, March 11, 2021

It’s been one year since the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic, forcing companies across the country to close their office doors. Today, nearly half (47%) of American employees are currently working from home at least part of the time, according to a study by Glassdoor. As vaccine production and distribution ramps up, some employers have announced definitive return-to-work dates. Others have committed to permanent remote-work arrangements, and freelance platform Upwork expects that 36.2 million Americans will be working from home by 2025, an 87% increase from pre-pandemic levels—and a sign that this grand experiment in telecommuting has done more than just make Zoo...

State Focuses on Rebuilding Industry Jobs

Tuesday, March 02, 2021

When the Great Recession ended in 2009, it took the United States five years to regain lost jobs. In New Mexico, recovery took twice that long, with the state surpassing its pre-recession employment levels just before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the economy to a halt. It was a lost decade of job growth that stalled upward mobility for workers and families and forced college graduates – New Mexico’s future – to leave the state for opportunities elsewhere. The reason it took twice as long to recover: New Mexico’s answer to tight budgets was to cut economic development investments in the LEDA fun...

Governor Lujan Grisham Applauds Economic Security Measures

Monday, March 01, 2021

SANTA FE, N.M. – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes applaud key legislative initiatives that will grow the economy, create jobs, and provide for a new layer of economic security for New Mexico families and businesses. The stimulus and relief measures are significant in reach, tackling all aspects of the pandemic-related economic emergency, including direct assistance to front-line workers, grants for small businesses, innovative licensing reforms, local purchasing initiatives, and long-term investments in early childhood education. Gov. Lujan Grisham's executive budget recommendation included almost half a billion dollars for pandemic relief. The governor pledged to wor...

Gov. Lujan Grisham signs House Bill 11, delivering $200M to N.M. businesses

Friday, February 26, 2021

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 11 into law, delivering $200 million in grants to support New Mexico businesses to ease the hiring or rehiring of employees. “New Mexico will continue to get meaningful financial assistance out the door to businesses all across the state,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Our economy will bounce back. And businesses will get back on their feet.” “We are grateful to Governor Lujan Grisham for her support on House Bill 11, and for all of her leadership throughout this challenging year,” said Speaker of the House Brian Egolf. “We convened the 2021 sessio...

Marketing Tips For Early-Stage Startups

Friday, February 26, 2021

Every business needs a way to tell its customers about its products and services. Those marketing channels differ from one business to another and can change as the business grows. And just like everything else in business, marketing needs an investment. In the earliest stages of a startup, this investment is usually best spent developing a product customers need. Imagine that you have just developed two brand new products. Product one has great signs of possible product-market fit based on customer interviews and the validation experiments data. Yet, you have no marketing budget for it. Product two is not validated at all, but you hav...

How To Attract Remote Workers To Your Community

Monday, February 22, 2021

You know you need remote workers, now let's talk about how to attract remote workers to your community. REMOTE WORKERS bring an abundance of advantages to a local workforce, from growing the tax base to diversifying the labor pool. As remote work continues to grow, more communities will benefit from adding remote workers to their local workforce. WAYS TO ATTRACT REMOTE WORKERS TO YOUR COMMUNITY REMOTE WORK IS THE NEW NORM Nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers who have been working remotely during the pandemic want to continue to work from home, according to a GALLUP POLL. Between April and May 2020, the number of remote workers in the U.S. doubled, GALLUP REPORTS...

New Housing Options in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Carlsbad, New Mexico is a desirable place to live with an enviable quality of life. With a population that has seen tremendous growth over the past 10 years, Carlsbad's cost of living is 23.9% lower than the U.S. average. Carlsbad has also seen its job market increase by 8.5% over the last year. Eddy County — home to Carlsbad, Loving, and Artesia — was assessed by financial consulting firm SmartAsset to be New Mexico’s leading county in terms of business growth with a seven percent business growth rate and an incoming investment index of 61.86. The study evaluated the number o...

How to Host Better Virtual Meetings

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

If you’re like most professionals, you spent a lot of time in virtual meetings in 2020 and will in 2021 — more than you ever thought possible in, say, 2015. And if you’re like most professionals meeting virtually, you’ve lamented the fact that they could be better. Virtual meetings suffer many of the same drawbacks as traditional meetings, including poor organization, bloated time slots and disinterested attendees. But they also suffer from a batch of problems uniquely their own, including intermittent delays, connectivity issues and the dreaded patterns of ongoing interruptions. And of course, virtual meetings aren’t going anywhere. Many businesses that transitioned t...

Lawmakers push bill to expand broadband in New Mexico

Tuesday, February 09, 2021

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- Lawmakers are proposing a bill that would help expand broadband to everyone in the state. Eight House Democrats are sponsoring the bill, also known as the Connect New Mexico Act. It would give $950,000 to the state Department of Information Technology to create a new broadband division. "And that division can coordinate state and local and federal resources to get every community in New Mexico connected," said Rep. Natalie Figueroa. Read full article.

New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division announces new toolkit to support rural outdoor economies

Thursday, February 04, 2021

Earlier this month the NM Outdoor Recreation Division announced the development of the Rural Economic Development Toolkit, an effort to help rural communities better their outdoor economies. The collection of best practices aims to provide such communities, as well as state and local officials, with information on how to build an effective outdoor recreation economy. According to a news release, it will offer opportunities for sustainable economic and community development, and provide a list of federal grants that can aid in lifting such economies off of the ground. The department plans to share the toolkit with state outdoor recreation office, industry businesse...

4 Keys To Startup Success In Crowded Markets

Monday, February 01, 2021

Many would-be entrepreneurs spend a lot of time trying to think of the next big thing. Most end up spinning their wheels and never getting a new venture off the ground. It’s hard to come up with an original business idea. However, if you look at some of the most successful businesses in the world, you'll find that they aren't based on new ideas at all. The truth is that you don't have to be original to start a successful business. Many startups succeed in crowded markets by doing their homework and executing their business plans. Nerd Wallet, for example, succeeded amon...

Paycheck Protection Program Round Two: What Carlsbad, New Mexico Businesses Need to Know

Monday, February 01, 2021

Further assistance for businesses is now available — the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid Act became law and extended the authority to make PPP loans through March 31, 2021. With an official title of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act, the Economic Aid Act is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This $325 billion title would provide additional assistance to the hardest-hit small businesses, nonprofits, and venues that are struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic...

$2.2B of New Private Investment and More Than 7,000 Jobs as Companies Move to NM

Monday, January 25, 2021

Over the past two years, private investment in New Mexico has blossomed. Thirty projects totaling nearly $2.2 billion of new monies has benefited a number of sectors and different parts of the state. Film, emerging technologies, aerospace and aviation, advanced manufacturing, energy and value-added agriculture are among the industries relocating or expanding their current capacities in New Mexico. Netflix, NBC Universal, SCEYE, Prent, NTx, LaSen, Kairos Power, Faneuil and Ganymede Games are just a few of the 30 companies investing in the state since 2019. New Mexico has also recently seen success in bringing in international companies to the state. Three ne...

Economic Security Bill Aims To Bring Back Employees Grants up to $100,000 awarded for job creation

Monday, January 25, 2021

SANTA FE, N.M. – A major economic recovery initiative, backed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, that would pump another $200 million into New Mexico small businesses to create jobs and rehire workers, was introduced today in the Legislature by Rep. Christine Chandler. House Bill 11 taps into the unused dollars set aside by the State Investment Council and the New Mexico Finance Authority for the Small Business Recovery Loan Fund, converting the funds into grants to assist business that have incurred steep revenue losses. “Supporting businesses that are struggling to rebuild and rehire employees is key to our economic recovery and ...

Chevron donates $100,000 to Friends of the Living Desert to support energy efficiency and facility upgrades at New Mexico state park

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Chevron announced today that it has donated $100,000 to Friends of the Living Desert, a non-profit organization founded in 1982 to provide supplemental financial assistance and volunteer support to Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park opened in 1971 and is owned and managed by the State Parks Division (SPD) of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department (EMNRD). Under a cooperative agreement maintained between Friends of the Living Desert and the State Parks Division, the funds will be used to make energy efficiency upgrades to the park’s visitor center &ndash...

Entrepreneurs, Here's Why 2021 Is The Right Time To Start Your New Business

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

The year 2020 came with its own share of problems. If there is one thing to learn from living through pandemics and lockdowns, it’s that a lot can change in a year. Many entrepreneurs started last January with high hopes and expectations for their businesses. However, many of those expectations went downhill as the year progressed. As with human nature, life moves on no matter what, so even though we were stuck at home for most of 2020, many businesses found ways to stay afloat. As we move forward in this new year, entrepreneurs are looking to strategize and many ar...

Five Essential Elements Of A Marketing Plan For A Small Business

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

If you are planning to open your own small business, the first step is to develop a business plan. The next step is to develop a marketing plan, as all business plans should be paired with a strategy for marketing your products or services. Marketing strategies vary in format, but they all have the common goal of attracting and building relationships with customers. The style is up to you, but it should include the following elements. 1. Marketing Goals and Objectives You will need to develop realistic and measurable marketing goals that cover a full calendar year and are aligned with you...

State Focuses on Rebuilding Industry Jobs

Monday, January 11, 2021

Longhorn Flats Extended Stay Opens in Loving, New Mexico

Friday, December 18, 2020

For Immediate Release Loving, NM, December, 2020 – The Permian Basin is now home to a brand new extended stay facility. Longhorn Flats is now open in Loving, New Mexico and is ideally situated closer to oilfield work as well as the amenities of Carlsbad. The new facility offers 72 rooms. While recent events related to the COVID-19 pandemic have seen many businesses curtailed, and some closed, the oil and gas industry has remained steady. A drop in oil prices occurred earlier in 2020, but since then the industry has rebounded and many insiders feel is poised to make great gains goin...

Carlsbad, NM and Eddy County Work to Get CARES Act Grants to Struggling Businesses

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the country hard because of imposed shutdowns of businesses, and New Mexico is no exception. Small businesses, in particular, took a heavy hit during this ongoing public health emergency. The City of Carlsbad and Eddy County have been doing the best they can to provide assistance to businesses in distress using allotted CARES Act funds. This funding does not eradicate the crisis, but it provides some critical assistance to keep small businesses afloat. The CARES Act is a federal relief program which provided funds to states for distribution to communities. For business relief funds, local government...

T-Mobile Launches 5G in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Monday, November 16, 2020

Carlsbad, NM, November, 2020 – T-Mobile has opened its first location in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The wireless giant is bringing a whole new level of freedom and choice to consumers looking to choose the service plan and devices that best serve their wireless needs. T-Mobile’s retail store held a grand opening on November 6th. New business growth in Carlsbad has endured industry fluctuations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, with more projects still to come. The Carlsbad market continues to be a viable option for new ventures and expansions of current operations. The opening of the new T-Mobile store brings completio...

How Businesses in Carlsbad, NM Can Encourage Residents to “Shop Small” this Holiday Season

Friday, November 13, 2020

Shop Small is a nationwide movement to celebrate small businesses each and every day and to help communities thrive and stay vibrant, but the Saturday after Thanksgiving is their Super Bowl: Small Business Saturday! This year’s event falls on November 28th, and Carlsbad, NM is rolling out the welcome mats, both at storefronts and virtually. Carlsbad MainStreet knows exactly how important supporting local businesses is because their mission is “to strengthen the MainStreet District as the center of our community through concentrated efforts in organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring.” "Our homegrown businesses need our community's help now more than ever,” sai...

New Mexico Film Office Supports Training Program for Background Actors

Friday, November 06, 2020

Background Actors Association Bill of Rights Introduced SANTA FE, NM – Today, the New Mexico Film Office announced support for a new workforce development program, to train New Mexico background workers in the film and television industry. The program, The Industry Forum, will be free to New Mexico residents. Those who participate in the program will learn about the film industry and how to be a professional background actor from experts in the industry. The Industry Forum is a collaboration between Alessi Hartigan Casting, the Background Actors Association of New Mexico (BAANM), and Hartigan Productions with support from the New Mexico Film Office. Progra...

Data-Driven Operational Strategies in the Pandemic Era

Wednesday, November 04, 2020

As state economies struggle between surging cases of COVID-19 and intense pressure to reopen — albeit with varying degrees of restrictions — companies that reduced or halted operations in response to stay-at-home orders are torn between the urgent needs to both restore revenue streams and to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Since every location has a different dynamic and risk profile, creating a return-to-work strategy is complicated, whether a company operates in five locations or 500. The solution to developing a sound, portfolio-wide strategy includes having ready access to data, analytics, and insights, including regional and community-specifi...

Entrepreneurs Are Supported In Carlsbad, New Mexico

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

City Council member, Jason Shirley, is a prime example of how entrepreneurs are supported in Carlsbad, NM. He owns a variety of businesses with his wife, Tiffany: Perfect Designs for custom screenprinting and embroidery; Paramount Cleaning Service for commercial, oilfield, and residential cleaning; 831 Enterprises for business management, social media content, and printing; and 831 Properties for property investment. And with a partner, they co-own Assign Advertising, a full-service marketing agency, and Next Day Laundry, a laundry pick up and delivery/linen and uniform rentals service. All told, they employ 23 people in the community. “Carlsbad is a tight knit community,” sai...

PVT welcomes $8.1 million ReConnect II loan to expand broadband in Southeastern New Mexico

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Artesia, NM - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has funded a $8.1 million loan to Penasco Valley Telephone Cooperative Inc. (PVT) to expand broadband service in rural New Mexico. USDA will provide funding to PVT through its ReConnect program to deploy infrastucture that will connect homes, farms, ranches, and small businesses to high-speed broadband. With the new USDA funding, PVT will connect more than 1,000 New Mexicans in Chaves, Lincoln, Eddy and Otero counties. “During this challenging year, New Mexicans have come to rely on broadband more than ever to work, learn, and connect remotely. Yet many of our rural area...

New Mexico's renewable energy sector growing in rural areas, local seek to capitalize

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Renewable energy could stimulate some of New Mexico’s most rural areas and economic development leaders sought to embrace the sector to diversify economies and provide local jobs. In a panel hosted last week by Powering New Mexico, an initiative led by the American Wind Energy Association to promote the renewable sector, leaders of local economic organizations in southeast and northern New Mexico discussed how solar and wind energy developments have strengthened their economies and what needs to be done to continue building New Mexico’s renewable energy portfolio. Read full article.

NMSU Carlsbad’s nursing programed ranked first in NM

Monday, October 19, 2020

New Mexico State University Carlsbad announced Carlsbad’s Nursing Program was ranked as No. 1 in the State of New Mexico. The ranking can be found at registerednursing.org, a nursing advocacy organization that provides educational and career resources to future nurses. The organization determines the ranking based on NCLEX-RN exam pass rates, a licensed exam that is required for nursing students to take in order to begin practice as a nurse. “The NMSU Carlsbad Nursing Program changed my life for the better. It challenged me in ways that I had never been challenged before. It has also provided me with a fulfilling career i...

‘New Mexico continues to attract top-tier aerospace companies’

Friday, October 09, 2020

ROSWELL, N.M. – Arizona-based Ascent Aviation Services is planning to expand to the Roswell Air Center and hire 360 employees in New Mexico for airplane repair and maintenance services, Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced today. Ascent Aviation Services has signed a letter of intent to commence operations at the Roswell Air Center. The firm is set to hire 130 employees in the first year, for a total of 360 over the next five years. Workers are expected to earn an average salary of $54,000 a year. The State of New Mexico, through its Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) job creation fund...

Carlsbad, NM Has Properties and Resources to Support Onshoring Companies

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

For companies looking to stabilize their supply chains by onshoring, Carlsbad, New Mexico has the desired assets and amenities that appeal to site selectors looking to relocate or expand. Why Did Onshoring Become a Key Strategy? Onshoring to strengthen supply chains has become critical for many businesses as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight the vulnerability of relying on global resources and products. Over the past 40 years, many companies focused on cost reduction, choosing to steadily relocate manufacturing overseas as global markets opened up in places such as China, South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. However, because of world events, businesses ar...

New Mexico Women Highlighted for Efforts During Pandemic

Monday, September 07, 2020

The leader of The University of New Mexico’s 3D mask production effort during the COVID-19 pandemic is being recognized for her efforts on a national scale. Christina Salas, an associate professor of the Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation at UNM and special assistant to the dean of the School of Engineering for Health Sciences Center relations, has been selected by InStyle magazine to be a “Badass 50: Healthcare Workers Who are Saving the Day” in the August 2020 issue. Read full article.

Chevron to provide support for NMSU STEM programs, scholarships

Friday, September 04, 2020

DATE: 07/13/2020 WRITER: Tiffany Acosta, 575-646-3929, tfrank@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Aimee Bennett, 575-646-5061, aimeeb@nmsufoundation.org New Mexico State University STEM programs and scholarships in southeastern New Mexico have received a boost with a generous donation from Chevron’s Mid-Continent Business Unit. NMSU’s colleges of Engineering and Education, along with the NMSU Carlsbad campus, each received funding from the $99,000 gift. “The New Mexico State University Foundation is grateful to Chevron for supporting opportunities that engage both students and industry to build lasting partnerships, mentorships and a stronger workforce,” said Derek Dictson, NMSU Foundation president. The colleges will collaborate on science, technology, engineering and mathematics outreach programs for middle school and high schoo...

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $550,000 in CARES Act Funding to Capitalize Revolving Loan Funds to Help Small Businesses in Eddy County Respond to Coronavirus

Friday, September 04, 2020

Carlsbad, NM, July, 2020 Carlsbad Industrial Action, Inc. dba the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) received a $550,000 EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to capitalize and administer an RLF program to provide loans to coronavirus-impacted small businesses in Eddy County. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the award to the CDOD from the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to capitalize and administer Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) that will provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Eddy County, New Mexico. Read the full Press Release here.

New Strategies for Learning and Development in an Increasingly Virtual World

Thursday, September 03, 2020

Newly dispersed work teams are facing new challenges. During the early months of the global pandemic, more than three-quarters of organizations reported 80 percent or more of their employees were working from home, according to a global survey on workplace re-entry. While workplace mobility isn’t new, the scale of remote work has accelerated digital transformation, with rollout timelines shrinking from years to weeks. Workflows have also been upended as employees try to adopt new tools as part of their daily routines. Read full article.

Front Line: COVID-19 Spurs More Automated Manufacturing

Tuesday, September 01, 2020

The global pandemic has upended the labor market and dramatically and suddenly reversed U.S. economic expansion. COVID-19, especially, has caused U.S. manufactures to face unprecedented labor challenges. With COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, these shortages are escalating. Many factories have shuttered to protect workers and prevent COVID-19’s spread. Even before this global crisis, in 2018 Deloitte had already projected that manufacturers would face shortages of some 2.4 million workers through 2028. Read full article.

Gov. to announce amended emergency public health order

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Nora Meyers Sackett Press Secretary, Office of the Governor nora.sackett@state.nm.us (505) 690-7313 August 26, 2020 Gov. to announce amended emergency public health order SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will host a remote news conference Thursday afternoon during which she and New Mexico health officials will discuss amendments to the state’s emergency public health order impacting food and drink establishments and houses of worship, among other changes, reflecting the state’s relative recent progress against COVID-19. The state’s operative emergency public health order expires Friday, Aug. 28. Effective Saturday, Aug. 29, the following changes, among others, will be implemented: Houses of worship may operate at 40 percen...

Sceye Picks New Mexico For U.S. Production Center

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Bruce Krasnow B?ruce.Krasnow@state.nm.us (505) 827-0226, cell: (505) 795-0119 August 18, 2020 Sceye Picks New Mexico For U.S. Production Center Company set to add 140 employees as airship technology bridges broadband divide SANTA FE, N.M. – Sceye, a company founded by global humanitarian Mikkel Vestergaard, has chosen New Mexico as its U.S. base of stratospheric flights for earth observation and communication, Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced today. With a staff of 30, Sceye has had a footprint in New Mexico for three years, conducting a large part of the research and development of its innovative technology at airports in both Roswell and Moriarty...

Help Carlsbad Thrive by Completing Your 2020 US Census! Deadline is Approaching

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Time is running out to get your census in before the September 30th deadline. The U.S. Census — as mandated by the Constitution — is conducted every 10 years with the objective of counting the entire population. The information collected helps determine congressional representation, the boundaries of legislative districts, and how much of the $675 billion per year federal funding each community receives. These funds, spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other essential programs, are crucial for the success and health of the residents of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Census data is also invaluable for businesses and developers. Businesses ca...

Chevron donates PPE across Eddy County

Thursday, August 06, 2020

August 5, 2020 Chevron donated personal protective equipment (PPE) worth approximately $19,000 for healthcare workers and others on the front line to help Permian Basin communities experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. The donations were distributed to hospitals, school districts and clinics in Eddy and Lea counties in New Mexico, and Culberson, Pecos, Reeves and Ward counties in Texas. The donation includes procedural masks and medical gloves purchased through MAP International, an organization that provides medical supplies and medications to nonprofit organizations around the world. “We are thrilled that we have been able to provide PPE to frontline workers across the basin who are battling this pandemic,” said Nathan Carroll, operations superintendent, Delaware Basin for the company’s Mid-Continent Busines...

How the Construction Trades Responded to COVID-19

Tuesday, August 04, 2020

When the rapid spread of COVID-19 shut down job sites all across the U.S. in March, one industry that kept on operating, if not always at full speed, was construction. Deemed an essential business by most mayors and governors, construction continued even as more Americans came down sick with the disease and ended up in hospitals. Still, the construction industry was not immune to the effects of the pandemic-induced recession. Read full article.

In Focus: Is Your Workplace Ready for the “Next Normal?”

Tuesday, August 04, 2020

A return to normalcy won’t cut it in the post-COVID workplace. How real estate leaders approach this all-new landscape will have lasting implications on our communities’ health, employee safety and well-being, and organizational performance alike. If it sounds like a tall order, that’s because it is. Yet, tumultuous times have historically inspired innovation. Now is another such moment, as workplace leaders around the globe prepare and initiate plans for a safe and effective return to the office. Read full article.

Outdoor Recreation Division's new Special Projects and Outdoor Infrastructure Grant Program

Tuesday, August 04, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Bruce Krasnow Bruce.Krasnow@state.nm.us (505) 827-0226, cell: (505) 795-0119 Outdoor Recreation Division's new Special Projects and Outdoor Infrastructure Grant Program New grant helps fund community projects that enhance outdoor recreation opportunities SANTA FE, N.M. – The Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD), a division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD), has begun accepting applications for its new grant program to help residents improve access to outdoor recreation in their communities. This grant program focuses on conservation-minded shovel-ready projects that are open to the public and demonstrate a clear benefit to the community, either by attracting and retaining residents and/or attracting visitors. For the curren...

The Importance Of Remote Working To Younger Generations

Tuesday, August 04, 2020

As more jobs shifted to remote work during the Covid-19 crisis, many Millennial and Gen Z employees experienced “flex work” for the first time in their careers. According to the Deloitte Global Millennial Survey 2020, 45% of these younger employees had never worked remotely before the pandemic, compared with just a third after the onset of the pandemic. As of May 2020, the shift to remote work had largely been viewed positively by employees, with more than 60% of younger generations saying they would like the option to work remotely more often after the crisis and use video conferencing instead of travelin...

Zooming Into Secondary Hubs

Tuesday, August 04, 2020

When KPMG released its ranking of the top 20 Technology Innovation Hubs for 2020, the annual list read like a proverbial roundup of the usual suspects: After Silicon Valley, the report named Singapore, London, Tel Aviv, Tokyo and New York as the next top five. The rest of the top 20 was not surprising. Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, Bengaluru and Hong Kong formed the next five, while Austin, Boston, Chicago and Dallas were the other U.S. cities ranked among the top 20. Read full article.

Gov. Lujan Grisham approves $178 million of CARES Act funding for small businesses, tribal and local governments

Monday, July 27, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Nora Meyers Sackett, Press Secretary, Office of the Governor nora.sackett@state.nm.us July 27, 2020 Gov. Lujan Grisham approves $178 million of CARES Act funding for small businesses, tribal and local governments $150 million for local governments and small business, $28 million for tribal governments SANTA FE – The office of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday announced that applications have gone out for $178 million of CARES Act funding for tribal and local governments. $28 million is available for tribal government grants and $150 million is available for city and county grants. These funds can cover costs that are necessary expenditures incurred due to th...

Coyote Flats RV Park to Open in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Carlsbad, NM, July, 2020 – Coyote Flats RV Park is set to open for business in August, 2020. The 335 space park is brand new to Carlsbad, and will feature state of the art amenities. The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) has been working with the RV Park’s owners for several months. Eddy County was found to be the leading county in New Mexico in business growth, according to financial consulting firm SmartAsset. The study, provided to the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD), looked at the number of new businesses, GDP growth, and building permits in counties across New Mexico. Edd...

CDOD Shows Support for Local Businesses amid State Health Order

Monday, July 20, 2020

Carlsbad, NM, July, 2020 – In an effort to show support for local businesses negatively impacted by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s COVID-19 health orders, the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) took action Wednesday. The CDOD passed a resolution against the July 13, 2020 public health order issued by the governor that prohibits dining in at restaurants. The health order also prohibits out of state visitors to state parks in New Mexico, and requires travelers to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival to the Land of Enchantment. “Every business is vitally important to the Carlsbad Department of Development,” stated CDO...

Virtual Town Hall – Reopening Safely for Customers and Workers Construction Trades

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

(Albuquerque, NM) – The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions is hosting a series of virtual town hall discussions aimed at assisting businesses as they seek to reopen in compliance with Executive Health Orders. This week’s session will be on construction trades. Virtual Town Hall WHO: New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Regulations and Licensing Department – Construction Industries Division Environment Department – OSHA WHAT: Virtual Town Hall for businesses and workers in the construction industry WHERE: Register to attend the event through this link. WHEN: 2:30 p.m., Thursday, July 16, 2020 The first of this series took place on June 8th and addressed the needs of businesses with a high-level of custome...

With Community Support Thirsty's LLC Came Through the Pandemic to Open Back Up for Its One Year Anniversary

Wednesday, July 08, 2020

When Missy Granger, owner and operator of Thirsty’s LLC, opened up her restaurant on April 24, 2019, she expected all of the bumps that come with starting a new business. Luckily, she also found a Carlsbad community that appreciated her delicious daily breakfast and lunch burritos and quesadillas, her fresh menudo available on Fridays and Saturdays, her convenience items, and her fountain drinks — “with the good ice!” But how could anyone anticipate what 2020 had in store? To fully appreciate Granger’s story, you have to understand her impressive perseverance, the strength of Carlsbad’s robust business environment, and the trials th...

Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measure to help small businesses recover from COVID-19

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Nora Meyers Sackett Press Secretary, Office of the Governor nora.sackett@state.nm.us (505) 690-7313 SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday delivered hundreds of millions of dollars for low-interest, low-risk loans to help small New Mexico businesses recover financially from COVID-19. The Small Business Recovery Act of 2020 allocates $400 million from the state’s $5 billion Severance Tax Permanent Fund for loans to small New Mexico businesses and nonprofits and almost $50 million for loans to local governments. Eligible businesses and nonprofits may borrow two times their average monthly expenses up to a maximum of $75,000. The measure sets the interest rate at one-hal...

Improvement project on U.S. 285 south of Carlsbad begins next month

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

A four-phase project to rebuild portions of United States Highway 285 in Eddy County is set to start Aug. 3, according to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (DOT). The first two phases of the nearly $56 million project will take place between mile markers 0 and 7 and mile markers 16 to 18 along the U.S. 285 corridor, read a DOT news release. Read full article.

New Mexico Highlighted in Image Series on The Atlantic

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

New Mexico is the fifth-largest state by area and is sparsely populated, with nearly half of the state’s 2.1 million residents living in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Below are a few glimpses of the diverse geography and history of New Mexico and some of the wildlife and people calling it home. Read full article.

New Mexico Launches Incentive Pay Program to Support Child Care Professionals

Monday, July 06, 2020

The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) announced that it will use a portion of its federal CARES Act stimulus funding to offer incentive pay to early childhood professionals who are working in centers that remain open during the public health emergency. “Throughout this crisis, New Mexico’s early childhood educators have stepped up in extraordinary ways, and this incentive pay plan is one way of thanking them,” said ECECD Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky. Read full article.

Potential Shifts in the Workforce Due to COVID-19

Friday, July 03, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is already causing shifts in the economy and workforce. Other than the obvious loss of employment, some of which will hopefully be temporary, another significant shift in the workforce involves employees in the professional services sector and others forced to work remotely from home. Although companies allowing employees to work remotely was already a growing trend in the United States, the question will be whether this trend continues after COVID-19 is under control. And, if the trend does continue, which is likely, consideration for incentives for home-based or remote employees will also have to be considered fro...

Searchlight NM: Exploring the oil industry during the pandemic

Friday, July 03, 2020

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- The Carlsbad area was poised to bring in billions of dollars to New Mexico through the oil and gas industry, then COVID-19 busted the historic oil boom. Searchlight New Mexico highlights how the pandemic is affecting the Carlsbad community and one of the most crucial industries in the state. Read full article.

5 Ways Restaurant Owners Can Prepare for Reopening

Wednesday, July 01, 2020

In early May, many states began loosening restrictions on business operations. In California, for example, Governor Newsom announced that bookstores, music stores, toy stores, florists and some other retailers could reopen for pickup service. While restaurants were not a part of this first wave of reopenings, if all goes well, we could see them open their doors for seating in the next few weeks. Many eateries are operating on pickup or delivery service at the moment, but in order to truly reopen, restaurant managers will need to figure out how to handle a crowd of customers in a time of continued caution and social distancing. It’s no easy task, but in anticipatio...

Resiliency of Supply Chains & Post-Pandemic Opportunities for FDI

Monday, June 29, 2020

Disruption of supply chains and the prospects of reshoring to the U.S. are not unique to the spread of the coronavirus and related pandemic. As is well-documented, the development of global supply chains over time has provided cost-competitiveness to many companies. However, as we have witnessed rising offshore wages and operating costs, increased lead times, a lack of consistency in product quality, and a move toward more protectionist trade policies, many of our clients have for some time been assessing these mounting global supply chain risks vis-à-vis any cost-competitiveness that they once produced. The COVID-19 disruption will accelerate these analyse...

Outdoor Equity Find Receives $12,500 REI Grant

Friday, June 26, 2020

REI State Policy Grant Awarded to Help Underserved Youth in New Mexico SANTA FE, N.M. – REI Co-op awarded the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) a State Policy Grant of $12,500 to use in support of the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF), EDD Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced today. The Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD), a division of EDD, will manage this and other funds to support the OEF. ORD Director Axie Navas completed the grant application for the state. Navas was also instrumental in creating the OEF to provide investments in transformative outdoor recreation experiences for underserved New Mexican youth. The missio...

No-Interest LEDA Loans Approved For New Mexico Businesses

Monday, June 15, 2020

SANTA FE, N.M. – Four additional companies are in the process of receiving no-interest economic development assistance through a No-Interest LEDA loan program established by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced today. Before the federal government passed the first CARES Act, Gov. Lujan Grisham worked with the New Mexico Economic Development Department to craft the program, which allows no-interest loans through the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA). To date, the new LEDA loan program has assisted five New Mexico businesses with a total of more than 100 employees. The program will provide $1.4 million i...

State LEDA Investments Boost Rural Communities

Thursday, June 04, 2020

SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Economic Development Department has worked quickly in the past year to help rural communities across the state bring new life to some vacant properties through a series of Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) fund investments. Alamogordo and Otero County were among the first local governments to pass a LEDA ordinance and the community has invested wisely over the years. Medlin Ramps, based in California, chose Alamogordo for its third U.S. location. The company is a leading manufacturer of ramps and material handling equipment. “We are delighted when companies like Medlin and others choose to locate in our rural communities, reviving vacan...

Resiliency of Supply Chains & Post-Pandemic Opportunities for FDI

Monday, June 01, 2020

Outdoor Recreation Division Announces New Outdoor Equity Fund

Monday, May 18, 2020

SANTA FE, N.M. – Applications for the Outdoor Equity Fund to support New Mexico's outdoor recreation economy opened and are available online, Director of the Outdoor Recreation Division Axie Navas announced today. The deadline to apply is August 1, 2020. The first-of-its-kind Outdoor Equity Fund was created to allow all youth equitable access to the outdoors. The grant will support transformative outdoor experiences that foster stewardship and respect for New Mexico’s land, water, and cultural heritage. Spending time outside is now more important than ever for mental and physical well-being, and for that reason, the Outdoor Equity Fund will only inves...

8 Ways the Crisis Will Forever Change the Future Workforce

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

This year's public health crisis has reoriented our relationships with each other, the media, technology and the work we do. Humanity has never experienced such a swift and universal shift. Friends are hosting live parties on Instagram. Teachers are uploading lessons to YouTube for the first time. Doctors are utilizing FaceTime or Google Duo for telemedicine services with patients. Read full article.

All Together NM Fund awarding $750K in grants

Monday, May 11, 2020

Money to help micro businesses affected by COVID-19 SANTA FE – The All Together NM Fund will be awarding $750,000 for grants to help New Mexico’s smallest businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will be divided among four New Mexico nonprofit organizations that will award and administer grants of up to $5,000 for businesses with five employees or fewer. “Business relief from the federal government has been scattered, and far too much of what was first available went to large businesses. Many micro businesses in New Mexico and elsewhere didn’t get a fair shake,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “So thank yo...

As New Mexico preps for special budget session, rural communities may see COVID-19 relief

Monday, May 11, 2020

New Mexico leaders continued efforts to provide more relief and funding for critical needs of rural communities as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to grow through the state resulting in business closures and a drop in government revenue. Lawmakers were expected to convene a special session this summer to address the economic fallout caused by the crisis and subsequent closure of businesses. Read full article.

FedEx Grants: We’re giving $1 million to small businesses

Monday, May 11, 2020

Entrepreneurs like you bring the energy, passion and independent thinking our economy and communities need. That's why we're giving away $1 million to help small businesses stay in business. If you’re a small business impacted by COVID-19 in the U.S., consider applying for a #SupportSmall Grant starting May 25. Selected recipients will get a cash grant of $5,000 plus a $500 FedEx Office credit. LEARN MORE AND APPLY SOON FOR #SUPPORTSMALL

USDA invests $23 million in high-speed broadband in rural New Mexico

Wednesday, May 06, 2020

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced during a virtual press conference May 5 that USDA is investing $23 million for three recipients in New Mexico to provide broadband service in unserved and underserved rural areas. These investments are part of USDA’s round one investments made through the ReConnect Pilot Program. Read full article.

Carlsbad, New Mexico: The Great Outdoors

Tuesday, May 05, 2020

Carlsbad, New Mexico: a city with just as much adventure as there is beauty. Nestled in Southwest New Mexico, Carlsbad is a one-stop-shop for adventure junkies and explorers. A town majestically situated between mountain ranges (and caves!), national parks to desert botanical gardens, rivers and lakes – Carlsbad has it all! Plan your next adventure here to experience the real Southwest of the United states, including cacti, coyotes, and unmatched geological formations. The possibilities are endless! Take a look at some of what Carlsbad, New Mexico has to offer: Lincoln National Forest: A massive forest, covering over one million acres of th...

Workspace Optimization Measures for 2020

Monday, April 27, 2020

Maximizing space utilization has become one of the most important market trends among real estate and facility managers, according to a survey from independent research firm Verdantix. Between rising real estate costs and the introduction of solutions for easier space and occupancy data collection, organizations are realizing the cost-saving potential of optimizing their workspaces. Yet, the number-one objective for real estate management has moved from reducing costs to improving the comfort and well-being of building occupants. While you don’t want a large number of employees in a space too small to accommodate them, you also don’t want a lot of unused, wasted space...

COVID-19: Who's on New Mexico's Economy Recovery Council?

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Who will decide what New Mexico businesses reopen and when? How will those businesses operate safely as long as COVID-19 remains a public health emergency, while vaccines and treatment are developed? Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced she had appointed a 15-member Economic Recovery Council to work with her directly in developing answers to those questions. Read full article.

NMDWS announces benefit applications to begin next week for Self-Employed

Thursday, April 23, 2020

(Albuquerque, NM) – New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions announced today that the application for unemployment insurance benefits for self-employed, independent contractors, and gig economy workers will become available on Sunday, April 26, 2020. These benefits are being offered through the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. Workers who became unemployed, had hours reduced, or had an inability to work as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic may qualify for this unemployment assistance. People who may qualify for PUA include individuals not eligible for regular unemployment benefits: the self-employed; independent contractors; gig economy workers; church employees; individuals who were previously found monetarily ineligible; nonprofit and governmental workers; and workers wh...

The Eddy County Board of Commissioners Unanimously Approve Resolution Requesting Governor to Re-open Business

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Eddy County, NM- Today, during a Special Commission Meeting, the Eddy County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to pass Resolution R-20-36, Resolution requesting the Governor to reopen businesses, including non-profits closed by Executive and Public Health Orders. The Resolution finds that no one rule related to which businesses, including non-profits may stay open is appropriate for every political subdivision or geographical area of New Mexico. Much like every State in the Nation has been affected completely differently by this virus and have put their own plans and orders in place, Eddy County believes it’s much the same for Counties within the State...

New Mexico governor appoints economic recovery council

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

SANTA FE, NM — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham named a diverse group of business and labor leaders from across New Mexico to a new economic recovery council that will advise her on strategies for gradually reopening New Mexico businesses in a smart, safe and effective manner and for helping New Mexico’s economy to grow and thrive as it emerges from the current public health emergency. The 15 members of the council represent a broad swath of New Mexico’s business community, including leaders from the state’s high-tech industries, tourism and hospitality, film, construction, energy, agriculture and locally based retail. Read full article.

Carlsbad City Council approves $2M in extra Brine Well requests from State

Thursday, April 16, 2020

The Carlsbad City Council approved more than $2 million in funding requests from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (ENMRD) for the Carlsbad Brine Well Remediation project. Councilors approved $1.33 million and $800,000 to match state funds appropriated by the New Mexico Legislature during the 2020 session. In a memo from City Administrator John Lowe to City Councilors, he wrote that ENMRD requested state lawmakers to allow the final $10 million in state funds be made available in fiscal year 2020, rather than fiscal year 2021. Read full article.

COVID-19: What Should Employers Consider As They Adapt Their Background Screening Program?

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Businesses continue to operate despite the global reach of COVID-19. And while some industries are seeing a momentary downturn in hiring, others are experiencing a seemingly insatiable need for talent. From workers supporting the supply chain to healthcare professionals on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, the need to identify and onboard workers is more critical now than ever. And for many organizations that are experiencing a lull in hiring, the shift to remote work presents new risks that may have been previously unconsidered. Workers who are out of sight should not be out of mind. Read full article.

Economic Development Department Ramps Up Public Outreach: Agency Provides Ongoing Webinars to Help Businesses and Communities

Thursday, April 16, 2020

SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Economic Development Department is announcing 10 additional webinars to help business owners and community developers maximize their online footprint and to navigate federal and state economic emergency assistance. “Small businesses in New Mexico are hurting, as they are everywhere during this unprecedented health crisis. As a state, we must do everything we can to help them through this difficult time,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “The Economic Development Department has provided new tools to help businesses find a way to work online to the extent possible and to capture all the state and federal aid availabl...

Ten Things We Need To Know About Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act, a $2.3 trillion relief package designed to help individuals and businesses weather the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The headliner of the CARES Act was the creation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a new loan package designed to put $350 billion into the hands of small businesses for use in paying employee wages and other critical expenses over the coming weeks and months. As of the morning of April 15th, nearly $250 billion in cash had made its way t...

New Mexico small businesses urged to apply for federal stimulus loans

Thursday, April 09, 2020

New Mexico small businesses in financial distress due to the coronavirus crisis are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for loans made available under the federal stimulus bill. The stimulus bill, or Cares Act, allocates $349 billion for loans to small businesses. But businesses have until only June 30 to access the money, and loans will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Read full article.

Eddy County, Carlsbad and Artesia lead NM in Census self-responses

Wednesday, April 08, 2020

Eddy County, Artesia and Carlsbad lead the State of New Mexico in self-responses to the 2020 United States Census, according to government figures. Artesia leads the way in the number of respondents who completed a Census form either online or on the phone at 40.2 percent, per April 6 numbers. Carlsbad was next at 36.6 percent and Eddy County’s self-response rate was 35.9 percent, the numbers indicated. Read full article.

Oil and gas pipeline to be built near Carlsbad found to have 'minimal' environmental impact

Wednesday, April 08, 2020

Federal regulators found a proposed project to build 135 miles of oil and gas pipelines in the Permian Basin, crossing from southeast New Mexico to West Texas would not have a “significant” impact on the environment. An environmental analysis conducted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), with cooperation from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was published last month, analyzing the proposed project’s impact on several environmental aspects. Read full article.

Essential Businesses: What is considered an essential business under New Mexico’s Stay-at-Home order?

Tuesday, April 07, 2020

On April 22, 2020, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Department of Health announced the extension of the Stay-at-Home order to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 in New Mexico. Stay-at-Home order extension is now from April 7 – May 15, 2020 unless otherwise amended. “Essential business” means any business or non-profit entity falling within one or more of the categories listed below. The order requires that all non-essential business cease In-Person Operations which now includes automobile dealerships, payday lenders and liquor stores. Online operations are still allowed. Read full article.

Explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park Like Never Before On This Virtual Tour

Tuesday, April 07, 2020

Stuck at home or in the office? If you’re itching to explore the Land of Enchantment but unable to leave for an extended period of time, we have you covered. Recently, one New Mexico national park has been made available so you can tour without even leaving your couch. Continue reading here.

ExxonMobil donates $100K to support online education in Carlsbad

Monday, April 06, 2020

The Carlsbad Municipal School District will receive $100,000 from ExxonMobil to provide laptops and internet to low-income students who are living in remote locations with limited internet access. "Carlsbad's schools and teachers need support and encouragement during these difficult times," said Staale Gjervik, senior vice president at ExxonMobil and president of XTO Energy. "We hope our contribution will help facilitate the transition to online learning during this period and ease the burden on families and the schools." Read full article.

N.M. small businesses urged to apply quickly for federal stimulus loans

Monday, April 06, 2020

SANTA FE – New Mexico small businesses in financial distress due to the coronavirus crisis are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for loans made available under the federal stimulus bill. The stimulus bill, or Cares Act, allocates $349 billion for loans to small businesses. But businesses have until only June 30 to access the money, and loans will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis. “This money will go quickly, and New Mexico small businesses must act as soon as possible to obtain loans,” Economic Development Secretary Alicia Keyes said Saturday. “Many businesses struggling through this crisis need a financia...

City of Carlsbad update: Community rallies during pandemic

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

Shining a light on some of our local outstanding citizens who are helping us all through this crisis has been very well received, so here are a few people who deserve special mention today: Anthony Foreman, for a very generous donation to the Boys and Girls Club, and for always coming forth to support this community. Lisa Rhodes and our excellent Carlsbad Municipal Schools staff cafeteria for feeding community children during these trying times. The school district is adding Sunset as a location beginning April 6. They will serve grab and go breakfast and lunch along with Carlsbad Intermediate School, Carlsbad, Deser...

New statewide fund to respond to COVID-19 launches with over $1.1 million

Thursday, March 26, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Nora Meyers Sackett Press Secretary, Office of the Governor nora.sackett@state.nm.us March 26, 2020 SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday announced a new fund established by the New Mexico Coalition of Community Foundations to help New Mexico respond to and eventually recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The All Together NM Fund will be used to address immediate needs and offer long-term support for the recovery work that lies ahead. Pledges of more than $1.1 million from Ian and Sonnet McKinnon; Intel; Pattern Energy; Blattner Energy; and Tri State Generation and Transmission Association will seed the fund, which will be administered by the Sant...

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update from Artesia General Hospital

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

March 25, 2020 It is with great sorrow that we have to announce the death of an Artesia resident on Monday as a result of COVID-19. The patient was admitted to Artesia General Hospital on Sunday, March 22, presenting symptoms of the virus. He was tested and his results were expedited, which came back positive this morning from the New Mexico Department of Health. Many of us share the family’s grief; and on behalf of Artesia General Hospital, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the patient’s family. We are conducting ongoing tests and awaiting results, but at this time w...

SIC approves creation of $100 million NM recovery fund

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

BY KEVIN ROBINSON-AVILA AND DAN BOYD / JOURNAL STAFF WRITERS Published: Tuesday, March 24th, 2020 at 12:06pm As much as $100 million from one of New Mexico’s permanent funds will be made available for business loans under a New Mexico Recovery Fund approved Tuesday by the State Investment Council Pictured is the Nob Hill area in Albuquerque. (Roberto E. Rosales/Albuquerque Journal) SANTA FE — The New Mexico State Investment Council voted unanimously Tuesday to immediately pump up to $100 million from one of the state’s large permanent funds into a newly-formed New Mexico Recovery Fund, which will provide discounted, short-term loans to businesses struggling t...

State agencies encouraging take-out, delivery options at restaurants

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

SANTA FE - During this difficult time for New Mexico restaurants and food establishments, the New Mexico Departments of Economic Development and Environment are encouraging New Mexicans to patronize local eateriesby utilizing home and curbside delivery and take-out options as much as possible to minimize contact with others. “Communities must step up for our local New Mexico businesses,” said Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia Keyes. “New Mexicans can both help mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 and support these local businesses by choosing take-out over dining in.” “The standing advice from experts is to avoid groups of people if possible,” said Environmen...

The Economic Development Administration’s Five Investment Priorities

Thursday, March 05, 2020

Knowing your revitalization partner’s priorities adds clarity and saves time. When they are a funder with a competitive grant process, there’s all the more reason to know their priorities. For local communities interested in knowing where the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is at with their current investment priorities, this month’s speech at the 88th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors delivered by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Alvord pointed the way. Read full article.

What Are The Biggest Industries In New Mexico?

Thursday, March 05, 2020

New Mexico is historically a mining and ranching state, but natural resources still contribute significantly to the GDP. Energy, aerospace and defense, logistics and transportation, tourism, food, etc., are some of the state's biggest industries. A Breif Overview Of The Economy Of New Mexico Although the mining sector has scaled down on employees, the gas and oil industry of New Mexico contribute over $2 billion in revenues and taxes annually. New Mexico produces the most potash in the United States and holds significant deposits of uranium. The state is on a path to recovery since the economic recession of 2007. In the decad...

JTIP Funds support 107 new jobs in New Mexico

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Santa Fe, N.M. – The New Mexico Economic Development Department has awarded Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) grants to eight companies for the training of 107 new employees, Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said today. More than $889,000 in job training funds were awarded to businesses in Rio Rancho, Church Rock, Loving, Albuquerque, Roswell, and Los Alamos. The average wage of the trainees is $17.21 per hour and three of the businesses are first-time JTIP recipients -- Supply One, Theta Plate, and USA Beef. February’s JTIP applicants are a great example of New Mexico’s diverse economy. Trainees will join the workforce in numerous industries...

5 key takeaways from Carlsbad business leaders' annual trip to Santa Fe

Friday, February 07, 2020

Business leaders from across Eddy County traveled to Santa Fe the week of February 7th for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s annual lobbying trip to meet with state policy makers and express the unique needs and impact of southeast New Mexico. Known as the Bat Brigade, the group talked with New Mexico cabinet secretaries about the regulation of oil and gas – the region’s main economic driver – along with public education, roads and the environment. Read full article.

NM must invest in tourism and hospitality for economic growth, stability

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Thanks to the hard work of area businesses and a good year for oil and gas, Carlsbad is experiencing an economic boom. We have enjoyed business growth and record-breaking lodgers’ tax. While we celebrate this success, we know that for it to continue, we must be proactive. We, like so many communities across our state, know the ebb and flow of the oil and gas industry and know that we must look beyond just one industry for stability. In Carlsbad, we are taking a proactive approach to diversifying our economy through destination promotion. We applaud the growth of our existing industrie...

More Than 31 Million People in the United States (15.6% of the Adult Population Ages 18-64) Are Engaged in Early Stage Entrepreneurial Activity, According to the 2018/2019 United States GEM Report Produced by Babson College

Monday, February 03, 2020

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- The United States exhibits among the highest rates of early stage entrepreneurial activity in the developed world (15.6%). In addition, a great majority of entrepreneurs in the United States were motivated by opportunity in 2018. These are among the findings of the 2018/2019 U.S. Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report, produced by Babson College. Read full article.

U.S. economy shakes free of recession fears in striking turnaround since August

Sunday, February 02, 2020

Measured growth is expected because of lower interest rates and more certainty after resolutions to some of Trump’s trade disputes The U.S. economy is heading into 2020 at a pace of steady, sustained growth after a series of interest rate cuts and the apparent resolution of two trade-related threats mostly eliminated the risk of a recession. This marks a dramatic turnaround in momentum since August, when some forecasters predicted a 50 percent chance of a downturn starting by the end of next year. Read full article.

USDA announces $550 million to deploy high-speed broadband internet infrastructure in rural U.S.

Saturday, February 01, 2020

STANTON, Iowa (KFOR) – More than half of a billion dollars in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Reconnect Pilot Program funding will be available in 2020 to develop high-speed broadband internet infrastructure in rural parts of the United States. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that a second round of $550 million has been made available after being appropriated by Congress. Read full article.

Los Alamos National Laboratory spent $396 million with New Mexico business in 2019

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Economic impact data shows gains in procurement contracts to small business, job creation, and economic development projects Newswise—New numbers for fiscal year 2019 show Los Alamos National Laboratory’s big impact on New Mexico’s economy, as the Laboratory employed 12,041 people for a total of $1.16 billion in salaries and contracted with small businesses statewide for $288.6 million. “Los Alamos National Laboratory is a major economic driver in the region, and we are fully committed to strengthening local companies and growing the local workforce,” said Thom Mason, director. “I look forward to building on these efforts in the coming year.” Read full article.

Netflix spent over $150M, hired over 1,600 cast and crew in New Mexico

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The New Mexico Economic Department reports that since signing an agreement to open its first U.S. production hub in New Mexico, Netflix has spent over $150 million in the state. Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia Keyes also announced Netflix has hired more than 1,600 cast and crew members and have utilized over 2,000 production vendors in the state. In January 2019, the streaming giant which is based in Los Gatos, California signed an agreement that allowed Netflix to purchase Albuquerque Studios and promised $1 billion in production spending over the next 10 years. In return, the State o...

Brew anew: Carlsbad brewery gets second life in downtown revitalization

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Lucas Middleton used to brew beer just to pass the time. He started making his own craft brews in his apartment while studying geology at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. But after opening the second location for Milton’s Brewing, the brewery he founded with his friend Austin Weyant, Middleton solidified his place as a catalyst in Carlsbad’s growing dining and beer scene. Read full article.

Carlsbad commuters get $2.4M New Year's present from City

Friday, January 03, 2020

A new surface on a busy Carlsbad side street greeted commuters during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday, according to the City of Carlsbad. The $2.4 million repaving of Church Street from Carlsbad High School to the Carlsbad Beach started Dec. 21, said K.C. Cass, director of projects for the City of Carlsbad. Frank Navarrette, Constructors, Inc. Church Street project manager, said work is complete from 12th Street to Pate Street and from Mesa Street to Halagueño Street. Read full article.

New Mexico's Resolution: Get More People Outside in 2020

Friday, January 03, 2020

The number of recreation access permits issued by the New Mexico State Land Office nearly tripled in 2019, and officials say the goal is to keep growing that number. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Flanked by cactus and juniper, a pristine trail snakes through the high desert just outside New Mexico's most populated area. Sandstone canyons carved into the northeastern side of the state make for a remote bouldering and rock climbing paradise. And not far from the Texas border, a collection of scraggly cottonwoods and poplar-type trees is a beacon for birdwatchers hoping to catch a glimpse of a rare winged migrant. Read full article.

Boom creates new pressure in Permian

Thursday, December 05, 2019

CARLSBAD — As Eddy County's planner drove through oil country on a recent day, he passed a makeshift RV park and let out a groan. The small gathering of trailers he saw near the side of the road wasn't permitted by the county. In fact, it wasn't there at all several weeks earlier, the last time Steve McCroskey drove through the area. Only about one-third of the estimated 180 RV parks in the county have a permit, and new ones are popping up so fast that officials don't have time to send them all violation notices. There are only two code enforcemen...

Program can boost NM’s ‘opportunity zones’

Monday, December 02, 2019

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A state addendum to a federal economic development program could help some of New Mexico’s poorest areas compete with big cities in New York and California. New Mexico Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia Keyes recently announced a new program that offers an $1 million bonus to certain investments made in New Mexico’s 63 opportunity zones. Read full article.

Companies partner to bring remote healthcare to oil and gas workers

Sunday, December 01, 2019

A new clinic catering to the safety and health of employees of three of the largest oil and gas operators in Carlsbad opened in March. The clinic operated by XStremeMD was created via a partnership between Conoco Phillips, Marathon Oil and XTO Energy. Dr. Joseph Pearson, CEO of XStremeMD, said the company got its start in 2006 providing healthcare for employees working on off-shore rigs in Louisiana. The Lafayette, Louisiana-based company has four locations in the Permian Basin: Orla, Midland and Big Lake, Texas with Carlsbad as the newest location. Read full article.

Permian Basin Is Booming In Southeast New Mexico

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Logistics are being upgraded to support expanding oil and gas production, including a larger regional airport in Lea County now offering non-stop flights to Denver. The size of the Permian Basin in southeastern New Mexico represents one of the largest fields in the United States, and residents of the area are taking action to facilitate the growth of the oil and gas industry in the area. After a recently completed expansion of the regional airport, Lea County will be augmenting the existing non-stop United Express daily flight service to Houston with a new route to Denver, Colorado which began on Octobe...

New Albertson’s Market Opens in Carlsbad

Friday, November 01, 2019

Albertsons' new 60,000 square foot market opened to the public Wednesday. The market offers a salad bar, full-service meat and seafood counter, a large floral department, a drive-up pharmacy and a full-service Starbucks. Customers were treated to a more expansive selection of goods at the new location which also features in-door and outdoor seating for diners. "We've got a vastly expanded deli food service, it's restaurant food people. We've got a dining area for you to sit in, you can take it out," said United Family Executive Vice President Tony Crumpton. The store also features a Ready Meals Program, which Crumpton said is ...

Community Profiles of Carlsbad & Surrounding Communities

Monday, October 14, 2019

Site selectors and business owners looking for a location often like to have as much detailed information on the region they are looking at locating their business. Sometimes this information is very hard to get ahold of without paying. Here at the Carlsbad Department of Development, we strive to be as informational and transparent about this and we are proud to be a part of. This is why we freely offer an in-depth community profile for each of our communities, including detailed and up-to-date demographics on each. We offer community profiles on the following cities: Carlsbad, NM, Artesia, NM, Otis...

Business Assistance Resources Listed on the Carlsbad’s Department of Development Website

Monday, October 07, 2019

Here at Carlsbad’s Department of Development we strive to make the success of a business as easy as possible on business owners and entrepreneurs. This is why we have created a website full of free online resources for businesses. One of the sections that can be particularly useful for business owners is our featured business assistance section. Assistance can range from help applying for local licenses, strategic planning and support, and access to all local and state incentives. We also freely offer other contact information that can be useful to business owners such and contact information for the Carlsbad Chamber o...

Oil and gas in New Mexico waste water disposal holds the key

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

Who could argue with anyone wanting to find environmentally sustainable solutions to treating and reusing the produced water associated with oil and gas development? It is a PR-must for the industry powerhouses who have trillion-dollar stakes in the Permian Basin and need to be seen as responsible corporate citizens. It is also PR straw-to-gold for certain politicians whose playbook depends on vilifying oil and gas while simultaneously playing a cash-and-spend game with the billion-dollar royalty checks. Fortunately, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has embraced a more independent and transparent position, as reflected in her recent remarks at the Carlsbad Mayor’s Energy Summit...

Feature: How Lubbock’s Aero Care is dispatched and how they work

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Aero Care has been around for 30 years here in the hub city, but unless you need them, you would barely know they’re there. The crew is only called when someone is in critical condition and needs to be transported to a hospital quickly. “When there is a patient that is in critical condition, and they don’t have the bandwidth to provide medical attention to this individual, they rely on us to get those folks to the appropriate facilities,” said Joe Morgan, business development manager for Aero Care. Not only do they those in the hub city, bu...

Carlsbad’s Local Events Are Drawing in Visitors to the City!

Monday, September 30, 2019

Carlsbad is known for its plentiful and awe dropping natural wonders such as Carlsbad Cavern and Sitting Bull Falls. But it also has a historic and eclectic life aside from just our natural wonders that many enjoy. The Carlsbad Museum and Art Center is home to the local and regional history of the area. Here you can view Native American art and artifacts as well as enjoy Southwestern contemporary art exhibits. Aside from the historical side of Carlsbad, the town is also known for its widely popular community events. Downtown farmers markets, live music, and local races are a regula...

Workforce secured for nuclear waste facility near Carlsbad and Hobbs

Thursday, September 26, 2019

A potential supply of manpower for a proposed nuclear waste storage site near Carlsbad and Hobbs was provided as the company intending to build the facility signed an agreement with a consortium of 15 New Mexico construction and craft unions. Holtec International proposed building a temporary storage facility for high-level spent nuclear fuel rods on a 1,000-acre property near the Eddy-Lea county line. Read full article.

Lots of Fun to Be Had Outdoors in Carlsbad!

Monday, September 23, 2019

Carlsbad is known for its thriving business sector and high quality of life for its residents. But one thing that is lesser known is that Carlsbad is home to some amazing outdoor sights and activities. The Carlsbad Caverns National Park features over 100 caves in which visitors can explore and tour. Rattlesnake Springs is a desert wetland area that attracts local reptiles and hundreds of different bird species. There are hiking trails open for use around the majestic Sitting Bull Falls. Downtown Carlsbad has a lot to offer as well. Lake Carlsbad Beach Park has picnic areas and a beac...

Governor proposes free college for New Mexico students

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a plan that would make New Mexico the second state to offer full college tuition to state residents. The governor announced her plan at the state's Higher Education Summit at Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque. The proposal is for a "last dollar" program covering 100 percent of undergraduate tuition and fees not paid for by federal grants or the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship. Read full article.

Carlsbad Has Natural Outdoor Adventures for Everyone to Enjoy!

Monday, September 16, 2019

Carlsbad, New Mexico, is known for many things. One of the most unique things about this town is all of the natural landmarks and resources. Local residents and tourists alike enjoy these amazing natural wonders year-round in Carlsbad! One such unique natural wonder if the Carlsbad National Park, which is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Southern Mexico, this National Park is filled with amazing natural marvels that will have anyone in awe! The park features the Carlsbad Caverns, which have over 100 caves for visitors to explore. There are also trails for hiking around Sitting Bull Falls, another amazin...

Carlsbad’s Department of Development’s Revolving Loan Fund is Available to Businesses in Need!

Monday, September 09, 2019

Businesses in need of capital should contact our economic development department to learn about our revolving loan fund. The US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s (The EDA) mission is to help facilitate economic growth on a national scale. This federal government agency’s focus is exclusively on economic development. One of the ways they do this is to promote innovation and competitiveness to create sustainable economic growth and success. In 1999 the EDA teamed up with Carlsbad’s Department of Development (CDOD) to create the Revolving Loan Fund. This Revolving Loan Fund is a long program they created to help businesses an...

Permian Strategic Partnership Announces Grant Assistance for Two New Mexico Counties

Monday, September 09, 2019

PSP Grants Announcement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: media@permianpartnership.org bobreid@jfmaddox.org cdca.llc.nm@gmail.com terry@thegrantscollective.org Partners Plan Sept. 11 Events to Discuss New Programs Hobbs and Carlsbad, New Mexico – The Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) today announced a partnership with the JF Maddox Foundation and The Grants Collective and Community Development Consulting Associates LLC to provide professional grant writing, management and training expertise to local governments, school districts and non-profits in Lea and Eddy Counties to strengthen their ability to successfully compete for state, federal and private grant programs. “PSP recognizes that putting together competitive grant applications for federal, state, and private sources and their subsequent management, monitorin...

Incentives for Developers in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Monday, September 02, 2019

Site selectors and developers looking for property should consider the Carlsbad region. Carlsbad, New Mexico, is a growing area that is ripe for development. Carlsbad also offers amazing incentives which makes it the ideal place for any business to thrive! The New Mexico Tax Incentives are offered by the state and have many incentives to offer depending on the type of business it is. The state of New Mexico divides incentives into categories: Energy, General, Local Incentives, Manufacturing and Technology, and State Incentives. The Carlsbad Department of Development has also compiled local incentives for developers, along with critical information developers need t...

New Mexico Offers $1 Million Bonus to Opportunity Zone Projects

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

The State of New Mexico has unveiled an incentive program for Opportunity Zone (OZ) projects and is offering a $1 million bonus to investments that meet certain benchmarks, Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said. Keyes said the $1-million OZ Jobs Bonus shows that Opportunity Zone investments are a key strategy for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham as the state diversifies its economy. The federal tax initiative to stimulate development in lower-income neighborhoods can be a huge catalyst in New Mexico where it can be difficult to attract outside financing. Read full article.

Licensing Through UNM Tech Transfer Office in High Demand

Monday, August 26, 2019

New Mexico has been a hotbed of scientific development for decades. In the past few years, UNM has churned out some incredible inventions, and the business world is taking notice. Eleven companies were formed to take advantage of UNM-developed technologies last year. In addition to licensing, UNM staff and students have made dozens of companies to bring newly developed tech to market themselves. UNM’s Science and Technology Corp. (STC) provides licenses for UNM-developed technologies to interested businesses. Read full article.

Visit Carlsbad’s Department of Development’s New Website for Up-to-Date News!

Monday, August 26, 2019

Here at the Carlsbad Department of Development we strive to help the local community stay in touch with all that is happening here in Carlsbad. Our website keeps local residents and business owners alike up-to-date on happening around the community. This includes both local and national news attention. For example, the University of New Mexico was included in a U.S. News & World Report recently in a list of the best Graduate Schools. Local news includes things like what local businesses are doing and local political information for the area. It is our goal that through this news and medi...

Carlsbad’s New Website Provides an Online Portal for Employers to Post Job Opportunities in the Region!

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Carlsbad Department of Development has a new website with lots of useful tools and resources, one of which is their new employment opportunities portal. This tool helps employers find skilled workers in several industries that are thriving in the area. This tool can also be used by people seeking employment within the Carlsbad area. Employers are now using this tool to regularly post job openings. We here at Carlsbad Department of Development encourage job seekers and employers alike to utilize this free, online tool. People can search by featured jobs, publishing date of job listing, title of the job, compan...

Become a Member of the Carlsbad Department of Development Today!

Monday, August 12, 2019

Are you a community member or a local business owner looking to help support the economic growth of the Carlsbad region? Through the Carlsbad Department of Development, you can now help our region grow and make connections of your own through our membership program! When you become a member of the Carlsbad Department of Development you are also able to participate in important strategic planning efforts, represent the region nationally, and promote your own business through networking opportunities. There are 5 levels of membership of which people can choose to participate in. These different levels allow members to choose ...

Meow Wolf One of New Mexico’s Strongest Startup Success Stories

Monday, August 12, 2019

Meow Wolf is a well-known name in New Mexico, and increasingly throughout the rest of the country. What started as a popular art installation in Santa Fe quickly became one of the biggest startup business stories to come out of New Mexico. The company disclosed in May that it had raised $158 million in funding. Meow Wolf has raised the largest fundraising round in the last decade than any other startup New Mexico-based company. The next leading contender has raised $30 million and is more than five times below the total amount of Meow Wolf’s raised funds. And a report prepare...

Chevron Contribution Will Support Creation of Bomb Squad

Tuesday, August 06, 2019

For Immediate Release: Contact: Kyle Marksteiner (575) 706-2324 kmarksteiner@cityofcarlsbadnm.com A $50,000 social investment from Chevron will allow the Carlsbad Police Department to form a Bomb Squad, Carlsbad Mayor Janway has announced. Donations from the Mosaic Company, ConocoPhillips and the local COPS organization (Citizens Offering Police Support) will also ensure that the necessary funding for the project is available. “Chevron and all of our sponsors on this project are assisting the community with making improvements that will protect the lives of our citizens,” Janway said. “We very sincerely appreciate this generous contribution.” Shane Skinner, Carlsbad Police Chief, said the mission of the Bomb Squad will be t...

Production for Netflix’s “Army of the Dead” Begins in New Mexico

Tuesday, August 06, 2019

After months of pre-production, Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead” has begun principal photography in Albuquerque. The Netflix-produced film will continue production through October. In “Army of the Dead,” Snyder returns to his directorial roots, offering this zombie-adventure film. The film follows a group of mercenaries who, following a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, take the ultimate gamble, venturing into the quarantine zone to pull off the greatest heist ever attempted. Read full article.

Lea County Regional Airport to Expand Daily United Service to Denver

Monday, August 05, 2019

Air travelers may soon have a choice to fly to either Denver or Houston from the Lea County Regional Airport, instead of just Houston. Economic Development Corporation of Lea County board of directors chairman Finn Smith presented a proposal at Hobbs City Commission meeting to add Denver to the United Airlines contract. Read full article.

New Mexico: Opportunity Zones are Knocking

Monday, August 05, 2019

SANTA FE, N.M. - The New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) has unveiled a new website so local governments, investors, businesses, and property owners can take advantage and connect with Opportunity Zone resources. The state, along with NMEDD, designated 63 Opportunity Zones in 22 counties as part of the U.S. Government’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The purpose of the tax law is to attract capital investment into economically distressed areas in exchange for a reduced tax obligation. Read full article.

What’s new in Carlsbad? Follow Us and Keep in Touch!

Monday, August 05, 2019

Here Carlsbad Department of Development, we want to keep in touch with our community members! That’s why, along with our highly interactive and resourceful website, we are also expanding to social media platforms! This will allow us to communicate with community members and business owners and allow us to keep everyone in the area up-to-date on local news and events. We are also focused on making sure local business owners and business owners or entrepreneurs looking for a location will have easy access to invaluable resources. These resources include in-depth community profiles and demographics, interactive visual maps for site selection...

Four New Mexico Cities Named “Boomtowns” in National Survey

Friday, August 02, 2019

Santa Fe is the biggest “boomtown” in the state of New Mexico, according to a self-described “money lifestyle website.” But cities like Rio Rancho, Carlsbad and Hobbs may be more deserving. GOBankingRates released its list of the fastest-growing cities in each state, using five- and 10-year U.S. Census data to measure population growth, as well as increases in occupied housing units and per capita income. But the study doesn’t factor in Santa Fe’s annexation of 4,100 acres of land in 2014, which resulted in a population increase of 13,250 and more than 4,400 new housing units. Read full article.

$100,000 Approved in Solo Worker Grants (Carlsbad Included!)

Thursday, August 01, 2019

SANTA FE, N.M. – The state Economic Development Department has approved $100,000 in Solo Worker grants to four entities whose programs train and support workers to run their businesses from home. These programs help make remote work a viable option for people, allowing them to continue to work in their own community. The EDD has also approved $250,000 in Local Economic Assistance & Job Development Support (LEADS) grants. “The grants are part of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s focus of building more economic development expertise across New Mexico,” said Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes of the Economic Development Department. “We have strong partners i...

Carlsbad

Thursday, August 01, 2019

Carlsbad is a city in and the county seat of Eddy County, New Mexico. Carlsbad is located in the Chihuahuan Desert on the beautiful Pecos River at an elevation of 3,295 feet. The city, with its tree-lined streets, numerous public parks and recreation areas, including the municipal beach and greenway along Lake Carlsbad; originated as an oasis - "The Pearl on the Pecos." Read full article.

How to Be a Space Tourist

Thursday, August 01, 2019

Beth Moses, the chief astronaut instructor at Virgin Galactic, will train the people who want to fly on SpaceShipTwo. On February 22, 2019, Beth Moses embarked on her first test flight aboard SpaceShipTwo, which was flown by David Mackay, Virgin Galactic’s chief test pilot, and Mike Masucci, the company’s lead trainer pilot. The successful launch gave Moses the distinction of becoming the first female commercial astronaut. “It happened because I dared to dream big,” says Moses. As Virgin Galactic’s chief astronaut instructor, Moses is responsible for designing the training program, equipment, and facilities at New Mexico’s Spaceport America to prepare space tourist...

Small town becomes booming petroleum powerhouse

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

An oil boom in southeastern New Mexico is bringing thousands of people to Lea and Eddy Counties, causing the city of Carlsbad's population to more than double in less than a decade. New data from the US Geological Survey shows billions of barrels-worth of oil and natural gas underground in southeastern New Mexico. The area is part of the Permian Basin, an oil-rich part of west Texas and southeastern New Mexico spanning nearly 80,000 square miles. Improved technologies in drilling and fracturing allowed the USGS to discover how plentiful New Mexico's oil supply is. "The Permian Basin of which about half i...

NEW MEXICO SETS STATE OIL PRODUCTION RECORD

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

New Mexico produced nearly 246 million barrels of oil in 2018, up more than 40 percent from the previous year, setting a new record for oil production in the state. New Mexico produced nearly 246 million barrels of oil in 2018, up more than 40 percent from the previous year, setting a new record for oil production in the state. New Mexico’s 2018 production is nearly three times as much as the 86 million barrels produced in the state in 2012, according to the state’s Oil Conservation Division (OCD). The increased production is made possible by the use of hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling...

Daniel J. Gutierrez named Director of N.M. MainStreet

Monday, July 22, 2019

SANTA FE, N.M. - Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes has named Daniel J. Gutierrez, a cultural anthropologist who has been working in economic development for over a decade, as director of the New Mexico MainStreet program. Gutierrez has been involved in New Mexico MainStreet since 2014 and worked closely with Rich Williams, the former program director who retired in April. Gutierrez now assumes the responsibilities permanently. Read full article.

Inspired by Apollo 11, Virgin Galactic’s Branson Preparing Tourist Flights

Friday, July 19, 2019

Virgin Galactic’s Richard Branson said that his spaceship has just a few more test flights before he jumps on board for the first tourist trip. The British billionaire celebrated his 69th birthday at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center during 50th anniversary festivities for humanity’s first moon landing. His guests were 100 other aspiring astronauts who have put down deposits to launch into space with Virgin Galactic. Like Branson, many in the crowd were inspired to fly into space by Apollo 11, which he called “the most audacious journey of all time.” Read full article.

Job hunting? Growth in New Mexico outpaces the nation

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Employment data recently posted by the U.S. Department of Labor and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions shows that New Mexico outpaced the national job growth rate for the first time since January 2013, according to the state department. Over the year, New Mexico’s total nonagricultural employment increased by 15,900 jobs, or 1.9 percent. The nation’s job growth rate was 1.5 percent. Most of the gains came from the private sector at 15,300 jobs, or 2.3 percent, which ranked New Mexico ninth in the nation for private sector job growth, the summary stated. The highest rate was in Nevada with 4.1 percent growth...

State Awards Grants to Enhance Solo Workers and Support Job Growth

Monday, July 15, 2019

New Mexico Technology Companies Show Over 30% Growth from 2014

Monday, July 01, 2019

New Mexico’s Flying 40 technology stars leapt to new heights this year with more than 30 percent growth in collective revenue and employment. Most grew in the double digits, but some showed spectacular growth of up to 1,000 percent or more. Taken together, this year’s technology tigers collectively reported $974 million in revenue and 4,957 employees. That’s up from $744 million and 3,709 jobs in 2014. Read full article.

Another Hurdle Cleared for Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance Facility

Tuesday, May 07, 2019

NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Denies Evidentiary Hearing on Holtec International’s Proposed Spent Fuel Storage Facility in New Mexico A Nuclear Regulatory Commission Atomic Safety and Licensing Board has denied requests by several petitioners to hold an evidentiary hearing challenging Holtec International’s license application to construct and operate a consolidated interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel in southeastern New Mexico. The three-judge board held oral arguments in Albuquerque in January on the standing of the various petitioners and the admissibility of their proposed contentions under NRC regulations. While the judges agreed that some of the six petitioners met the qualification...

U.S. News & World Report Releases 2020 Best Graduate Schools

Monday, April 29, 2019

A number of programs and schools at The University of New Mexico were ranked among the country’s best in the 2020 US News & World Report graduate school rankings. U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in education rankings, unveiled the 2020 Best Graduate Schools evaluating universities across six major disciplines including business, education, engineering, law, medicine and nursing. The UNM School of Medicine was ranked No. 21 for Best Medical Schools: Primary Care, No. 78 for Best Medical Schools: Research, and No. 8 in Family Medicine. In the College of Nursing, the Nursing-Midwifery program is ranked No. 7, the Maste...

Eagle Automation Expanding in Carlsbad, NM

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Recently, at a New Mexico Economic Development Department meeting in Albuquerque, Eagle Automation announced that they were purchasing a new facility in Carlsbad and would be expanding its operation to include the full array of production and warehousing operations for the Delaware Basin, centered in Carlsbad, NM. Initially, the company plans to add 15 high-paid jobs and is anticipated to continue increasing its workforce over time. According to CEO Brandon Giles, Eagle Automation first expanded into Carlsbad during October 2018 due to requests of customers to support them locally and to pursue the tremendous growth and opportunity in the basin. “Thoug...

LFC Economist named Deputy Cabinet Secretary

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Santa Fe, N.M. – Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes of the New Mexico Economic Development Department announced that state economist Jon Clark will serve as Deputy Cabinet Secretary. Clark has been with the Legislative Finance Committee since 2012 and has been instrumental in analyzing state revenue trends, tax changes and investments. He has also served as a business development manager and helped bring new jobs to the state with the New Mexico Partnership. Keyes said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is working on strategic investments to diversify the economy and Clark’s expertise is more important than ever as the state looks to mak...

New Production Facility in Carlsbad Leads Recent Incentive Awards from NM Economic Development Department

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

April 12, 2019 - New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced that the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) board approved statewide proposals from 12 companies, creating 54 jobs. At the top of the list was Eagle Automation, which was approved for the initial 15 new jobs created in Carlsbad to be employed at their new Carlsbad facility to support the company’s fabrication, assembly and warehousing operations. The total value of the incentives awarded to Eagle Automation was $359,419.84. As the company continues to grow, they are eligible for additional incentives. JTIP is one of the most generous training incentiv...

Gov. Lujan Grisham: Lost Decade of Job Growth is Over

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Santa Fe, N.M. – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the state’s top economic development official said significant measures have advanced in the Legislature that will grow New Mexico’s economy and put an end to a lost decade of job growth. As the 2019 session enters its final hours, lawmakers from both political parties have approved Gov. Lujan Grisham-backed priorities that will add jobs in the film and media industries and boost employment in outdoor recreation, agriculture, clean energy, and manufacturing. The Legislature also agreed to the governor’s requests to spend money for vocational and workforce training and to enhance direct loan...

Gov. Lujan Grisham recommits state to film and television industry, signs legislation aimed at steadier growth, expansion

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

On Friday, March 29, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 2 at Albuquerque Studios, delivering on a promise to boost the state’s film, television and media industry and provide for steady growth in an economic sector that keeps New Mexicans employed and offers young adults the opportunity to build a sustainable career. Read full article.

Transit Named Agency of the Year

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

CARLSBAD, NM – Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway is proud to announce that the Carlsbad Municipal Transit System has received the State of New Mexico 5311 Agency of the Year Award from the New Mexico Department of Transportation in recognition of their outstanding performance. The award was presented on April 1 at the 2019 New Mexico Transit Road-eo Conference and Expo. The City of Carlsbad’s transit fleet consists of 20 buses and 25 employees. “The extraordinary job the transit system has done has set an example for the rest of the state,” Janway said. “We are proud to see our employees get th...

CDOD Attends Dallas Build Expo

Thursday, March 28, 2019

The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) attended the Dallas Build Expo held on February 5th and 5th. The event hosted several hundred exhibitors across multiple fields of expertise. This was the first time representatives from the CDOD exhibited at this trade show. "it was a highly productive show for us," said Shannon Carr, Local Development Coordinator with the CDOD. "We met with over 30 companies that were general contractors for residential, financiers, and land developers interested in Carlsbad, and nearly a dozen companies associated with engineering and architecture." Build Expo USA puts these shows on in over two dozen cities across th...

CDOD Attends Annual Texas Deal Maker Show

Wednesday, January 09, 2019

The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) recently attended the first Red River States Deal Making show in Fort Worth. Over 3,600 industry professionals were on hand at this year's event, one of the more successful shows for CDOD in the last decade. "We have historically had great success at the Texas ICSC show," said Jeff Campbell, Director of Marketing and Business Development for the CDOD. The newly-named Red River States Deal Making show is the rebranded concept for the former International Council of Shopping Center's (ICSC) Deal Making show. "A lot of good deals have had their roots here." Campbell said that some of th...

Burger King Brings Whopper Back to Carlsbad

Thursday, February 01, 2018

Burger King has begun construction on its new site in Carlsbad, NM. The burger leader chose Carlsbad following a steady recruitment process by the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD). They plan to open later this spring, joining Starbucks and Carl’s Jr. as the newest entrants to the fast growing market. Carlsbad continues its quick and steady growth, leading the way for the state of New Mexico. According to recent studies by the Policom Corporation and SmartAsset, Carlsbad and Eddy County sit high in rankings for growth in business investment and new businesses in general. Carlsbad has either been leading in thes...

Carl’s Jr. Adds More Dining Options in Carlsbad New Mexico

Sunday, October 01, 2017

Carlsbad, NM, October, 2017 – Carl’s Jr. has begun construction work on its first location in Carlsbad. The burger giant chose Carlsbad after a lengthy recruitment effort by the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD). They plan to open within the next few months, joining Starbucks as the newest entrants to the growing market. Carlsbad continues its growth, leading the way for the state of New Mexico. According to recent studies by the Policom Corporation and SmartAsset, Carlsbad and Eddy County sit high in rankings for growth in business investment and new businesses in general. Carlsbad has either been leading in these areas o...

Carlsbad Mayor’s Energy Summit Set for Oct. 16

Friday, September 01, 2017

“Carlsbad: The New Energy Frontier” is the theme for the 2017 Carlsbad Mayor’s Energy Summit, set for Oct. 16, 2017, at the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center (4012 National Parks Highway) in Carlsbad. “Carlsbad has increasingly become a critical component of our nation’s energy effort,” said Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway. “The focus of this year’s summit will be a continued look toward the future of the energy industry in this area.” The summit, now in its 5th year, will focus on economic growth and the future of the energy industry in Southeastern New Mexico. The free event will take place from 8 a.m...

Boutique Air Announces Additional Albuquerque Flight

Tuesday, August 01, 2017

Boutique Air, has announced that effective August 15, 2017, their new weekly schedule is now offering one additional round trip flight between Carlsbad, NM and Albuquerque, NM. For more Information.

CDOD Shows Support for Local Businesses amid State Health Order

Monday, July 20, 2020

CARC, INC. Earns 2017 Silver National Quality Award

Sunday, July 01, 2018

Carlsbad, NM, July 2017 – CARC, INC. has been recognized as a 2017 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award recipient by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which was established in 1996 and spotlights providers across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality of care for residents and patients in long term and post-acute care centers and facilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “We are excited to be recognized for what we’ve accomplished on our journey to improve quality programs and services,” said Mark Schinnerer, CEO of CARC, INC. “Applying for the Silver award has helped CARC to achieve better outcomes as an organization.” Based on the core value...

Eddy County Ranked First in Business Growth and Investment

Tuesday, August 01, 2017

Carlsbad, NM, August, 2017 – In a recent study released by the financial consulting firm SmartAsset, Eddy County’s business growth ranked number one in New Mexico for the second straight year. The study, provided to the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD), looked at the number of new businesses, GDP growth, and building permits in counties across New Mexico. Eddy County topped New Mexico with a 10.3% business growth rate and an incoming investment index of 43.52. Strong industrial diversity has led to Eddy County leading the way in growth for the state. The market relies on more than just one industry, to includ...

Starbucks to Open First Location in Carlsbad New Mexico

Tuesday, August 01, 2017

Carlsbad, NM, August, 2017 – Starbucks has begun construction work on its first location in Carlsbad. The coffee giant chose Carlsbad after a lengthy recruitment effort by the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD). Starbucks has been a highly requested and sought after business in the market. Carlsbad continues its growth, leading the way for the state of New Mexico. According to recent studies by the Policom Corporation and SmartAsset, Carlsbad and Eddy County sit high in rankings for growth in business investment and new businesses in general. Carlsbad has either been leading in these areas or has been near the top for multiple years. Starbuck...

Harbor Freight Tools Coming to Carlsbad

Monday, May 01, 2017

Harbor Freight Tools Coming to Carlsbad Carlsbad, NM - May 2017 - The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) is pleased to welcome Harbor Freight Tools to Carlsbad. The tool store will be located in the former Hastings location in the Northgate Shopping Center, located at 1505 W. Pierce Street. Hastings closed all of its stores nationwide last year after filing for bankruptcy. The corporation failed to find a buyer for its 123 stores, and instead liquidated all merchandise. The Carlsbad Hastings closed in October 2016. Harbor Freight will fill the approximate 18,000 square feet left behind. "We are excited for Harbor Freight, and Carlsbad," sai...

WIPP Receives First Shipment in Three Years

Saturday, April 01, 2017

At around midnight on Saturday morning, as much of southeast New Mexico slept, a small crowd of dedicated employees at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant gathered to greet the site's first shipment of transuranic waste received in more than three years. Click here for more Information.

Xcel Energy to Invest in $400 Million Transmission Line Project

Saturday, April 01, 2017

Xcel Energy Invests $400 Million in Eastern New Mexico Transmission Line Carlsbad, NM - April 2017 - Xcel Energy is set to begin construction of the 240-mile, $400 million TUCO-China Draw 345-kilovolt transmission line project. This will be the single largest investment in an electrical infrastructure project in Eastern New Mexico. The project, which will connect the China Draw Substation south of Carlsbad, with the TUCO Substation north of Abernathy, Texas, will deliver a more reliable and abundant electricity supply to customers in New Mexico and Texas. It will ensure power can move freely into one of the nation's leading oil and ga...

Carl's Jr. Coming to Carlsbad

Wednesday, February 01, 2017

Carlsbad, NM - February 2017 - Carl's Jr. is coming to Carlsbad. The fast food burger giant is scheduled to begin construction on its first store in Carlsbad in 2017. The store will be located in the 400 block of Canal Street, across from Kaleidoscoops. "This is a project we have worked on for several years," said Jeff Campbell, director of marketing and business development for the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD). "It is very rewarding to see this finally coming to fruition. The community deserves it, and will definitely support it." Carl's Jr. has over 3,600 locations in 44 states and 3...

CDOD, County and City Leaders, Visit Santa Fe

Sunday, January 01, 2017

January 2017 - Santa Fe, NM - Representatives from the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD), along with several city and county elected officials and leaders, made the annual visit to Santa Fe as part of the Eddy County legislative trip. Teams met with various state departments, including the New Mexico Economic Development Department, the New Mexico Film office, the Governor, and others. One of the biggest topics on the agenda for Carlsbad is that of the brine well potential collapse. Senator Caroll Leavell and Representative Cathrynn Brown each introduced legislation to acquire financial aid to remediate the brine well before its impendin...

Lucy's Mexican Grill Opens at Cascades

Sunday, January 01, 2017

Carlsbad, NM - January 2017 - Lucy's New Mexican Grill has opened at the Cascades at Carlsbad. The restaurant, owned by regional business owner Lucy Yanez, This is the third restaurant Lucy has opened in Carlsbad, and the first eatery located at the developing Cascades. The concept behind Lucy's Mexican Grill is to offer new dishes not served at the other Lucy's restaurants. It is an upscale option, featuring a full liquor selection as well as music on certain occasions and fine dining along the Pecos River. The Cascades at Carlsbad will offer over 650,000 square feet of space for retail, restaurant, an...

WIPP Re-Opens

Sunday, January 01, 2017

Click here for the full story on WIPP re-opening.

Carlsbad Pavilion Provides New Retail Opportunities

Thursday, December 01, 2016

Carlsbad, NM - December 2016 - Renovation of an old grocery store has neared completion, and Carlsbad consumers have four new options for shopping. The Carlsbad Pavilion has turned into a brand new shopping center, bringing new life to an old lot. "We have been working with representatives from each of the four stores over the years," said Jeff Campbell, director of marketing and business development for the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD). "Of course, the puzzle was not complete without a developer, and now it is all coming together nicely." The developer referenced is Retail Southwest out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Retai...

CDOD Recruits Aviation Businesses at DMC

Thursday, December 01, 2016

Denver, CO - December 2016 - The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) recently attended the Defense Manufacturing Conference (DMC) in Denver, Colorado to recruit businesses in the aviation industry. Over 150 companies were in attendance at the conference, with over 1,000 conference attendees. "We have been actively recruiting aviation related businesses for some time," said John Waters, executive director for the CDOD. "Last month we attended a conference in Orlando, and we made some great connections. This one was very good for us as well." The DMC is where top government and industry leaders and manufacturing subject matter experts get together to communicat...

CDOD Attends NBAA Conference to Recruit New Aviation Businesses

Tuesday, November 01, 2016

Orlando, FL - November 2016 - The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) recently attended the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) conference in Orlando, Florida. This conference boasted over 1,100 exhibitors and over 27,000 attendees, all from the aviation industry. The CDOD applied for a Leads Grant from the New Mexico Economic Development Department with the purpose of obtaining funding in order to attend trade shows focused on aviation manufacturing. The CDOD aggressively targets industries for business recruitment based on strategic goals developed by its board of directors, which is comprised of local business and elected leaders in Carlsbad and Eddy County. Thi...

Anytime Fitness Opens at the Cascades

Saturday, October 01, 2016

Carlsbad, NM October 2016 - Anytime Fitness, a top global franchise, has opened at the Cascades at Carlsbad. The gym is a 24-hour a day operation, with various levels of membership. Anytime Fitness has over 15 gyms in New Mexico, with more planned. The Cascades at Carlsbad is an open-air marketplace, consisting of over 650,000 square feet of space planned for retail, restaurants, and offices. It is currently under development, with plans to include a family entertainment center as the property's anchor. Anytime Fitness can be reached at 575-689-1156.

CDOD Recruits Retail, Restaurants at Texas ICSC

Saturday, October 01, 2016

Dallas, TX - October 2016 - The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) recently attended the annual Texas International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Deal Making trade show. This show is one of the larger shows put on by ICSC. Attendees include retailers, restaurants, brokers, developers, and municipalities. The CDOD has attended this show for nine straight years, dating back to 2008. The show primarily takes place in Dallas, but has also been held in Grapevine and San Antonio. This year there were over 300 exhibitors and over 4,000 attendees. This was one of the larger shows in recent years, with the tren...

CDOD Gains New Members

Monday, August 01, 2016

Carlsbad, NM August 2016 - The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) is pleased to announce two new members, Bock Electric and Simian Support. Both businesses are owned by local entrepreneurs, and both are looking for new opportunities within the community. Bock Electric, Owned by Cory and Ashley Bock, are looking to expand by adding new businesses to their growing list of clientele. They provide service to commercial and residential customers, and have been in business since 2015. Simian Support, owned and operated by Scott Tindall, provides IT maintenance and support for a wide variety of customers. The CDOD is always looking for business owner...

Carlsbad Growth Continues

Wednesday, June 01, 2016

CARLSBAD, NM, June 1, 2016 – Manufacturing, retail, and restaurant growth are at the top of the economy in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Market indicators show that Carlsbad continues to expand while maintaining lower unemployment figures than surrounding communities. With the oil industry experiencing steady production, Carlsbad has proven that being economically diverse is the formula for success in terms of growth. Since oil rig counts and production have dropped off beginning in mid-2014, many communities have suffered as they are heavily reliant upon this commodity. Carlsbad has been successful in the face of this trend, as the market relies on more than jus...

Xcel Energy Continues Expansion in Eddy County

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

CARLSBAD — Xcel Energy unveiled a new transmission line that will improve the power system for Eddy and Lea Counties on Tuesday. According to a news release, the 230-kilovolt, 42-mile transmission line is the first step in a major expansion of a new bulk electricity transmission network in Southeast New Mexico. Click here for more information.

CDOD Recruits in Dallas at Texas ICSC

Sunday, November 01, 2015

Carlsbad Apartment Builders Struggle for Financing

Tuesday, September 01, 2015

Carlsbad has at least three major industries that are creating hundreds of jobs in the southeastern part of the state—the potash, oil and nuclear industries. And as more people move to the city for work, local officials say the city and surrounding area is suffering from a housing crisis. Local officials in Carlsbad report all of the city's apartments have waiting lists and hotels are being used as living quarters. Despite the demand for more multifamily housing, few developers have moved into the market to build new complexes. Click here for more information.

City Leaders Talk Road Needs in Santa Fe

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

CARLSBAD >> The power of photography is exceeded only by the power of numbers. At least that is what representatives of Carlsbad who traveled Wednesday to Santa Fe armed with statistics and pictures of roads in Southeastern New Mexico hope. The House Transportation Interim Committee was presented with photos of roads taken by residents of Eddy County as part of the "This is my NM Road" social media campaign that show just how destructive the increased amount of traffic has become to city and county roads.Click here for more Information.

City of Carlsbad to Put 24 Lots up for Bid

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

City to Put 24 Lots up for Bid CARLSBAD, NM, July 2015 - Looking to buy some property around Carlsbad? The City of Carlsbad may have what you need. The City of Carlsbad is interested in selling 24 city-owned lots through a sealed bidding process. The bidding process starts on July 27. “We have carefully reviewed all properties owned by the City that are suitable for housing, and this list represents everything that we now own that fits that criteria,” explained City Administrator Steve McCutcheon. Deputy City Administrator Stephanie Shumsky said Mayor Pro Tem Dick Doss helped compile the list of available City propert...

Eddy County Continues to Lead in Oil and Gas

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

CARLSBAD, NM, July 2015 - The results are in and the “oil and natural gas capitol” of the entire Permian Basin is Eddy County in southeastern New Mexico. According to a new study published today by the Carlsbad Department of Development, New Mexico’s Eddy County leads in oil and natural gas production across the entire Permian basin. “We reviewed data from the Texas and New Mexico governmental agencies that oversee drilling and production for their respective states,” said John Waters, the Executive Director for the Carlsbad Department of Development, a non-profit, economic development agency serving the region. “We always were aware that our natura...

Governor Martinez Touts Growth in New Mexico

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

Converting a large structural budget deficit into a surplus is a daunting task for any governor. Achieving this kind of fiscal stability while reducing taxes 24 times is an accomplishment most governors can only dream about. Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico has met this challenge head-on and transformed what seemed to be a sleepy outpost in the Southwest into a dynamic growth center that is welcoming droves of new businesses who are putting down roots in the Land of Enchantment. Click here for more information.

Pickens to Address Energy Summit Attendees

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

CARLSBAD, NM, July 2015 - Legendary businessman T. Boone Pickens will participate in the 2015 Southeastern New Mexico Energy Summit, scheduled for Sept. 14 at the Carlsbad Civic Center, Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway announced today. Pickens, dubbed the “Oracle of Oil” by CNBC, built one of the nation’s largest independent oil companies, Mesa Petroleum, and later reinvented himself in his 70s as a successful investment fund operator. In July 2008, he launched the Pickens Plan, a grass-roots campaign aimed at reducing this country’s crippling addiction to OPEC oil. That year, he also published The First Billion is the Hardest, in which he detaile...

CDOD Seats New Board, Honors Perkowski

Monday, June 01, 2015

CARLSBAD, NM, June 29, 2015 – The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) recently held its annual meeting and paid tribute to several community businesses and leaders. The event, which also serves to announce and seat new board members for the upcoming fiscal year, was highlighted with guest speaker Ryan Flynn, the Secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department. Outgoing CDOD president Jay Jenkins touted the successes achieved during the past year, to include the sale of the Cascades properties to developers planning to erect a family entertainment center. Jenkins then passed the gavel to incoming president Mark Schinnerer. Honorees for the evening included Rangelan...

Family Entertainment Center Planned for Cascades

Monday, June 01, 2015

CARLSBAD, NM, June 2015 – The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to sell a portion of the Cascades at Carlsbad to Cascade Entertainment, LLC, which will develop the property to include a 44,000 square foot Family Entertainment Center, a hotel and a number of retail shops. The new facility, which will include five state of the art theater auditoriums, 12 modern bowling lanes, a laser tag arena, an adult and children’s arcade, and a sports grill/restaurant, will serve as the anchor attraction in the Cascades, a mixed-use open-air retail center on th...

Boutique Air Announces Service to Dallas, Albuquerque

Friday, May 01, 2015

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (May 4, 2015) – Boutique Air, an FAAcertified air carrier providing both air charter and scheduled services, announced today that it will be initiating nonstop service from Carlsbad, NM to both Dallas (DFW) and Albuquerque (ABQ) beginning June 1, with tickets bookable now. Receiving strong support from local leadership and the broader community, the airline was recently awarded the Essential Air Service contract to provide six weekly, nonstop round trip flights to Albuquerque (ABQ) and six weekly, nonstop round trip flights to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW.) Click here for more information.

Carlsbad Mayor Urges Use of "My Road" Website

Friday, May 01, 2015

Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway hopes more area residents will participate in the "This is my N.M. Road" campaign, which encourages residents to share pictures of roads they travel on regularly. The Mayor's Taskforce on Highways and Transportation, partnering with the Carlsbad Department of Development, began the campaign last month. Photos displaying road damage have already been uploaded to the Department of Development's web site (www.developcarlsbad.org), and they will eventually be presented to state and federal officials to bolster the argument that additional road funding is desperately needed in Southeastern New Mexico. Click here for more information.

City Proposes Changes to Grappler Service

Friday, May 01, 2015

Carlsbad - May 2015 - Pending approval by City Council, the City of Carlsbad’s Solid Waste Department will soon be moving into an on-call schedule for its grappling service. The department’s grappler is used for bulk trash and yard waste collection for city residents. If City Council agrees, residents are requested to call 3-1-1 or the Solid Waste Department at (575) 885-0042 at least 48 hours in advance to be put on the grapple’s pickup route. If residents don’t call, the city won’t know to schedule a pick-up. “What has been suggested in our solid waste audit, and endorsed by the Board of Solid Wast...

Pearce Receives Manufacturing Excellence Award

Friday, May 01, 2015

Carlsbad - May 2015 - The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has awarded U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce (NM-02) the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. The award is based on his votes in the 113th Congress on issues that are critical to manufacturing in the United States. “Manufacturers in New Mexico and throughout the United States are making a comeback, creating jobs, making more products and making them better than ever before,” said NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. “However, manufacturers are often disproportionately impacted by decisions made by policymakers in Washington. The NAM is proud to stan...

CDOD Welcomes New Members

Wednesday, April 01, 2015

The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) is pleased to announce two new members. Rangeland Energy and Clayton Homes are the newest companies to join as members.

Bank Expands Services in Carlsbad

Sunday, March 01, 2015

Bank Expands Services in Carlsbad First American Bank is proud to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for First American Bank’s Carlsbad Banking Center. Friday, March 13, 2015 11:00 am First American Bank 1201 N. Pate / Carlsbad, NM First American Bank has been serving Carlsbad with a Loan Production Office (LPO) that opened in March, 2013. They will now build a new 4,800 square foot full-service location offering business, consumer, mortgage lending, and trust, investment and wealth management services. This state-of-the-art banking center will provide both traditional customer service with tellers and CSR’s and a ‘Tech Bar’ which allows customers to conduct their own transactions via onlin...

CDOD Leaders Visit State Legislators

Sunday, March 01, 2015

CDOD Leaders Visit State Legislators Santa Fe - March 2014 - Several Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) leaders, along with other elected officials and citizens from Eddy County, recently attended meetings with state legislators in Santa Fe. The trip was part of the Chamber of Commerce's annual Bat Brigade. The focus for CDOD officials was based on several points of interest, all related to issues throughout the county. Topics brought up in meetings with state departments included roads and highways, the railroad access and reliability, Eddy County growth, and support for the Governor's and state economic development department's initiatives. The main concern for road...

Business Growth Continues in Carlsbad

Sunday, January 04, 2015

April 2015 - Carlsbad, NM - A new bed and breakfast has opened in Carlsbad through the efforts of two local entrepreneurs. Centrally located on Canyon Street, the Fiddler's Inn Bed & Breakfast promotes 5-Star service at competitive local rates. Tonk and Julie Chester, owners of the business and Carlsbad residents, are excited about the future and appreciate the history involved with the Fiddler's Inn. "Our country-style dream home is one of the best-kept treasures in our community," said Tonk. "Our family is full of musicians (hence the name), artists and hard-workers. Mix that with a beautiful, historic guest home and you'v...

Matador Acquires Yates in Deal

Thursday, January 01, 2015

Matador Acquires Yates in Deal Carlsbad - January 2015 - Matador Resources Co., based out of Dallas, announced recently in a news release that it has acquired Harvey E. Yates Co. (HEYCO) out of Roswell, which includes "certain oil and natural gas producing properties and undeveloped acreage located in Lea and Eddy Counties." According to the news release, approximately 59,000 gross acres are located in Lea and Eddy counties. The "combining" of HEYCO's assets in Lea and Eddy County, New Mexico, with Matador adds another notch up in oil weighting and growth opportunities. The area in question is part of an oily patch i...

Houston-Based Enterprise Products to Build New Cryogenic Natural Gas Processing Plant and Pipelines in Eddy County

Wednesday, October 01, 2014

CARLSBAD, NM, October 08, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Eddy County continues to see expanded development within its oil and gas industry. On September 30 Enterprise Products Partners L.P. announced plans for a new cryogenic natural gas processing plant and associated pipelines to be constructed in South Eddy County. According to Enterprise, the new plant would effectively double the company's processing capacity in the Delaware basin to 400 million cubic feet per day ("MMcf/d") of natural gas, with the potential for future expansions. In addition, the plan calls for the construction of 80 miles of new natural gas gathering lines and a 75-mile, 12-inc...

Rangeland Energy Enters into Multiyear Agreement with Halliburton to Provide Frac Sand Terminal Services in the Delaware Basin

Monday, September 01, 2014

SUGAR LAND, Texas - September, 2014- Rangeland Energy (“Rangeland”) announced today that the company has signed a multiyear agreement with Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) to provide frac sand rail unloading, storage and distribution services in the Delaware Basin. Rangeland will serve Halliburton and its producer customers from Rangeland’s RIO Hub, now under construction near Loving, New Mexico. The 300-acre facility is located in the heart of the Delaware Basin’s rapidly growing production area. Operations are expected to begin in October. “We are very excited to be working with Halliburton and proud to be selected to service their growing frac sand infrastructure needs in the Delaware Basin,&ldquo...

Dallas Native Tasked With Addressing Housing Needs

Tuesday, July 01, 2014

CARLSBAD >> Signaling the dire need for housing, the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) has hired a new employee with additional funds from the city strictly to attract builders to the area. Shannon Summers was added to the CDOD staff to complement Executive Director John Waters and Jeff Campbell, the director of marketing and business development, in their mission of growing Carlsbad. The 27-year-old Summers said that it "wasn't a secret" the lack of affordable housing in and around Carlsbad has impeded large economic growth, but that she is excited to begin the position and sell the area's natural beauty to prospective developers. "It'...

McAlister's To Open Carlsbad Location May 12

Sunday, June 01, 2014

Leading Fast Casual Chain to Donate Grand Opening Proceeds to Local Charity CARLSBAD, NM - May 5, 2014 // PRNewswire // - McAlister's Deli, a leading fast casual restaurant, announced today its first location in Carlsbad, N.M. will be opening with franchise group Southwest Deli on Monday, May 12. To celebrate, the restaurant will donate all tips collected within the first month to the local Boys and Girls Club. "We're excited about bringing the first McAlister's Deli restaurant to Carlsbad," said Larry Lee, owner of Southwest Deli. "We feel confident that the local community will enjoy our great line of soups, salads, sandwiches and spuds, as well McAlister's Famou...

News from the WIPP Site

Saturday, March 01, 2014

CARLSBAD, N.M., March 10, 2014 – On March 10 Nuclear Waste Partnership (NWP) submitted a plan to the Energy Department to fully utilize the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) workforce to lead recovery activities from two recent incidents. The Department has agreed with the approach outlined by NWP for the utilization of their workforce at WIPP. Under this plan, all workers currently assigned to WIPP will be needed during recovery efforts. “The Department understands the value of utilizing the experience and expertise of the NWP workforce in all aspects for recovering from the recent fire and radiation release incidents,” said Jo...

Carlsbad Receives Early College High Funding

Wednesday, January 01, 2014

Las Cruces, NM - January 2014 - Gov. Susana Martinez announced four $100,000 grants Thursday to help start or expand early college high school programs in New Mexico. Fourteen schools applied for the grant funding, which came from a Denver-based foundation. The chosen districts -- Gadsden, Carlsbad, Hobbs and Albuquerque -- are "exactly" where these programs need to be, Martinez said. "This is a model to export throughout the entire state for the sake of our kids and the well being of our economy," Martinez told the crowd gathered at Arrowhead Park Early College High School, the first such program in the state. Th...

Planned Potash Mine has 50 Year Life Span

Wednesday, January 01, 2014

Carlsbad, NM, January 2014 - A planned potash mine in southeastern New Mexico would be economically viable for the next 50 years, according to a new study by a consulting group. Intercontinental Potash Corporation recently released the study just before the company's Ochoa potash project breaks ground and the company await a final approval from federal officials. The polyhalite mine, located 27 miles west of Jal, has an estimated 414 million tons of polyhalite reserves beneath the 40 sections of land the company has leased from the Bureau of Land Management. The independent study showed the mine could produce about 714,400 tons of sulphat...

Xcel Energy Doubles Down on Eddy County

Wednesday, January 01, 2014

Carlsbad, NM - January 2014 - One of the state's power suppliers is bolstering its presence in Southeastern New Mexico. Xcel Energy plans to hire more workers in the near future once construction is complete on the company's new 23,500 square-foot building that sits on about 4 to 4 ½ acres of land on the southwestern portion of Carlsbad, according to company officials. Employees of the power company gathered at 1601 Commerce Rd., along with city officials, for a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday afternoon that included Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway and Carlsbad Department of Development director John Waters. "I think this will get us goin...

News and Media

Carlsbad is the best emerging economy in New Mexico thanks to our diverse group of businesses and forward-thinking residents.

Carlsbad residents enjoy a low cost of living. At only 93% of the national average, our residents have more money to spend doing things they love.

Our population is growing. Developers can benefit from an increased demand in housing, retail, and other amenities.

We are an active community with immediate access to beautiful natural resources, hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, and more.

News and Media

Fast Facts

Carlsbad is the best emerging economy in New Mexico thanks to our diverse group of businesses and forward-thinking residents.

Carlsbad residents enjoy a low cost of living. At only 93% of the national average, our residents have more money to spend doing things they love.

Our population is growing. Developers can benefit from an increased demand in housing, retail, and other amenities.

We are an active community with immediate access to beautiful natural resources, hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, and more.