November 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO

Greetings, AREA Contributors,

What an incredible season for our region and for AREA. Thank you for joining us at this year’s 505 Awards & Annual Dinner and for bringing the energy, support, and partnership that continue to drive Greater Albuquerque forward. Your presence made the evening not just a celebration but a powerful reaffirmation of the work we are accomplishing.

In addition to the energy and excitement of the 505 Awards, our region is celebrating a major inward investment with Castelion’s decision to locate its new manufacturing campus in Sandoval County. This achievement reflects the strength of our region across state, local, and regional partners, and underscores how your investment in AREA’s mission directly drives outcomes of this scale. Announcements like this reinforce that Greater Albuquerque continues to hold its title as a national leader in defense technology and innovation-led growth.

As we look back on our progress, we also invite you to explore AREA’s Q3 Organizational Report, linked below. This report provides deeper insight into our pipeline activity, strategic initiatives, and the collective momentum shaping our economy. Whether it’s expanding site readiness, accelerating investment attraction efforts, strengthening talent alignment, or driving key competitiveness initiatives, your support is at the center of our progress.

With Thanksgiving upon us, we’re reminded of how grateful we are for this community of investors who believe in the power of shared vision and regional strategy. The holiday season brings both celebration and reflection and it sets the stage for the important work ahead as we prepare to enter 2026, a year that promises to bring even more opportunity, growth, and big wins for our region.

Thank you for all you do to champion Greater Albuquerque. Together, we are building a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient regional economy. One that will continue to create jobs, attract investment, and shape the future for generations.

Wishing you and your families a warm and happy Thanksgiving, and we look forward to finishing the year strong with you by our side.

With Gratitude,

Chad Matheson, CEcD

CASTELION HAS CHOSEN NEW MEXICO FOR NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY

Castelion, a defense technology company, has selected Sandoval County, New Mexico, for Project Ranger — a 1,000-acre solid rocket motor manufacturing campus.

The project will create 300+ high-paying jobs, generate $650M in economic output, and involve over $100M in investment during its first four years.

Castelion chose New Mexico for its talent base, infrastructure, and long history of scientific innovation. The facility will support scalable production of advanced long-range and hypersonic systems, strengthening U.S. defense capabilities.

The decision followed strong collaboration among Sandoval County, Rio Rancho, AREA, SEA, and state and federal leaders. Officials at every level praised the project as a major win for New Mexico’s innovation economy, workforce, and national security role.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2026.

NEW Investor Opportunity:

Share Your Services Overview

AREA is the regional responder to 100 or more new prospective leads and projects as well as expanding local businesses every year that are poised to make significant

investments in the market.

We have created a new online portal for our contributors and partners to upload Statement of Qualifications materials by category that are then shared in our unique, secure online proposal system with ALL client proposals so they can easily identify local providers, from general contractors, to accounting, to healthcare, and everything in between. Take advantage of this special feature!

Supporter Spotlight

Thank you to our generous contributors

US BANK

Gold Investor

Since 1994

Special Thanks to Continuing Supporters for Their Recent Contributions:

Colliers International Albuquerque

Deloitte Consulting LLP

Duke City Commercial LLC

FBT Architects

Holmans USA

Kaufman Fire Protection Systems, Inc.

Klinger Constructors, LLC

Swire Coca Cola

Tamaya Ventures

United Way of Central New Mexico

XL Scientific dba Verus Research

AREA's Annual Premier Supporters

Diamond

Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)

Platinum

University of New Mexico

Gold

Albuquerque Journal • Bank of Albuquerque

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NM • Bradbury Stamm Construction • Comcast

FRENCH Funerals & Cremations • Gridworks • Heritage Real Estate Company • Huning, LLC • Intel • Jaynes Construction • NAI Sun Vista • New Mexico Gas Company • Nusenda Credit Union

Presbyterian Health Services • Summit Electric Supply Co. •

Community Partners

City of Albuquerque • City of Belen • Bernalillo County • Town of Edgewood

Village of Los Lunas • City of Rio Communities • Sandoval County •Torrance County

Follow us: