October 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO

Greetings, AREA Contributors,

After an amazing 2025 Balloon Fiesta, our region continues to rise, fueled by collaboration, innovation, and a vision for the future. The past several weeks have been filled with progress and partnership that continue to strengthen Greater Albuquerque’s position as a destination for growth and investment.

October has been an especially active month. From hosting another Site Consultant Familiarization Tour that brought national decision-makers to see our market firsthand, to ongoing project activity across advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and clean energy, the story of our region’s momentum is stronger than ever. These efforts reinforce what makes our region competitive: the talent, the partnerships, and the shared belief in what’s possible when we work together.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to celebrate our region's success at the upcoming 505 Awards and Annual Dinner on November 13. This event will honor the outstanding leaders, companies, and partners driving the growth of Greater Albuquerque. It promises to be an evening of inspiration, connection, and reflection on just how far we’ve come.

As AREA charts its path toward 2026 and beyond, I encourage you to continue leaning in. Step up, speak out, and stay engaged. You can start by completing the survey linked below.

Thank you all for your continued partnership. Together, we’re not just talking about the future, we’re creating it.

With Gratitude,

Chad Matheson, CEcD

Albuquerque ranks 9th in nation for economic growth

In a recent report, Albuquerque ranked ninth in the nation among major U.S. cities for economic growth, driven by job creation, small business expansion, and rising incomes. The city’s business applications increased 150% over five years, and median incomes grew 30%. Major contributors include Netflix Studios, Pacific Fusion, and local universities. Programs like Job Training Albuquerque have upskilled 3,500 workers, boosting wages by 25%. Business owners cite revitalization in areas like Old Town and Nob Hill, along with an influx of new residents, as key factors fueling the city’s growing economic momentum.

Review the Report Here: Rising Powerhouses: The Cities Making America’s Economic Future

Don't wait on buying tckets to our 2025 Annual Dinner and 505 Awards - less than a month away!

Join us on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:30–9:30 p.m. for an unforgettable evening celebrating 65 years of economic development and looking ahead to the bright future of greater Albuquerque. We’ll also honor this year’s extraordinary 505 Award recipients!

✨ Dress Code: Cocktail attire.

🍸 Enjoy a themed cocktail, plus a variety of beverages during the reception.

🍽️ Two drink tickets & a full three-course dinner is included with your ticket purchase.

If your company would like to purchase a table click on the button below

Earlier this month, AREA hosted its Fall Site Consultant Familiarization Tour, welcoming five national site location consultants to experience Greater Albuquerque firsthand. Over three days, our visiting consultants engaged with business, education, and civic leaders, learned about key industrial and research assets, and explored the people and places shaping our region’s growth.

Highlights included in-depth sessions on advanced industries, innovation partnerships, and talent development, featuring insights from leaders across public and private sectors.

Feedback from attendees reinforced Greater Albuquerque’s strong position in advanced industries like aerospace and defense, renewable energy, and technology innovation, all ingredients driving the region’s clear momentum heading into 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

Intel Corporation

Gold Investor

Titan Development

Silver Investor

Nusenda Credit Union

Gold Investor

Special Thanks to Continuing Supporters for Their Recent Contributions:

Atmosphere Commercial Interiors

Capital CDC

Hartman + Majewski Design Group

Jennings Haug Keleher McLeod Waterfall LLP

KRQE-TV

Main Bank

Upcoming Partner Workshops & Programs

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

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