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Greetings,
June marks graduation ceremonies and the commencement of summer vacations - but when there is economic development to execute upon, AREA keeps up the pace! In the past month, we had the opportunity to respond to ten new project inquiries with a regional proposal, and we hosted a highly successful Quarterly Luncheon, unveiling two new joint reports with local brokerage partners CBRE and NAI SunVista, both key resources in our discussions with businesses exploring opportunities in the region. We also continued to promote our new documentary, sharing it at the Atomic 66 conference as well as at a Tech Talk hosted by New Space Nexus.
Many on the AREA team had the great privilege of visiting Spaceport America and toured the Virgin Galactic facility, and signing an MOU with Spaceport America - becoming formal partners in economic development by thinking bigger across all of New Mexico in economic development collaboration. We even highlighted this work in an appearance on KRQE with Cabinet Secretary Rob Black to discuss and highlight how we work together every day.
The AREA team was honored to lead the statewide delegation for New Mexico at the Bio International Convention in Boston, making hundreds of new connections and creating a business brand for this key target industry.
And finally, I announced some news that was difficult to share: my upcoming departure from AREA. Serving the greater Albuquerque region for nearly five years has been the greatest professional privilege of my career. Together, we have transformed AREA into a stronger, more strategic, and more impactful organization built to advance the economic vitality of this region for years to come. I depart knowing that it has the tools and vision needed to continue the momentum. My next adventure takes me to serve as President & CEO for the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) in Southern Nevada.
Following my departure in early August, Chad Matheson, AREA’s Senior Vice President, will serve in the role of Interim President & CEO while AREA’s Board leadership works to fill the position permanently through a national search. Chad's profound understanding of our mission, calm and capable leadership, and clear strategic thinking make him exceptionally well-suited for this duty. I have every confidence in his ability to lead AREA forward with continuity and his own unique vision.
I look forward to connecting with as many of you as possible before my departure in early August, and will always carry a piece of New Mexico in my heart.
Always Onward,
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