GGEDC presents at 2014 NM Economic Development Summit

GGEDC presents at 2014 NM Economic Development Summit

HOBBS, NM – Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Patty Lundstrom served as presenter and panel member for The Logistics, Distribution, and Transportation Sector work session during the 2014 NM Economic Development Summit in Hobbs, NM.

“Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation was sought to present on our efforts maximizing job creation opportunities associated with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad in Gallup-McKinley County including the proposed Gallup Industrial Park” stated Patty Lundstrom.  “For a relatively new economic development organization, to be invited as a presenter for the NM Economic Development Summit is a tremendous honor for the organization.”

The Logistics, Distribution, and Transportation Sector work session examining New Mexico communities successfully utilizing rail infrastructure to grow local economies was facilitated by the NM Economic Development Department, and additional panel members included Rep. George Dodge – Guadalupe County and Bruce Carswell, VP of Logistics for Permian Basin Railways.

The NM Economic Development Summit was held at the Lea County Events Center from April 1-3, 2014, and is the state’s largest gathering of economic development and community professionals, offering training for community leaders and economic development professionals as well as facilitating ideas on how to make an economic program project more effective.

“The NM Economic Development Summit provides Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation an opportunity to network with established economic development organizations and learn best practices from economic development professionals from across the state” said Executive Director Patty Lundstrom. “In addition to attending the NM Economic Development Summit in Hobbs, we conducted a peer visit with the Economic Development Corporation of Lea County.”

NM Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Jon Barela delivered the key note address and spoke on New Mexico’s Increased Competitiveness through Recent Legislative Changes. Tourism Secretary Monique Jacobson spoke on How to Use Tourism as a Job Builder and Economic Tool in Your Community.

The Economic Development Summit offered 12 breakout sessions with topics that include Strategic Planning and Effective Meeting Strategies, Financing Mechanisms, Optimal Downtown Revitalization, Airports as an Economic Engine, New Mexico Employability Partnership, Working with the State: PRO’s and Economic Impact Models, Why New Mexico? New Mexico’s Energy Potential Across All Sectors, Creative Entrepreneurial Programs & Virtual Business Incubation, Statewide Economic Development Plans, Site Selector Roundup, and the Logistics, Distribution and Transportation Sector.

NM IDEA and the Rural Alliance sponsored the event and served as key organizers.

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