GGEDC hosts Economic Roundtable - “Site Selectors Forum”

For Immediate Release

GGEDC hosts Economic Roundtable - “Site Selectors Forum”

Community challenged to capture economic development opportunities

Santa Fe, NM – Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation (GGEDC) welcomed leading national corporate site selectors and state economic development practitioners, and joined approximately 50 community leaders, elected officials, and residents of Gallup-McKinley County as well as state and federal stakeholders for an Economic Roundtable, titled “Site Selectors Forum”.

Held on February 10, 2017 at the La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, the purpose of the Economic Roundtable is to provide high quality education and training to stimulate thoughtful discussion regarding economic development issues impacting Gallup-McKinley County. The ‘Site Selectors Forum’ matched stakeholders with corporate site selection experts to identify initiatives to be implemented locally to ensure success for Gallup-McKinley County when competing with other locales nationally for economic development projects.

“With construction now complete and the Gallup Energy Logistics Park having been designated a certified site by BNSF Railway, Gallup-McKinley County will have an opportunity to compete competitively in the transportation and logistics industry,” said GGEDC Executive Director Patty Lundstrom. “The Economic Roundtable provides a venue for GGEDC and community leaders to continue the process of honing our economic development message on why Gallup-McKinley County is a place for business.”

During the roundtable, stakeholders examined how the state of New Mexico undertakes both business recruitment and retention. In addition, corporate site selectors provided unique perspectives on reasons why communities are eliminated from consideration and how prosperous communities are able to successfully distinguish themselves from the competition. Just as important, the roundtable culminated with a final session to review recommended strategies and initiatives.

Participation for the Economic Roundtable included prominent corporate site selectors Aliquantus Consulting, based in Dallas, TX and Foote Consulting Group, based in Glendale, AZ. In addition, stakeholders received economic development presentations from NM Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Matt Geisel and NM Partnership CEO Tim Nitti. GGEDC President Tommy Haws provided welcoming remarks.

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