Albuquerque, NM - NMIDEA, a statewide association of professional economic developers, has initiated its annual process to recognize individuals' stellar achievements in economic development. The New Mexico Economic Development Department encourages those involved in economic development at the community, regional or state levels to nominate worthy individuals for the following awards:
1. Dallan Sanders Award: Given in recognition of a person's dedication and achievements in rural economic development in New Mexico. This individual will have shown a minimum of ten years of service to the economic vitality of rural areas, usually on a regional or statewide level, but sustained work in one community is also acceptable. Nominee must be a NMIDEA member. Dr. Mark Van Wormer was recognized with the 2014 Dallan Sanders Award.
2. Developer of the Year Award: Recognizes the outstanding efforts of a person who spearheaded a major project that relocated, consolidated or expanded in New Mexico during the preceding twelve months. Nominee must be a NMIDEA member. Myra Pancrazio, EVEDA, was recognized as the 2014 Developer of the Year.
3. Linda K. Jones/NM First Award: Recognizes a person whose career has exemplified a statewide impact on economic development in legislation, community assistance or job creation. The nominee must be a member of NMIDEA. Mark Roper, NMEDD, was recognized with the 2014 NM First Award.
4. Volunteer of the Year Award: The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to a person who has contributed to the success of a significant project that created or enhanced jobs in their community during the past twelve months. Paul Jenkins of Raton, New Mexico was awarded the 2014 Volunteer of the Year Award.
5. The Ben Lujan Public Servant of the Year Award: Recognizes an individual that has played a key role in economic development in New Mexico during the past twelve months. The Award is open to elected officials and government employees. Therese Varela, NMEDD, was named as the 2014 Ben Lujan Public Servant of the Year.
6. Ethics Award: The Ethics Award recognizes a NMIDEA member who has exhibited a long-term commitment and adherence to ethical behavior in the economic development profession. To be eligible a person must be a member of NMIDEA, an active economic developer for at least five years and be nominated by a company executive of a firm that relocated, consolidated or expanded into New Mexico during the past twelve months.
Click here for more information and to download a nomination form. The deadline to submit nominations is November 4, 2015. Nominations will be reviewed and winners will be determined by the NMIDEA's Awards Committee which is comprised of eight NMIDEA members from throughout the state.
NMIDEA's Mission is to promote New Mexico's growth through focused advocacy of economic development issues, providing networking, education and training opportunities for its members.