NM: State Econ Development Recognizes 7 Partner Organizations for Professional Support, Certification 

New Mexico Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced today that seven community-based Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) around the state have been recognized for state certification by providing a high level of expertise and technical support to their communities.

Economic Development Deputy Cabinet Secretary Jon Clark announced the first seven Certified EDO awardees at the New Mexico Governor’s Statewide Conference on Economic Development, September 26-27. The certification can be renewed for up to a total of 10 years, with each organization eligible for up to $40,000 annually, depending upon annual recertification and availability of funding.

The first seven Certified EDOs are:

• Sandoval Economic Alliance (SEA)
• Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA) 
• Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation 
• Economic Development Corporation of Lea County 
• Greater Raton Economic Development Corporation 
• Roswell-Chaves County EDC 
• Carlsbad Department of Development 

“The certification recognizes more than ever that no one can go it alone anymore. Economic development is a team sport and the state needs to work hand-in-hand with strong community partners to create better paying jobs across New Mexico and build family wealth,” Secretary Keyes said.

The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) recognizes its partner EDOs that provide a high level of professional service to their communities. Through the Certified EDO program, EDD supports local EDOs to build capacity within their organizations so that they are able to provide economic development services and support their communities. The program emphasizes the importance of having a strong, well-rounded, and well-prepared EDO at the community level.

The Certified EDO program will:

• Recognize excellence in local economic development organizations 
• Heighten the visibility of the economic development process in New Mexico 
• Build capacity for economic development among organizations 
• Encourage professional development for New Mexico’s economic developers 
• Facilitate the recruitment, retention, expansion, and creation of economic-base jobs throughout New Mexico 
• Establish a stable, diversified economy that will improve the quality of life for New Mexicans 

To learn more about the Certified EDO Program, please visit the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s webpage at EDD.NewMexico.gov/community-development/EDO-cert.

Photo credit: Carlos Pera, MVEDA