Archive for July, 2009

The USDA is now accepting applications for up to $1.7 billion to fund projects that help spur business activity and economic growth in rural communities. This infusion of money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into rural business is designed to create and save jobs and help rural communities grow and prosper.

The purpose of the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program is to improve, develop, or finance business, industry, and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. This purpose is achieved by bolstering the existing private credit structure through the guarantee of quality loans which will provide lasting community benefits. It is not intended that the guarantee authority will be used for marginal or substandard loans or for relief of lenders having such loans.

These guaranteed loans may be used for purposes to include but are not limited to the following:

• Business and industrial acquisitions when the loan will keep the business from closing, prevent the loss of employment opportunities, or provide expanded job opportunities.
• Business conversion, enlargement, repair, modernization, or development.
• Purchase and development of land, easements, rights-of-way, buildings, or facilities.
• Purchase of equipment, leasehold improvements, machinery, supplies, or inventory.

Application materials must be requested from a local USDA Rural Development office. The Las Cruces office is located at 2507 N. Telshor, Suite 3 (575-522-8775 ext 4). For detailed information see the USDA website.

J.H. Rose Logistics is an American owned national transportation and logistics provider, handling over 30,000 shipments per year. The company has offices located across the country including a 44,000 square foot facility in the Santa Teresa Logistics Park in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.  They have been named a “Best Broker” by the National Association of Trucking Companies in recognition of outstanding credit practices and are an approved carrier by the Department of Defense. The company is also a member of the Transportation Intermediaries Association and the Platinum Performance Program, two organizations committed to integrity and ethical business practices.

J.H. Rose Logistics was presented as a success story and model company at the recent NAFTA Institute Trade Conference.

The Office of Mexican Affairs of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, the New Mexico Partnership and the International Business Accelerator assisted J.H. Rose Logistics with their expansion to Santa Teresa in 2007.

For more information about J.H. Rose Logistics visit their website or see their video on YouTube.

On July 22, 2009, General Dynamics C4 Systems officially opened SpacePlex 2 at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Research Park. Chris Marzilli, President of General Dynamics C4 Systems and Gene Milchak, Director of Satellite Ground Systems and Operations were on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Under an NMSU lease agreement, the General Dynamics C4 Systems SpacePlex 2 adds more than 15,000 square feet of office, laboratory and secure work areas to the company’s existing presence in the research park. SpacePlex 2 is within walking distance of the current SpacePlex facility, which was dedicated in 2001.

For three decades, General Dynamics has supported NASA projects from key New Mexico vantage points including NMSU and White Sands Missile Range. Beginning with a contract to provide ground support for NASA’s TDRSS program in 1978, the company’s space and satellite- related operations have outgrown a number of local facilities.

The first Spaceport Community Council Meeting was held on July 21, 2009 at the Dona Ana County Government Center.  The public meeting was sponsored by the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Space Committee. The event was moderated by Garrey Carruthers, former governor and Dean of the New Mexico State University College of Business.

Steve Landeene, Executive Director of Spaceport America, provided the audience an update on the progress of Spaceport America. His presentation included videos (click the links to view) of the May 2^nd New Mexico Education Launch and the June 19^th Spaceport America ground breaking event.  Videos are also available on YouTube.

Wayne Savage, Chair of the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Space Committee provided an overview of the committee’s activities in the community to help develop and publicize business opportunities related to the Spaceport. He announced that the next public forum would be held on October 20, 2009 at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. The event, The Leonard R. Sugerman Public Forum, is part of the 2009 International Symposium for Personal and Commercial Spaceflight (ISPCS).

Following the presentations, questions from the audience were answered by representatives from Spaceport America, the Las Cruces Public Schools, MVEDA, and elected officials, including State Representative Andy Nunez, County Commissioner Scott Krahling, and City Councilor Dolores Connor. The event was taped and is being aired on the City of Las Cruces’ CLC-TV cable channel 20 for those that are unable to attend.

Thursday, July 30, 2009 – 2:00-4:00 pm

New Mexico Small Business Development Center-Doña Ana Community College

2345 E. Nevada, Las Cruces, NM

If your local or national sales are looking grim, global markets may be the answer to exceeding your sales targets. Join us on July 30^th at the Las Cruces Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to learn how you can prepare yourself to compete in the global marketplace. The International Business Accelerator (IBA) and the Las Cruces SCORE will be presenting at the Las Cruces Small Business Development Center’s international trade seminar titled, “Introduction to International Trade,” located at the Doña Ana Community College at 2345 E. Nevada Avenue, from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm.

Topics discussed include:

• Trade Readiness
• Working With International Partners
• Export-Import Trade Programs
• Trade Mechanics

Please call the Las Cruces SBDC to secure your free registration 575-527-7676.