Posts Tagged ‘Jerry Pacheco’

Article courtesy of the Las Cruces Bulletin, by Samantha Roberts

Union Pacific, which recently began construction of an all-new rail facility outside Santa Teresa, announced a $100,000 donation to Doña Ana Community College as part of Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe during a press conference Monday, Jan. 30, at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe.

The donation, which Zoe Richmond, UP director of public affairs, said was given to DACC to use as the institution sees fit. However, the underlying message at the press conference was creating jobs to sustain UP’s new intermodal facility.

“Doña Ana Community College is excited to be the recipient of such generosity from Union Pacific,” said DACC President Margie Huerta. “We plan to use the funds for scholarships and workforce development to ensure our students have the knowledge needed to qualify for the jobs this new facility will bring to the region.”

There were several key players who helped make the donation a possibility, including Sens. Cynthia Nava and Mary Kay Papen, Rep. Mary Helen Garcia and New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Designate Jon Barela as well as Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance CEO Davin Lopez and Border Industrial Association Executive Director Jerry Pacheco and Juan Massey.

“Union Pacific and Doña Ana Community College is an example of a great private-public partnership,” Lopez said. “We are proud to be a part of this.”

“Right now, we are moving 4.1 million cubic yards of dirt,” Richmond said about developments in Santa Teresa. “We hope this donation strengthens our long-term commitment to southern New Mexico.”

As another part of Union Pacific’s commitment to grow New Mexico, Richmond said seven of the 10 subcontractors working on the project are from New Mexico, which translates to 66 percent of $40 million that has been spent in the Land of Enchantment. The intermodal facility is expected to be completed by 2015, bringing in 600 permanent high-paying jobs.

“The average employee will be making $100,000 in wages and benefits,” Richmond said. “We like to say where we have rails, we have ties.” Richmond said UP chose DACC as a recipient because “DACC is a neighbor” and she is looking forward to a good working relationship with the community college.

“Thank you for your generosity,” Huerta said during the press conference. “The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce as well as many others have given their help and been so supportive – Davin Lopez, Jerry Pacheco, Juan Massey, (Rep.) Terry McMillan.

“Donations like this will have an immediate impact on southern New Mexico. Developing the workforce in southern New Mexico is critical, and this gift of $100,000 is a huge investment and will yield positive return. “In Doña Ana County, we work with a collaborative spirit to improve the community.”

Nava, former superintendent of Gadsden Independent School District, said the example set in southern New Mexico is remarkable. “The rest of the state should listen,” Nava said. “I fought to get Union Pacific here, and I will fight to hold them accountable to their promises. This check is a great start, and it is about jobs, economic development and the opportunity for students to succeed.”

To help bring UP to southern New Mexico, Gov. Susana Martinez signed into law in 2011 a bill granting Union Pacific a locomotive fuel tax deduction that allowed the company to move forward with an investment of $400 million in the construction of a 2,200-acre rail facility west of the Santa Teresa Airport, which will include fueling facilities, crew change buildings, locomotive inspection tracks, an intermodal ramp and a switching yard.

“This new facility will strengthen our long-term commitment to deliver premium service to our customers,” said Scott Moore, vice president of public affairs for Union Pacific. “Upon completion of this new infrastructure, New Mexico will take its place among the leaders in the goods movement industry.”

A key player in getting the locomotive fuel tax deduction bill passed was Barela. When the bill was passed, Barela called it “a cornerstone to creating jobs in southern New Mexico.”

“Doña Ana County has great potential and thank you to our great corporate neighbor – UP,” Barela said. “The facility is a solid anchor project on the entire Mexico border – all 2,000 miles of it.”

Article courtesy of the Las Cruces Sun-News

By Brook Stockberger/Sun-News Business Editor

LAS CRUCES – “Las Cruces, manufacturing hub!”

Well, southern New Mexico’s largest city might not gain that moniker anytime soon, but the reality of an operating Spaceport America north of town and the start of construction on a $400 million Union Pacific Railroad facility south of town, has spurred increased interest in Las Cruces among manufacturing and logistics companies.

According to a recent quarterly report, the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance says that 65 percent of all new leads are in the manufacturing sector.

“This is a great area to be growing in because manufacturing/logistics generally involves paying local people and local suppliers to make things that people outside the region pay for,” said Christine Logan, economic development administrator for the city of Las Cruces.

L&M Radiator and Alaska Structures both moved into town and created manufacturing jobs. That was welcome news that came on the heels of a stretch last decade in which Las Cruces lost Parkview Metals, Rea Wire Magnet Wire and manufacturing jobs with Taylor Precision Products. “Both of these companies moved from El Paso to Las Cruces,” Logan said. “A big factor was that we had facilities here that they could move into and expand their operations. A recurring theme in the city’s economic development efforts has been the need for existing industrial space.”

Minnesota-based L&M had a facility in El Paso, but outgrew that location and turned its eyes north across the state border. “Our business has seen a tremendous amount of growth over the last year,” L&M Radiator President Dan Chisholm said when the company decided to move. L&M, which makes cooling systems for heavy machinery, is leasing about 52,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space on South Valley Drive.

In addition, TE Connectivity, an electronics component manufacturer, will relocate 100 jobs to its Santa Teresa plant from El Paso. “In the next three years, we’re hoping those 100 jobs grow to 250,” said Jerry Pacheco, vice president of the Border Industrial Association.

According to the city’s most recent economic development report, the manufacturing business category makes up just 1 percent of the businesses and 4 percent of the jobs.

Still, Davin Lopez, president and CEO with MVEDA, said that the area is increasingly showing up on companies’ radar. MVEDA works to bring companies to Doña Ana County and to help those already here expand. “We continue to see manufacturing leads increase as a percentage of total leads developed,” Lopez said. “This category also includes logistics companies. Whereas this category accounted for approximately 39 percent of all leads in the last fiscal year, we have seen it grow to 65 percent of in the first quarter of this year.”

Both Logan and Lopez said that the Union Pacific facility in Santa Teresa plays a major role. “Over the past 12 to 18 months, we have received greater interest from manufacturing and logistics firms due to the Union Pacific announcement,” Lopez said. “A $400-million-plus investment catches attention both regionally and nationally.

“It has enabled us to not only showcase opportunities in and around the Santa Teresa region but also to bring greater attention to the Las Cruces region where we happened to have existing facility space that fits the needs of some of these companies,” he said.

“We are getting more attention lately because, No. 1, we had vacant facilities to accommodate companies,” Logan said. “No. 2, there is pent-up demand for manufacturing space since no one wanted to expand or relocate in the worst of the economy and, No. 3, the proximity to the Union Pacific intermodal facility makes this a great place to locate a manufacturing facility.”

Brook Stockberger can be reached at (575) 541-5457

Release courtesy of the New Mexico Economic Development Department

SANTA FE –Governor Susana Martinez signed the Capital Outlay Bill Tuesday which includes $1.85 million in capital improvements for the Santa Teresa Water System Infrastructure Project.

“This project is an important element to infrastructure development, public safety and job creation in Santa Teresa,” said Secretary of Economic Development Jon Barela. “It will improve water service for industrial, commercial, and residential customers southern Doña Ana County and the surrounding border region.”

The funding is part of Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) that includes planning, design, permitting, and construction to the existing Doña Ana County Wastewater Treatment Plant, and building new water and wastewater treatment facilities and piping at the Santa Teresa Industrial Park.

“The Santa Teresa Water System Infrastructure Project improvements are critical for many companies located at the border to have the adequate water pressure needed to operate,” said Jerry Pacheco, vice-president of the Border Industrial Association, which represents 45 companies located near New Mexico’s southern border that employ approximately 2,000 workers. “The project will also help recruit and relocate companies from El Paso and other areas and retain the existing companies along the border.”

There are five components of the full project including new water wells, replacing water pumps, a new water storage tank, replacing the domestic booster station, and replacing the fire pump.

The Economic Development Department’s Office of Business Advocacy and the EDD Financial Development Team have spearheaded the LEDA funding efforts for the waste water system in Santa Teresa since January 4, 2011.

The $86 million Capital Outlay bill was approved by the Legislature during a special session, which ended in September.

NRG Photo

Release courtesy of the New Mexico Economic Development Department

SANTA TERESA, NM — A construction project that created 240 jobs in Santa Teresa culminated with an inauguration ceremony to mark the start of energy production from the state’s second-largest photovoltaic operation on Friday.

“The completion of the Roadrunner solar facility is a major milestone for the New Mexico border region,” said Secretary of Economic Development Jon Barela. “This builds on all the momentum taking place in the region due to the coming together of many entities, including the Border Industrial Association, Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance, NRG Energy, El Paso Electric and First Solar, for the economic development success of Santa Teresa and we are thrilled to have the Roadrunner solar project and this partnership here as a part of the community.”

NRG Energy, through its wholly owned subsidiary NRG Solar, completed construction recently on the Roadrunner Solar Generating Facility, which is one of the first large-scale solar projects built in New Mexico. Cost-competitive, renewable power generated by the facility will be sold to El Paso Electric under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

“This new project is a good example of an economic development opportunity that is characterized by high-technology and a renewable resource that is plentiful in southern New Mexico – sun,” said Jerry Pacheco, Vice-President, Border Industrial Association. “We congratulate NRG Energy, El Paso Electric and First Solar on this milestone and the door it opens to new possibilities for our region.”

The Roadrunner Solar Generating Facility is located on 210 acres near the Santa Teresa Port of Entry. Its 340,000 photovoltaic solar panels can produce up to 20 megawatts of electricity, which is enough power to supply 6,600 homes in El Paso Electric’s system.

By generating clean, renewable energy, the Roadrunner Solar Generating Facility will contribute to cleaner air and result in a smaller carbon footprint for the state.

The Roadrunner facility will use a single-axis tracking system, which pivots PV solar panels to follow the sun throughout the day, increasing electricity production compared with a fixed tilt installation. The panels were made by First Solar Inc., which built the Santa Teresa plant for NRG, and also has a contract to operate and maintain the facility.

NRG Solar started construction in December 2010.

Article courtesy of the Las Cruces Bulletin

By Samantha Roberts

Since Gov. Susana Martinez signed a bill to lower taxes on diesel fuel, everyone in southern New Mexico is talking about Union Pacific (UP) coming to Santa Teresa, but there is a lot more happening on the border that people don’t know about.

On Thursday, June 16, more than 700 people gathered at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino for the annual NAFTA Institute/Supplier Meet the Buyer Conference.  With two floors full of business-to business networking, speakers and economic leaders, there was never a dull moment at the conference.

“This event creates the opportunity for companies to make transactions and get introduced to new businesses,” said Fred Shepherd, Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance business development manager. “Companies can come and display their products and also hear an overview of business opportunities.”

First-time attendee Reinhard Peter, CEO of Solarzentrum North America, said he was pleased with the success of the event.  “There are so many people here,” he said. “Since cost is always an issue, events such as this one help a large number of people get together to network.”

Reinhard, who sells hybrid solar panels that produce hot water and useable electricity, said his focus on the environment got him into the business.  “I want to preserve the environment for our kids,” Reinhard said. “We are in one of the sunniest cities of the world, no? We have so much sunshine, and it’s free. We are supplying a product that people use daily, and free is good, no?”

In addition to all of the vendors, UP was also there, representing its new facility in Santa Teresa and answering questions to curious participants.

Zoe Gisela Richmond, UP public affairs director, said UP representatives were also pleased with the turnout and excited about educating people on their upcoming facility. “We are hoping UP coming to the area is the catalyst for more opportunities in southern New Mexico and that it will attract more companies to the area,” she said. “We are shooting for an early August date for the groundbreaking of the facility.”

Though the main goal of the event was to make relationships and establish connections, some companies were able to make more use of their time.

For Erlinda Portillo, coordinator of donor services and special events at Dona Ana Community College, and Ken Tellez, manager of planning and development at DACC, the community college struck manufacturer gold at the event.  Portillo said Maria Elena Vargas, a business owner in Mexico, has agreed to donate manufacturing equipment to DACC.

“We made the connection through Jerry Pacheco,” Tellez said. “We talked a little before, but this event allowed us to finalize the deal and discuss transportation of the equipment from Juarez to Las Cruces.”

The conference also hosted a bevy of guest speakers, including New Mexico Secretary of Economic Development Jon Barela, who gave an overview of Martinez’s administration in regard to border and economic development objectives.

“I am proud to announce several hundred new jobs in Dona Ana County,” Barela said. “We have recently passed a board of jobs package that includes the locomotive fuel tax reduction. This will allow New Mexico to be more competitive with Texas and has helped bring Union Pacific to the state.  “To me, job creation is a priority in southern New Mexico, and overall I want to help provide a better regulative climate, reducing the cost of compliance for businesses without sacrificing the health, welfare or beauty of New Mexico to do business.”

Other guest speakers included Bob Queen, from the United States Department of Commerce; Jose Contreras, from Border Security Consultants; and Brent Eastwood from the International Trade Office from the State of New Mexico. Richmond also gave an update about UP, an addition that plant manager Alex Sierra is very excited about.

“The new railroad lines are going to run through my ‘backyard.’ The new rail will cut one month off travel time for me,” said Sierra, who runs a car seat manufacturing plant in Santa Teresa. “We are in the ‘belt buckle’ of the Americas and it only makes sense to grow this area.”  Sierra said he has been coming to the event since its inception. “This is a great time for me to make 50 to 60 phone calls in one day,” he said. “It is well worth the $100.”

Also attending the event were employees from the New Mexico Economic Department ready to connect business owners and guests of the event with whoever they were looking to talk to.  “We have business-to-business networking going on over here,” said Steven Montano, senior advisor of the New Mexico Economic Development division, in regards to dozens of tables filled with business men and women making conversations in both English and Spanish. “People here are really making deals, and although they may not be creating jobs today, they are creating jobs down the road, and that is very important for New Mexicans. “This event really has a history of success, and I think that is because there is such an emphasis on the economy.”

Though times may still be tough in America, forward-thinking people in southern New Mexico and the surrounding area are expanding their horizons and looking to change the state of the economy one job at a time.