Written Economic Development Testimonials from MVEDA Clients

“Three years ago, when we first began considering expansion of our facility and work force at our New Mexico operation, MVEDA alerted us to several state incentives tied to job creation. Beginning in 2012, we were able to take advantage of the high wage earner tax credit for several new positions; those incentives will continue for 2013. Recently, we applied for training funds under the Step-Up portion of the JTIP program to help retrain several existing employees. MVEDA not only alerted us to these available funds, but Davin Lopez took the time to travel to Albuquerque to voice his support for our application at the JTIP board meeting. These incentives and MVEDA’s help continue to make New Mexico an attractive place to do business.”

Ed Camden, President – Southwest Steel Coil


“MVEDA has been a great partner over the last eighteen months. Davin took the time to meet with me personally on multiple occasions before we even made a commitment to become members or even had a presence in Las Cruces. MVEDA’s commitment is not only to their members, but more importantly it is to their community. We look forward to many years of a meaningful, synergistic and productive relationship with MVEDA.”

Shawn W. Ricketts, Chief Financial Officer – Heritage Home Healthcare & Hospice


“We are pleased with our decision to relocate our Southwest plant to Las Cruces. The Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance has been very helpful in helping us relocate and expand here, and the work force has quickly learned our manufacturing processes and is highly motivated. Doña Ana Community College provided valuable training for new employees.”

Dan Chisholm, President – L&M Radiators


“The overweight zone and the rapid crossings at the Santa Teresa Port will allow us to transport our product into our U.S. market more economically and efficiently. In the future, we hope to expand our operations in Santa Teresa.”

Gabriel Grijalva, Director of Supply Chain and Logistics – Interceramic


“As Union Pacific was in the process of making the Santa Teresa rail yard & intermodal facility a reality, which is a $400 million investment in Southern Dona Ana County, gathering local support for the project was critical. Mesilla Valley Economic Development group was one of our partners, assisting us with grassroots outreach. They understood the economic benefits of our facility to the region and were able to help us garner support for this very important project.”

Zoe Richmond, Director of Public Affairs – Union Pacific


“During our start into the Las Cruces market and through our recent expansion, MVEDA has been an invaluable resource and support to Sitel Las Cruces. The staff and leadership of MVEDA have a strong sense of urgency, follow-through, and professionalism. Most importantly, the MVEDA team understands what it takes to penetrate or grow business in New Mexico. “

John Munoz, Site Director – Sitel


“We chose Santa Teresa as the location for our plant, due to its convenient location close to the Mexican border. This allows us quick access in and out of Mexico, as well as superior logistics to move our product to our U.S. target market. We were also impressed with the level of business support we received to establish operations in our new plant.”

Cesar Moran, CEO – Products USA, LLC


“SunEdison’s solar project at the West Mesa Industrial Park has been supported by several years of effort working with MVEDA. Specifically, MVEDA worked with our team to help establish and facilitate critical relationships with the City of Las Cruces and Dona Ana County which helped enable our project to move forward. We look forward to future growth in the region and continuing to work with MVEDA in identifying new opportunities.”

Jared Schoch, Western US Director of Utility Sales – SunEdison


“For Sapphire Energy, our future relies heavily here in the heart of New Mexico. This state, and in particular the Mesilla Valley region, is rich in what we need most – from the land to the people to the economic resources and business support. With our 100-acre R&D facility in Las Cruces and our planned Integrated Algal Bio-Refinery in Luna County, New Mexico and MVEDA are playing an integral role in developing a renewable, scalable, low carbon transportation fuel that will change the world.”

C.J. Warner, President, Sapphire Energy


“D.A. Inc. is excited about our expansion to Santa Teresa. We believe the area offers an enthusiastic workforce with innovative ideas. We would like to thank the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance, RJL Real Estate, and the Verde Group for their assistance in our site selection and their ongoing support.”

Jeff Smith, Plant Manager, D.A. Inc.


“Santa Teresa is our first New Mexico location. Many economic development agencies extend a welcoming hand to new companies, but the New Mexico and MVEDA “team approach” helped us identify, navigate, and most important, implement the best programs for our needs. We are excited to be part of the community.”

Lonny Warner, Vice President, Menlo Worldwide Logistics


“Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico offer Sapphire Energy the opportunity to continue in its quest to solve some of the nation’s energy shortages. We’ve found a welcoming community with local expertise in our field at New Mexico State University, firsthand knowledge of large agricultural projects and the resources needed to make our venture a success. The City of Las Cruces and MVEDA continue to assist us and we are appreciative of their assistance.”

Mike Mendez, Vice President of Technology, Sapphire Energy