Navajo Nation official also recognized
Patricia Lundstrom, the executive director at the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation, was named Economic Developer of the Year by the New Mexico IDEA. Lundstrom received the honor for her work with the newly planned Gallup Energy Logistics Park.
“Patty was chosen because of her impressive work in advancing, on multiple fronts, the Gallup Energy Logistics Park, which is a unique 2,500-acre rail and industrial project that will enhance McKinley County’s position in the global economy,” Therese Varela, a spokeswoman for the New Mexico IDEA, said.
Lundstrom’s nomination was made by Steve Vierck, the executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of Lea County. Letters of support for Lundstrom were submitted by Ean Johnson of BNSF Railway and Fred Shephard of the New Mexico Economic Development Department.
“I am very honored to receive the award,” Lundstrom said. “There is still a lot of work to be done.”
NM IDEA is an association of economic developers, city officials and development-related officials interested in working toward the promotion of New Mexico and job creation.
Lundstrom wasn’t the sole area official recognized by the NM IDEA. Sharlene Begay-Platero, an industrial specialist with the Navajo Nation, was awarded for getting the Raytheon Warehouse Expansion to fruition which saved current and future contracts and jobs, Varela said. Begay-Platero received the Ben Luján Public Servant of the Year Award. Luján was a former New Mexico Speaker of the House who died about three years ago.
Varela added, “These individuals exemplify the work and commitment in the economic development field and these awards are a symbol of their professionalism, dedication to the association, their communities and the state of New Mexico’s economic development and job creation efforts.”
Lundstrom received a similar award from NM IDEA in 2011 for her work in economic development. A Milan native, Lundstrom has served the New Mexico House of Representatives since 2001.
By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent
