Funds to be applied to local business recruitment efforts

The Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation is the recipient of a $15,000 grant, EDC officials announced June 1.

Patricia Lundstrom, executive director of the GGEDC, said the grant was received from the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Local Economic Assistance and Development Support program to fund business recruitment and attraction efforts for Gallup and McKinley County. Lundstrom noted that the GGEDC was one of four state applicants to receive full funding.

“This marks the second consecutive year that the GGEDC has received full funding,” Lundstrom said. “Considering the highly competitive application process, we are appreciative of the support, but more importantly, the recognition of the economic opportunities which exist for Gallup and McKinley County.”

Lundstrom noted that the LEADS program emphasizes the importance of business recruitment and is intended to create jobs and develop tax bases. The funds will allow GGEDC to undertake three business recruitment missions and participate in three industry-specific trade shows, efforts that will be coordinated with the New Mexico Partnership, Lundstrom said.

“With recent investments into US 491 and the continued development of the Gallup Energy Logistics Park, it’s vital for [GGEDC] to be proactive,” Lundstrom said. “It is important to capitalize on opportunities to promote and market the competitive advantages which exist for business in Gallup-McKinley, including our transportation and rail infrastructure.”

In addition to a pre-qualification review and the development of a grant application, GGEDC presented the merits of the application before the New Mexico Economic Development Commission, Lundstrom noted.

All in all, some $170,000 was awarded to 18 state applicants, Lundstrom said. The GGEDC is a nonprofit organization that was established about four years ago during the Gallup city manager tenure of Dan Dible. It is the official economic development organization of Gallup and McKinley County.

By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent