Business Images Albuquerque: 2012

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GreATer Albuquerque, New mexiCo

A Distinct Destination

Diverse culture, recreation appeals to newcomers

From Campus To Commerce
Local labs attract biotech investment

Force of Nature

Solar, water, conservation firms bolster economy
spoNsoreD by The GreATer Albuquerque ChAmber oF CommerCe | 2012

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workstyle
From Campus to Commerce
Local labs attract biotech investment

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Force of Nature
Solar, water, conservation firms bolster economy

A Distinct Destination
Diverse culture, recreation appeals to newcomers

insight
overview Almanac business Climate energy/Technology Transportation health education economic profile Through the lens 5 6 10 20 22 24 29 36 37

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oN The Cover emCore Corporation is one of the many solar energy companies growing in the Albuquerque region. Photo by Jeff Adkins

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GreATer Albuquerque, New mexiCo

A Distinct Destination

Diverse culture, recreation appeals to newcomers

From Campus To Commerce
Local labs attract biotech investment

lifestyle
Find out what it’s like to live here and what makes the community such a special place to be.

Force of Nature

Solar, water, conservation firms bolster economy
spoNsoreD by The GreATer Albuquerque ChAmber oF CommerCe | 2012

read the magazine on your computer, zoom in on articles and link to advertiser websites. siTe GuiDe >> Find available commercial and industrial properties with our searchable database. suCCess breeDs suCCess >> meet the people who set the pace for business innovation. DiG Deeper >> plug into the community with links to local websites and resources to give you a big picture of the region. DemoGrAphiCs >>

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G r eATe r A l b u q u e r q u e , N e w m e x iC o
201 2 Edition , volum E 6 Editorial projEct managEr emiLy mcmackin contEnt dirEctor BiLL mcmeekin proofrEading managEr raven petty contEnt coordinator JeSSica waLker Staff WritEr kevin Litwin contributing WritErS pameLa coyLe, BiLL LewiS, SEnior graphic dESignErS Laura gaLLagher, Janine maryLanD, kriS Sexton, Jake ShoreS, vikki wiLLiamS graphic dESignErS rachaeL gerringer, tayLor nunLey, kacey paSSmore SEnior photographErS JeFF aDkinS, Brian mccorD Staff photographErS toDD Bennett, antony BoShier, mitcheLL Franz color imaging tEchnician aLiSon hunter intEgratEd mEdia managEr JareD Lane ad production managEr katie miDDenDorF ad traffic aSSiStantS kryStin Lemmon, patricia moiSan chairman greg thurman prESidEnt/publiShEr BoB Schwartzman ExEcutivE vicE prESidEnt ray Langen SEnior v.p./SalES toDD potter SEnior v.p./opErationS caSey heSter SEnior v.p./cliEnt dEvElopmEnt JeFF heeFner SEnior v.p./buSinESS dEvElopmEnt Scott tempLeton SEnior v.p./agribuSinESS publiShing kim hoLmBerg v.p./buSinESS dEvElopmEnt cLay perry v.p./ExtErnal communicationS teree carutherS v.p./viSual contEnt mark ForeSter v.p./contEnt opErationS nataSha LorenS v.p./travEl publiShing SuSan chappeLL v.p./SalES rhonDa graham, herB harper, Jarek SwekoSky controllEr chriS DuDLey SEnior accountant LiSa owenS accountS payablE coordinator maria mcFarLanD accountS rEcEivablE coordinator Diana guzman SalES Support coordinator aLex markS SalES Support projEct managEr Sara quint SyStEm adminiStrator DanieL cantreLL WEb crEativE dirEctor aLLiSon DaviS WEb contEnt managEr John hooD WEb projEct managEr noy FongnaLy WEb dESignEr ii richarD StevenS WEb dEvElopmEnt lEad yameL haLL WEb dEvElopEr i neLS noSeworthy photography dirEctor JeFFrey S. otto crEativE SErvicES dirEctor chriStina carDen crEativE tEchnology analySt Becca ary audiEncE dEvElopmEnt dirEctor Deanna neLSon nEW mEdia aSSiStant aLySSa Dicicco diStribution dirEctor gary Smith ExEcutivE SEcrEtary kriSty Duncan human rESourcES managEr peggy BLake rEcEptioniSt LinDa BiShop

Business Images Greater Albuquerque is published annually by Journal communications inc. and is distributed through the greater albuquerque chamber of commerce. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal communications inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at [email protected].

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Overview

Accolades Keep Flowing for Albuquerque
the greater albuquerque chamber of commerce, with 4,800 members, keeps tabs on the accolades bestowed on the region. recent highlights include the following: relocateamerica named albuquerque one of the 10 best places to live. the american automobile association ranked it the secondmost-economical destination, and AmericanStyle magazine placed it no. 7 among large cities for the arts. Forbes magazine rated albuquerque no. 1 for home appreciation potential, and kiplinger.com called it a safe haven for real estate. Forbes also named albuquerque as one of hollywood’s favorite cities. Salary.com ranked albuquerque the fifth-best city to build wealth. Hispanic magazine cited it as one of the top 10 places for hispanics to live. Popular Science magazine listed albuquerque no. 16 among the greenest u.S. cities, and SustainLane. com saluted it as one of the 20 best places for sustainability. the trust for public Land found that albuquerque is second among large u.S. cities in the percentage of land set aside for parks and preserves. Men’s Fitness magazine proclaimed albuquerque to be the fifth-fittest u.S. city, and the american Lung association called it one of the 10 cleanest in terms of particle pollution. For more information, contact: Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce 115 Gold Avenue s.w. #201 Albuquerque, Nm 87102 (505) 764-3700 abqchamber.com

Los Alamos

Santa Fe

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Moriarty

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Almanac
reTiremeNT reTreAT
with its warm and diverse climate, and activities ranging from golf and boating to hot-air ballooning and observing nearby petroglyphs, it’s no surprise that greater albuquerque is a hot spot for retirees. the region’s low cost of living, its 14 area hospitals and its average house price of about $139,000 make it an economically attractive locale as well. these features have earned albuquerque recognition as a good retirement location by CNN Money, which placed the area on its list of 25 best places to retire, and by Forbes magazine, which named albuquerque as one of the country’s best retirement places in 2011.

revoluTioNiziNG CoNCessioNs
ever ordered more concessions than you can carry at a ball game? albuquerque native randy asselin invented a solution for this predicament. his rocktops contraption allows sports fans to mount their plastic nacho trays to the tops of drink cups, so they can carry both with one hand. rocktop’s StrawLock technology (aka, a straw that pokes through the top of the tray) keeps consumers from spilling chips and allows for simultaneous consumption of food and drink. rocktops hit the field in September 2011 when stadiums at the university of new mexico and the university of notre Dame rolled them out in their concession stands, and the product was honored as a 2012 edison award nominee.

wireD For heAliNG
For the eighth consecutive year, the university of new mexico (unm) hospital has been named among the top 100 most-wired u.S. hospitals and health systems by the american hospital association. unm’s inclusion is the result of a national survey of 1,280 hospitals measuring the use of information technology to provide business and administrative management, maintain clinical quality and safety, and monitor the care continuum. unm is the only hospital in new mexico to attain a spot, making it a total of nine years the hospital has appeared on the list.

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GreATer Albuquerque

oN The silver sCreeN
albuquerque’s signature western scenery makes it the perfect backdrop for filming movies and television shows set in a mountainous or desert terrain. Several movies have drawn on its rugged environment including Disney’s Wild Hogs, the hit television show Breaking Bad and most recently the new comic-based action film The Avengers. albuquerque’s natural surroundings will entertain moviegoers once again in 2013 when The Lone Ranger hits theaters. Starring armie hammer as John reid (the Lone ranger) and Johnny Depp as tonto, this incarnation of the masked ranger’s adventures with faithful horse Silver and companion tonto is partially being filmed in and around albuquerque.

reTurN To rooTs
Located on the site of new mexico’s first dairy farm, Los poblanos inn & organic Farm has been around since 1932, when it was designed by John gaw meem, the region’s foremost architect and the father of Santa Fe Style. twenty-five acres of lavender fields, cottonwood trees and bountiful gardens surround Los poblanos, making it some of the most beautiful scenery in the Southwest. the inn offers 20 guest rooms and a working organic farm, and hosts functions ranging from family reunions and wedding receptions to business meetings and conferences.

sTeepeD iN iNNovATioN
Bill Gates and Paul Allen began their road to success in Albuquerque. The men moved to the city in 1975 to produce the Altair Basic computer language for the Micro Instrumentation Telemetry Systems (MITS) Altair 8800 based on the BASIC language Gates had begun developing at Harvard. MITS produced this “minicomputer” for the hobbyist market, and it is considered by many to be the first personal computer. Gates and Allen formed Microsoft in Albuquerque in 1977 and marketed their DOS operating system to IBM in 1981, which launched Gates, Allen and Microsoft as major players in the industry. Albuquerque also features two Intel chipmanufacturing plants and is the birthplace of Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos.
p h o t o c o u r t e S y o F S e r g i o S a Lva D o r

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CoNsTruCTiNG A CompeTiTive eDGe
Building on albuquerque’s competitive appeal with visiting trade shows and entertainers, albuquerque’s city council is investing $20 million to upgrade the city’s convention center, revitalizing the center’s west wing, built in 1972. renovation enhancements include improvements to the western entrance, kitchen equipment, carpeting, freight elevators and heating, ventilation and cooling upgrades — all of which will improve energy efficiency. once completed, the renovations are expected to create an economic stimulus for the city beyond the $30 to $40 million of outside money the convention center already generates.

more KiCKs oN rouTe 66
A popular shopping oasis in Albuquerque, the Historic Nob Hill District is one of the best-preserved communities along the famed Route 66 highway. Conveniently located just east of the University of New Mexico, the district contains an eclectic collection of shops, boutiques, restaurants and clubs as well as the Nob Hill Shopping Center. Respected architect Louis Hesselden designed this shopping center, mixing elements of Modern and Territorial Revival designs. The center’s deco-inspired towers and many of its original neon signs remain intact, which makes the center one of the best-preserved examples of a 1940s automobile-oriented shopping center in the U.S.

resTAurANT oN The rANGe
Located across from the university of new mexico and serving the albuquerque community since 1971, Frontier restaurant is known for its distinct new mexican specialties, including its green chile cheeseburgers, which travel channel host adam richman sampled on a recent episode of Man v. Food Nation. open from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. seven days a week, the Frontier boasts a large menu full of steaks, burgers and sandwiches as well as new mexican specialties such as carné adovada burritos, green chile stew and frontier burritos.

p h o t o c o u r t e S y o F pat r i c k c o u L i e

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Business Climate

magnet for Growth
Greater Albuquerque attracts diverse businesses

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Story by Bill Lewis photography by Jeff Adkins

xpansions and relocations of major companies, including Tempur-Pedic International, Lowe’s, Hewlett-Packard, General Mills and others, confirm that the Greater Albuquerque region is a magnet for high-tech industries and businesses looking to innovate, diversify and grow. All of these companies decided that no other place meets their needs as well as Albuquerque, which ranks 60th among the top 100 U.S. markets in economic clout. Approaching the milestone of one million residents, the city is already the nation’s 57th most populous, and ranks 68th among U.S. cities for brainpower. Albuquerque is working toward lowering costs and regulations for relocating and expanding companies such as Lowe’s – and its highly skilled workforce is also a big draw. “We chose Albuquerque because of the talented and experienced workforce and availability of a suitable building to house our operations,” says Lowe’s vice president Don Easterling. “Albuquerque’s location in the Mountain Time Zone offers an ideal complement to our customer support center in North Carolina,” Easterling adds. “The support of state and local

officials made this a win-win project.” The national retailer is initially creating 250 jobs at its new customer support center – a number expected to grow to 600 jobs by the end of 2013. Lowe’s is investing more than $15 million in its 65,000-square-foot facility. At Kirtland Air Force Base’s new $59.5 million Battlespace Environment Laboratory, scientists and technicians will predict the weather in space to ensure the reliability of satellites. With an annual budget close to $89 million, the facility will create nearly 200 jobs, according to Kirtland officials.
reGioN’s Job CreATors Other growing companies in the Greater Albuquerque region include:

• Tempur-Pedic International, which is adding 100 jobs in management, engineering, warehousing and administration. • Hewlett-Packard, which is expanding its customer support center in Rio Rancho and creating 58 jobs. • Air Products EES-Poly Flow, which makes

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GreATer Albuquerque

high-tech wet cleaning equipment for semiconductor companies and wafer fabricators. The company added 31 jobs. • Vitality Works, an herbal supplements manufacturer, which is expanding and adding 30 positions over the next two years. • General Mills, which added 64 jobs at its new 438,000-square-foot production facility. One of the world’s leading food companies, General Mills’ consumer brands include Cheerios, HäagenDazs, Nature Valley, Yoplait and more. • Fidelitone Logistics, which provides third-party logistics and supply chain performance services for medical device, alternative energy and construction product industries, is relocating one of its four Albuquerque warehouses to a bigger facility on Comanche Road to better serve customers and provide room for future growth. “As our client partners’ needs continue to evolve and our company continues to grow, we needed to find the right facility in the right location for our customers,” says Jon Priest, regional vice president of operations for Fidelitone Logistics. “It made great sense for our company to select the Comanche location for our new facility.” The new 115,000-square-foot facility is located near Interstate 25, which will give the company faster access to markets in the Southwest and beyond.

right: ranking 60th among the top 100 u.S. markets in economic clout, albuquerque is a magnet for high-tech industries and businesses looking to relocate or expand.

wealth of support
ReGion offeRs cApitAl, tRAininG And fAcilities foR entRepReneuRs
with its abundant resources for entrepreneurs, it’s no surprise that albuquerque boasts the largest number of private firms of any new mexico city. albuquerque has 19,077 businesses, the u.S. census Bureau reports, ranking it 61st among u.S. metropolitan and micropolitan areas for its number of private businesses. organizations like weSSt (women’s economic Self-sufficiency team) are among the reasons the city is home to so much entrepreneurial activity. weSSt has nurtured the entrepreneurial hopes and spirits of thousands of individuals by providing training, technical assistance and access to capital. Seventy-five percent of clients are women, 60 percent are minorities, and 70 percent have low or very low income. “entrepreneurship for a long time has been key to this area,” says agnes noonan, president of weSSt. in 2009, weSSt opened the weSSt enterprise center, a business incubation facility in albuquerque. the 37,000-square-foot center offers amenities and business assistance programs for up to 20 light manufacturing, service, professional and technology businesses. By 2011, companies at the enterprise center had created a total of 197 new jobs with a payroll of $12.7 million, generated $23.4 million in revenue, and raised $9.4 million in equity investments. weSSt is not alone. accion new mexico, a nonprofit that provides entrepreneurs with access to credit, loans and training, has made more than $27.3 million available to 2,604 small businesses. entrepreneurial initiatives continue across the region. nova corp., owned by the navajo nation, recently launched a mentoring and business incubation service for navajo students and entrepreneurs in its new albuquerque data center. – Bill Lewis
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briAn M c Cord

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From Campus to Commerce
Research from local labs attracts biotech investment
Story by Bill Lewis

roundbreaking research and collaboration between Albuquerque-based institutions such as the University of New Mexico and Sandia National Laboratories are leading to advances in technology and medical treatments while creating jobs and attracting investment in the region’s biotechnology industry. The use of nanoparticles to administer drugs that target cancer cells is one area of collaboration between UNM and Sandia that holds the promise of creating new hope for cancer patients while strengthening the region’s economy and reputation as a center for scientific breakthroughs, says researcher Jeff Brinker. Scientists are discovering ways to deliver powerful drugs directly to cancer cells while sparing patients the side effects of traditional
photoS By JeFF aDkinS

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right: Drs. Larry Sklar, left, and mark haynes, right, mointor lab studies. left: a tech conducts nanotechnology research at unm’s center for molecular Discovery.

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p h o t o c o u r t e S y o F r a n Dy m o n t oya / S a n D i a n at i o n a L L a B o r at o r i e S

chemotherapy. The research could attract investment from venture capital companies and lead to the establishment of another new, local biotech company, says Brinker, who holds appointments at both UNM and Sandia. “This could be a very valuable technology” that creates a “venture capital environment at the University of New Mexico,” Brinker says. “We’d like to create a local company.”
sCieNCe & TeChNoloGy pArK spurs iNNovATioN The biotech company Brinker envisions would join others that have been launched at UNM’s Science & Technology Park. Examples include IntelliCyt Corporation, which develops and distributes cell-screening technology to pharmaceutical, biotechnology and research laboratories, and nanoMR, a medical device start-up that produces diagnostic products for the clinical microbiology market and is developing a device to speed up results for laboratory tests. A unique asset that consists of 360,000 square feet of R&D, laboratory, office and mixed-use space, Science & Technology Park is home to a number of technologybased companies, many of which are the creation of UNM’s Science & Technology Corporation, the university’s technology commercialization organization. The park’s businesses are active in the fields of microelectronics, photonics, optoelectronics, advanced materials, manufacturing technology and medical devices. IntelliCyt is an example of how research at UNM Cancer Center

Above: researchers at Sandia national Laboratories use new imaging techniques to view cell-level activity. below: unm’s Science & technology park offers 360,000 square feet of r&D space.

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JeFF aDkinS

is being commercialized and is creating value for investors and cancer patients. The company’s UNMdeveloped technology, called high throughput flow cytometry, is used to detect molecules that can regulate cancer. The technology is used at more than 100 sites around the world, including universities, research institutes, biotech companies and pharmaceutical companies, says Larry Sklar, director of the UNM Center for Molecular Discovery (UNMCMD) and associate director of basic research at UNM Cancer Center. “UNMCMD itself provides a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and technology experts to work with scientists and clinicians to discover treatments for cancer,” Sklar says. “UNMCMD and IntelliCyt work together to develop technologies that can be sold around the world to discover new treatments for cancer and other diseases.”

eNhANCiNG mAmmoGrAm TeChNoloGy Another example of lifesaving nanotechnology is produced by Dr. Edward Flynn, who created mammogram technology that holds the promise of earlier detection of breast cancer and other forms of cancer. “If we can detect cancer much earlier before it spreads, there is higher likelihood for successful treatment,” he says. Flynn founded Senior Scientific, LLC, which has developed a nanotechnology-based, magnetic imaging method for diagnosis and treatment of cancer that could provide earlier detection of certain cancers, targeted therapies and improved outcomes. Senior Scientific’s research facilities are located at the Science & Technology Park, where it has relationships with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, the Los Alamos National Laboratories and the Center for Integrated Nanotechnology at Sandia National Laboratories.

LoveLace RespiRatoRy ReseaRch institute
two top organizations are joining forces to broaden their medical research. Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute (LRRI), which leads biomedical research in prevention and treatment of respiratory conditions, recently acquired Mind Research Network, an albuquerque nonprofit dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and brain disorders. mind research network employs 110 full-time researchers, many with joint faculty appointments at the University of New Mexico.

shared strengths
sAndiA, unM lAbs enhAnce collAboRAtion
Like bankers, insurance executives and businesspeople everywhere, the scientists who call greater albuquerque home have formed many personal relationships over the years. now Sandia national Laboratories and the university of new mexico have formalized that collaboration to attract and retain even more research talent and opportunities. a memorandum of understanding signed by leaders of the two institutions significantly strengthens the research and development between them. “the mou creates opportunities for unm faculty and Sandia technical staff to create or expand partnerships that advance research, education and technology development,” says Julia Fulghum, unm vice president for research and economic development. “we are formalizing a substantive plan for collaboration that will have benefits that extend well beyond the two institutions.” unm and Sandia build on each other’s strengths to advance innovation in the albuquerque region. approximately 1,800 unm alumni work at Sandia, and 20 employees of the national laboratories serve in teaching capacities at the university, says Sandia vice president Steve rottler. another example of the relationship is the advanced material Laboratory (amL) on university Boulevard, which the institutions jointly occupy. “updating the amL mou is symbolic of this history, the strong bonds between the two institutions and our intent to develop future collaborations that will benefit new mexico and the nation,” rottler says. Sandia and unm are working together to achieve goals that include attracting and retaining top students, faculty and researchers; developing and nurturing new and nationally recognized expertise and technologies; research and development with broad benefits; and expanding unm’s position as a source of talented students and nationally prominent faculty and researchers. areas of collaboration between the labs include quantum information, energy technologies and nanoparticle-based drug delivery. – Bill Lewis
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GreATer Albuquerque

Force of Nature
solar, water, conservation firms bolster economy
Story by Pamela Coyle photography by Jeff Adkins

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reater Albuquerque is a hub for clean energy companies that are diversifying an already technology-rich economy. This robust sector made Albuquerque 52nd among 100 metro areas for the number of clean energy jobs – employing an estimated 9,900 workers. The Brookings Institute survey ranked the region even higher with respect to the intensity of its clean energy sector and job growth between 2003 and 2010, which averaged 7.8 percent annually. On that measure, Albuquerque ranked 10th. Conservation is the largest and fastest-growing segment of Albuquerque’s renewable energy industry, but clusters of solar, thermal and green building companies are growing, too. Natural resources, human capital and reasonable costs of doing business are among the draws for companies. Proximity to Sandia National Laboratories and Kirkland Air Force Base are other key factors. “There is such a high proliferation of engineers, and with Sandia and the universities, Albuquerque has become an incubator for alternative energy,” says Christopher Larocca, COO of EMCORE, whose solar panels are powering the Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft, expected to land on the red planet in August 2012. “We have really enjoyed our stay here because of the talent and the close relationship we have with representatives of other institutions.”

EMCORE, in fact, got its start with technology developed at Sandia more than a decade ago and government-funded contracts to develop better solar panels for aerospace applications. That technology is now finding its way back to earth.
solAr CompANies shiNe Central New Mexico is tailor-made for clean energy companies. “We have huge open spaces, good in-ground natural resources, and we attract people who think of the need to do this differently,” says Kyle Lee, COO of MIOX Corp., which produces water purification technologies now deployed to more than 1,500 sites. Both established companies and start-ups are making their mark. Schott Solar AG operates a flagship facility in the region for manufacturing photovoltaic modules and receivers for concentrated solar panels. Array Technologies makes solar tracking equipment. Solar energy contractors like 310 Solar and Sacred Power are booming. New energy start-ups include CFV Solar Test Laboratory, a photovoltaic certification test company that hopes to speed up entry for solar panel manufacturers into North American and international markets. Bye UAS is also building its solar-powered unmanned aircraft systems in the region. Vertterre Corp. converts renewable energy sources

GoLd staR foR ceReaL pLant GeNerAl mills TAKes sTeps To boosT susTAiNAbiliTy
an expansion of general mills’ albuquerque cereal plant is one of fewer than 10 food production facilities worldwide to earn an LeeD gold certification for environmental sustainability. the facility was recognized for an aggressive program that includes near-elimination of waste paper, plastics, cardboard and packaging, use of a proprietary high-efficiency oven that greatly reduces energy consumption, and reduction of indoor water use and outdoor irrigation needs. additionally, general mills loans bicycles to employees for commuting, provides bike lockers and reserves prime parking spots for vehicles with low emissions and/or high fuel efficiency. the first general mills production facility and the fourth company building to earn LeeD certification, the plant joins about 8,000 LeeD-certified projects worldwide.
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and nonconventional fuels into heat and power systems. Inc. magazine recognized it as one of the fastest-growing energy and green companies in the U.S.
busiNesses pArTNer wiTh loCAl lAbs Various companies benefit from applied research at Sandia and the University of New Mexico. With technology transfer programs that help commercialize new ideas, both labs are economic development powerhouses. The region’s culture creates companies that can grow and remain nimble. MIOX launched with a military focus, developing water purification systems for aircraft carriers. Now it has systems for purifying water used in projects that range from treating the entire water supply of Bogota, Colombia, to a backyard swimming pool.

“We get incredible pull to diverse locations to fulfill a demand that is always there,” Lee says. Albuquerque has its own pull. “It is not a difficult place to recruit to,” Larocca says. “Winters don’t get too cold; summers don’t get too hot. A lot of people really enjoy living here.” When EMCORE bought TechStar, a Los Angelesbased company, nearly 20 workers opted to transfer to Albuquerque. The lower cost of living allowed them to buy homes for the first time, he says. Folks higher up on the corporate ladder find the region just as attractive. “People want to live here,” says Lisa Kuuttila, president and CEO of the University of New Mexico Science and Technology Council. “We’ve been successful in attracting serial entrepreneurs.”

Clockwise (left to right): an employee assembles satellite solar panels in emcore’s Space photovoltaics Division; emcore solar panels power the mars Science Laboratory spacecraft; verterre corporation’s president and principal electrical engineer, Daniel Sandoval.

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stream of innovation
sAndiA ReseARch in wAve poweR, wAteR puRificAtion, solAR efficiency Go beyond lAb
clean energy innovations are coming out of Sandia national Laboratories like waves in the ocean on a windy day. and some of them involve both wind and waves. researchers in marine hydrokinetics are using expertise developed for wind power generation to accelerate progress in tidal and wave energy generation. Sandia scientists are developing materials and processes that have realworld applications. other environmentally significant innovations coming out of Sandia include: • metal organic frameworks (moFs) that remove radioactive gas from spent nuclear fuel. the process has applications in nuclear fuel reprocessing, cleanup of nuclear plant accidents and high-level waste reduction. • experimental “smart outlets” that can measure, monitor and control electric loads without connection to a central computer. the idea is that the next generation of semiconductors will lead to a smart grid that can reconfigure itself as needed. • nano-engineered synthetic membranes that mimic how the smallest bits of nature purify water. using reverse osmosis technology, the new membranes improve water purification tenfold over existing membranes. the development has huge potential for parts of the world without access to clean water. • a demand response inverter that lowers the cost of solar power. the inverter makes photovoltaic power more efficient, reliable and cost-effective, and encourages addition of solar systems to the electric grid. the inverter and the purification membranes won R&D Magazine’s 100 awards in June 2011, which are considered “the nobel prizes of technology.” part of Sandia’s focus in hydrokinetics is a partnership with verdant power, which will operate the first u.S. commercial tidal power plant. Sandia researchers have studied various factors, looking at the issue just as researchers studied wind power. “we want to take what we’ve learned to compress the development from the 30 years it took wind energy down to 10 years,” says Daniel Laird, manager of Sandia’s water power technologies Department. – Pamela Coyle

El egance
The Doubletree is the only hotel that will make you feel at home when you’re away from home.
The CHOICE is yours, the PLEASURE is ours.

is once again redefined.

From the warm welcome at the front desk to the unprecedented Happy Hour at the Ice Lounge and dinner at the newly created La Oja restaurant, you will be pampered with exciting new mexi-cali flavor thoughtfully paired with amazing wines from around the world like no place else in Albuquerque.
201 Marquette NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 Reservations: (800) 222-TREE Hotel Direct: (505) 247-3344 www.doubletreeabq.com

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Energy/Technology

Tech Goes to market
tech transfer programs at sandia, unM pave way for cutting-edge start-ups
Story by Pamela Coyle

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he list of inventions developing in Greater Albuquerque is long and diverse. The region is abuzz with applied technology, entrepreneurship and start-ups commercializing research.

On the road from the lab to the marketplace, technology transfer programs get companies in the fast lane. Technology and its beneficiaries have partners in Sandia National

Laboratories and the University of New Mexico, which work with companies looking to license new technologies and venture capitalists helping get new ideas off the ground.
uNm mArKeTs New iDeAs In 2011, the University of New Mexico Science and Technology Council received 30 U.S. patents, signed 36 option/license agreements, launched five startup companies and earned $3 million in licensing revenue. Since it started in 1996, the STC has spun off 57 companies. Among them are Nanocrystal Corporation, SK Infrared and Skorpios Technologies. Another start-up, IntelliCyt, has commercialized new instrumentation for drug discovery, increased sales and grown to more than 30 employees, says Lisa Kuuttila, UNM STC’s president and CEO. Formed around technology produced at UNM and Los Alamos National Laboratory, ThermoDynamic Films is developing cooling systems for

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JeFF aDkinS

photo courteSy oF SanDiaL aB S

Designed to identify dangers in mines and rescue trapped miners, the gemini-Scout mine rescue robot is one of a long list of inventions developed by engineers at Sandia national Laboratories, which partners with start-ups to help them create and license new technologies.

satellite-borne infrared imaging detectors used in the aerospace and defense industry. With Sandia, UNM has 120 joint projects. For potential investors and entrepreneurs, STC develops a snapshot that outlines the technology, profiles the inventor, highlights the business opportunity and summarizes the market. “We are very proactive at marketing,” Kuuttila says. “We let the investors and entrepreneurs tell us yes, no or maybe.”
sANDiA spiNs oFF mAJor iNNovATioNs Sandia tackles tech transfer multiple ways – efforts that have led to recognition for inventions that detect public water contaminants, disable improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan, boost capacity in mobile devices, and allow smaller and lighter components for power electronics systems. Sandia Science & Technology Park houses companies, scientists and researchers involved in advancing new technologies. New additions include GAITS (Global Analytical Information Technology Services Inc.) and the

Cyber Engineering Research Institute. An entrepreneur program allows Sandia scientists to start businesses in the private sector, guaranteeing their jobs for two years if they change their minds. And the state gives up to $2.4 million in tax exemptions each to Sandia and Los Alamos to offer technical assistance to any small business in the state. In 2011, the labs’ researchers devoted $4.6 million in time to 340 small businesses in New Mexico, says Jackie Kerby Moore, executive director of Sandia’s technology park. “It is very unique, very innovative, and it helps a lot of companies,” Moore says. Sandia tech transfer personnel meet regularly with New Mexico Angels, a group of venture capitalists, and Technology Ventures Corporation, a Lockheed-funded entity that matches technology coming out of Sandia with investors. In April 2012, the Deal Stream Summit introduced nine new viable technologies to a wider audience, Moore says. “There is a lot of emphasis and focus on tech transfer coming out of DOE headquarters in D.C.,” she says. “We view that very positively to highlight and showcase what goes on here.”

stReet science
A new FBI crime lab at the University of New Mexico gives local law enforcement agencies access to forensic technologies targeting Internet and intellectual property crimes as well as child pornography. Among the tools is a kiosk into which investigators can place cell phones to pull out text messages, photos and calling data. The New Mexico Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory is also working on a backlog of technologyrelated requests involving violent crimes. The lab is part of the FBI’s national network of forensic laboratory and training centers designed to speed up investigations.

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Transportation

on the move
Albuquerque’s multimodal transportation network drives growth
Story by Kevin Litwin • photography by Jeff Adkins

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he Greater Albuquerque region is ideal for businesses that ship and distribute goods to western markets and beyond, thanks in large part to its competitive outgoing freight rates and location at the bisection of two major interstates. I-25 is the main north-south highway on the city’s eastern side of the Rio Grande and also connects Albuquerque with Santa Fe and Las Cruces. I-40 is the city’s main east-west traffic artery and an important transcontinental route. BNSF Railway, which has a north-south line that connects in Albuquerque and an east-west line that connects 40 miles south of Albuquerque in Belen, is planning to build a multimodal logistics center in Rancho Cielo, located near Belen on the west side of I-25, that could create even more potential for growth in distribution, warehousing and manufacturing facilities. The region also offers passenger rail including an east-west Amtrak route between Chicago and Los Angeles that runs through Albuquerque, and a lightrail passenger commuter system, the New Mexico Rail Runner, that passes through downtown Albuquerque.

we have connectivity to the San Francisco area and Silicon Valley, and a lot of government people from Washington, D.C., come to Albuquerque for business at Sandia National Laboratories and the Los Alamos National Laboratory.” Sunport has a separate cargo facility, and passenger carriers include American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, United and US Airways. “Those airlines serve 27 cities including connections to the large hubs of Dallas, Denver, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington Dulles,” Jiron says. Three smaller airports also serve Albuquerque: Double Eagle II Airport, Belen Alexander Airport and Moriarty Airport.
oN The horizoN A key transportation initiative in Albuquerque is a reconstruction of the interchange at Paseo del Norte, a freeway running from Tramway Boulevard to Eagle Ranch Road that connects I-25 and Coors Boulevard. The overall price for Paseo del Norte improvements is an estimated $250 million. “It connects the west side of Albuquerque to the east side, but is a rush hour problem because cars and trucks are gridlocked on the Paseo/I-25 interchange,” says Trudy Jones, Albuquerque City Council president. “What has happened over the years is that development grew, so we have an intersection that is packed. Plans are in the works to make improvements, with a November $50 million bond vote going in front of the voters. The ultimate goal? An eventual free-flowing intersection.”

tops in tRansit
Greater Albuquerque ranks seventh out of 100 metros for its share of working-age residents located near a transit and its percentage of jobs reachable via transit. The region’s transit options include: • ABQ Ride • New Mexico Rail Runner • Rio Metro Regional Transit District (serves Belen and Sandoval counties)

GooD CoNNeCTioNs Offering service to more than 20 hubs, Albuquerque International Sunport is also an economic driver. “We bring in passengers who are tourists to Albuquerque, plus accommodate thousands of business travelers who travel to and from our city,” says Daniel Jiron, Albuquerque International Sunport public information officer. “Quite a few hightech companies use the airport because

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hospitaLs in GReateR aLbuqueRque’s heaLth netwoRk
LoveLace heaLth system Lovelace medical center: 254 beds Lovelace women’s hospital: 98 beds Lovelace westside: 95 beds heart hospital of new mexico at Lovelace: 55 beds pResbysteRian heaLthcaRe seRvices presbyterian hospital: 453 beds presbyterian kaseman: 170 beds presbyterian rust medical center: 66 beds univeRsity of new mexico university of new mexico hospital: 618 beds unm Sandoval regional medical center: 72 beds

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Health

A heart for health
Region earns reputation for quality care
Story by Kevin Litwin

he prognosis is positive: Greater Albuquerque has strong health-care systems, with the latest technology and treatments in place. The city is home to hospitals with more than 1,800 beds, along with several assisted living centers, and home health-care treatment and senior care organizations. Here is a quick overview:
uNiversiTy oF New mexiCo University of New Mexico Hospital is home to the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and offers top treatment and clinical research at its newly constructed $90 million UNM Cancer Center. It is also known for its UNM Children’s Hospital, nationally recognized pain clinics, psychiatric treatment facilities and cardiac treatment care. The university is constructing the $159 million, 200,000-square-

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foot Sandoval Regional Medical Center in Rio Rancho that will house 72 inpatient beds at its location near Rio Rancho City Hall and UNM West. In early 2012, Sandoval Regional had already opened a 55,000-square-foot Medical Office Pavilion that accommodates physical therapy, medical education space and 24,000 square feet for primary care and specialty care physician clinic space.
lovelACe heAlTh sysTem LHS operates a network of acute care hospitals in the region including its flagship Lovelace Medical Center. The hospital is known for several specialized centers including a Gamma Knife Center that provides non-invasive neurosurgery for complex and often inoperable brain conditions. LHS also oversees Lovelace Women’s Hospital and Lovelace Westside Hospital, both named
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p h o t o S c o u r t e S y o F L o v e L a c e h e a Lt h S y S t e m

among the top 50 best places to work in health care by Modern Healthcare magazine in 2011. Also in 2011, LHS acquired Heart Hospital of New Mexico, now called Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace. “We can now provide a range of cardiology services that are significantly enhanced, and through our network, we can make these high-quality services available to more people in Albuquerque and in New Mexico than ever before,” says Ron Stern, Lovelace Health System president and CEO. In 2012, LHS welcomed Roswell Regional Hospital and its Family Care Clinic, and added inpatient pediatrics at Lovelace Westside Hospital, bringing that muchneeded service to residents on Albuquerque’s west side and in Rio Rancho. “Through our hospitals, services and technology, we are providing the highest quality of health care and have been recognized nationally,” Stern says.
presbyTeriAN heAlThCAre serviCes Also offering top medical care in Greater Albuquerque is Presbyterian Healthcare Services, whose Presbyterian Hospital is the largest acute care hospital in New Mexico. In 2011, the Leapfrog Group named Presbyterian Hospital one of 65 top hospitals in the nation for its patient safety and high quality of care. PHS also operates Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital in Albuquerque, which features surgical and emergency services, and in 2011 opened the $165 million, 66-bed Presbyterian Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho. PHS also oversees more than 25 clinics across the state, which handle 1.2 million patient visits each year.

Scholarship
Community
Integrity
Experience Bosque!
• A rigorous college preparatory school for students in grades 6-12 • Emphasizing the arts, service learning and environmental science in the bosque • Competitive athletics • Experiential learning • Faculty/student ratio 1:9

4000 Learning Rd. NW • Albuquerque, NM 87120 (505) 898-6388 • www.bosqueschool.org

left (below): catheterization lab at the heart hospital of new mexico at Lovelace
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Education

Central New Mexico Community College prepares students for careers ranging from microelectronics to film production.

best in Class
Albuquerque’s universities, colleges add to workforce excellence
Story by Kevin Litwin • photography by Jeff Adkins

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he largest higher-education institution in Albuquerque? You might guess the University of New Mexico with its 27,300 students, but the correct answer is Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) which enrolls more than 30,000 students. CNM has been making news in 2012 with its efforts to address the educational and training needs of the regional economy. The college’s programs are preparing new workers for entry-level positions and training existing workers for advancement and new careers in fields ranging from advanced manufacturing to microelectronics to film production. “We anticipate future industry needs so students are prepared when those opportunities become available,” says CNM president Katharine Winograd.

“CNM partners with businesses, industries, economic development organizations and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce to plan educational pathways that will lead to rewarding jobs in the community.”
solAr CeNTer oF exCelleNCe Programs offered at the college are studied by advisory committees made up of local businesspeople, who provide updated information on industry trends, says Diane Burke, CNM’s dean of workforce and economic development. “The committees advise us on needed skills of the workforce, changes in tools and equipment, and anything else that keeps our education and training relevant,” Burke says. “For example, CNM has recently been designated a Solar Center

GRant foR GReen
Recently, Central New Mexico Community College was one of three colleges in the state chosen to receive a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand and develop occupational training programs in the wind, solar biofuels, green building and energy-efficiency sectors. The college will use the grant to expand solar thermal and photovoltaic courses at its new sustainable technologies laboratory.

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of Excellence, so our Sustainable Technology Lab is partnering with industry to train workers to be photovoltaic and solar heating technicians. That is in direct response to the growth of the renewable energy industry in New Mexico.”
ACColADes ApleNTy For uNm The University of New Mexico continues to make its own academic news, garnering scores of national accolades. U.S. News and World Report ranks UNM’s School of Medicine second in the nation for its rural medicine program and eighth nationally for its family medicine program. UNM has also been named one of the top 10 schools nationwide by the American Academy of Family Physicians for its vast contributions to the pipeline of family physicians. UNM recently debuted a new Department of Dental Medicine, and the university was awarded a $2 million grant to establish a Cancer Nanotechnology Training

Center to train students in health- and chemistryrelated sciences for careers as cancer researchers. Forbes has also ranked UNM among the nation’s top research universities, and the university’s management and law schools have been recognized internationally and nationally for excellence. The university is currently seventh in the nation for awarding doctoral degrees to Hispanic students.
oTher hiGher eDuCATioN opporTuNiTies Other colleges and universities in the Greater Albuquerque area include National American University, Trinity Southwest University, the University of St. Francis and the University of Phoenix. Technical schools in the city include ITT Technical Institute and Southwest University of Visual Arts. The Ayurvedic Institute is one of the first colleges that specializes in teaching Ayurvedic medicine outside of India.

left (both photos): cnm’s Sustainable technology Lab partners with industry to train photovoltaic and solar heating technicians.

Hope Christian School
K-12th College Prep Program Fully Accredited: • ACSI • ICAA • NM State Department of Education Licensed Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten Located one block south of Paseo Del Norte off Louisiana

Call 821-2513 www.hopechristianschool.org

From Start to Finish … Education with Values!

Hope Christian Schools Inc., admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

Livability

A Distinct Destination
Albuquerque’s diverse culture, recreation appeals to newcomers
Story by Jessica Walker

hose looking for a place with a thriving business climate and an excellent quality of life can call off the search. Greater Albuquerque provides both – and much more. “Albuquerque is made up of a unique blend of adventure and culture, plus amazing cuisine,” says Tania Armenta, vice president of marketing at the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau. Offering 310 days of sunshine each year, the city was recently listed 15th among America’s 50 best cities by Bloomberg Businessweek and is also known as the “hot air ballooning capital of the world.” Big-city amenities coupled with outdoor recreation, an affordable cost of living and housing market, and cultural diversity make the region an ideal place for both businesses and individuals to put down roots. Terry Dunlay, the founder, president and CEO of IntelliCyt Corporation, relocated to Albuquerque after spending
left: albuquerque is home to 14 golf courses, including the Sandia golf club at the Sandia resort & casino. right: the albuquerque international Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot-air balloon festival in the word.

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Brian mccorD

PHOTO By BRIAN McCORD

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RaiLyaRd RevitaLization
New work spaces, restaurants and performance venues are planned for an area being redeveloped around Albuquerque’s historic Barelas railroad yards. Located just south of downtown Albuquerque, the area covers the city’s Historic Barelas and South Broadway neighborhoods. Local leaders hope to turn the railyards into a functional, aesthetic and essential part of the city that will draw residents and visitors alike.

albuquerque’s picturesque nob hill neighborhood is a popular hot spot for newcomers.

several years on the East Coast. The region’s mild climate and convenient location made it an appealing choice, he says. “The weather is great; there are four seasons, but none of them are extreme,” Dunlay says. “It’s also easy to get to most places from Albuquerque.”
ADveNTure AwAiTs For Dunlay, the region’s abundance of outdoor activities was one of its biggest assets. Offering 25 trails with differing levels of difficulty, the Sandia Mountains serve as a backdrop for hiking, mountain biking, skiing and hang gliding. The Rio Grande River allows adventurers to enjoy rafting, boating and kayaking, and cyclists can ride along the river on the Paseo del Bosque Trail. The metro area is home to 14 golf courses, including the Sandia Golf Club at the Sandia Resort & Casino, making the city a popular golf destination.

“Golfers of every skill level can enjoy a picturesque round of golf in Albuquerque,” Armenta says.
ArTsy oFFeriNGs, eCleCTiC NeiGhborhooDs Cultural opportunities are plentiful, too. In 2011, Albuquerque was included in AmericanStyle magazine’s list of top 25 big cities for art. The city’s Downtown Action Team works to facilitate growth and success in the artsy downtown scene. “The downtown revitalization project has brought new restaurants and upscale art galleries, along with impressive murals on the exteriors of buildings in the central business district,” Armenta says. Exploring Albuquerque’s Old Town gives visitors a glimpse into the region’s storied history. Old Town encompasses Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,

as well as 150 shops, galleries and restaurants. The Nob Hill neighborhood, the city’s hub for Route 66, is also a hit among newcomers. “With neon signs and a pedestrian-friendly feel, Nob Hill is a hot spot with everything from casual brew pubs to upscale wine bars,” Armenta says.
yeAr-rouND FesTivAls, eveNTs Albuquerque features an array of festivals, with an event nearly every month of the year. Some of the most popular include the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the New Mexico Wine Festival and Savor Albuquerque, which also features the Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque. “Albuquerque offers a little bit of everything,” Armenta says. “With the diverse event offerings in our city, there is always something to do.”

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Jeff Adkins

Great escapes
GReAteR AlbuqueRque’s seven Must-see siGhts
home to Southwestern artistry, fun festivals, wineries and more, the greater albuquerque region lays claim to many distinct cultural and recreational destinations. here are seven of its must-see sites and events:

advertisers
Abba Technologies www.abbatech.com Big J Enterprises LLC www.bigjllc.com BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico www.bcbsnm.com Bosque School www.bosqueschool.org Central New Mexico Community College www.cnm.edu Doubletree Hotel Albuquerque www.doubletreeabq.com Hope Christian School www.hopechristianschool.org LearningRx www.learningrx.com/ albuquerque-northeast Manzano Day School www.manzanodayschool.org Scott Patrick Homes www.scottpatrickhomes.com Southwest Suites www.southwestsuites.com The Inn at Paradise www.innatparadise.com Wells Fargo Bank www.wellsfargo.com

visit our

1. The Albuquerque iNTerNATioNAl bAllooN FiesTA
taking place annually during the first week of october, the albuquerque international Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot air balloon festival. more than 800,000 visitors attend the 10-day event each year.

2. The New mexiCo wiNe FesTivAl
historic Bernalillo hosts the new mexico wine Festival, which celebrates new mexico’s grape-growing history. the largest of its kind in the state, the festival includes music, arts and crafts, food and wine from more than 20 wineries.

3. peTroGlyph NATioNAl moNumeNT
protecting volcanoes, archaeological sites and more than 24,000 carved images, petroglyph national monument spans 17 miles along albuquerque’s west mesa. guests can also stop by the petroglyph national monument’s visitor center, where park maps and newspapers are available, as well as exhibits and a bookstore.

4. NATioNAl hispANiC CulTurAl CeNTer
visitors to the national hispanic cultural center can tour the facility’s art exhibits, enjoy a flamenco performance or other live events, or research family history through the center’s history and Literary arts program. workshops, classes and other activities are also offered.

5. pAseo Del bosque TrAil
named one of the best trails in the western u.S. by Sunset magazine, the 16-mile paseo del Bosque trail winds though the rio grande’s cottonwood forest past several attractions including the rio grande valley State park and nature center and the albuquerque Bio park.

6. Albuquerque’s olD TowN
home to more than 150 stores and galleries, albuquerque’s old town comprises roughly 10 blocks of historic adobe buildings, including the San Felipe de neri church, the oldest building in the city. visitors can enjoy walking tours during which guides discuss legends, lore, trivia and fun facts about the area.

7. sANDiA peAK TrAmwAy
Built by Swiss engineers, the Sandia peak tramway glides nearly three miles over deep canyons and granite spires along the western face of the Sandia mountains – all the way to the 10,378-foot peak. Skiing and snowboarding are offered during winter months. – Jessica Walker

p h o t o c o u r t e S y o F a L B u q u e r q u e i n t e r n at i o n a L B a L L o o n F i e S ta , i n c .

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Ad Index
27 AbbA Technologies 31 hope chrisTiAn school



2 big J enTerprises llc



c2 leArning rx



8 bluecross blueshield of new Mexico



28 MAnzAno dAy school

27 bosque school 8 cenTrAl new Mexico coMMuniTy college 19 doubleTree hoTel Albuquerque

36 scoTT pATrick hoMes

4 souThwesT suiTes

c4 The inn AT pArAdise

3 wells fArgo bAnk

eCoNomiC proFile
busiNess sNApshoT
with more than 900,000 residents, albuquerque is the population center of Bernalillo county and central new mexico. its top industries include energy, health care, aerospace and defense, manufacturing, and communications and information technology. kirtland air Force, Sandia national Laboratory and intel corporation are among albuquerque’s major employers.

mAJor privATe employmeNT seCTors
professional and business services: 15% educational and health services: 15% retail trade: 11% Leisure and hospitality: 10% manufacturing: 5% Financial activities: 5% mining, logging and construction: 5% transportation, warehousing and utilities: 3% wholesale trade: 3% information: 2% Sources: http://www.abq.org, http://quickfacts.census.gov

populATioN
916,883

Presbyterian Healthcare Services, 7,369 UNM Hospital, 5,950 City of Albuquerque, 5,940 State of New Mexico, 5,910 Lovelace Health System, 3,700 Intel Corporation, 3,300 *Includes civilian federal employees and contractors employed on and off base.

lAbor ForCe
403,770

Top employers
Kirtland Air Force Base,* 16,200 University of New Mexico, 15,890 Albuquerque Public Schools, 14,000 Sandia National Labs, 7,940
thiS SEction iS SponSorEd by

what’s online
for more in-depth demographic, statistical and community information on Greater Albuquerque, go to businessclimate.com/albuquerque and click on facts & stats.

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Through the Lens

Get the story behind the photo
now that you’ve experienced Greater Albuquerque through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit photoblog.jnlcom.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

posTeD by JeFF ADKiNs

From our phoTo bloG: GreATer Albuquerque
driving through the desert between Albuquerque and santa fe, i stumbled across an unexpected scene. i noticed a red pickup truck with a dog sitting under an umbrella. behind the truck, i caught a glimpse of artist ian troxell with his easel, oil paint and palette, his hat shading the harsh desert sun from his face. he was in the midst of capturing the beauty of the red rocks in a painting when i walked up from behind a rock, startling him mid-brushstroke. i think he may have accidentally painted an extra cloud, but i was too embarrassed to ask. the scene reminded me of a norman Rockwell painting, and i knew i had to capture it with my camera rather than just drive on past. After stopping to chat with him, i learned that besides being a painter, he’s also a white-water rafting guide in new Mexico. this guy has the life!

more online

see more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at photoblog.jnlcom.com.
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The Inn at Paradise
We would like to invite you to experience living New Mexico-style … a blend of people, food, art, history, wildlife and culture all spaced between the sunrise and sunset of the great Southwest. The Inn at Paradise sits atop the West Mesa overlooking the Rio Grande Valley and the majestic Sandia Mountains. There is no better place to relax and enjoy your next holiday than in the Land of Enchantment. Located on the first tee of the Desert Green Golf Club, you can experience golf course living at its finest. Whether you are on an executive retreat with your company, having a competitive tournament with your family and friends, or taking a romantic holiday with that special someone, the Inn is a great getaway. The Inn is also a wonderful setting for weddings, family reunions and parties.

The Inn at Paradise 10035 Country Club Lane • Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114 USA (505) 898-6161 or Toll-free: (800) 938-6161 • Fax: (505) 890-1090 E-mail: [email protected] • www.innatparadise.com