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The International Business Accelerator is part of the New Mexico Small Business Development Centers Network and is Administered through Western New Mexico University

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Bruce King

Former New Mexico Governor Bruce King passed away at his Stanley, New Mexico ranch on November 13. As a three-term governor, King had a profound impact on the U.S.-Mexico border by advocating increased relations with Mexico and by establishing the Santa Teresa Port of Entry. He also was a founding member of the Border Governors Conference, which brings together the 10 governors of the U.S.-Mexico border region on an annual basis to address common issues.

King was the last of a breed of politicians who genuinely cared and personally related to people. It is said that anybody who knew the governor has his/her favorite stories about the man, and I am no exception. In 1991, I was on my way to open New Mexico’s first foreign commercial/tourism office in Mexico City, for which he had recently appointed me to this post, even though I was only 26 years old. When I walked into his office he grabbed me by the shoulder, smiled, and said to me in his folksy voice, “You’re going to do a good job for us down in Mexico, aren’t you?” I had been nervous about the appointment, but he immediately set me at ease.

Previous New Mexico governors had dealt with the issue of opening up a new port of entry to the west of El Paso. However, King made this one of his administration’s top priorities. The Santa Teresa site was chosen, and in early 1992, New Mexico, Chihuahua, and the Chihuahua Cattlemen’s Association finalized the details to establish a cattle port at Santa Teresa, the first tangible phase of the overall project. A grand opening for the port was planned by King with his counterpart from Chihuahua.

At the last minute, U.S. federal officials embroiled the cattle crossing ceremony in red tape, casting uncertainty over the project. In a classic Bruce King move, he told the federal representatives that whether they were ready or not, he was going ahead with the opening ceremony and that they could meet him at the site if they wished. He came to Santa Teresa, cut the ribbon on the cattle crossing, the federal officials backed off, and the first phase of the port of entry was completed. In spring of 1993, the commercial and vehicle crossing in Santa Teresa was opened.

Later that year, he visited me in Mexico City to inaugurate New Mexico’s new office. We made the official rounds with the high-level Mexican officials, and finally with President Carlos Salinas. During our visit with Luis Donaldo Colosio, the secretary of Mexico’s Environment Ministry, and later the 1994 candidate for president who was assassinated during a campaign stop in Tijuana, I had a Bruce King moment I’ll never forget.

The governor was engaged in a lively discussion with the Mexican minister. I was seated at a table with about 10 other officials, but rather than listening, I was more engrossed in contemplating the next meeting on our agenda. All of a sudden, I heard, “Ain’t that right Jerry? Why don’t you explain to Secretary Colosio what I mean?” I looked across the table to see both Governor King and Secretary Colosio looking directly at me, waiting for me to expound upon the governor’s point, which I had not heard. I was completely taken by surprise that he would ask me, a lower-level official, to speak directly to a high-level minister on his behalf.

I froze for a second and then tried to cover as many details of our visit as possible, hoping that I would touch upon whatever the governor wanted me to talk about. Governor King gave me a sly smile and then resumed his conversation with Colosio. After the meeting, one of his close aides told me that you always have to be on your toes when in a meeting with the governor, he can call on you anytime, no matter what your rank.

After our meetings, we headed to Mexico City’s main plaza, where the governor proceeded to shake the hands of all of the kids and street vendors. He examined a textile piece and was doing a good job to communicating with a young girl who didn’t speak English. King was so engaged in conversation with this young entrepreneur, that it was hard to drag him away.

The next day, we flew to Monterrey, Mexico, to attend the Border Governors’ Conference, where at the conclusion of the event, nine of the 10 border governors read prepared remarks. When it was his turn, King strode up to the podium, without any prepared remarks, and proceeded to speak from the heart about the importance of U.S.-Mexico relations. I was sitting near the interpreters’ booth. When the governor began to speak in his fast country drawl, the three interpreters in the booth jumped up from their seats scrambling to understand what he was saying. When he finished, the room burst into applause. You couldn’t help but love the man!

If the success of a person’s life is measured by how many people he/she has positively affected, then Governor King had a wildly successful life. He touched countless people and made our border region better.

Juarez Trade Mission, November 11 - 13, 2009

On November 11 through 13, 2009, the International Business Accelerator (IBA) and the Office of Mexican Affairs & Trade (OMA) organized an outbound trade mission to Juarez, Mexico. The purpose of the trade mission was to promote New Mexico exports by introducing qualified industrial suppliers to industrial buyers from the maquiladora industry, located in Juarez.

The IBA, OMA, the City of Juarez Economic Development Association, and the State of Chihuahua Industrial Development Department worked together to match the participating New Mexican suppliers’ outputs with the demand interests of the participating maquiladora purchasing managers.

The New Mexico companies that participated in this event included:

These companies had the opportunity to meet with several maquiladora buyers during a series of pre-qualified interviews arranged by the organizers. Each interview had duration of up to thirty minutes. The companies that participated from the Juarez maquiladora purchasing industrial sector included: Crayola, Bosch, ADC, Delphi, Tyco, Strattec- Security, Larco, Matrix Wire, Bell Manufacturing, Radial, Toro, Labinal, Tatung, Lexmark, Del Real, Cardinal Health, Covidien, and Inventec.

The New Mexico suppliers are currently working on production quotes and are conducting follow-up with these companies.


From left to right: Rafael Valdez of Deval Reps meets with Ronald Karaskiewicz of Sun Automation, Inc.


From left to right: Oscar Baca of Chamizal Trucking and Miriam Kotkowski of Omega Trucking meet with Ronald Karaskiewicz of Sun Automation, Inc.


From left to right: Leticia Lopez from Monarch Litho meets with purchasing managers from Cardinal Health.

Office of Mexican Affairs Invites New Mexico Industrial Suppliers to Expo Maquila Trade Mission and Matchmaking Sessions

New Mexican companies interested in exploring supply opportunities with Mexico’s maquiladora (twin plant) industry are invited to participate in a trade mission and matchmaking sessions that will take place November 11, 2009 in El Paso, and November 12 and 13, 2009 in Juarez, Mexico. Organized by the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Office of Mexican Affairs and Trade, in conjunction with the International Business Accelerator and the Juarez Economic Development Department, this event will be designed to put New Mexican suppliers in direct contact with the purchasing managers of maquiladoras.

Up to 30 purchasing managers will be providing lists of the production inputs and industrial processes that they are currently in search of, including plastic injection, packaging, metals, and resins. Based on these needs, companies will then be recruited to participate in the trade mission, which will include one-on-one meetings with the purchasing managers in both El Paso and Juarez. For a copy of these production inputs click here and here.

For more information or to secure your company’s participation, please contact Randy Trask (505-231-0677 or randall.trask@state.nm.us) of the Office of Mexican Affairs or Jerry Pacheco (575-589-2200 or jerry@nmiba.com) of the International Business Accelerator.

The 10th Annual Santa Teresa Charity Golf Tournament Raises more than $9,300 for Sunland Park Elementary Schools



The 10th Annual Santa Teresa Charity Golf Tournament, hosted by Global Perspectives Integrated, Inc. and Catalina Development was held on September 25, 2009 at the Santa Teresa Country Club in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. More than 100 players from the El Paso, Juarez, Albuquerque and southern New Mexico business community participated in this event, which was sponsored by over 50 companies and organizations. Major sponsors of the tournament included Verde Realty, and El Paso Electric.

The tournament raises money for the honors program at Sunland Park and Desert View Elementary Schools in Sunland Park, New Mexico. At the end of each school year, elementary students who have perfect attendance, good grades or who have performed an extraordinary act during the course of the year, are awarded medals and special presidential certificates. This year, the tournament raised more than $9,300 dollars for the schools. According to Gadsden Independent School District Superintendant Cynthia Nava, “To date, this tournament has raised more than $100,000 for the elementary schools’ Honors Programs. These programs are critical in encouraging our students improve their schoolwork and attendance. Every year more students want to enroll.”


l to r: Mike Attkins and Greg Collins of Catalina Development


Sunland Park Elementary School Students and Staff


l to r: Justina Antoszewska with Eli Velazquez and Leo Alvarado of RCIC


Davin Lopez of the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance

Farewell to O.D. Maes

Through our program, we are blessed to meet a lot of talented entrepreneurs and great people. One person who fit this bill was O.D. Maes, owner of IBA client Global Organics. For the past several years, the IBA worked with O.D. assisting him with the export of his organic fertilizers to Mexico. Owning your own business is tough and requires a can-do attitude and a lot of energy. O.D. had these qualities in spades. Sadly, on August, 19, 2009, O.D. succumbed to a lengthy illness. His great attitude and knowledge of the agricultural field will be greatly missed at the IBA. As a team, our condolences go out to his family and colleagues.

The Sunland Park/Desert View Elementary Schools Charity Golf Tournament at Santa Teresa


Save the Date
September 25th, 2009

Our 10th Annual Sunland Park/Desert View Elementary Schools Charity Golf Tournament at Santa Teresa will take place this year on September 25th at 1:00 p.m. at the Santa Teresa Country Club. As you know, 100% of the proceeds of our charity tournament support the Honors Program in the Sunland Park and Desert View Elementary Schools. Your generous participation over the years has done wonders with the youth of our community to convince them to have perfect attendance, good grades and become young community leaders.

We again ask you to join us for food, fun, laughs and plenty of golf at this year’s tournament. The cost to participate is $100 per person or $400 per foursome. Hole sponsorship is $100 for which you will receive a hand-crafted sign made by the kids especially for your company. As always, we will be having various contests at the tournament to raise money for our community elementary schools. All gifts not won in the contests will be given away in our famous after-tournament raffle.

Please save the date and give me a call as soon as possible to let me know that you want to book a space. We look forward to hearing from you.

Jerry Pacheco
Ph: 575-589-2200
Cell: 915-491-5910
jerry@gpiinc.biz

Juan Massey Leaves New Mexico's Office of Mexican Affairs

For the past four years, Juan Massey has served as the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Office of Mexican Affairs Executive Director. In this capacity, he has helped craft New Mexico’s relations with Mexico by promoting trade, security, and cultural affairs. He has developed a reputation of being a dedicated worker who has the best interests of New Mexico at heart.

In a way, Juan seems to have been born into this role, having entered the world in Durango, Mexico, and having been raised in both the U.S. and Mexico. With family in both countries, he is completely comfortable in both the American and Mexican cultures.

Sadly for the State of New Mexico, Massey has resigned his position, effective September 11, 2009. He has accepted a position with Verde Realty, a major industrial and residential developer on the U.S.-Mexico border, as Director of Regulatory Affairs. In his new position, he will be working with both the public and private sectors on a variety of issues affecting his Verde’s projects. He will be splitting his time between Santa Fe/Albuquerque and the border region.

The 2009 NAFTA Institute/ Supplier Meet the Buyer Conference Sets Record Attendance

The 2009 NAFTA Institute

Approximately 700 attendees and 300 companies/organizations participated in the 2009 NAFTA Institute/Supplier Meet the Buyer Conference, which took place on June 11 to 12, 2009 in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. This event was organized by the New Mexico Economic Development’s Office of Mexican Affairs, the International Business Accelerator, the North American Institute, the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance, the City of Juarez, the New Mexico Small Business Development Network, and Western New Mexico University.

During the conference, topical experts from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico presented on the various aspects of conducting cross-border business, including Foxconn’s San Jeronimo project (the largest maquiladora in Mexico’s history, located just across the border in Santa Teresa), Union Pacific’s southern New Mexico rail project, and Mexico’s Punta Colonet Port project.

As a part of the conference, business-to-business (B2B) sessions were arranged between 43 purchasing agents from the maquiladora industry and 300 industrial suppliers. Additional B2B sessions also were conducted between buyers and sellers of a wide range of products and services.

“The NAFTA Institute/Supplier Meet the Buyer Conference has grown into the largest trade conference on the entire U.S.-Mexico border. In spite of all the economic challenges our record attendance this year shows that the border is still open for business,” stated New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Fred Mondragón. The conference has become a major part of New Mexico’s strategy to develop a local supplier base for Mexico’s maquiladora (twin plant) industry, which purchases and imports billions of dollars worth of supplies.

According to Alex Sierra, of Acme Mills, a Santa Teresa-based auto components manufacturer, “The conference was very worthwhile and I made contacts that I didn’t know were prospects for our materials. It would have taken a long time to meet all of the people who the conference gathered in one place. For me, the conference was equivalent to making 40 cold calls within a six-hour period. We will definitely participate again next year.”

Conference presentations, additional pictures, and other post-conference information can be viewed on the International Business Accelerator’s website (www.nmiba.com) or by calling the IBA at 575-589-2200.


Dignitaries inaugurating the conference.


The cutting of the ribbon officially opening the U.S. Dept. of Commerce's Export Assistance Center for El Paso and southern New Mexico.


Suppliers meeting with buyers from Foxconn eCMMS during the industrial B2B sessions.


IBA clients during the general B2B sessions.


New Mexico Economic Development Department Secretary Fred Mondragón giving the keynote speech on Friday.


Audience members listening to the keynote speech during Friday's lunch.

Swine Flue

The swine flu virus has caused global concern, with cases now being reported around the world. Officials in the Santa Teresa/Juarez/southern New Mexico region have been vigilantly monitoring the situation, although this border region has not been hit especially hard. On the positive side, Mexican officials today lowered their flu alert level in Mexico City and have announced that restaurants, bars, museums and libraries will reopen this week. The WHO has announced that it has no plans to raise the pandemic alert level. With this latest news, it appears that the worst of the outbreak is over. The following is a communiqué issued by the U.S. Embassy for American citizens:

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that most cases of influenza are not “swine flu”; any specific questions or concerns about flu or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Mexico City medical authorities urge people to avoid hospitals and clinics unless they have a medical emergency, since hospitals are centers of infection; instead, those with health concerns are encouraged to stay home and call their physicians to avoid potential exposure. Although the U.S. Embassy cannot give medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at the following links:

http://mexico.usembassy.gov/sacs_medical_info.html (Spanish)
http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_medical_info.html (English)

At this time the Mexican Secretariat of Health urges people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons may decrease the risk of exposure. In addition, the following prevention tips are from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website:

1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

For additional information, please consult the State Department’s website at www.travel.state.gov, the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, or the website of the World Health Organization at www.who.int. The U.S.-based call center for U.S. citizens can be reached from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time, M-F, at 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from outside the U.S., at (202) 501-4444. The U.S. Embassy will also post additional information as it becomes available at: mexico.usembassy.gov.

American Citizens Services
U.S. Embassy Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma #305
Col Cuauhtémoc; Mexico, D. F., Mexico CP 06500
Tel: (011)(52)(55) 5080-2000

The 2009 NAFTA Institute/ Supplier Meet the Buyer

nafta logo

June 11th and 12th, 2009
Sunland Park, NM

Conference admission is only $79 and discounted rates are available for students.

This year's NAFTA Institute conference topics are:

Exhibitor booths are available for $500.
Special lodging rates are available for conference participants.

For more information please contact the IBA at (575) 589-2200 or at info@nmiba.com.

Secretary Fred Mondragón Announces Expeditors to Bring 30 New Jobs to Santa Teresa

SANTA FE, NM – Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Fred Mondragón today announced that Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. has signed a lease on an 86,550-square-foot facility located in the Verde Binational Park in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. 

Expeditors is a global logistics company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. The company employs trained professionals in 170 offices and 12 international service centers, located on six continents. 

The Office of Mexican Affairs of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD), the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA), and the New Mexico Partnership worked closely with Expeditors executives during the past eight months to facilitate this project. When operations are fully established, Expeditors will have 30 employees in its Santa Teresa facility.

“We are pleased to have a prestigious global company such as Expeditors select Santa Teresa as the site for expanding its operations. This proves that even in uncertain economic times, companies see the value of establishing operations in New Mexico in order to take advantage of the state’s superior business climate,” said Secretary Mondragón.

According to Jose E. Molina, District Manager for Expeditors, “We are excited about expanding our border operations to the Santa Teresa region. Our new location will offer us great logistical advantages in order to serve our clients on both sides of the border.”

Clark Krause, President and CEO of the New Mexico Partnership, states that “This is a big win for southern New Mexico. Expeditors will bring valuable logistical services that will add to the region’s supplier base.”

More information on Expeditors and its operations can be found on its website (www.expeditors.com).

The 2009 NAFTA Institute/ Supplier Meet the Buyer

nafta logo

June 11th and 12th, 2009
Sunland Park, NM

Conference admission is only $79 and discounted rates are available for students.

This year's NAFTA Institute conference topics are:

Exhibitor booths are available for $500.
Special lodging rates are available for conference participants.

For more information please contact the IBA at (575) 589-2200 or at info@nmiba.com.

Schaefer Outfitters Honored at this year's SBDC Client of the Year Awards Dinner

On January 27th, the IBA attended the SBDC Network’s Client of the Year Awards Dinner, held at the La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe. Every year, each SBDC center selects a client of the year that is honored at this ceremony. This year’s IBA Client of the Year is Schaefer Outfitter, which was represented at the event by Rick and Lynn Grant, the owners of the company. Schaefer Outfitter, which the IBA assisted in establishing its New Mexico operations in Mesilla Park just south of Las Cruces, is the only remaining manufacturer of western-style apparel in the U.S. The company produces a full line of men’s and women’s shirts, jackets, vests, and outerwear. 

Both Rick and Lynn were celebrated at the awards dinner for having established their New Mexican operations and for creating jobs and new commerce streams in a rural part of the state. The IBA continues to assist Schaefer Outfitter in marketing its products and in making local business contacts. Through the IBA, the company was introduced to Monarch Litho, a Santa Teresa-based printing firm, which is currently printing Schaefer’s product catalog. 

Congratulations to both Rick and Lynn for being the IBA’s Client of the Year! For more information on Schaefer Outfitter and its product line, visit the company’s website at www.schaeferoutfitter.com.

SBDC Day at the Legislature

The IBA, along with the 19 New Mexico Small Business Development Centers, participated in the SBDC Day at the Legislature on January 27. The IBA displayed a booth in the New Mexico’s Capitol’s main hallway promoting its services and clients. IBA Client of the Year Schaefer Outfitter was present at the booth with product samples and marketed its apparel line to legislators and the general public. This annual event provides the SBDC Network with the opportunity to make policymakers and New Mexican citizens aware of its activities. Hundreds of Capitol visitors stopped by the SBDC displays and interacted with SBDC and IBA representatives.

Customs and Border Protection Field Operations Extends Service Hours at Santa Teresa Port of Entry

El Paso, Texas —U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations will extend the hours of service at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry in New Mexico. On March 1, 2009, the Santa Teresa international crossing will remain open two additional hours daily. The new permanent hours of operation for the Santa Teresa port will be 6:00 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week.

“The past five years, the port of Santa Teresa has seen a substantial increase in passenger processing workload,” said Guillermo “Willie” Rivas, Port Director, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Santa Teresa. “Extending the hours of service by two hours will allow for CBP to take a proactive approach to traffic management, and in addition provide relief to the El Paso border crossings,

The Santa Teresa Port of Entry is located on the western edge of the El Paso/Juarez metroplex. Established in 1993, it is New Mexico’s newest and busiest port of entry with Mexico. Approximately 1357 passenger vehicles and close to 100 pedestrians use the Santa Teresa crossing daily.

CBP Field Operations is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.

AeroMexico Arrives in Albuquerque

Governor Bill Richardson and Chihuahua Governor Jose Reyes Baeza were on hand February 9th at the Albuquerque International Sunport to help celebrate the inaugural AeroMexico flight between Albuquerque and Chihuahua.

New Mexico Economic Development Department Secretary Fred Mondragón hosted a reception and media event that also included Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, AeroMexico’s chairman of the board Jose Luis Barraza, and AeroMexico CEO Andres Conesa,

Secretary Mondragón said, “the establishment of this international fight is another step in strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the states of New Mexico and Chihuahua.” He added, “the flight’s convenience makes it easy for Mexican visitors to enjoy our golf courses, ski resorts, shopping destinations and casinos, generating a direct economic benefit to our state.”

After the ceremony, the Governors and dignitaries boarded an Embraer ERJ 145 50 seat regional jet for the return flight to Chihuahua.

AeroMexico’s non-stop round trip service between the two cities is scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. From Chihuahua, passengers will be able to continue on to other AeroMexico destinations like Mexico City and Guadalajara.

The 2009 NAFTA Institute/ Supplier Meet the Buyer

Save The Date:
June 11th and 12th, 2009
Sunland Park, NM

This year's NAFTA Institute conference topics are:

Exhibitor space is available.
Special lodging rates are available for conference participants.

For more information please contact the IBA at (575) 589-2200 or at info@nmiba.com.

The 2009 NAFTA Institute/ Supplier Meet the Buyer

Save The Date:
June 11th and 12th, 2009
Sunland Park, NM

This year's NAFTA Institute conference topics are:

Exhibitor space is available.
Special lodging rates are available for conference participants.

For more information please contact the IBA at (575) 589-2200 or at info@nmiba.com.

New Mexico's Exports to Mexico Continue to Increase

For the past several years, New Mexico’s exports to Mexico have experienced strong growth. In 2006, exports to our southern neighbor grew by 39 percent. In 2007, they grew by a whopping 46 percent. In spite of the economic recession suffered by the U.S. economy in 2008, New Mexico’s exports to Mexico grew 6 percent through the third quarter of the year (fourth quarter statistics are still being processed by the U.S. government).

Click here to download the top 250 New Mexican exports to Mexico in Microsoft Excel format.

The state’s top five exports to Mexico include: articles of steel and/or iron; fuel and lubricants; fructose syrup; plastic components; and processors and controllers. Most of these exports are production inputs to Mexico’s maquiladora industry.

The IBA will continue to work with its partners such as the New Mexico Economic Development’s Office of Mexican Affairs to promote New Mexico’s products and services in Mexico by working with this country’s maquiladora and industrial sectors. We will continue to work with New Mexican businesses to assist them in identifying trade opportunities with Mexico in order to continue increasing New Mexico’s exports to this country.

IBA Client of the Year

One of the functions of the International Business Accelerator is to help attract foreign direct investment to the state of New Mexico. Since its inception in 2003, the IBA has attracted over $26 million in direct investment and created 188 jobs.

Last July, the IBA began working with Mr. Richard Grant, owner of Schaefer Outfitter, who was interested in learning about New Mexico’s commercial and international trade opportunities. In March 2008, with assistance from the IBA, Schaefer Outfitter successfully established operations in an expandable 8,000- square-foot-facility located in Mesilla Park, New Mexico.

Schaefer Outfitter is among the few companies left in America that proudly bears the name, “Made in the U.S.A”. It manufactures and distributes a variety of men’s, women’s, and children’s western-style clothing. The company maintains a year-round inventory of a wide selection of western wear, which includes outerwear vests, shirts, dungarees, luggage, and accessories. Schaefer Outfitter distributes to over 850 retail outlets throughout the U.S. and serves markets in Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan.

Initially, the company began operations in New Mexico with six employees. It has recently hired one new employee and also will work with New Mexico State University to host an intern. The IBA is currently working with Schaefer Outfitter to open new marketing channels in Mexico and Latin America. The IBA also has worked with Mr. Grant to assist the company in reducing costs by identifying local printing and publishing suppliers. Due to this effort, Schaefer Outfitter printed 75,000 catalogues with Monarch Litho, an industrial printing company located in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

According to Richard Grant, “It has been a pleasure working with the IBA, which assisted the establishment of our operations in New Mexico. We look forward to working with the IBA staff to open markets for our products in other countries.”

The Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance Selects a New President and CEO

Taken from MVEDA's announcement:
January 8, 2009
Dear MVEDA Community Stakeholder:
It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce that a new President and CEO for MVEDA has been hired. Over the past several months, the MVEDA Search Committee, Chaired by MVEDA Vice-Chair George Ruth, has diligently worked to find the most suitable candidate to fill the position vacated by Steve Vierck.

The Search Committee interviewed five very qualified candidates for the position. Each of these candidates met the criteria established by the committee and the decision came down to which candidate was best suited to continue the outstanding work that has been building over the past five years.

We are pleased to announce that Davin Lopez, Vice-President of Business Development for the New Mexico Partnership, has agreed to become MVEDA's President effective February 9th. Davin has a proven record in new job creation at the state level and has a vast knowledge of our market. His strengths will fit well in the MVEDA organization and will continue the momentum that the MVEDA Board, staff and you, as a valued team member, have helped establish.

"I would like to personally thank Davin for the outstanding job he has done during his time at the Partnership. He has been a valued member of this organization and is credited with 13 company locates into New Mexico. He will be greatly missed but we look forward to having such a strategic partner in the Mesilla Valley area," stated Clark Krause, CEO of the New Mexico Partnership.

We are all cognizant of the financial trials facing the national economy, but our outlook is much better. MVEDA has a number of potential industries that are interested in our area and we anticipate that some of these will come to fruition in the near term. We highly value your past support and encourages you to continue to strongly support eh organization as we move forward in creating new job opportunities and prosperity for all residents of Dona Ana County.

A New Bi-National Energy Future: Biofuels and Solar Policy Summit

A New Bi-National Energy Future:
Biofuels & Solar Policy Summit
April 2, 2009
Physical Science Laboratory Auditorium
New Mexico State University
The New Mexico State University is pleased to announce that together with its principal partners and sponsoring organizations it will hold a one day conference entitled: “A New Bi-National Energy Future: Biofuels and Solar Policy Summit.” High level officials, experts and individuals, representing all levels of government, industry and academic/research communities from Mexico and the U.S. will be invited to consider critical issues relevant to creating a new bi-national energy future in the U.S.- Mexico border region. Special emphasis will be placed on the Paso del Norte region of the border. The summit will focus on the key issues of biofuels and solar electric energy as well as the importance of enabling technologies such a nano- and micro-technologies to advance these energy industries. This will be done in a bi-national context with the goal of identifying measures to link technology and policy to action at the regional, national and international level.

The Summit will look at various issues including: Federal and State alternative energy policies; regional planning and roadmaps; national and bi-national opportunities and challenges; private sector views on investment and production; state of the technologies—challenges and opportunities; transmission and distribution infrastructure; a “Green Grid” integrated with high value solutions, including the use of high performance computing; potential impact and importance of enabling nano- and micro-technologies to these energy industries, and establishing a bi-national strategy. The Summit is being carried out as part of the New Mexico- Chihuahua Partnership for Innovation agreement signed by the expected series of workshops and conferences focused on strategic areas of interest identified in the agreement and will be used to help implement the broader intent to stimulate economic development between the two states.

Partnering Organizations:

Bi-National Sustainability Laboratory (BNSL)
Micro and Nanotechnology Commercialization Education
Foundation (MANCEF)
Centro de Investigaciones de Materiales Avanzadas (CIMAV)
Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
(ITESM) Chihuahua City
New Mexico State University
State of New Mexico Governor’s Office