An exploration of Albuquerque’s potential as a thriving business hub was the focus of a recent visit by a group of commercial real estate experts. These visitors, including Mark Urbanowicz, praised the city’s infrastructure and appealing environment, highlighting its promise as a unique business destination. The visit was organized by the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA), which hosted a luncheon at Albuquerque Academy to showcase the metro area’s investment opportunities.
Throughout the week, AREA facilitated city tours for the out-of-state guests, emphasizing Albuquerque’s business competitiveness. AREA’s CEO and President, Danielle Casey, described the experience as an opportunity for the visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the local market and the ongoing efforts to enhance the region’s economic development.
The itinerary included local events such as an Isotopes game and golfing, underscoring the significance of quality of life amenities in attracting businesses and talent. Urbanowicz, an executive managing director with Vestian, noted the increasing importance of quality of life considerations in business decisions.
During the luncheon, Chad Matheson, AREA’s senior vice president, presented economic and employment statistics, spotlighting the expanding research and development sector. He pointed out that New Mexico ranks as the fourth-largest R&D market in the Southwest, experiencing a 23% growth from 2018 to 2023. Matheson emphasized the state’s potential in material sciences and highlighted the demand for professionals across various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and education.
Representatives from Central New Mexico Community College, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, and Sandia National Laboratories attended the event to showcase their program offerings, including partnerships in quantum computing and healthcare simulation labs. David Kistin, manager of technology and economic development at Sandia Labs, expressed a willingness to collaborate broadly with various industries.
The visit marked the fourth tour of Albuquerque for site selector Jeffrey Garza Walker, who first explored the state’s business prospects six years ago. As the executive vice president and managing principal of SRS Real Estate Partners, Garza Walker commended New Mexico’s progress towards becoming an economic development hub. He emphasized the importance of site readiness and a robust labor force in preparing for significant corporate investments.
Garza Walker remarked that a single company could dramatically shift the local business landscape, and he recognized AREA’s efforts in preparing Albuquerque for such transformative opportunities.
