State hands out $180,500 in matching monies
New Mexico Business Weekly - July 13, 2005New Mexico Economic Development Department Secretary Rick Homans says 27 communities and organizations in the state have been granted matching funds in this year's Cooperative Advertising Awards Program.
The awards, according to Homans, are allocated annually for advertising projects that help promote jobs and an area's economic future.
The amounts ranged from $1,500 for the New Mexico Information Technology and Software Association up to $12,000 each to the Artesia Chamber of Commerce, the Mesilla Economic Development Alliance and the Clovis Industrial Development Corp., among others.
Other recipients included the Carlsbad Department of Development ($9,450), the New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association ($7,200), the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce ($5.950), New Mexico Culture Net ($7,200) and the Rio Rancho Economic Development Corp. ($9,450). The grants totaled $180,500.
Clovis was the largest recipient. In addition to the Industrial Development Corp.'s $12,000, the Clovis Chamber of Commerce netted $9,450 and the Clovis MainStreet program picked up $2,100. Clovis officials familiar with the grants were not immediately available to explain the specifics of their plans for the money.
Randy Burge, president of the Santa Fe-based NMITSA, says the group will use its state grant money for "enhancing our Web site." The organization of some 30 members' purpose is to promote "the competitiveness and presence of New Mexico's IT sector," according to its Web site.
Homans says the NMEDD received 40 applications this year for the money "which represents the largest, most competitive applicant pool we have ever had." The proposals are evaluated by a committee of department employees and representatives of communities around the state.
