For Immediate Release
Date: January 18, 2022
Contact: Jessica Priego, jpriego@abq.org,
Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) Addresses Region’s Economic Competitiveness Opportunities
Names Chad Matheson Vice President for Economic Competitiveness
(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) – The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) is fortifying its commitment to competitively position the region with the recruitment of Chad Matheson as its first ever Vice President for Economic Competitiveness.
Mr. Matheson is an established thought leader in economic development and brings a depth of knowledge within forecasting regional economic trends and opportunities. He is an experienced researcher and has successfully worked with economic development organizations in building towards achieving more dynamic and prosperous regional economies. Most recently, he completed the launch of the Center for Economic Competitiveness, an initiative of the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Matheson is an expert in developing regional value propositions and direct go-to-market strategies that enhance and drive business development efforts. Previously, he directed business intelligence efforts for Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance in Norfolk, Virginia, where he implemented regional benchmark and performed extensive research to develop a detailed understanding of target markets and industries. “We are thrilled to have Chad join AREA, and for his family to make greater Albuquerque their new home. His skill set will be an exceptional addition to our strong team, serving as a driving force in the execution of the new strategic initiatives before us,” said Danielle Casey, President & CEO of AREA.
Mr. Matheson holds a bachelor of arts in economics from Old Dominion University and has been an active member and completed professional coursework with both the International Economic Development Council and the Council for Community and Economic Research.
“I am honored to join the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance. I believe that by working together, we can achieve extraordinary results. With the new realities brought on by the pandemic and the changing nature of work, I’m excited to galvanize conversations with regional partners and collectively advance the Albuquerque regional market towards a new era of growth and opportunity, for all,” said Matheson.
The Vice President of Economic Competitiveness will ensure that AREA is successful in the execution of its strategic plan by leading critical initiatives to grow the region’s competitive position. Chad’s deep experience and commitment to innovative research will make certain that AREA is on the cutting edge of competitive market and industry analyses, and will lead organizational research in state and local policies as related to AREA’s action plan and organizational goals. Mr. Matheson will join the AREA team officially on February 7.
“Chad’s addition to the growing AREA team is an important step in strategic plan execution,” said Dale Dekker of Dekker/Perich/Sabatini and AREA Board Member. “His unique expertise in research and analysis and demonstrated success in processing this information to the benefit of similarly-sized regions will serve as a key asset to AREA as it works to drive the regional economy forward.”
About AREA
AREA is a private, nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to lead and execute strategies designed to grow and diversify the economic base of the greater Albuquerque region, creating a prosperous, diverse and inclusive economy and elevating the standard of living for all. AREA provides confidential assistance to businesses considering the area for expansion and new investment. Since its creation in 1960, it has recruited more than 240 companies and more than 35,000 jobs to the Albuquerque metro area. For more information about AREA, visit www.abq.org or call 505-705-3777.