(Albuquerque) September 30, 2024 – The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) has selected the honorees for the Sixth Annual 505 Awards and Dinner. The event recognizes organizations and individuals who are making exceptional contributions to the economic growth and prosperity in the greater Albuquerque region.
The 2025 celebration will be held Thursday, November 14, at the Sandia Resort & Casino. This year’s theme is “Building Boomtown: A Night Under Construction.” The 505 Awards and Annual Dinner Title Sponsor is Swire Coca-Cola.
“This event is an important reflection of the year’s progress and celebration of the significant work being done in the community to advance and diversify our economy. The variety of award categories ensures that we recognize all aspects of the important work underway, and inspires our continued commitment in the region. Plus, we make sure that it is a lively and fun event!” noted Danielle Casey, President & CEO of AREA.
RISING STAR AWARD (Sponsored by Nusenda Credit Union)
2024 Honoree: Danielle Chavez, General Manager, Revel Entertainment
This award honors an emerging leader who is contributing to economic development programs, projects and activities in a significant manner that leads to increased investment in the community.
PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD (Sponsored by JPMorganChase)
2024 Honoree: Meredith Dixon, New Mexico State Legislature
This award recognizes a public official or employee who has served as a committed supporter of economic development efforts.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD (Sponsored by Albuquerque International Sunport)
2024 Honoree: Visit Albuquerque
This award recognizes an organization that has made significant contributions toward advancing and strengthening the community’s economy.
EXCELLENCE IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AWARD (Sponsored by Deloitte)
2024 Honoree: Mission Achievement And Success (MAS) Charter School
This award recognizes an organization that has played a leading role in workforce readiness, including the implementation of training and educational programs, the sponsorship of scholarship or grant programs, the creation of internship or mentorship programs, and more.
SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION AWARD (Sponsored by Presbyterian)
2024 Honoree: Dion’s Commissary
This award recognizes a small business (100 employees or less) that is creating an environment focusing on collaboration, innovation and hard work, consistently demonstrating a commitment to its employees, clients and Albuquerque.
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD ( Sponsored by Bradbury Stamm)
2024 Honoree: Joe Farr, Duke City Commercial LLC
This award recognizes a business leader who has made a measurable difference by investing in projects that have created jobs and enhanced our ability to attract investment.
LIFETIME LEADERSHIP AWARD (Sponsored by PNM)
2024 Honoree: Julie Morgas Baca
This award honors someone whose ongoing commitment to economic development over the years has made a significant and lasting impact on the greater Albuquerque region.
CHAIR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
2024 Honoree: Intel
Given at the discretion of the Board Chair, this award recognizes individuals or organizations that have exemplified support for economic development efforts in alignment with AREA’s Strategic Plan in a wide variety of areas, truly setting the bar for the future of the region.
To attend the 2024 505 Awards and Annual Dinner, where the honorees will be recognized, or for more information on award categories, award winners, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.abq.org/505awards.
In addition to Title Sponsor Swire Coca-Cola and the award sponsors listed above, this event is also made possible by program sponsors including Amazon, Bank of Albuquerque, Bradbury Stamm , Enterprise Bank & Trust , Intel, and Fidelity Investments. AREA is also thankful for its media sponsor, Albuquerque Business First.
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About AREA
The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is leads and executes 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 and supports expansion and growth for existing industry. Since its creation in 1960, AREA has recruited more than 260 companies and more than 40,000 jobs to the Albuquerque metro area. For more information, visit ABQ.org.