(Albuquerque) September 15, 2025 – The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) has selected the honorees for the Seventh 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 13, at the Sandia Resort & Casino. This year’s theme is “A Celebration of 65 Years” to commemorate AREA’s anniversary!
“The 505 Awards and Annual Dinner are a reflection of the incredible progress we’re making together and a celebration of the leaders driving our region forward. The breadth of recognition highlights the many ways greater Albuquerque is advancing and diversifying its economy, while inspiring our continued commitment to building a stronger future.” said Chad Matheson, Interim President & CEO of AREA.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD (Sponsored by Deloitte)
2025 Honoree: The Atrisco Companies/Peter Sanchez
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 Nusenda Credit Union)
2025 Honoree: Gridworks/ Bob Bellemare
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)
2025 Honoree: Rio Bravo Brewing/ Jennifer Baker
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 Visit Albuquerque)
2024 Honoree: Bill Keleher, Smidt, Reist & Keleher, P.C.
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.
RISING STAR AWARD (Sponsored by Kirtland Partnership Committee)
2025 Honoree: Megan DeLaRosa, Kirtland Partnership Committee
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 Albuquerque International Sunport Airport)
2025 Honoree: Terry Brunner, City of Albuquerque
This award recognizes a public official or employee who has served as a committed supporter of economic development efforts.
LIFETIME LEADERSHIP AWARD (Sponsored by PNM)
2025 Honoree: Mike Canfield, past President & CEO of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
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
2025 Honoree: Ron Patel, New Mexico United
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 2025 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 the award sponsors listed above, this event is also made possible by program sponsors including Bradbury Stamm, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Fidelity Investments, Intel, New Mexico Mutual, and Sunny 505. 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.