(Albuquerque) September 16th, 2026 – The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) is proud to announce the honorees for the Eighth Annual 505 Awards and Dinner, recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation and commitment are helping shape a stronger economic future for the greater Albuquerque region.
The 2026 celebration will be held Thursday, November 12th, at Sandia Resort & Casino. This year’s theme, “Route 66: The Road to the Future,” celebrates the journey that has shaped greater Albuquerque over the past century while looking ahead to the opportunities that will define the next 100 years.
“Route 66 represents more than a road through our community, it represents our history, our growth and our ability to keep moving forward,” said Chad Matheson, President & CEO of AREA. “This year’s 505 Awards celebrate the people and organizations who have helped build the road we’re on today, while recognizing the leaders who are accelerating our region toward an even stronger future. These honorees represent the innovation, leadership and collaboration that will continue to drive greater Albuquerque forward.”
SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION AWARD
Award sponsored by Presbyterian Healthcare Services
2026 Honoree: Sandia Peak Tram, Jessica Fox
This award recognizes a small business (100 employees or less) that is creating an environment focused on collaboration, innovation and hard work, while consistently demonstrating a commitment to its employees, clients and Albuquerque.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
Award sponsored by Homewise
2026 Honoree: Albuquerque International Sunport, Manny Manriquez
This award recognizes an organization that has made significant contributions toward advancing and strengthening the community’s economy.
EXCELLENCE IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Award sponsored by Nusenda Credit Union
2026 Honoree: Junior Achievement of New Mexico, Erin Hagenow
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.
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Award sponsored by Sunward Federal Credit Union
2026 Honoree: Emily Howard, Economic Forum
This award recognizes a business leader who has made a measurable difference by investing in projects that have created jobs and enhanced the region’s ability to attract investment.
PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Award sponsored by Deloitte
2026 Honoree: Wayne Johnson, Sandoval County
This award recognizes a public official or employee who has served as a committed supporter of economic development efforts.
RISING STAR AWARD
2026 Honoree: Victoria Archuleta, The Village of Los Lunas
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.
LIFETIME LEADERSHIP AWARD
Award sponsored by PNM
2026 Honoree: Ernie C’deBaca, Hispano Chamber of Commerce (retired)
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
2026 Honoree: Dr. Gabriella Blakey, Albuquerque Public Schools
Given at the discretion of the Board Chair, this award recognizes an individual or organization that has exemplified exceptional support for economic development efforts in alignment with AREA’s Strategic Plan, setting a standard for leadership and service to the future of the region.
About the 505 Awards and Annual Dinner
The 505 Awards and Annual Dinner brings together business and community leaders from across the region to celebrate the accomplishments that have shaped greater Albuquerque and recognize those helping build its future. As AREA celebrates the journey of the past 100 years and looks toward the next century, the 2026 honorees embody the spirit of progress, partnership and leadership that will continue moving the region forward.
To attend the 2026 505 Awards and Annual Dinner, learn more about the honorees and award categories, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit www.abq.org/505awards.
In addition to the award sponsors listed above, the 2026 event is also made possible by program sponsors including BMO Bank, Intel, Centric Title & Escrow, The Homestead Café, Enterprise Bank & Trust, New Mexico Mutual and UNM Health Sciences. AREA is also thankful for our media sponsor, Albuquerque Business First.
About AREA
The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance is a private, nonprofit 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 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.