The Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) recently held its Annual Banquet to celebrate the achievements and contributions of local businesses in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The event, themed 'We Treasure Our Members,' recognized significant milestones including 25 years of shipments to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and 100 years of oil and gas operations in Eddy County.
During the banquet, CDOD also introduced its new Executive Board Officers for the upcoming year. Beverly Allen will serve as President, Susan Crockett as Vice President, Ashley Switzer as Secretary/Treasurer, Ericka Laney as Past President, and Valerie Murrill as Member-at-Large. These officers, elected from the board of directors, will oversee the organization's fiscal year.
Several local businesses were recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the community. Planet Fitness received the Corporate Impact award, HTeaO was honored for Community Diversification, NM3TS was acknowledged for Neighborhood Development, and Hyatt House was celebrated for Corporate Investment. Additionally, Milton's Brewery earned the Quality of Life award, ATC Shooting Sports LLC was recognized as Community Entrepreneur, and Pearl of the Pecos received the Community Impact award.
The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association (NMOGA) was celebrated for its 100 years of operations in Eddy County, a vital industry contributing nearly one-third of New Mexico's budget. "We are excited to see so many things happening in Carlsbad and Eddy County," said CDOD President Beverly Allen. "All of these achievements being recognized truly shows how much growth and success businesses across multiple industries are having here."
WIPP marked a significant milestone with 25 years of shipments. Since its inception on March 26, 1999, WIPP has safely transported Transuranic (TRU) waste over 16.5 million loaded miles, equating to approximately 34 round trips to the moon, resulting in the safe disposal of over 285,000 waste containers in its underground repository.
Sandia National Laboratories was honored with the Legacy of Dedication award for its long-standing collaboration with WIPP. "For many years, I had the honor of leading Sandia's work on WIPP and managed the Sandia office here in Carlsbad," noted Paul Shoemaker during his presentation. "Sandia's support for WIPP was the longest running single project in the history of the laboratory."
Pearl of the Pecos was celebrated for becoming a State Authorized Arts and Cultural District earlier this year by the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD). Kat Davis, the current Executive Director, and Karla Niemeier, her predecessor, accepted the award from acting NMEDD Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper. "Congratulations to Carlsbad's Pearl of the Pecos on becoming a State-Authorized Arts & Cultural District," said Secretary Roper. "This official status represents their dedication to supporting creative and cultural entrepreneurs and growing the local economy."
Kristen Gamboa, the new CDOD Executive Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the community's commitment to economic growth. "With over 240 attendees, I am deeply inspired by Carlsbad's commitment to entrepreneurship, local businesses, and major economic industries. Carlsbad is a formidable force, and alongside my team and this amazing Board of Directors, the CDOD will drive growth and development to new heights, ensuring a prosperous future for our community."
