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ABQ Ranked Among Top American Cities for Global Trade(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Nov. 5 -- The Albuquerque mayor issued the following news: Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry announced Nov. 4, 2014, the city's most recent accolade after Albuquerque was listed as one of "America's Best Cities for Global Trade," in this month's edition of Global Trade Magazine. Cities selected for the 2014 list were highlighted in various categories including; Business Environment, Export Assistance, Logistics Infrastructure, etc. Albuquerque made the list in the "Skilled Workforce" category. "A skilled workforce is a key asset for the cities that are now driving global trade," said Mayor Berry. "The word is getting out that Albuquerque's workforce, combined with recent tax reform and investments in transportation infrastructure have put us on the map as a strategic location for multinational companies that operate globally." Global Trade Magazine makes reference to the more than 70,000 college students in and around Albuquerque and the city's strengths in aerospace, solar energy and semiconductor development. "With a highly-educated and readily available workforce, Albuquerque is able to offer companies a steady business environment providing ample room for growth," commented Global Trade Editor, Patrick Dooley. "New Mexico has taken drastic measures and has repositioned themselves as a force to be reckoned with. It's no wonder that big-name companies are choosing to expand their businesses here." "For most companies, access to a skilled workforce is among the leading factors considered before selecting a community for investment," said Gary Tonjes, President of Albuquerque Economic Development, Inc. "We have seen that in recent announcements from several new employers choosing the Albuquerque metro area for expansion, and we are a finalist for other projects currently considering Albuquerque wherein their analysis of our workforce has us well positioned for success." Mayor Berry identified international trade as one of its major economic development priorities in 2012 through the creation of a new export assistance program with Bernalillo County called the "Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Trade Alliance." This effort was again expanded in August of this year when the City, State of New Mexico and University of New Mexico opened the "New Mexico Trade and Higher Education Center of Mexico City." "We have been working over the last couple of years to develop resources to help local companies export and have invested in expanding opportunities with Mexico," added City of Albuquerque Economic Development Director, Gary Oppedahl. "Now that we have these resources in place we are working to position greater Albuquerque as a strategic location for re-shoring industries that can utilize our world-class workforce in close proximity to New Mexico's new, state-of-the-art border infrastructure." "Nationally, exports from metropolitan areas have increased by 50% since 2009 and now account for over 89% of all U.S. exports," added Randy Trask, who oversees the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Trade Alliance. "Of all U.S. metro areas, Albuquerque has the 11th highest percentage of total state exports accounting for 59% of New Mexico's total exports in 2013." TNS 24KuanRap-101108 30FurigayJof-4929423 30FurigayJof (c) 2014 Targeted News Service [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] |