Monica Torres Chancellor of NMSU System Community Colleges | nmsu.edu
Monica Torres Chancellor of NMSU System Community Colleges | nmsu.edu
Two regional entities have been selected as the 2024 recipients of the Kevin B. Boberg Excellence in Economic Development Award. This accolade, sponsored by New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center and the Office of Research, Creativity and Economic Development, honors individuals and organizations that significantly contribute to economic development in New Mexico and beyond.
This year, Davin Lopez, President and CEO of the Mesilla Valley Economic Alliance (MVEDA), along with NMSU's Agricultural Experiment Station (AES), will receive this recognition. The award is named after Kevin Boberg, who was instrumental in establishing Arrowhead Center at NMSU and served as its inaugural director and CEO until his passing in March 2021.
Lopez has been acknowledged for his substantial contributions to economic growth through MVEDA. Under his guidance, MVEDA crafted a comprehensive marketing strategy that highlights regional advantages to attract new businesses while expanding existing ones. From July 2022 to June 2023, MVEDA facilitated over 900 new direct jobs and $400 million in direct investments.
"On behalf of MVEDA's Board of Directors and our staff, I am truly honored to be receiving this amazing recognition," Lopez expressed. "Our efforts at MVEDA over the years is a tribute to the man who this award is named after, Dr. Kevin Boberg."
NMSU's AES was recognized for its research contributions impacting agricultural productivity in New Mexico. As part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), AES contributed an estimated $137 million to state economic output in 2022 alone.
"I am honored to accept the Kevin B. Boberg Excellence in Economic Development Award on behalf of the faculty, staff and students who make up the Agricultural Experiment Station," said Jay Lillywhite from ACES.
College of ACES Dean Rolando Flores Galarza emphasized AES’s impact: "The impact of AES in New Mexico is extremely relevant to economic and rural development with direct benefit to all New Mexicans."
The awards will be presented at the NMSU Outreach Conference on November 19 at Las Cruces Convention Center.
Alerts Sign-up