2014 NM IDEA Awards

The New Mexico IDEA Awards are given to individuals and/or organizations to encourage, recognize and promote outstanding achievement and professionalism in the field of economic development.  The awards are given each year at NMIDEA's annual meeting. Brief information on the six (6) awards, the nomination process, selection committee, and source of further information follows.

Dallan Sanders Award: The Dallan Sanders Award is given in honor of Dallan Sanders of Portales, New Mexico.  This Award is given in recognition of a person's dedication and achievements in rural economic development in New Mexico. This individual will have shown a minimum of ten (10) years of service to the economic vitality of rural areas, usually on a regional or statewide level, but sustained work in one community is also acceptable.  The submission shall also include three (3) letters in support of the nomination specifically addressing the person's qualifications for the Award. The recipient must be a member of NMIDEA.  Dr. Mark Van Wormer was recognized with the 2014 Dallan Sanders Award.

Developer of the Year Award: Recognizes the outstanding efforts of a person who spearheaded a major project that relocated, consolidated or expanded in New Mexico during the preceding twelve (12) months. A person who prepared a community for economic growth in a unique way is also eligible.  The submission shall also include three (3) letters in support of the nomination from people directly involved in the project and specifically able to address the person's qualifications for the Award. The recipient must be a member of NMIDEA.  Myra Pancrazio, EVEDA, was recognized as the 2014 Developer of the Year.

NM First Award: Recognition of a person whose career has exemplified a statewide impact on economic development in legislation, community assistance or job creation.  The submission shall also include three (3) letters in support of the nomination specifically addressing the person's qualifications for the Award. The letters of support should come from people with a long-term knowledge of the nomination's background and achievement(s) upon which the nomination is based. The recipient must be a member of NMIDEA.  Mark Roper, NMEDD, was recognized with the 2014 NM First Award.

Volunteer of the Year Award: This Award is given to a person who has contributed to the success of a significant project that created or enhanced jobs in their community during the past twelve (12) months.  The submission shall also include three (3) letters in support of the nomination specifically addressing the person's qualifications for the Award. The recipient need not be a member of NMIDEA.  Paul Jenkins of Raton, New Mexico was awarded the 2014 Volunteer of the Year Award.

The Ben Lujan Public Servant of the Year Award: This Award recognizes an individual that has played a key role in economic development in New Mexico during the past twelve (12) months. The Award is open to elected officials and government employees. The submission shall also include three (3) letters in support of the nomination specifically addressing the person's qualifications for the Award. The recipient need not be a member of NMIDEA.  Therese Varela, NMEDD, was named as the 2014 Ben Lujan Public Servant of the Year.

Ethics Award:    The Ethics Award recognizes a NMIDEA member who has exhibited a long-term commitment and adherence to ethical behavior in the economic development profession. To be eligible a person must be a member of NMIDEA, an active economic developer for at least five years and be nominated by a company executive of a firm that relocated, consolidated or expanded into New Mexico during the past twelve (12)  months. The submission shall also include three (3) letters in support of the nomination specifically addressing the person's qualifications for the Award.