Technology at its finest, top-notch manufacturing facilities and unparalleled quality of life contribute to New Mexico's economic appeal. And with perks such as high productivity, low operating costs and low business taxes, New Mexico has become one of the most rapidly developing states in the Sunbelt.

Industry giants such as Citicorp Credit Services, General Mills, Honeywell Defense Avionics and Motorola Ceramic Products have set up shop in Albuquerque, and are reaping the rewards and continuing to grow.

Citibank is banking on New Mexico's high quality work force and has announced plans that it will hire 500 employees for its credit card operations center.

In early September, Voicestream Wireless opened its $17.1 million 65,000 square foot customer service call center in Broadbent Business Park. 60 employees have already been hired and 100 are expected to be in place by next year. Within three years, Voice-stream Wireless anticipates a growth to 500 employees.

"Sumitomo Sitix Silicone, Inc. just received a $265 million bond to expand their current facility to accommodate 330 employees over the next 4 years," says Hilma Espinosa-Chynoweth, manager of business development at the Albuquerque Economic Development Corp. "They will provide 80 new jobs in the next 18 months, and in the second phase they will add 250 jobs. The average wage for these technical positions is $30,900."

Incentives to new and expanding private businesses in the Albuquerque area include industrial revenue bonds and industrial development training programs. Property taxes on land, buildings, equipment and machinery may be abated for the term of the bonds.

Under the industrial development training programs, 50 percent of a trainee's wages are paid during training, and if located in an Enterprise Zone, companies may receive up to 65 percent of workers' training costs.

Border Benefits
One of the state's most valuable fringe benefits is the fact that South Central New Mexico is a gateway to Mexico. With a 175-mile shared border, New Mexico actively participates in border development. Companies operating in New Mexico have the advantage of providing maquila plants in Mexico with timely delivery and minimal transportation costs.

According to the New Mexico Economic Development Department, planning has begun for a $50 million intermodal freight processing facility to be called the Camino Real Intermodal Center. Construction on this border crossing complex could begin as early as 1999. The facility would process both truck and rail freight.

Commercial border construction is on the rise as well.

"Since last December, 9 building permits have been issued for construction of warehouse and manufacturing facilities in the Santa Teresa-Las Cruces area," notes Jim Coleman, Deputy Director of the New Mexico Border Authority.

In addition to two other ports, the new Santa Teresa port of entry will be operational in November 1997.

"U.S. Customs, Immigration and Naturalization Services, FDA and Department of Agriculture will be available to help clear shipments from Mexico into the U.S.," says Coleman.

"We will be in a position to offer expeditious service and operational efficiency. I believe this service will be unequaled by anyone along the Mexican border," says Coleman.