Economic Development New Mexico has recognized the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association (MRGEDA) as its newest Certified Economic Development Organization, honoring its leadership in strengthening economic development across the state’s Middle Rio Grande region.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 1, 2026
EDNM recognizes Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association with state certification
ALBUQUERQUE — Economic Development New Mexico has recognized the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association (MRGEDA) as its newest Certified Economic Development Organization, honoring its leadership in strengthening economic development across the state’s Middle Rio Grande region.
The certification was announced during the New Mexico IDEA Statewide Conference earlier this month. Based in Socorro and serving Valencia, Socorro, Sierra and Catron Counties, the organization joins a statewide network of Certified Economic Development Organizations (EDO) that partner with Economic Development New Mexico (EDNM) to create jobs, support businesses and prepare communities for future growth.
“Strong economic development starts at the local level, and economic development organizations are critical partners in creating opportunities across New Mexico,” said EDNM Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “This recognition reflects MRGEDA’s leadership, its commitment to the communities it serves and the kind of regional collaboration we want to support throughout the state.”
EDNM’s Certified EDO program recognizes organizations that demonstrate the capacity, professionalism and commitment needed to effectively serve their communities and compete for investment and opportunity.
This year, MRGEDA adopted a 2026–2030 Strategic Vision and Framework, establishing a clear direction for the organization and the region. It also expanded the Socorro Regional Commercial Kitchen and continued its Small Business Clinics, connecting entrepreneurs and existing businesses with resources and technical assistance.
“Becoming a Certified Economic Development Organization is an important milestone for MRGEDA and for the communities we serve,” said MRGEDA Executive Director Kirstin Keller, MBA. “This designation strengthens our ability to advocate for the Middle Rio Grande Valley, pursue new opportunities and connect our rural communities with the resources and partnerships that help them grow. We are proud of how far MRGEDA has come and excited about what this recognition positions us to do next.”
The organization also helped advance broadband workforce training and industrial site readiness, strengthening the region’s ability to prepare its workforce and communities for future investment.
“We were very enthusiastic about the opportunity to evaluate MRGEDA for certification this year,” said EDNM Regional Representative David W. White. “Their growth and maturity as an organization were evident. Our team heard firsthand from community members and leaders about the impact it has had on the communities it serves. We are pleased to have them as one of only two certified EDO’s in the Southwest Region of the state.”
EDNM currently recognizes 13 Certified Economic Development Organizations across New Mexico: Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance; Carlsbad Department of Development; Clovis Economic Development; Greater Gallup EDC; EDC of Lea County; Four Corners Economic Development; Lovington EDC; Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance; Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association; Questa Economic Development Fund; Roosevelt County CDC; Roswell-Chaves County EDC; and Sandoval Economic Alliance.
Through the Certified EDO program, EDNM works with local and regional economic development organizations to strengthen economic development capacity and support communities as they pursue new jobs, business growth and investment. To learn more about the program, visit edd.newmexico.gov/edo-cert.
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Pictured left to right; Dr. Haoying Wang, New Mexico Tech/MRGEDA Board Chairman, Kirstin Keller, MRGEDA Executive Director and Victoria Archuleta, Senior Economic Developer, Village of Los Lunas/MRGEDA Board Member. Photo courtesy of MRGEDA.