Images Albuquerque, NM: 2009 by Journal Communications

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ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

High Tee Golfers enjoy the game and great scenery

SPINNING STRAW INTO GOLD Artists find inspiration and support here

What’s s e Online See artist Luis Olay create straw mosaics

SUNNY DISPOSITION Sun shines brightly on rich cultural climate SPONSORED BY THE GREATER ALBUQUERQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2009 EDITION | VOLUME 4 ®

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO CO NTE NT S F E AT U R E S 6 SUNNY DISPOSITION With abundant sunshine and a diverse culture, the climate is close to perfect.

10 FAMILY MATTERS Albuquerque makes investing in a family-friendly atmosphere a top priority.

14 SPINNING STRAW INTO GOLD Creativity is a natural part of the culture in Albuquerque.

ALBUQUERQUE BUSINESS 22 What a Ride! Albuquerque’s public transportation gets residents around town with ease.

26 Biz Briefs 27 Chamber Report 28 Economic Proﬁle

D E PA R TM E NT S 4 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Albuquerque’s culture

18 Portfolio: people, places and

16 ALL FIRED UP Red or green? Diners love the spicy kick New Mexico chile adds to dishes.

30 HIGH TEE Some of the nation’s most beautiful courses welcome golfers here.

events that deﬁne Albuquerque

29 Education 32 Health & Wellness 33 Arts & Culture 35 Community Proﬁle: facts, stats and important numbers to know

All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

ON THE COVER Photo by Brian McCord Straw used to create mosaics

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imagesalbuquerque.com THE DEFINITIVE RELOCATION RESOURCE

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MANAGING EDITOR KIM MADLOM COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITORS LISA BATTLES, SUSAN CHAPPELL, JESSY YANCEY STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DANNY BONVISSUTO, CAROL COWAN, KELLY KOEPKE, BRANDON LOWE, JESSICA MOZO, BETSY WILLIAMS DATA MANAGER CHANDRA BRADSHAW EXECUTIVE MEDIA MANAGER AMY NORMAND SALES SUPPORT MANAGER SARA SARTIN SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN McCORD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, IAN CURCIO, J. KYLE KEENER PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT MANAGER ANNE WHITLOW CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS MELISSA BRACEWELL, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER JANINE MARYLAND GRAPHIC DESIGN ERICA HINES, ALISON HUNTER, JESSICA MANNER, AMY NELSON, MARCUS SNYDER WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN SMITH WEB IMPLEMENTATION DIRECTOR ANDY HARTLEY WEB DESIGN DIRECTOR FRANCO SCARAMUZZA WEB PROJECT MANAGER YAMEL RUIZ WEB DESIGN CARL SCHULZ WEB PRODUCTION JENNIFER GRAVES COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN TWILA ALLEN AD TRAFFIC MARCIA MILLAR, PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY

CREATING ART FROM GLASS See Albuquerque glass artist Salvador Equihua demonstrate his technique. Equihua is among the many working artists who live in the region. Watch this and other quick videos in the Interactive section.

CHAIRMAN GREG THURMAN

RELOCATION

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BOB SCHWARTZMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RAY LANGEN SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT JEFF HEEFNER

Considering a move to this community? We can help. Use our Relocation Tools to discover tips, including how to make your move green, advice about moving pets and help with booking movers.

SR. V.P./SALES CARLA H. THURMAN SR. V.P./OPERATIONS CASEY E. HESTER V.P./SALES HERB HARPER V.P./SALES TODD POTTER V.P./VISUAL CONTENT MARK FORESTER V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR TEREE CARUTHERS MANAGING EDITOR/BUSINESS BILL McMEEKIN MANAGING EDITOR/CUSTOM KIM NEWSOM PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, DIANA GUZMAN, MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY WALDRIP DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR YANCEY TURTURICE NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR JAMES SCOLLARD IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE SALES SUPPORT RACHAEL GOLDSBERRY SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR RACHEL MATHEIS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/SALES SUPPORT KRISTY DUNCAN

PHOTOS We’ve added even more prize-winning photography to our online gallery. To see these spectacular photos, click on Photo Gallery.

OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM RECEPTIONIST LINDA BISHOP

FACTS & STATS CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

Images Albuquerque is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce 115 Gold Avenue S.W. #201 • Albuquerque, NM 87102 Phone: (505) 764-3700 • Fax: (505) 764-3714 www.abqchamber.com

Go online to learn even more about: • Schools • Health care • Utilities • Parks • Taxes

LOCAL FLAVOR Red or green? Food here gets a spicy kick from the New Mexico chile. Get a taste of local ﬂavor in our food section.

VISIT IMAGES ALBUQUERQUE ONLINE AT IMAGESALBUQUERQUE.COM ©Copyright 2009 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member

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ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Images gives readers a taste of what makes Albuquerque tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts. “Find the good – and praise it.”

– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

Member Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce

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The Stage Is Set Albuquerque entrepreneur Oreste Bachechi built a oneof-a-kind theater in 1927 that remains one of the city’s most beloved cultural icons. The restored KiMo Theatre is the only Pueblo Deco theater in the world. Its architectural style combines art deco with Southwest and Hispanic influences. The premier “picture palace” of its day, the KiMo still functions as a performing arts venue, supporting local artists, as well as national and international events. Gloria Swanson, Ginger Rogers, Mickey Rooney, George Winston and Rodney Crowell are just a few of the great performers who have graced the KiMo’s stage.

What’s Online e Tour the historic KiMo Theatre in our quick video at imagesalbuquerque.com.

These Poets Know It In 1992, verbal art met an open mic during an event called Poetry & Beer at a local bar. These days, there’s an organization devoted to supporting and presenting performance poetry, ABQSlams. A signature event occurs when ABQSlams joins with Outpost Performance Space to present 10 of the best female poets in Albuquerque as they compete to claim the title of Best Woman Slammer. The 2008 winner, Erin Northern, competed in Detroit at the international Woman of the World Poetry Slam held in March 2009.

Soup for the Soul The week before the NFL’s football season finale, Roadrunner Food Bank hosts its popular Souper Bowl at the food bank’s distribution facility. The fundraiser features 40 outstanding area chefs who create delicious soups for ticket holders and the judges. A Souper Bowl Championship title is awarded to one talented chef. The fundraising event showcases the culinary talents of Albuquerque-area chefs and supports hunger relief efforts throughout New Mexico.

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ALBUQUERQUE

Almanac

Still Delivering Great Kicks Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, in part thanks to the Mother Road. The economic boom that Route 66 brought to the West helped contribute to the city’s economic and population growth. Route 66’s path through the city today is Central Avenue and is lined with the bright neon lights similar to the “motel row” of the era.

Albuquerque At A Glance

Fast Facts

POPULATION Albuquerque: 504,949 Bernalillo County: 615,099

Q Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos was born in Albuquerque.

not incorporated until 1891. It is named in honor of a Spanish leader – the 10th Duke of Albuquerque. The word Albuquerque comes from the Latin words “albus” and “quercus,” meaning white ash.

LOCATION Albuquerque is in north central New Mexico, nestled between the towering Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley. It is 60 miles southwest of Santa Fe, the capital city.

Q The Rio Grande runs through Albuquerque and is known to Mexicans as the Rio Bravo.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce 115 Gold Ave. S.W. Albuquerque, NM 87102 Phone: (505) 764-3700 Fax: (505) 764-3714 www.abqchamber.com

BEGINNINGS Albuquerque was founded as Alburquerque in 1706 (the first “r” was later dropped), but the community was

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Take a virtual tour of Albuquerque, courtesy of our awardwinning photographers, at imagesalbuquerque.com.

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Q Albuquerque remained a small town until the latter part of the 19th century and the arrival of the railroad. Q The city sits at 5,314 feet above sea level, making it the highest metropolitan area on the American mainland. Q Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Ernie Pyle called Albuquerque home, and his little white house with a picket fence is now a branch library filled World War II memorabilia.

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Sunny Disposition SUN SHINES NEARLY YEAR-ROUND ON ALBUQUERQUE’S RICH CULTURAL CLIMATE

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ALBUQUERQUE

STORY BY DANNY BONVISSUTO

IAN CURCIO

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or most of the rest of the country, getting outside in January means a quick walk to the mailbox and back. But in Albuquerque, which averages 300 days of sunshine a year, January’s mild temperatures allow for a whole lot more. “I played golf on January 1,” says Cricket Appel, an Albuquerque resident and executive director of the Arts Alliance. “I’ve lived all over the place – Chicago, Rio de Janeiro, St. Louis, Kansas City – but I love the Southwest because the weather here is wonderful.” John Stomp, water resources manager for the Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority agrees. “There are two reasons the weather in Albuquerque is the best,” he says. “We have all four seasons, but none of them is particularly intense, and there’s very little to no humidity. We’re very unique in that way.” Stomp, an Albuquerque native who lives here with his wife of 23 years and two children, says it’s great not to have to be “stuck inside for days at a time” in the winter. “My wife, kids and I play volleyball year round,” he says. “And people here ride their bikes to work all year long.” Work is just one of many places Albuquerque residents are going on their

A view of the Sandia Mountains

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bikes. Bike lanes abound in the city, as well as a “very unique trail system where you can ride all over town and never actually be on the road,” Stomp says. “We have channels that carry water down to the river and they provide corridors, so we have bike trails along those corridors that run east to west along the river. There are trails that run along the Rio Grande. You can essentially ride from the mountains to the river and back without actually being on a road.” Straddling the seasons is the most fun of all. The peaks of the Sandia Mountains offer skiing just 45 minutes away. “I know a lot of people who go skiing in the morning and golfing in the afternoon during January,” Stomp says. Good weather is good for business. “The sun is definitely a great economic development attraction for us,” says Terri Cole, President and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. “Albuquerque’s natural beauty is enhanced by more than 310 days of sunshine annually, and it is that climate which makes our community an ideal location for businesses looking to relocate here with their families.” Another of the natural wonders of Albuquerque is the diversity of its citizens. “People like to talk about the tricultural phenomenon in Albuquerque, which is a blending of Hispanic, Native American and Anglo,” Appel says. “But what’s interesting is that our population extends way beyond that and there are over 40 different ethnic groups in Albuquerque that have populations over 750. We just did a very interesting cultural survey of all the ethnic populations in the area, who they are and how they got here. For example, the Filipino population goes back to the 1600s. It’s just fascinating.” Institutions that celebrate the diverse heritage of Albuquerque citizens include the Indian Pueblo Culture Center, National Hispanic Cultural Center and Chinese Cultural Center. At the Arts Alliance, Appel and her staff help groups preserve their native cultures and traditions by organizing events such as ethnic dance performances. “It brings a tremendous richness to the community because each of the cultures brings with them their art and heritage,” Appel says. “I think Albuquerque is the best-kept secret in the country.” 8

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ALBUQUERQUE

PHOTOS BY BRIAN M C CORD

A bronze sculpture, Peaceful Warrior, welcomes visitors to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Top left: Cyclists ride near the Sandia Mountains. Bottom left: Sandia Peak Ski Area is located just outside the city.

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Family

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Matters ALBUQUERQUE MAKES INVESTING IN FAMILIES A TOP PRIORITY

STORY BY JESSICA MOZO PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN McCORD

ou don’t have to look far to find family fun in Albuquerque. In fact, one of the aspects people appreciate most about this city is its unwavering commitment to investing in families. There’s the Albuquerque Biological Park, for starters, which provides endless opportunities for family entertainment with the Rio Grande Zoo, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Tingley Beach and the Albuquerque Aquarium. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. “Our kids love the Balloon Fiesta, and we like to ride our bikes and take walks at the Paseo del Bosque Trail,” says Sal Gonzalez, a sergeant with the Rio Rancho Police Department and a father of three. “Mariposa Park is close to our house, so we go there for its soccer field, playgrounds and picnic areas. And we go to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – I’m a former wrestler, and I wanted to find something my kids could get into.” Gonzalez moved to Albuquerque from New York in 1996 after marrying his wife, Elizabeth, a life-long resident of the city. “I loved the nice weather and the prominent Hispanic culture,” he says. “There’s a lot to do outside, and there are tons of activities and fiestas to participate in downtown. In the last 13 years, I’ve seen Albuquerque become bigger and better. There are more services, it looks more attractive, and our kids love it here.” It’s no coincidence Albuquerque is family friendly. “The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce works every day to make our community a place where businesses can grow and prosper and where people want to raise their families,” says Terri Cole, President and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. “We envision New

The West Mesa Aquatic Center

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Mexicans living in safe neighborhoods, working in rewarding careers at thriving businesses, while their children attend great schools and enjoy their leisure time in one of the country’s most beautiful regions.” Cole says Albuquerque is a word-class community thanks to its excellent education system, vibrant small business community, modern and efficient transportation network, quality health-care services, sustainable environment and reliable sources of power and water. “World class communities are great places for families and desirable places for businesses to locate and expand,” Cole says. The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County both provide well-developed parks and recreation departments, giving families the chance to engage in everything from flag football and tennis to swimming, skateboarding and field trips. “The city’s outdoor recreation division offers field trips for climbing and biking, caving expeditions, overnight camps, and winter skiing and snowboarding trips,” says Adrienne Palacio, program supervisor for Albuquerque Parks

and Recreation. “They target kids 18 and under, and they’re very popular. There’s also a fishing clinic once a year, where they put fish in a pool and let the kids go fishing.” Five skate parks around the city cater to in-line skaters, BMX bicyclists and skateboarders, and local community centers offer boxing and karate programs. “The county has youth sports leagues, and the YMCA offers leagues in basketball, volleyball, baseball, T-ball, gymnastics and swimming,” Palacio says. “There are all kinds of things to do. One great resource is the Albuquerque Kids newsletter – it’s available at the Y and libraries and lists tons of activities and classes.” Family fun can also be educational, as demonstrated by several Albuquerque landmarks. At the Rattlesnake Museum in Old Town, kids can hold pythons and tortoises and come eye-to-eye with rattlesnakes from around the world. Likewise, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science teaches about the natural world through its life-size dinosaur exhibits and the Lodestar planetarium.

Left: Sea Lions play at the Rio Grande Zoo. Bottom left: The Los Altos Skate Park is the largest skate park in the Southwest. Bottom right: Families enjoy visiting the Biological Park, which includes the zoo, gardens and more.

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ALBUQUERQUE

Where

Art Thrives CREATIVITY IS PART OF THE CULTURE IN ALBUQUERQUE

STORY BY KELLY KOEPKE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN McCORD

ow much do the arts color the landscape of Albuquerque? Albuquerque was one of the first cities in the country to institute a one percent tax to fund and promote the arts. Some 19,500 jobs here are tied to the arts and cultural institutions. What’s even more noteworthy is that the art culture here can be seen – and heard – everywhere. Albuquerque boasts more than 30 live theater and dance groups and the state’s largest symphony orchestra. Some 100 galleries purvey fine art that runs the gamut from traditional American Indian pottery and weavings, Hispanic tinwork, turquoise and silver jewelry to contemporary glass and multimedia sculpture, photography and digital installations. The ubiquitous art culture is highlighted each year by events such as the Southwest’s number one ranked Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festivals, Tricklock Company’s Revolutions International Theater Festival, which showcases the best of experimental theater from around the globe and ¡Globalquerque!, the annual celebration of world music held on the grounds of the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The world-renowned Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque is the largest flamenco dance showcase in North America. “If you can’t find something arts-related to do in this town, you aren’t looking,” says Stephanie Hainsfurther, publisher and editor of Albuquerque Arts, a monthly magazine for the arts. “People don’t understand that just because we’re a mediumsized city, that we don’t lack for anything,” she says. “Any music you want is here – local bar bands to ranchero to

classical. Local theater and dance are everywhere. Opera and traveling national companies, musicians and dancers come to the KiMo Theatre and Popejoy Hall. Contemporary visual art, much of it drawn from the American Indian and traditional Hispanic cultures, takes a truly modern tack with forms, techniques and materials.” Artists like Luis Olay are drawn to Albuquerque. Olay arrived in here in 1978 after living for more than 40 years in Mexico. A fifth-generation straw mosaic artist, he learned from his father the intricate technique of placing thousands of small pieces of dyed straw into paper coated with beeswax – a technique he has passed on to his children and grandchildren. Olay says that he has had many blessings while living in Albuquerque. He is appreciative of the pervasive friendliness of the people, their respect for and interest in his art form and the ready market he finds for collectors. “Here, my talent, technique and the worth of the art is recognized,” he says. Though his family and roots are south of the border, Olay, a U.S. citizen, chose the Duke City as home. “I asked my father once why he made the sky orange in one of his pictures. He said, ‘When you see it, you know it.’ I visited my sister in Albuquerque once, and I saw the orange sky at sunset,” Olay says. “I knew I was home.”

What’s Online e See Albuquerque artist Luis Olay at work in our quick online video at imagesalbuquerque.com.

Left: Luis Olay is a fifth-generation artist of straw mosaics, a technique he has passed to his children.

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All

Fired

UP DINERS HERE LOVE THE SPICY FOODS

STORY BY KEVIN LITWIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN McCORD

ining in Albuquerque? Be prepared to answer the inevitable question: Red or green?. Albuquerque Mayor Martin J. Chavez says that when he was a kid, red or green chile was a part of his family’s meals every day. “Red and green are part of who we are as New Mexico people,” Chavez says. “The red and green grown in this region aren’t found in Arizona or Texas or California. They are truly a New Mexican food specialty.” Chile peppers have a long history rooted in the sandy soil of New Mexico, and the state is the nation’s leading producer of the spicy vegetable. And the chile choices are many, whether you are a fan of long, mild green chiles; long, hot green chiles; green jalapenos; red paprika chiles; or red cayenne chiles. “Some days I like green chile and other days I like red – it depends on what I’m eating,” says Terri Cole, president and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. “If I’m eating a burrito, I want red chile, but if I’m eating an

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enchilada, I want green. The thing about our food here is that we’re all opinionated about it. We are all very precise about what we like, and how we like to have it prepared.” Albuquerque residents are experts in their cuisine. “New Mexican food is not casual – we take it very seriously,” she says. “Everyone has their favorite places to eat, and it’s not always just about chile. Here in Albuquerque, we are lucky to have a variety of restaurants that all seem to have their own specialties. The dining scene is excellent.” One of those top restaurants in Albuquerque is Sadie’s of New Mexico, which is especially known for its salsa selections. Its more popular menu items include green chile pepper rellenos stuffed with cheddar cheese, and Sloppy Jose sandwiches made with spicy ground beef served on an openfaced toasted bun and topped with red or green chile. Other favorite dining destinations in Albuquerque include three restaurants that are owned by a partnership: Savoy Bar & Grill, Seasons Rotisserie & Grill, and Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro. ALBUQUERQUE

Crispy Calamari Salad with watercress and orange-chile dressing from Savoy Bar and Grill Right: Friends enjoy lunch on the patio of Blackbird Buvette.

ALBUQUERQUE

PHOTOS BY BRIAN M C CORD

“We try to have the three restaurants feature distinct dishes, but all have quite a few menu items with some spicy kick,” says managing partner Kevin Roessler. “That ‘kick’ fits in perfectly with the whole Albuquerque lifestyle.” For example, Roessler says one of the favorite offerings at Seasons is a deep-fried calamari appetizer with grilled tomatoes and spicy chipotle peppers, all topped with a lemon aioli. At Savoy, the menu includes a prosciutto-wrapped goat cheese appetizer with baguette toast points and topped with a black pepper cranberry chutney. “Dining in Albuquerque can be pretty intense, thanks to the great foods and quality restaurants,” Roessler says. “People here enjoy going out to lunch and dinner often.”

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Portfolio

Relax, It’s Only a Game CASINOS AND RESORTS OFFER FUN WAYS TO UNWIND

hen some people hear the word “resort,” they think excitement, entertainment, casinos and glittering nightlife. Others think relaxation, spa treatments and get-away-from-it-all vacations. Albuquerque is a destination that offers it all. Route 66 Casino Hotel has slot machines, gaming tables and bingo with a $66,000 grand prize. It also boasts a full lineup of comedy and musical entertainment at Legends Theater, a nightclub and Kids Quest – a supervised entertainment venue for children. At Isleta Casino and Resort, located “seven lucky minutes” from the Albuquerque airport, visitors play the slots or Las Vegas-style table games and enjoy the golf course or relax at the spa. Outdoor concerts take place at Isleta’s lakeside amphitheater, and entertainment ranging from music to boxing happens at the showroom. First-class entertainment also is available at Sandia Resort and Casino’s outdoor amphitheater and indoor lounge venues. The resort is a one-stop destination situated in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. It features gaming action, gourmet restaurants, a Scott Miller-designed golf course and the Green Reed Spa. Farther out of town, numerous casino resorts beckon vacationers to explore exciting games, top-notch entertainment, world-class dining, spectacular views, recreation offerings and spa services. Many also feature American Indian cultural and historical attractions. If gaming is not your style, Albuquerque also offers many businesses that focus exclusively on pampering and rejuvenation. The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, the Cashmere Rouge Spa and Great Face & Body provide relaxation and renewal. “Everyone these days is looking for a little peace and tranquility in their busy lives,” says Janell Loving of Betty’s Bath & Day Spa. “Spas are places where people can decompress and relax, as well as get their bodies into alignment.” 18

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esidents of Albuquerque are fortunate to have a national park located virtually in their own backyard. In fact, Petroglyph National Monument is the only national park to be managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and a city. Petroglyph National Monument features hiking trails that meander through a landscape shaped in prehistoric times by erupting volcanoes and molten lava. On its western horizon, five extinct volcanic cones – referred to by locals as the Five Sisters – create the city’s distinctive silhouette. In addition to views of the volcanoes and a 17-mile-long escarpment, hikers are guaranteed glimpses of native birds, wildlife and a wide range of desert plants. But most notable of all are the petroglyphs – powerful cultural symbols that represent the religious and social structures of the ancient people who inhabited these lands and carved their marks into the basalt boulders the volcanoes left behind. Etched into the oxidized black surfaces – what scientists call “desert varnish” – light gray images of animals, human figures, crosses, brands and other symbols stand out in sharp contrast. Some date as far back as 500 A.D. The Petroglyph National Monument contains an estimated 25,000 images – the largest concentration of petroglyphs in any urban area. “The park is not just the story of a few images, but a 7,000-acre monument,” says Diane Souder, chief of interpretation and outreach at Petroglyph National Monument. “The Pueblo people see the petroglyphs as the center of a bowl formed by the Sandia Mountains to the east and the volcanic cones to the west. To them, it is very important that the petroglyphs are spiritually connected to the rest of the landscape.” More than 150,000 people from all over the world visit the park each year. The Las Imagenes Visitor Center houses interpretive exhibits and a bookstore, and park staff is on hand to provide maps and information about the trails and various special programs. ALBUQUERQUE

PHOTOS BY BRIAN M C CORD

Set in Stone R

The Petroglyph National Monument

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Portfolio

PHOTOS BY BRIAN M C CORD

Cultural Cache A

Wind and Rain by William Moyers at the Museum of Art and History

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Grades 9-12 College Prep For admission: 831-8400 www.saintpiusx.com Inspired Learning, Leadership, Service Since 1956

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rt lovers and history buffs will find plenty to pique their interests at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History located in the heart of historic Old Town Albuquerque. A menu of changing exhibits complements the museum’s permanent collections, and off-site tours add to the list of rich cultural treasures residents and visitors can enjoy here. “We try to do a little of both art and history,” says Connor O’Laughlin, assistant director of the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, referring to the range of offerings. Among the museum’s permanent collections are photographs and artifacts that commemorate the city’s history; museum-owned artworks that span two centuries; and maps, weapons, armor and relics that depict 400 years of life in the Rio Grande region. The museum also owns Casa San Ysidro: The Gutiérrez/Minge House. “Casa San Ysidro is a historic house and collection of Spanish colonial artifacts in an authentic rural setting,” O’Laughlin says. Open for tours most of the year, the 18th-century style rancho is located in the village of Corrales. Temporary exhibits coming to the museum in 2009 include Jewel of the Railroad Era: Albuquerque’s Alvarado Hotel; Imagenes de la Frontera: Border Images 1910-1916; and Experimental Geography, a multimedia contemporary art exhibition featuring the works of national and international artists. Turner to Cezzane: Masterpieces from the Davies Collection, National Museum Wales, opens in May 2010. “We also have lots of educational programs for kids,” O’Laughlin adds. Additional events include a summer concert series at the museum amphitheater, featuring salsa on Friday nights and jazz on Saturday nights. Located in close proximity to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Explora, the 100,000-square-foot Albuquerque Museum of Art and History is perfectly situated for a day of cultural discovery and welcomes about 170,000 visitors each year. ALBUQUERQUE

Tramway Provides a Peak Experience W

hether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, a ride on Albuquerque’s renowned Sandia Peak Tramway will leave you breathless. The 2.7-mile jaunt takes about 15 minutes and climbs 4,000 vertical feet, passing through four distinct climactic zones between the base of the mountain and the top. From its 10,378-foot summit, stunning, 360-degree views sweep more than 100 miles in every direction. “The view is incredible,” says Louis Abruzzo, president of Sandia Peak Ski and Tramway. Still the world’s longest aerial passenger cable tram, the Albuquerque attraction first opened in 1966. The handicapped-accessible tram is a mustsee for visitors to the region. “What’s amazing is that all of this is right next to the city,” Abruzzo says. “The city comes right up to the edge of the mountain. And then there is all this wildlife,” he adds, referring to the deer, bears, bobcats, hawks and golden eagles that riders are likely to spot on the way up.

In addition, the mountain itself is a geological wonder. Composed entirely of granite except for a 100-foot limestone cap at the top, the mountain lacks the transitional layers usually found between the two rock types. “If you hike the trails, you can see fossils in the limestone,” Abruzzo says. There are 26 miles of trails to hike or bike during the warmer months

when wildflowers carpet the mountaintop. In winter, there’s skiing. “Once people reach the top, they can spend an hour or a day,” Abruzzo says. Or they can stay for dinner. For a peak dining experience, try High Finance, a one-of-a-kind steak and seafood restaurant located at the top of the Sandia Peak Tramway. – Stories by Carol Cowan

The Sandia Peak Ski and Tramway offers sweeping views of Albuquerque from 10,000 feet.

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Business

What a

Ride! ALBUQUERQUE’S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GETS RESIDENTS AROUND TOWN WITH EASE

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ALBUQUERQUE

STORY BY DANNY BONVISSUTO PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN McCORD

fter years of planning and listening to the needs of its residents, the city of Albuquerque has public transportation down to a streamlined science. Locals and visitors can get from one end of the city to the other on a variety of transportation options without having to deal with traffic or fight for parking spaces. Commuters from outlying areas benefit as well. Cathy Garber, a communications representative at PNM Resources, an energy holding company located downtown, lives north of the city in Placitas and uses Albuquerque’s Rail Runner train service about four times a week. “I drive to the stop in Bernalillo, which is about eight miles from my home,” Garber says. “Right now there are only two stops between Bernalillo and downtown and it takes me about 20 minutes, compared to the 30 miles each way I’d have to manage in my car. It’s a significant timesaver, especially considering the fact that I’m coming and going at rush hour.” But the benefits for Garber go beyond time and effort. “The greater benefit to me is the stress reduction of not having to deal with traffic and other drivers,” she says, “I work full time and have a 6-year-old child. Catching the Rail Runner allows me time to read or listen to my iPod, and I wouldn’t get a chance to do that otherwise. It’s a huge gift to have that time twice a day.” Garber walks the four blocks to her office from the downtown stop, but others can catch the D-Ride, a free bus

Albuquerque’s Alvarado Transportation Center

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Business

service that travels a downtown loop to some of Albuquerque’s most popular destinations including Civic Plaza, City Hall, metro and federal courts and the convention center. The shuttles run every seven minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and are covered in graphics showing off the area’s landmarks. Garber also uses the Rapid Ride, a fleet of 60-foot buses with diesel electric hybrid engines that runs on two lines. The Red Line is the Central Avenue route which runs seven days a week, and the Blue Line is the West Side/University of New Mexico route, which runs Monday through Saturday. “Downtown Albuquerque is a small town/big city kind of place,” Garber says. “It has lots of restaurants and a big movie theater. The Rapid Ride is a great bus system that helps me get to doctor appointments or meet friends. Best of all, if you ride the train, the bus is free.” Red Line Rapid Ride users can also take advantage of the high-speed wireless Internet access, and the same convenience is in the works for the Blue Line. All vehicles have a selection of children’s books on board as well as bicycle mounts on the front bumpers. “They really make it convenient and I can’t imagine not using it,” Garber says. “I grew up in Los Angeles and, to me, having access to the rapid transit is a huge advantage.”

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Rail Runner Express to Santa Fe

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Business

Biz Briefs BUSINESSES – BOTH LARGE AND SMALL – THAT HELP DEFINE ALBUQUERQUE’S ECONOMIC CLIMATE

Scorecard BUSINESS AT A GLANCE

$6,955,281 Retail sales ($1,000)

$14,990 Retail sales per capita

$987,792 Accommodations and food service sales ($1,000)

36,763 Total number of firms

JACKALOPE INTERNATIONAL Biz: folk art, garden decor, furnishings Buzz: Jackalope features international folk art, handmade furniture and rugs. The quirky store, dubbed by founder Darby McQuade as “Pier One on steroids,” has earned a loyal following in New Mexico and beyond. Jackalope is often seen as a furnishing and fixture destination for home improvement shows on TV. www.jackalope.com

FLYING STAR CAFÉ Biz: restaurant, café Buzz: An Albuquerque original, the Flying Star Café has earned a reputation for good food served in a warm atmosphere. Customers fill the tables in the casual space where they can surf the Internet using free wireless, read magazines, eat great food and sip what is praised as an excellent cup of coffee. www.flyingstarcafe.com

ROMERO JEWELERS Biz: custom design jewelry Buzz: Charlie Romero established Romero Jewelers in 1971. Kay Frances has been the primary designer since 1989 and has designed pieces for the Spanish royal family, noted universities, national corporations and jewelry connoisseurs from all walks of life. www.kfrancesromerojewelers.com

BUFFETT’S CANDIES Biz: handmade candies Buzz: George Buffett started his candy business in 1951 in a store with a candy cane sign that has become a landmark. The treats, including the famous Piñon candies, are handmade without preservatives, which is why their motto is “Our candy is made to eat! Not to Keep.” www.piñoncandy.com

Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

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ALBUQUERQUE

Business | Chamber Report

Back to the Future RAIL RUNNER COMMUTER TRAIN CONNECTS CENTRAL REGION

ALBUQUERQUE

expenses. It’s a huge impact on our area, not to mention people’s time.” Instead of spending an hour driving down the interstate, looking at someone’s tail lights, they’re sitting on the train, reading the paper, working or relaxing, says Rael, a proponent of more commuter rail development across the country. “If we really are serious in this country about our dependency on foreign oil, we’ve got to look at systems like this as part of the solution,” he says. “It gives people a choice. Once people see the systems and use them, they embrace them.”

Affordability is an obvious part of the equation, and at a daily fee of just $8 a day – or $6 a day with a monthly pass – the savings add up. In addition, the stations are attractive, clean and safe and are conveniently located. The future looks bright for expansion. “Our leadership has been extremely visionary,” says Rael. “We are working now to fund a study that would extend the Rail Runner to other corridors in the valley of the Rio Grande. Eventually we would like to see it run from El Paso to Albuquerque up to Denver.” – Betsy Williams

BRIAN M C CORD

ibbons of steel have taken the Albuquerque area back to the future, thanks to the success of the Rail Runner. “The communities along the line grew up because the railroads came in first, and that’s how they were established,” says Lawrence Rael, executive director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments, a four-county consortium of counties, cities and school systems that oversees the popular Rail Runner commuter train system. “When the interstates came in, many of these smaller communities lost out as development sprang up along these new transportation routes,” Rael says. “Now, because of the Rail Runner, we’re seeing development of properties that weren’t even considered for development because it was next to the railroad tracks. It’s very viable now.” With daily ridership approaching 5,000 on the multiple runs from Albuquerque south to Belen and north to Santa Fe, the system is enjoying immense success. Just after the Albuquerque-Santa Fe line opened, as many as 15,000 were taking the Saturday trains to New Mexico’s capital. “We’re currently evaluating beginning a Sunday service,” Rael says. Rael, a former Albuquerque city manager who has been in his current position for eight years, led the project’s start almost five years ago. “Within those five years we have opened up 100 miles of rail,” he says. Almost 500 miles of track have been purchased along the corridor. The Rail Runner has tremendous economic impact, but the greatest impact is on the quality of life of the area’s residents. “This corridor connects the people of these communities to where they work,” says Rael. “From a practical perspective, it saves commuters money in fuel costs. That puts a lot of money in people’s pockets to spend on basic living

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Business | Economic Profile

ALBUQUERQUE BUSINESS CLIMATE Albuquerque has a low cost of doing business, a high concentration of brainpower, rising household incomes, access to excellent health care and a growing, diverse economy. The Albuquerque metro area accounts for nearly half of all the economic activity in New Mexico. Albuquerque is known for its high-tech, film and solar industries.

TAX STRUCTURE

0.5625% City Sales and Use Tax

1.1875% County Sales Tax

5.0% State Sales Tax

Albuquerque Economic Development 851 University Blvd. S.E. Ste. 203 (505) 246-6200 (800) 451-2933 www.abq.org

Next Generation Economy (505) 843-9006 www.nextgenclusters.net

Office of Economic Development One Civic Plaza NW (505) 768-3270 www.cabq.gov/econdev

ABQ Ride (505) 243-RIDE www.cabq.gov/transit

TRANSPORTATION

New Mexico Department of Economic Development 1100 S. Saint Francis Drive Sante Fe, NM 87505 (505) 827-0300 www.edd.state.nm.us

Albuquerque International Sunport (505) 244-7700 www.cabq.gov/airport Amtrak (505) 842-9650 www.amtrak.com

6.75% Total Sales Tax

ECONOMIC RESOURCES Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce 115 Gold Ave. Ste. 201 (505) 764-3700 www.abqchamber.com

MORE EO ONLINE imagesalbuquerque.com m More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

GAYLE MARTIN Real Estate Broker Land of Enchantment Inc.

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Education

Business Workout WORKFORCE TRAINING CENTER KEEPS ALBUQUERQUE ECONOMY IN SHAPE

have three to four semesters to get a degree,” Murphy says. “That’s why we give local businesses a very quick response.” The Workforce Training Center program was originally designed more than 10 years ago to be a cost-effective training site for local businesses. Since that time, the training center has built a solid reputation in the Albuquerque business community. “We are a significant force for economic development in the community,” Murphy says. Indeed, the training center has provided corporations such as Intel and Verizon with hundreds of trained employees, thanks to ongoing partnerships with the companies. In fact, local economic development authorities regularly include the training center in presentations for business development. “The way we touch business is tangible even as businesses are building themselves,” Murphy says. “If they need cross training, supervisory training or even if they are scaling down and want to provide re-training, we are here to help. Whatever industries need, we will be there.” The training center also offers professional development courses, from how to use the Microsoft Office Suite to how to “green” your business. Future plans for expanding non-credit offerings include: Security Officer Development, Performance Leadership Academy, Green Project Management, Screenwriting, Vocal Talent Techniques, and expanded Grant Writers Academy. – Brandon Lowe

BRIAN M C CORD

n Albuquerque, the most effective tool for economic development is a trained workforce. Central New Mexico Community College keeps that tool sharp through its Workforce Training Center, which supports the business community by offering customized, non-credit training. “We are a quality improvement organization,” says Dr. Susan Murphy, CNM’s vice president for external affairs. “We are here to assist business in any way that we can.” As part of an ongoing training and quality improvement process, the WTC will design a training program tailored to just about any business, no matter the size. In addition to innovative, customized training, the training center also provides skill development and business consulting. The goal: to increase productivity, performance and profitability for a cross section of Albuquerque businesses. The key to the success of the program is tied to the quality of the instruction provided. “We have some very talented trainers providing these courses,” Murphy says. “Albuquerque is such a wonderful place to own a business because we have trainers with national and international experience in so many fields.” In tough economic times, the services offered by the training center are at a premium thanks to the speed with which they are delivered. In fact, Murphy says that requests for short-term training are likely to blossom during 2009. “Most of the people who go through our programs do not

CNM Workforce Training Center offers more than 120 classes that are based on real-world jobs.

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Sports & Recreation

High Tee at Albuquerque Courses GOLFERS ENJOY THE GAME AND GREAT SCENERY

BRIAN M C CORD

oods and water can be a big part of golf. In Albuquerque, mountains and native plants play a big part, too. Golf courses here are not only fun to play, but are beautiful to behold. One of the nicest is Sandia Golf Club, located on the grounds of Sandia Resort & Casino. The club has the distinction of being the longest course in all of New Mexico, at 7,779 yards, and features two lengthy par fives that measure more than 600 yards apiece – at 630 and 610 yards. “Our course layout is actually many courses wrapped into one,” says Racquel Huslig, head golf professional at Sandia Golf Club. “With the selection of several tee boxes, golfers can play a relatively simple short course or all the way up to the 7,779-yard challenge.” Sandia opened in 2005 and its fairways are considered wide and resort friendly. “That means with most tee shots, the golf ball tends to filter towards the center of the fairways due to the rolling hillsides,” Huslig says. “So the ball is almost always in play, which makes a round of golf much more fun.” Huslig says the turf quality at Sandia is some of the best in the state, with the fairways boasting an emerald green grass color for about nine months of the year. “I might be a bit biased because my husband, Todd, is the course agronomer and head superintendent, but I believe

The Sandia Mountains create a backdrop at the Sandia Golf Club.

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ALBUQUERQUE

that Sandia has the finest greens in all of New Mexico,” she says. “And the overall resort setting with a luxury hotel, casino and quality golf has already made Sandia a very attractive destination. In fact, golfers from Texas and Colorado are two of our biggest markets, and we now host more than 40,000 rounds of golf each year.” Visitors to the course are also treated to unobstructed views of the nearby Sandia Mountains. “We offer southwestern, high-desert golf where the terrain is dotted with native grasses and shrubbery, which adds to the overall outdoor experience,” Huslig says. “Sandia Golf Club also tries to be smart with water usage and conservation, all the while offering a fantastic golf experience.” Another top venue in Albuquerque is Isleta Eagle Golf Course, which includes 27 holes designed around three lakes. Each nine-hole tract has distinct topographic features, and virtually every hole offers panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley and the mountains. Meanwhile, Twin Warriors Golf Club at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa has 18 holes that are set along grassy knolls and ridges. The fairways are lined with juniper and pinon pine trees, and the course is graced with interesting eroded land areas called arroyos. “Albuquerque offers good climate and outdoor scenery paradises, plus the high altitude here makes the golf ball fly farther,” Huslig says. “A day of golf around here is really something to look forward to, and enjoy.” – Kevin Litwin

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Located one block south of Paseo Del Norte off Louisiana Hope Christian Schools Inc., admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

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Health & Wellness

Taking on Diabetes UNM HOSPITAL CENTER FOR DIABETES EDUCATION OFFERS SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT

nyone with diabetes will tell you it’s a difficult disease to manage, which makes places like the University of New Mexico Hospital Center for Diabetes Education even more important. Here, diabetes sufferers learn to control the disease and its symptoms and connect with other people afflicted by the disease. “Diabetes is a tough disease, but people who go through our classes fill out evaluations, and 100 percent of them tell us it’s helpful and makes a difference

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in their lives,” says Ruth Bear, diabetes educator at the Center for Diabetes Education. “We spend more time focusing on their diabetes than any other entity. At individual appointments, we go over their medications, eating habits, exercise habits and lifestyle to help them better manage the disease.” According to the American Diabetes Association, 23.6 million people in the United States suffer from diabetes, which translates to about 8 percent of the population. The disease contributed

to the deaths of an astounding 200,000 Americans in 1999. New Mexico is particularly plagued by diabetes, with more than 120,000 sufferers, including 17 percent of all New Mexicans older than 40. The reason for its prevalence can be traced to the state’s demographics, which include 42 percent Hispanics and 10 percent Native Americans. Both groups are at greater risk for developing diabetes. “Family history of the disease, ethnicity and lifestyle are major contributors,” says Mary Lynn Johnston, Center for Diabetes Education coordinator. “Native Americans and Hispanics are more likely to inherit diabetes tendencies if their lifestyle consists of low activity with adequate or extra caloric intake as compared to European age peers.” The Center for Diabetes Education provides educational services for adults whose primary care physician is at UNM Hospital or who are seen in first choice clinics with the UNM Cares plan. “Our program has been repeatedly recognized by the American Diabetes Association, and most of our staff volunteer elsewhere in the community to support diabetes projects and programs,” Johnston says. “We help people understand the disease process and their role in controlling it. We teach self-management skills and answer the questions that come up, especially early on after the initial diagnosis – a very scary time.” Periodically, the center offers group classes that double as a support group. “We encourage people to come because they really bond with one another,” Bear says. “It’s not a classroom setting. We use colorful conversation maps to help guide the conversation in a relaxed way.” – Jessica Mozo ALBUQUERQUE

Arts & Culture

Many Strings Attached NEW MEXICO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HAS BEEN ENTERTAINING SINCE 1932

ellist Yo-Yo Ma has performed with them, as has violinist Itzhak Perlman. And so have flutist James Galway and pianist Van Cliburn. The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra is based in Albuquerque and has been entertaining classical music audiences since the early 1930s. In 1976, then-Gov. Jerry Apodaca named the NMSO as New Mexico’s official state orchestra. Today, the NMSO presents classics, pops and matinee concerts as well as a Symphony Under the Stars series, and performs in front of 130,000 spectators each year. In September 2009, the orchestra will begin its 77th season. “The overall importance of having a professional resident orchestra in a community can’t be understated,” says Ryan Stark, associate director of marketing and public relations for the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. “The symphony helps keeps this beautiful classical music alive. A well-regarded orchestra such as the NMSO can also help a community with economic development. “Big companies and industries looking to relocate to a city often look for

quality schools, good roads, recreational opportunities, low taxes – and, oh by the way, we also have this great professional resident symphony in Albuquerque that is doing very well,” Stark says. “Relocating companies always want to know if a community is on its way up. The message that a professional resident symphony sends to these companies can be immeasurable.” The NMSO’s music director is wellknown conductor and violinist Guillermo Figueroa. Besides leading the orchestra, Figueroa is an advocate of bringing the artistry of music to classrooms so that more school children are exposed to the classics. In fact, the NMSO has been recognized as the largest non-governmental provider of music education in New Mexico.

“The NMSO coordinates music programs with Albuquerque Public Schools at the elementary, middle and high school levels, with a big focus going toward introducing the classics to elementary school children,” Stark says. “All of our musicians are paid, and many also work as music teachers in Albuquerque schools or the university.” But not all NMSO orchestra members have music directly relating to their other careers. “These talented musicians who perform the works of Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Mozart come from all walks of life,” he says. “But they all come together several times each season to perform classical music as well as it can be performed.” – Kevin Litwin

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Community Profile

ALBUQUERQUE COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT Albuquerque Pro Body is a city of contrasts. Nestled between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley, the city has breathtaking landscapes, a rich cultural heritage and the vibrant energy of a fast-growing urban area. The city has worked hard to earn recognition as one of the best places to live, work and do business.

MORE EO ONLINE CLIMATE Albuquerque’s high altitude results in a mild, dry climate with four definite seasonal changes. Summer high temperatures average 90.4 F. Average annual relative humidity is about 44 percent. Albuquerque is sunny 76 percent of the year. Average rainfall in Albuquerque is about 8.5 inches.

imagesalbuquerque.com More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

HEALTH CARE

24 F January Low Temperature

48 F January High Temperature

65 F July Low Temperature

92 F July High Temperature

the city. APS is divided into 12 cluster systems to allow a focus on student achievement through programs specific to the cluster, as well as consistent coordinated professional development. For a list of schools and other information, visit imagesalbuquerque.com.

EDUCATION As one of the largest school districts in the nation, Albuquerque Public Schools provides educational services to over 87,000 children across

Advanced medical care is available at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, which includes UNM Hospital, Carrie Tingley Hospital, UNM Children’s Hospital, UNM Cancer Research & Treatment Center; UNM Psychiatric Center; and UNM Children’s Psychiatric Hospital. Additional Albuquerque hospitals are Presbyterian Hospital, Albuquerque Regional Medical Center and Lovelace Medical Center. For a breakdown of medical services, visit imagesalbuquerque.com. THIS SECTION IS SPONSORED BY

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