Cummins Expanding Operations and Creating New Jobs

Clovis, N.M. - Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced that Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) a global power leader that has a natural gas engine upfit and assembly facility in Clovis, NM is expanding and creating 10 new high-wage manufacturing jobs. The expansion is being supported by New Mexico's closing fund, LEDA, and a City of Clovis Economic Incentive Board (EIB) grant.

"When we lower taxes, cut through bureaucratic red tape and strengthen our incentives, companies choose New Mexico," said Governor Susana Martinez. "Cummins is staying and growing in New Mexico. They are providing fantastic job opportunities to the community and I congratulate them on their continued success."

Cummins has had operations in Clovis for more than forty years. Cummins is investing $2.5 million in its Clovis operations to add a new remanufacturing disassembly, cleaning and inspection line and new equipment as well as expanding its warehouse by approximately 22,000 square feet. Construction began in October of 2018 and will be fully operational in June 2019.

"We're thrilled that Cummins continues to expand in Clovis," said Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Matt Geisel. "This company makes a tremendous economic impact to the Clovis region and we're proud to see them expanding and creating more jobs for New Mexicans."

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The STEM Outreach Center at New Mexico State University has received $224,000 to expand STEM programs for K-8th grade students in Hatch, Gadsden and Las Cruces schools.

The STEM Outreach Center, housed in the NMSU College of Education, recently received a $176,000 grant from the New Mexico Public Education Department’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, and $48,000 from Hatch Valley Public Schools. The funding will allow the center to provide its programming to students after regular school hours.

“I feel like we’re shaping the future of so many students who will continue their excitement for learning and know that their future is bright through education,” said College of Education interim Dean Susan Brown. “We engage children K-8th grade in the world of STEM in our out-of-school programs that also provide a safe environment for children. We are excited about this opportunity and thank NMPED for this opportunity to serve more students, families and educators in southern New Mexico. The end result will be more students choosing a career in STEM and affecting the future STEM workforce for our state and nationally.”

With the recently awarded funds, the STEM Outreach Center will serve more than 6,500 children a year in southern New Mexico, along with families and educators through the 21st Century CCLC grant and other funding sources.

The grant will allow the STEM Outreach Center to implement its suite of programs, including Digital Media Academy, or DiMA; Readers Theater; Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy, or SEMAA; Creating Opportunities Using Numerical Thinking, or COUNT; and the Science Brain Battle, in elementary schools served through these grants in each district. STEM Outreach Center director Nicole Delgado said the schools have to be a C, D or F school, and have to be schoolwide Title 1 holding indicating a high socioeconomic need for such after school services. 

“Currently, we provide programming to 46 schools in southern New Mexico, 23 of which are funded through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program in Doña Ana County,” Delgado said. “It is incredible to see three unique districts, 350 teachers and school staff, and thousands of students and families served in this unique way. A huge majority of students are unsupervised after school which leads to at-risk behavior. We are working together as a community to do our part to ensure our youth are on a positive track that will lead to great things in their futures through the out-of-school-time programs.”

According to a recent study, the STEM Outreach Center has had an overall economic output of $15 million since 2009, generating more than 200 jobs, saving $5 million a year in child care costs and contributing positively to Doña Ana County. 

Rural Residents in 34 States will Benefit

“Arthur A. Garcia, USDA Rural Development State Director (second from right) joined Kevin Norris, Chief Executive Officer (far right) of the Pecos Valley Medical Center and others to break ground on the medical center’s second phase of construction.” (Courtesy photo)WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2018 – Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is investing $501 million in 60 projects to help improve health care infrastructure (PDF, 170 KB) and services in rural communities nationwide.

“Creating strong and healthy communities is foundational to increasing prosperity in rural America,” Hazlett said. “Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is committed to partnering with rural leaders to improve quality of life and economic development through modern and accessible health care.”

Hazlett made today’s announcement as part of USDA’s commemoration of National Rural Health Day, which is held annually on the third Thursday of November to focus on the specific health care issues facing rural communities. The Department is investing in 60 projects through the Community Facilities direct loan program. These investments will expand access to health care for approximately 2 million people in 34 states.

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Albuquerque, NM - Today, Governor-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the individuals who will serve as co-chairs of committees responsible for providing a review of state departments as part of the gubernatorial transition. The agency transition team is made up of seven different committees, each examining distinct areas of state government. The chairs will lead their committee’s effort to engage with key stakeholders and current government agency personnel and provide strategic recommendations for Governor-elect Lujan Grisham. Governor Martinez has pledged her Administration's full cooperation to ensure a smooth transition.

“We can build a state government that will create pathways to success for all New Mexico children and families by growing our economy, fixing our broken public education system, improving access to healthcare, and making our communities safer,” said Governor-elect Lujan Grisham. I look forward to working with this bipartisan, diverse group of leaders from across New Mexico to set our state on a new direction and leverage every opportunity we have in front of us.”

“I am proud of this culturally, economically, and geographically diverse set of teams that will work on behalf of all New Mexicans on the transition,” said Lt. Governor-elect Howie Morales. “Governor-elect Lujan Grisham and I are focused on a smooth transition to set a tone of collaboration in order to hit the ground running in January rebuilding our public education system, improving public safety, and diversifying our economy.”

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WASHINGTON, November 14, 2018—The USDA Forest Service is supporting fire suppression efforts in California, where two massive wildfires burn at opposite ends of the state. Both fires started on November 8.

“The people of California are in need of our support,” said James Hubbard, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. “USDA’s Forest Service firefighters and law enforcement are standing shoulder to shoulder with our citizens, state and local partners to help communities recover and stop the devastation.”

At 135,000 acres in size, the Camp Fire in the north started along the edge of the Plumas National Forest within the State Response Area. In just a week, the fire has devastated the town of Paradise in Butte County, where more than 7,600 structures have been destroyed, and multiple fatalities have been reported. An additional 17,500 structures, along with major power, transportation, and communications infrastructure, continue to be threatened. Another 8,876 acres have burned on private timber lands and Plumas National Forest. At only 35% containment, the fire shows little sign of slowing down.

“Firefighters and law enforcement from the city, county, state, and Federal levels are proving their tenacity and resolve in answering their call to service. We owe them our gratitude,” said Hubbard.

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Las Cruces: The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) along with AUI INC. (Contractor) will be holding a public involvement meeting to discuss the improvement project of S. Valley Drive (NM 188)/Avenida de Mesilla (NM 28) Intersection Project.

When: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday November 20, 2018

Where: New Mexico Department of Transportation Solano Complex, 750 N Solano Dr. (Use north gate entrance) Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001

Purpose: To provide project information regarding construction, detailing information, project specifications, and answer questions regarding the timeline of the project. The public is encouraged to ask questions and provide comments and to address any concerns they may have as it relates to this project.

ADA: To request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) related accommodations for this meeting, contact Ami Evans, Public Information Officer, NMDOT – District One at (575) 640-5981 at least two days before the meeting. 

Enjoy Festive Events, Celebrate Culture and History in Tucumcari, NM

Tucumcari, NM – November 14, 2018 – Tucumcari, New Mexico is known as a bright and cultural stop along historic Route 66, and this holiday season, it’s the perfect spot for a festive road trip. With holiday-themed events and opportunities for holiday shopping and exploration, Tucumcari provides an ideal spot for an affordable, memorable winter vacation.   

“With a little time off around the holiday season, it’s the perfect chance to plan a getaway,” said Tucumcari Mayor Ruth Ann Litchfield. “By choosing Tucumcari, you can get the most out of your holiday trip on a budget, while still exploring the history and culture of our area—including some of the best Route 66 neon and memorabilia—and enjoying fun holiday events.” 

The holiday season kicks off with the 7th Annual Christmas Expo on December 1 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., where visitors can start their holiday shopping. With a wide array of jewelry, gifts, crafts, and arts from local businesses, the Expo is a great place to find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on each shopper’s lists. From 1 p.m.–3 p.m., expect visits from Santa, along with other festive activities. The fun continues into the night with the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m., when lighted floats cruise down Route 66. 

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the budget for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), released the following statement after the FDA proposed plans to restrict the sale of e-cigarettes, and e-cigarette maker JUUL Labs subsequently announced that it would take steps to curtail sales of its flavored products in retail stores. The FDA’s proposal and JUUL Labs’ announcement comes after mounting public pressure in response to a surge in vaping using e-cigarettes among youth. 

Udall has helped lead efforts in Congress to protect children from the potential dangers of e-cigarettes. In October, Udall and his colleagues called on the FDA to take stronger action to reduce youth use of addictive e-cigarettes by immediately requiring manufacturers to remove kid-appealing flavored e-cigarettes from the market.

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