FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 20, 2023
Contact: Rebecca Swanson
505-705-3779
NAIOP’s Executive Director Rhiannon Samuel to Receive Rising Star Award by AREA at 505 Awards
The 505 Awards recognize outstanding leadership in economic development in the region, to be awarded at the Nov. 16 AREA Annual Dinner at Isleta Resort and Casino
Albuquerque, NM – Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance has announced the honorees for the third annual 505 Awards, which recognize organizations and individuals that are making exceptional contributions to economic growth and prosperity in the greater Albuquerque region, resulting in improvements to its overall economic strength and competitive position.
The Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging leader who is contributing to economic development programs, projects and activities in a significant manner that leads to increased investment in
the communications.
Rhiannon Samuel, Executive Director of NAIOP, the 2023 recipient, is paving the way for real estate development within our community. The mission of NAIOP, is to provide the real estate development industry with a visionary, beneficial and responsive Association, serving developers, owners, investors, and commercial real estate professionals. We provide member education, facilitate communication within both the chapter and the community, foster business opportunities, and promote proactive public policy through active involvement in the legislative process.
Rhiannon became Executive Director of NAIOP in 2022 and is also the founding Executive Director of Viante New Mexico which is nonpartisan organization that focuses on empowering New Mexican voters through education and engagement. Samuel has become a leader in educating the public and members about real estate issues in Albuquerque and throughout the state.
“I am truly honored to receive the ‘Rising Star’ award from AREA,” said Rhiannon Samuel, Executive Director of NAIOP. “I believe this recognition reinforces the economic development community’s commitment to excellence and inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. I am proud to collaborate with such a strong and passionate group of individuals as we work together to shape the future of our beloved state. Together, we will continue to grow the New Mexico we know and love, creating opportunities and prosperity for all.”
This year’s Rising Star Award is sponsored by TLC Plumbing.
“TLC is honored to support the Rising Star Award,” said Dale Armstrong, President and CEO of TLC Plumbing. “ We sponsored this award because New Mexico needs to be good at highlighting the people who are having a positive impact on the future of our great state. We love what AREA is doing to help New Mexico be a rising star, and Rhiannon Samuel is a perfect example of a young leader who is moving the needle in the right direction. We’ve been fortunate to see Rhiannon come into her own over the past few years. She continuously raises the bar higher and higher for both herself and New Mexico. Rhiannon is the perfect person to receive this award.”
The awards will be bestowed in person at AREA’s signature event, the Annual Dinner and 505 Awards which will take place November 16 from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Isleta Resort and Casino. This year’s theme is “AREA 51” – a nod to the history of New Mexico and where the organization plans to see the economy in 51 years.
To attend the 2023 Annual Dinner and 505 Awards, where honorees will be recognized, or for more information on awards categories, eligibility requirements or judging criteria, visit www.abq.org/505Awards/.
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About AREA
The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is leads and executes strategies designed to grow and diversify the economic base of the greater Albuquerque region, creating a prosperous, diverse and inclusive economy and elevating the standard of living for all. AREA provides confidential assistance to businesses considering the area for expansion and new investment. Since its creation in 1960, AREA has recruited more than 250 companies and more than 35,000 jobs to the Albuquerque metro area. AREA also provides retention and expansion assistance to existing industry. For more information, visit ABQ.org.
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10/20/2023
Source: Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance
