Mayor Richard Berry wants the Anderson School of Management’s help in rejuvenating Albuquerque’s economy.
In his three-prong plan, Berry announced a partnership with the school to educate the next generation of Albuquerque business people.
Dean of the Anderson School of Management, Doug Brown, said Berry’s business background gives him the skills to restructure the economy.
“Economic development is clearly a high priority for Berry. He comes from the private sector and is a business person himself, not a career politician,” he said. “He knows where they are coming from and he himself is an Anderson graduate, as is his wife. We claim them both proudly.”
Berry’s plan, which includes strengthening local businesses, has the foundation for success, Brown said.
“He understands that real job creation comes from businesses,” he said. “Government jobs can fill gaps but you and I as taxpayers are paying for them. Business jobs truly create true economic growth in the economy.”
Berry is encouraging students to succeed in business through sponsorship, Brown said.
“The city will sponsor a $5,000 prize in our business plan competition that we are having here,” he said. “That is a specific thing that the city is working with us on.”
John Benavidez, UNM marketing lecturer, said students graduate from Anderson with an education but limited local opportunities.
“Our students are amazing,” he said. “One of the problems is that they get a great education and graduate and a lot of them want to stay here, but they don’t necessarily find the jobs that you could find in other markets.”
Bringing in larger companies, or expanding local ones, will help the New Mexican market grow, Benavidez said.
“A lot of the jobs here are government jobs, which aren’t a bad thing, but I think diversifying the economy is the most important thing for Albuquerque and getting jobs coming in,” he said. “There is definitely a pool of willing and able graduates to fill those jobs.”
The collaboration between UNM and the city will provide students with greater learning and employment opportunities, Brown said.
“We are working with them on a whole number of fronts,” he said. “In addition to the job creation from successful enterprises, there will be internship opportunities and employment opportunities for some of our people.”
