Quietly Leading ABQ Development

By Robert Graham

The Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC) recognized Gary Tonjes (BS 78) this spring with the Mary Jo Hanover Award. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership, ethics, professionalism, mentoring and sense of community. IAMC qualifies as the premiere organization for economic developers, corporate real estate professionals and industrial asset managers. Executive Director of IAMC J.Tate Godfrey says that “Gary is one of those rare people who elevates everything he does, including lifting up those around him through his quiet leadership.”

Gary Tonjes

The Roswell Chamber of Commerce awarded Gary his first position in the economic development industry. “Winston Cox recommended me for my first job,” says Gary, who also worked for the Odessa, Texas Chamber before landing a position as president of the Joplin, Missouri Chamber of Commerce. “Joplin is where I had my first opportunity to lead an organization, so it laid a foundation that allowed me to return to my hometown and Albuquerque Economic Development (AED),” says Tonjes.

Gary has served as President of AED since 1994. What’s the biggest difference between 1994 and now? “New Mexico has a significantly better business climate today. Changes to the tax code and creation of new incentives allows for better retention and expansion of existing firms as well as the attraction of new employers,” says Gary.

Albuquerque just recruited a software development company, and AED will announce two more employees shortly. Additionally, Tonjes believes that five existing firms may announce expansions before year-end representing 1,000 plus new jobs for the Albuquerque area.