Eric Montgomery wins 40 Under 40 Award in economic development

Eric Montgomery, Vice President of Business Development at the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA) has been announced as a recipient of the 2021 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.

The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic, and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development professionals and site selection consultants evaluated a record-number of 200-plus nominees.

“This past year has demonstrated the importance of economic development in building and sustaining resilient communities,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “I’m especially impressed by the diverse perspectives and skillsets of this year’s winners as they lead communities to prioritize new ways of thinking, building inclusive and equitable economies, and bringing an attitude of fresh new ideas to the challenges in the industry. The economic development future is bright with these young leaders.”

“This recognition is well deserved.  Eric is a true economic development professional and his passion and efforts have positively impacted economic development efforts both locally and at the State level year after year,” stated Davin Lopez, President & CEO of MVEDA.

Eric joined MVEDA in 2012.  Over the years he has worked on and led high profile, job creation projects, such as Stampede Meats which was the largest single job creation project in New Mexico in over a decade.  He is a past recipient of NMIDEA’s Developer of the Year Award.  Eric also sits on a number of economic development related boards of directors and committees where he advocates on behalf of the profession.  Eric is a graduate of New Mexico State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology followed by a Master’s in Public Administration. 

“The economic development industry is in good hands with these rising leaders,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “The communities they represent—from Tuxpan, Mexico to Covington, Kentucky to Québec, Canada—are fortunate to have the smart, innovative ideas of this year’s winners.”

DCI and Jorgenson officially announced the winners last night at a virtual awards reception held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit.

For more information on the 40 Under 40 awards program and this year’s winners, visit econdev40under40.com.