WESST Press Releases

WESST Client Wins 2010 TeenNick Halo Award

Lauren Huichan began heading down a path of self destruction when she was removed from an abusive household at the age of 12 and put into foster care. Living mostly in group homes without any real support, she started getting into fights, abusing drugs, and got kicked out of high school at the age of 15. Eventually, she ended up in treatment. That’s when she started to realize that she could either continue down a path of drugs and despair or do something worthwhile with her life.

WESST Announces New Board Members

WESST is pleased to announce four new members to its Board of Directors. They are: Dave Baland, Vice President of Investments, Merrill Lynch; Don Chalmers, Dealer Principal, Don Chalmers Ford; Deborah Peacock, President, Peacock Myers, P.C.; and David Vedera, President, Paceline Consulting Group.

A Bright Spot in the Albuquerque Economy

The WESST Enterprise Center, a small business incubator in Albuquerque, New Mexico, today announced the aggregate results of its 10 member companies for 2009. The companies produced the following results: Total revenue: $5,578,000, total payroll: $2,677,000, new jobs created: 55.

WESST Enterprise Center is Open for Business!

During the first and second week of December 2008, WESST staff prepared for and accomplished the big move from two office locations. The logistics seemed simple enough—relocating a few blocks away—but the preparatory work was daunting.

Recycle Runway Goes to Washington

Part of the celebration of the 2009 inauguration in Washington, DC will be the Green Inaugural Ball, an event whose focus is all about being green, from 100% organic catering to composting the floral arrangements afterward.

Irwin Union Bank presents check for first installment of a multi-year capital campaign pledge

At a recent meeting with Chez Steel of Irwin Union Bank, WESST received the first installment of a multi-year capital campaign pledge. Irwin Union Bank has decided to go with a contribution plan that allows for its donation to be spread out over a set time span.

Stocker Foundation awards grant to support WESST’s distance learning program in Doña Ana County

WESST is honored to be the recipient of a grant of $20,000 from The Stocker Foundation, an independent foundation that provides funding to organizations working in the following areas: short-term youth development; social service agencies offering solutions to specific problems, such as literacy, hunger, and homelessness; education; aid to the disabled; self-help programs; theater and the performing arts, and other cultural programs; women’s issues and the strengthening of families.

Bank of America Foundation supports WESST rural distance learning program

Having outlined a distance learning program for rural New Mexico to various foundations, WESST is pleased to announce continued commitment to the project by being awarded a grant of $20,000 from The Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

Update on the WESST Enterprise Center

With less than two months until occupancy, the Enterprise Center is shaping up beautifully. The exterior is finished with paving completed and landscaping taking place.

2008 PNM Entrepreneurial Leadership Award Winners

This year’s entrepreneurial award winners are all from outside of Albuquerque, a clear indication of the vibrancy of rural businesses in New Mexico.From Silver City to Santa Fe, these business owners have proven that a well designed and executed business plan can succeed outside of major metropolitan areas.