About

A Place With a Plan

Together We’re Building a Stronger Cibola County

The Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation partners with businesses, communities, and regional leaders to create opportunities, strengthen our economy, and build a prosperous future.

Strategic Pillars

Pillar 1: Marketing & Regional Positioning

Objective: Position Cibola County as a competitive investment and destination market.

Key Actions:

  • Define and deploy a clear regional value proposition 
  • Strengthen tourism branding and visibility 
  • Align marketing with Route 66 and regional assets

Pillar 2: Infrastructure & Site Readiness

Objective: Ensure competitiveness for business recruitment and expansion.

Key Actions:

  • Identify and prioritize development-ready sites
  • Align capital improvement planning with growth strategy
  • Improve broadband, utilities, and transportation infrastructure

Pillar 3: Business Attraction & Industry Development

Objective: Recruit and expand industries aligned with regional strengths in the following sectors: Energy, Logistics & Distribution, Targeted Manufacturing and Tourism & Outdoor Recreation.

Key Actions:

  • Develop industry-specific recruitment materials
  • Build relationships with site selectors and investors
  • Advance shovel-ready site inventory

Pillar 4: Workforce & Housing

Objective: Align workforce development and housing delivery to support business recruitment, workforce retention, and long-term economic growth.

Key Actions:

  • Build targeted workforce pipelines in skilled trades, energy, and construction, aligned with current and projected industry demand
  • Partner with schools, training providers, and employers to create direct pathways from training to employment
  • Align public, private, and institutional partners around shared priorities, timelines, and decision points
  • Deliver housing projects that are scalable, repeatable, and aligned with long-term economic growth

Pillar 5: Supportive & Collaborative Efforts

Objective: Strengthen the local business ecosystem and activate underutilized assets.

Key Actions:

  • Provide technical assistance and business support
  • Redevelop vacant and underutilized commercial properties
  • Strengthen Main Street and local economic ecosystems Staff

Board of Directors

Cooper Jones

Cooper Jones
President

Dr. Marlene Chavez-Toivanen

Dr. Marlene Chavez-Toivanen
Vice President

Seth Puls

Seth Puls
Treasurer

Heather Porter

Heather Porter
Secretary

Francie Lee

Francie Lee
Board Member

Rachel Gabaldon

Rachel Gabaldon
Board Member

Denise Hanson

Denise Hanson
Director