WEEK IN REVIEW

It has been a busy week in Las Cruces with a variety of events taking place. Perhaps the most anticipated was the "Groundbreaking Celebration" yesterday held at NMSU.

Approximately 1000-1500 persons attended the event where they were treated to the largest hot air balloon I've ever seen in the shape of the Space Shuttle. Those who attended the event stated that they could see the balloon from the freeway.

Many vendors and space industry representatives were present with booths and exhibits including NASA and the NM Department of Tourism "yellow bus."

Governor Richardson was the featured speaker and thanked the residents of Las Cruces and Dona Ana County for supporting the Spaceport America initiative by voting for the Spaceport Authority Tax in 2007. He said that the future will be changed in regards to future space travel. Other speakers included representatives from NMSU and the City of Las Cruces.

At noon the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce held their "Quarterly Luncheon" which was about "Spaceport America." Mr.Stephen Attenbourogh with Virgin Galactic presented the program and how the "new future of space travel will change the way we view space and commercial flight."

Grounding breaking events continue this morning as officials from state and local government attend the "official groundbreaking" at the site and in Truth or Consequences with more public events.

On Tuesday, the Rio Grand Rotary Club along with the Chamber hosted the annual "Association of Commerce and Industry" (ACI) legislative luncheon. ACI is concerned the "State Chamber of Commerce." Ratings of the state's legislators is presented and legislators are given the opportunity to answer questions regarding their voting records at the last legislative session. Legislators present were State Representatives: Andy Nunez, Joni Gutirrez, and Jeff Steinborn.