Campbell Corporation Wins Unanimous Approval to Develop Business Center Near Belen, New Mexico.

Business Editors

Career-oriented Jobs Expected To Significantly Enhance Economic

Development in the County and the State

Robert Gately, president and CEO of Campbell Corporation, has announced that the company has received master plan approval for the development of Campbell Business Center next to the town of Belen, New Mexico, in Valencia County. County commissioners unanimously approved the plan on Tuesday, July 2. The plan received unanimous approval by the Valencia County Planning and Zoning Department last week.

"What's special about this business center is that it will include not only a light industrial technology center, but also a village center and recreation fields that can be used by the entire community," said Gately. "We believe the business center will attract the type of companies that will provide quality job opportunities, improving the economic base of Belen, Valencia County and the state."

The approved Campbell Business Center master plan encompasses over 1,700 acres of land, of which 1,051 acres will be used as light industrial space. The planned development will also include a 51-acre village center with retail and commercial space, plus 246 acres of recreational fields for soccer, baseball, and golf. The future phases of the plan will include residential space.

The Belen area is primarily a bedroom community with a large number of residents that commute to jobs in Albuquerque, an hour's drive to the north. Companies and retail businesses at The Campbell Business Center will provide area residents with the opportunity to work closer to their homes. A key feature of the master plan, which was designed and prepared by Prospectiva, an El Paso-based consulting firm, will include miles of walking and bicycle paths interconnected with the road system, allowing workers and residents easy access to jobs, homes, recreational facilities, shops, and businesses.

In addition to the Campbell Business Center, Campbell Corporation is currently developing land holdings along the Turquoise Trail, a scenic byway in the East Mountains between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The Turquoise Trail developments include vacation home and resort-oriented residential properties.

Formerly known as Campbell Farming Corporation, one of America's most prominent, innovative, and historically significant agriculture-based companies, Campbell Corporation recently announced a new mission, direction and trademark, shifting from an agriculturally-focused company to one specializing in an array of land-based services including energy resource management, sales, and ranching, in addition to land development. Changing the name will not change Campbell's 80 year commitment to innovation and preservation of the natural environment.

General Thomas Campbell (1882-1966) founded the company in 1922 after buying out original partner J.P. Morgan. Hailed by Time magazine as "the Henry Ford of agriculture," Gen. Campbell is regarded as the father of mechanized farming. Taking over the family farm at age 17 after the death of his father, Gen. Campbell went on to become the largest wheat farmer in the world, an advisor to presidents, and the architect of America's wartime agricultural production programs during both World War I and II.

Campbell Corporation remains family owned and operated and based in New Mexico. The Campbell Corporation Web site can be accessed at www.campbellcorporation.com.