This week's issue: Net Zero

Westway Homes announced its new Eco Series home line in early September, which looks to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its residents.?

The company, founded in 2018, got the idea at a presentation in Denver two years ago from Colorado-based Thrive Home Builders, a custom homebuilder. The presentation focused on net-zero, self-sustaining homes.

“For a year and a half, we … worked on how we could bring elements of that custom model to production homebuilding,” JP Rael, vice president of operations and sales at Westway Homes, said in an interview with Albuquerque Business First.

Learn more about who is taking advantage of the net-zero home trend, versus those who think its time may not yet have come in this cover piece by our New Mexico News Fund Fellow Brody Foster . | READ MORE

SIGN UP for Albuquerque Business First's emails to get the latest news from across the state in your inbox, twice a day. Already signed up and enjoying what you see? Consider subscribing for less than $4 a week .

Here's what you'll need to know as you head into the weekend:

• After ranking No. 2 on Albuquerque Business First’s list of top producing breweries in the state, Marble Brewery announced Nov. 6 on its social media that it has entered into a purchase agreement with a local buyer. Officials said it expects its purchase will be finalized by the end of 2024. ?Commercial Real Estate Reporter Cooper Metts brings you the story. | READ MORE
• Virgin Galactic (NYSE: SPCE) announced during its third-quarter earnings call Nov. 7 that workers from New Mexico will participate in spaceship assembly at its Phoenix facility. CEO Michael Colglazier led the part of the call focused on progress, challenges and solutions, and the company’s business model and strategy.? According to Colglazier, the company will ramp up hiring in the Phoenix and Mesa areas in Q4, in advance of spaceship assembly work in early 2025 with emphasis on airframe and powerplant mechanics, manufacturing engineers, quality inspectors and other key personnel to assist “teammates who have relocated to Phoenix,” according to Colglazier.?Inno Reporter Molly C. gives you the details. | READ MORE
• As part of Albuquerque Business First's annual Meeting Spaces and Convention Facilities List, ABF asked companies how the industry is evolving. Data Reporter Jayme Sileo finds out what some participants on The List had to say. | READ MORE
• The?Santa Fe City Council named Randy Randall?as its temporary city manager, effective Tuesday, Nov. 5. Favored by a 7-1 vote, the appointment follows the departure of former City Manager John Blair on Nov. 1, who announced his resignation to take an undisclosed position in Washington, D.C.?Our newest team member, Santa Fe/Las Cruces Reporter Leah March fills you in. | READ MORE

Coming up from Albuquerque Business First

Events:

• Dec. 5: Business of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

Lists :

• Nov. 15: Banks and SBA Lenders
• Dec. 6: Oil & Gas Producers
• Dec. 13: New Mexico Restaurants

Note: If you would like your business to be considered for any upcoming Lists, please email your contact information to Jayme Sileo at [email protected] .

Nominations :

• New Mexico Inno - Startups to Watch 2025 (deadline Nov. 22, 2024)
• 2025 Women of Influence Awards (deadline Dec. 13, 2024)
• 2025 Jennifer Riordan Woman of Influence Community Impact Award (deadline Dec. 13, 2024)

Our newsletter is curated by Albuquerque Business First's Managing Editor Wende Schwingendorf BA, MFA . If you have tips you'd like our reporters to check out, please reach out to her at [email protected] .