Job Creation Tour Visits Albuquerque
New Mexico Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary-designate Jon Barela will continue an eight-town Job Creation Tour next Thursday, July 28, in Albuquerque.
The forum is from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Mid-Region Council of Governments main board room, 809 Copper NW.
Barela will join with economic development representatives from the metro area to discuss initiatives to create jobs for New Mexicans and to identify ways to provide employment and growth opportunities for small businesses.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Following a panel presentation, Barela will moderate a portion of the meeting for public comments and input.
Information and feedback culled from the Job Creation Tour will be taken into consideration for a job creation bill for the 2012 legislative session.
Cruces Presses Water Firm Bid
LAS CRUCES — The city of Las Cruces is upping the ante in its attempt to take over the privately owned Moongate Water Co. on the East Mesa.
Officials have said they’re seeking to acquire Moongate to ensure an underground water basin, called the Jornada, remains intact for the city’s future water needs.
An appraiser hired by the city recently valued the utility at about $3.8 million, according to the appraisal report. That includes both water rights and physical infrastructure.
The company, however, said it takes issue with the appraisal and questioned its legitimacy.
The city effort began nearly a year ago, when the Las Cruces City Council authorized its staff to use eminent domain to acquire the 4,500-customer utility.
FDA Moves Toward Medical App Rules
WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration is taking the first steps toward regulating the rapidly expanding field of medical applications, or apps, for smartphones and other handheld devices.
With the rise of the iPhone, Android and other mobile devices has come a flood of applications designed to help people stay healthy. Industry analysts estimate there are already more than 17,000 medical applications available, ranging from calorie counters to programs that let doctors view medical scans on their phones.
The FDA says it will begin regulating a handful of these programs that pose the greatest risk if they don’t work appropriately.
In a draft proposal, the agency says it will regulate applications that combine with medical devices already regulated by the agency, such as heart monitors that transmit to a smartphone.
Nissan Bumps Up Electric Car Price
DETROIT — Nissan Motor Co. is raising the price of the Leaf electric car.
The base price of the 2012 model-year Leaf, on sale this fall, will be $35,200, up nearly $2,500 from the 2011 model year. Drivers can also lease the Leaf for $369 per month, up $19.
