This year, we proudly celebrate 100 years of active commercial oil and gas production in southeast New Mexico.
The year was 1924 when the first commercial well on state lands produced oil which, in turn, produced a royalty check to the State of New Mexico. That check, less than $200, marked the beginning of what would become a significant change to our state’s economy.
Could the wildcatters have imagined the impact their work would have on New Mexico? Maybe. They were folks driven by big vision.
The oil and the dollars that have flowed from Eddy County over the last 100 years have grown our communities, created jobs, supported families, built businesses, and provided a quality of life that some other parts of New Mexico have not experienced. Overall, we as a county have thrived. Beyond our region, the entire state has been the recipient of that wealth. Not only does the industry provide 35% or more of our state’s budget, but the Permanent Fund provides teachers to all of our students across the state. More remarkable are the countless, generous donations from oil and gas producers, service providers, and refiners that have built quality of life into our communities.
Beyond all the money is the incredible independent spirit that started right here. At one time not so long ago, the three largest independent producers in the state were from and lived in Artesia. In more recent years, innovation, technology, economics, and geography have moved the production to the southern side of the county with larger companies in the driver’s seat.
All the companies, production, and innovation have been so valuable locally, statewide, and nationwide. We celebrate them now and are grateful for them every day.
Article written by Hayley Klein & Chad Ingram and originally published in Focus Regional 2024 Oil & Gas edition.
Artesia Chamber
107 N. 1st St. | Artesia, NM
(575) 746-2744
ArtesiaChamber.com
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Carlsbad Chamber
302 S. Canal | Carlsbad, NM
(575) 887-6516
CarlsbadChamber.com
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Hayley Klein
Hayley Klein is the Executive Director of Artesia Chamber of Commerce, where she has served since 2006. She works on community and economic development projects, advocates for civic engagement, and supports efforts to create a better business climate and quality of life for Artesia. Before her work at the Chamber, she was the manager of Artesia MainStreet.
Chad Ingram
Chad Ingram has been the Chief Executive Officer for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce since November 2020. He has served in various leadership positions in Carlsbad and is committed to making a positive impact in the community.
