New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez recently signed House Bill 14 at the War Eagles Air Museum in Santa Teresa.
"House Bill 14 as amended is now law."
The bill allows aircraft manufacturers to deduct gross receipts tax, saving them about 7 percent of their costs.
"We want people to know how much we want you here…we are open for business."
New Mexico's economic development secretary, Jon Barela, was with business leaders.
"I was born and raised in this area…to see the border area develop…is very very exciting."
Director of aircraft company, Santa Fe Aero Services, Ronald Tarrson, sat here inside the museum aircraft hang. He looked up at the governor mention his business by name.
"I had tears in my eyes because we have worked very hard to make this happen."
He says 1996 was the first time he tried to get legislation passed for his company that has branches in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
"It's been a struggle ever since because airplanes…we just made it our mission to equalize the playing field."
Twenty years later, looks like Tarrson has his wish as his company plans expansion into Santa Teresa.
"The difference is the taxes…now without that tax we're on an even playing field with Colorado and Arizona."
Santa Fe Aero Services wasn't the only business making a commitment here. Five others were represented here on stage by their CEOs.
Jerry Pacheco of the Border Industrial Association stressed not just that 6 new businesses are moving here, but that the businesses aren't just in one field.
"We have logistics companies, metal companies…set up and achieve success."
In all, the 6 businesses plan to bring about 150 news jobs.
Here is a breakdown:
ERO Resources - 50 Jobs over 3 years
Transmaritime - 15 Jobs
Kalisch Iron & Metal - 20 Jobs
Stagecoach Cartage - 9 Jobs
Oak Tree Inn - 34 Jobs
Santa Fe Aero Services - 20 Jobs
New Mexico has been slow to recover from the recession, but economic secretary Barela believes this is one sign the state is finally taxiing toward the runway of bigger and better things.
"I believe that southern Dona Ana County…explosive job growth in the next few years."