New Mexico's unemployment rate, which was 8.2 percent in June, will likely be as high as
6.3 percent as late as 2015, according to Gerry Bradley, the research director of New Mexico Voices for Children.

Only two other states (out of 50 states and the District of Columbia) had an employment picture worse than New Mexico's in June, the most recent month for which employment numbers are available, he said.

"It used to be that New Mexico was not as deeply affected as the rest of the nation during a recession," Bradley said in a news release from New Mexico Voices for Children, which is based in Albuquerque. Not in this case, Bradley said.

"New Mexico's economy will not recover until the national economy is on the mend," Bradley said.


Kathy McGee, president of Santa Fe Professional Business Women, has announced plans for the 2010 Business Women's Week observance held in October.

SFPBW is seeking nominations for Santa Fe Business Woman of the Year, something the organization has done since 1989. The selection is based on an individual's career achievements; efforts on behalf of issues such as pay equity and equal rights; assistance to others in the advancement of their own careers and more.

PBW membership is not required. Sept. 24 is the deadline to submit nominations. In Santa Fe, SFPBW will observe Business Women's Week and name the Santa Fe Business Woman of the Year at a banquet scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Santa Fe Country Club.

For more information, contact Pat Murray at patricia.murray@ironstone.com or call 992-6705.


Smith's Food & Drug Stores pharmacies are offering flu immunizations.

Flu vaccines are available from Smith's certified immunizing pharmacists for $25 per vaccine in the 25 Smith's stores throughout New Mexico.

This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu shot for everyone over the age of 6 months. The 2010-2011 vaccine offers protection against three strains of flu, including H1N1.

For additional questions on seasonal flu vaccines or Smith's $4 generic drug program, visit your local Smith's pharmacy or visit www.smithsfoodanddrug.com.


Barraclough & Associates, P.C., certified public accountants and consultants, have added accountant Patrick Cannady to its Santa Fe office. He graduated from New Mexico State University May.


J. Brent Moore has joined Montgomery & Andrews law firm in the company's Santa Fe office. Brett J. Olsen has joined the firm in the Albuquerque office.