2009 Recipients

At Peacock Myers, P.C., ethical standards flow from the top at this intellectual property law firm. Deborah Peacock and Jeff Myers are the founding partners and it is their mission to ensure that ethical behavior permeates throughout their organization. Every employee understands that they are expected to uphold the integrity of the firm and conduct themselves above industry standards – that means refusing clients when questionable legal or ethical concerns arise.

Peacock Myers offers their employees an exceptional benefits package. The package includes a short and long term disability plan, life and health insurance, long-term care insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching and profit sharing benefits, and a continuing education reimbursement program. Employees are also allowed to accrue leave days indefinitely and receive payment for those unused days when they leave. Peacock Myers was recognized by the New Mexico State Bar with the Quality of Life Employer Award in 2008.

In a unique approach to philanthropy, the Peacock Myers firm offers employees varying ways to contribute to the community. For instance, the firm gives an
employee $1000 when he or she volunteers 100+ hours in a year for a non-profit organization and/or serves on a non-profit board of directors; many employees donate the funds to the non-profits that are also benefiting from their time and expertise. Employees can serve on up to five boards and receive a $1000 incentive for each.

For-Profit Business
Redford Associates

Redford Associates is a two-person architectural firm – Jim, the architect, and his wife, Shelly (Sam), the overseer of all project specifications and finances. After first meeting in Dallas, they started their business and in 1989 decided to move to New Mexico, choosing Silver City as their home. It was a challenging time – business was slow at first – until they secured a contract with Western New Mexico University to renovate Harlan Hall. Eighteen years later they are still working with the University, updating buildings around campus.

The Redfords are committed to the meaningful donation of in-kind services to benefit the community. They have volunteered countless hours of design, service and planning for many local community projects, including a new firehouse for the volunteer fire department. The Redfords also rebuilt an historic building that burned in the ghost town of Shakespeare, NM.

Redford Associates are not without ethical challenges. From turning down a lucrative contract or ceasing work with an organization exhibiting unethical
behavior, the Redfords consistently maintain a high standard of ethics. As a trusted architectural firm, they have a reputation of professional integrity in their day-to-day business practice and remain steadfast in their standard that everyone, especially those in need or at risk, benefit from their firm’s actions.

Clearly, the Redfords have been an invaluable asset to Silver City and the surrounding communities for over 20 years.

For-Profit Business
Yearout Mechanical, Inc.

Yearout Mechanical is the largest family-owned and operated mechanical contractor in the state of New Mexico. Yearout has grown substantially over the years. They pride themselves on their outstanding relationships with employees, clients, competitors, suppliers, the community, the environment and other stakeholders with which it conducts business with on a regular basis.

Employees at Yearout not only receive a full-coverage health care plan, but also have the option of participating in an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) and a 401(k)retirement plan. There are other incentives, including rewards for safe work practices and company-sponsored trips and events. Employees are given Friday afternoons off to allow time for errands, medical appointments and other personal matters. This leaves weekends open for family time. Yearout also offers monthly “Life Learning Programs” for employees and spouses to promote personal life improvements such as managing personal finances to teaching their children how to ride a bike! These classes are voluntary and free of charge.

Yearout has experienced numerous ethical challenges in its 45 years. One such example occurred as they were working on a job for a government agency. As they were beginning to install the mechanical systems in the ceiling and walls of the building, a mistake was discovered that had been made by the builder. Rather than sue the builder, prolong the job and have an extended legal battle, Yearout incurred significant costs to change the structure and “make it right.”

Mark Henderson of JB Henderson Construction, states, “It is Yearout’s high standards of business ethics that give it the advantage over its competitors and they are an invaluable asset to the entire state of New Mexico.”

Not-For-Profit Organization
Enlace Comunitario

Enlace Comunitario has been faithfully serving the Albuquerque community and surrounding areas since 2000. The mission of Enlace is to eliminate domestic violence in the Latino community and to advance immigrants’ rights. They are a community-based organization that provides direct services to Spanish-speaking victims of domestic violence and advocates for the rights of Latino immigrants and their children. Their holistic approach includes counseling, legal services, community education, leadership development and organizing to impact system change. They also provide resources to support clients with housing, adult education classes, job opportunities, healthcare and financial assistance.

Enlace was founded by Claudia Medina. She has grown the organization from a small group of three dedicated individuals to more than 18 professionals (and many more volunteers) including community organizers, mental health professionals, case managers, attorneys and administrators. All employees are bilingual.

Enlace has a set of guiding principles that are the foundation of Enlace’s culture. They include justice, political awareness, dignity, respect and integrity. These principles are incorporated into every decision and every meeting at the organization.

In 2008, Enlace was awarded the Fighting for Justice Award which is bestowed by the Mexican American Law Student Association at UNM.

Enlace is quietly impacting the Spanish-speaking community by doing whatever it takes to eliminate domestic violence.

PNM Award for Individual Excellence in Ethical Business Practice, in honor of John Ackerman
Edward Lujan

Edward Lujan is a native New Mexican, born and raised in Santa Fe. His commitment to preserving his culture, his love for education and his passion for public service are all things that came from his parents. Lujan says, “My father always said that if the good Lord gave you any talent at all, you should give it back in whatever form you could.” Giving back – that is one of Edward’s core values and one he continues to instill in his family, friends and employees.

Early in his career, Edward was a school teacher in Stanley and Santa Fe. That all changed in 1960 when he began working in the family’s insurance business, the Manuel Lujan Agency. He became president in 1968. Although he recently retired from the Agency, he is still a much beloved presence at the business.

The words humble, generous and caring would best describe Edward Lujan. He does not strive for recognition or publicity. He has been instrumental in the development of the New Mexico State Lottery Scholarship, the National Dance Institute of New Mexico and the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC). About the NHCC Lujan states, “We wanted to preserve the culture. Our youngsters were beginning to lose the language – once you lose that, you begin to lose the customs and the culture.”

Edward Lujan is a true New Mexico treasure.