new mexico state fair reflects rich history

Having grown up in New Mexico, Patrick Killen has been attending its annual state fair for as long as he can remember.

As a teen, he reveled in the New Mexico State Fair’s snacks and rides. But the event has special meaning for him now, as an adult. That’s because this year, the fair marked the culmination of a three-year partnership with Chevron, where Killen works.

“This is more than a fun time for all, it really plays an important role in bringing the community together,” said Killen, a senior state government affairs representative.

Chevron has been operating in New Mexico since the 1920s. The company holds one of the largest net oil and natural gas acreage positions in the Permian Basin. This area includes Eddy and Lea counties in southeast New Mexico.

As part of Permian Basin communities for nearly 100 years, Chevron understands the importance of protecting the region’s resources. Recently, Chevron has made notable progress in using recycled water, minimizing flaring and supporting renewable energy.

The company’s involvement in the fair helped showcase Chevron’s lengthy relationship with the community, Killen said.

“Chevron has been here for nearly a century. We look forward to operating in New Mexico for many years to come,” he said. “Our partnership at the fair represents both Chevron’s long-term commitment to the state and a celebration of New Mexico’s culture and heritage.”

Chevron signed on as a presenting sponsor of the New Mexico State Fair in 2022. At this year’s event, the company showcased its activities and efforts to grow its lower carbon business in the state.

This year’s fair was unique in that Chevron was also the sponsor of the fair’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event.

“As the 2024 New Mexico State Fair came to a close, the partnership with Chevron was celebrated as a success,” Killen said. “The fair not only provided entertainment and cultural enrichment. It also served as a platform for important conversations with the community about sustainability and innovation.”