Las Cruces, NM, November 10, 2015: Vista Photonics, Inc. was recognized at the New Mexico Private 100 list based on 2014 revenues.  Now in its 20th year, the NM Private 100 recognizes New Mexico's top-earning, privately owned, New Mexico-based companies. According to the Albuquerque Journal, this year's New Mexico honorees are a diverse group, representing health care, retail, technology, energy and aerospace, but anchored by the construction and real estate industries, which collected 28 of the top 100 spots.

The Journal reported that NM Private 100 combined revenues for 2014 totaled $4.2 billion, representing an increase in $.3 billion over last year's figures, and a reversal of trending revenue declines since the list was reintroduced in 2012. The companies collectively employ 9,105 individuals in the state of New Mexico.

Despite economic challenges, New Mexico's private sector has many success stories, and companies on the list represent the building blocks of the state's recovery.  Steven Keene, a managing partner for Moss Adams LLP, told the Journal, "We continue to see the Private 100 companies being a backbone for job growth and slowly helping New Mexico's economy turn around."

Vista Photonics was selected as one of ten companies profiled for the event.  "This was our fourth year on the list, which makes us proud of the company's achievements.  It was an honor to be chosen as one of the profiled companies," said Dr. Jeffrey S. Pilgrim, Vista Photonics' President and Founder.  Representing Vista Photonics at the luncheon on October 19th were Chief Administrative Officer/Co-owner, Melissa Pilgrim, and Senior Research Engineer, Miguel Casias.

Vista Photonics was established in 2003 by Dr. Jeffrey S. Pilgrim for the purpose of research and development of laser based trace gas sensors.  Vista Photonics has developed world-class laser sensing techniques and incorporates them into commercial instrumentation for high-performance optical detection technologies. The company develops technologies in markets where it can offer a clear competitive advantage and through its strategic partnerships with established instrumentation manufacturers. The research staff has extensive experience in the development of optical trace gas detection instrumentation.  The Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) program has provided numerous opportunities for Vista Photonics to partner with government agencies to grow its research and manufacturing business. In addition to NASA, customers include the Department of Energy, USDA, and the Department of Defense (Navy).

Vista Photonics has received numerous awards recognizing its successful growth as a premier developer of trace gas detection monitors (New Mexico Flying 40, New Mexico Private 100, the University of Georgia Bulldog 100).  In 2010, the company was recognized by Century Bank and the Chamber of Commerce as the Business Excellence Award winner for companies with 6 to 20 employees.