AAA opens its first Rio Rancho branch

RIO RANCHO — The American Automobile Association, better known as AAA, opened its first Rio Rancho branch on April 6.

AAA Vice President and General Manager Galen Grillo and Regional Manager Kaajal Barbaria welcomed dozens of friends, family and community leaders to celebrate the opening of the new branch inside of Walmart at Southern and Unser boulevards with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

AAA has been working to foster a safe environment for drivers since 1902 and has been serving New Mexico since 1947.

“We appreciate that you have been in New Mexico for so long; now you're in Rio Rancho,” Mayor Gregg Hull said. “We celebrate businesses in Rio Rancho. We celebrate the investment that you make in our community. We celebrate the impact of each and every one. So, on behalf of myself, city council, to you and your team, I want to say welcome to Rio Rancho, and thank you for your investment in our community.”

AAA has worked to be a good neighbor and make travel safer. AAA's efforts included publishing the first driver's education manual, creating the School Safety Patrol Program, as well as advocating for legislation to help pave roads, erecting street signs, creating speed limits, mandating seatbelts and helping stop impaired driving through research, education and legislation. AAA continues its commitment to traffic safety efforts designed to make the road safer for everyone.

AAA provides service to more than 53 million members at more than 1,100 offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.

AAA

Membership benefits include assistance for stranded motorists, discounts on car rentals, vacation packages, cellular service and more. Depending on the level of coverage chosen, annual AAA memberships can range from about $38-$164 for one driver.

“We're really excited that you guys have decided to make your investment here in Rio Rancho and Sandoval County,” Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jerry Schalow said. “It's really great to see further expansion. We have so many things happening in this county. We have a little over 110,000 residents, and a good amount of them, I’m willing to bet you, already have AAA like I do. So thank you; you guys have bailed us out a lot. So we really appreciate you guys investing here, serving the community and we look forward to great things.”

AAA has seen its membership base grow over the years and has extended the roadside assistance service coverage area beyond Albuquerque and Santa Fe to encompass the entire state. AAA also added other services including home, auto and life insurance as well as added a worldwide leisure travel agency available to help with domestic and international cruises and tours.

“I'm very excited to be here. It's been a pleasure meeting everyone and getting started,” Barbaria said. “This really is an amazing market, and I love the enchiladas and the Christmas enchiladas here.”