As Eclipse cuts jobs and revamps it operations, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez is following it every step of the way -- and staying positive.

"I am always in close conversation with Eclipse," Chavez said. "They're such an important employer for the city of Albuquerque."

The city worked hard to get Eclipse, offering them incentives to locate in Albuquerque. The move ended up creating hundreds of jobs.

Employees who called the KOAT newsroom said there were no guarantees they would get their jobs back.

Chavez said he's confident new management will help turn Eclipse around. In fact, he said everything should be back up and running by the end of the year.

"In the end, if everything goes right, it will lead to even more jobs in Albuquerque," Chavez said. "We'll see how it works out."

In a statement released Friday, Chavez stated, "This is quite serious news from Eclipse that 600 jobs will be lost. The city of Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico intend to work together to try and place those impacted by those decisions. It is our hope that in the near future, Eclipse becomes a community leader once again in Albuquerque."

Gov. Bill Richardson said Friday that while he's concerned about the company's future, he doesn't feel it's hopeless. Richardson has long had an eye for the very light jet maker.

No stranger to looking for the shine and not the tarnish, Richardson said he's been on the phone with members of Congress and leaders of Eclipse itself.

"I've been assured by the president of Eclipse that these jobs will eventually come back," Richardson said.

It's a blow, no matter if or when the jobs return.

"But I am concerned about the viability, in the future, of Eclipse," Richardson said.

In many ways, Eclipse represented part of the governor's vision.

"We've been trying in New Mexico to develop solar energy, renewable energy, aviation technology, high-tech," Richardson said.

Now hundreds of jobs are left in the wake of that effort. Both the state of New Mexico and the city of Albuquerque spent a lot of time and a lot of money trying to get Eclipse to settle here.

New Mexico invested $19 million in the company.

Just last month, the state awarded $1.2 million to Eclipse for job training -- allegedly for 225 new jobs.

Still, the governor hasn't given up.

"I think it's going to be strong," Richardson said. "I will try to help them seek additional funding and investors, but I like their long-term game plan and their short-term game plan," Richardson said.

Part one of that plan for the state will be helping former Eclipse workers find a new job. Richardson said state workers will be standing by to help Eclipse employees who are laid off.