Governor Paul J. Fannin & Governor Álvaro Obregón Tapia

Photo courtesy: Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, History and Archives Division, Phoenix, #97-8200 The Powerful Voice AMC SuCCeSS for for MuTual ProsPeriTy ArizonA SAyS VoluMeS

Sixty percent of all winter produce consumed in the Some of the world’s most constructive ideas are surprisingly simple. When nations U.S. and Canada passes through Nogales, Sonora and states focus on their common ideals instead of their differences, they achieve and is processed in Nogales, Arizona. The balance more for their mutual good. When individuals and organizations of all sizes of trade favors Arizona. When Mexican nationals exchange knowledge toward mutual benefit, they develop greater prosperity. cross into Arizona from Sonora, they traditionally come to shop, conduct business, get health services For half a century, these powerful principles have guided the Arizona-Mexico and visit family and friends. Mexico visitor Commission (AMC) as it tackles complex, far-reaching issues and devises spending generates in excess of $2.69 billion yearly solid, real world solutions. In fact, the doors of AMC are open to any topic that in sales in Arizona. Arizona has become Mexico’s has relevance to Arizona and Mexico. AMC is a unique nonprofit, multi-partisan, fourth largest trading partner. two-nation forum structured so that a breadth and depth of viewpoints can be heard and reasonable solutions can be attained.

There are a number of reasons why this recognized leader is the longest running, most effective cross-border organization of its kind. They are the same reasons why nations all over the world are examining this model for successful international cooperation and economic expansion.

Arizona and Sonora, Mexico have long enjoyed a common heritage along an active trade corridor with the Sonoran Desert at its heart. The founders of AMC recognized the importance of keeping the natural flow of trade in motion on this historic avenue of culture and commerce. Over time, the organization’s visionary leaders have developed an enduring model for solving tough cross- border issues and for bringing the region together for international cooperation.

Simply put, AMC has achieved what no other government or private organization alone has done to advance prosperity in Arizona, Sonora and all of Mexico.

Governors Manlio Fabio Beltrones & Fife Symington 1 Photo courtesy: Jose L. Muñoz Visionary leadershiP

HISTORIC MILESTONE for a TiMeless Mission AMC linkS ArizonA to internAtionAl AMC was born from a visionary spark in the ‘Cold War’ climate of 1959. CoMMerCe Suspicion was closing trade between nations. During a first-of-its-kind university-sponsored conference aimed at expanding Arizona and Sonora AMC was instrumental in the development cultural and trade relations, Arizona Governor Paul J. Fannin envisioned a of the Canamex Corridor. This transportation great possibility for collaboration that could lead to mutual prosperity. corridor that stretches from the Mexican border at Nogales, Arizona to the Canadian border Fannin invited the receptive and equally inspired Sonora Governor Álvaro in Montana received its federal designation Obregón Tapia to join him in the creation of a permanent forum for in 1996. It is the cornerstone for seamless and cooperation. The Arizona-Mexico West Coast Trade Commission and its efficient transportation of goods, services, people Mexican counterpart, Comité de Promoción Económica y Social Sonora- and information between Canada, Mexico and Arizona, came to be. the . In 1971, under the leadership of Arizona Governor Jack Williams, the organization was renamed Arizona-Mexico Commission and became a nonprofit corporation for education, scientific and charitable purposes. Its function: to cooperate, facilitate, act as a “clearing house,” be a forum for binational communication and collaborate with other like-minded action-program groups. This change greatly expanded the organization’s base of support.

Left to right: Senator & Governors Paul J. Fannin & John R. “Jack” Williams

Photo courtesy: Arizona Historical Foundation/Personal and Political Papers of Senator Barry M. Goldwater

2 Visionary leadershiP for a TiMeless Mission HISTORIC MILESTONE AMC fACilitAteS Many decades of productive work began in 1974 at the first Plenary Session, BinAtionAl firSt a formal brainstorming and problem solving meeting, between AMC and reSponder trAining its sister organization, Comisión Sonora-Arizona (CSA). Plenary Sessions continue to this day. Emergency Communications and Response have been greatly affected by AMC. In 2006, AMC now, as then, strives to improve the economic well-being and quality of AMC worked with the U.S. Department of life for Arizona residents by maintaining a strong cooperative relationship with Homeland Security in collaboration with the Mexico and all of Latin America. These relationships are built on a foundation U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), of advocacy, trade, networking and information-sharing. the International Association of Fire Fighters and others to train binational first responders in the The organization champions the time-honored principle that cross-border border region on critical homeland security topics. collaboration is the route to mutual prosperity in a shared region. Today AMC employs its successful heritage as a guide for its future while it shares its vast accumulated knowledge and experience with the world.

Governors Armando López Nogales & Jane D. Hull with Congressman Jim Kolbe 3

Photo courtesy: Jose L. Muñoz BASeline indiCAtorS only aMc Turns illuMinAte eConoMiC progreSS “whaT we share” inTo “how we ThriVe”

The original concept of transborder cluster development in the Arizona-Sonora region was There is no other public-private entity with the capacity to develop collaborative proposed in the Strategic Economic Development solutions for the combined region of Sonora and Arizona. Vision that was formally advanced at the 1993 AMC Plenary Session in Phoenix, Arizona. The success of AMC with CSA can be attributed to their focus on commonality This groundbreaking approach of viewing and mutualism. The time-tested process, embodied in the very structure of Arizona and Sonora, two states from two the organizations, focuses on bridging disparities that exist within this unique nations, as a single economic region, led directly place in the world. to the creation of an ongoing special project. By providing a forum for sustained and civil conversation, relevant and critical Since 1993, AMC has partnered with Arizona’s issues get a thorough review from multiple perspectives. Nothing is pushed or and Sonora’s universities in a special project that rushed. In fact, implementation of ideas proposed through AMC committees tracks the region’s status as a global competitor. has led to local and national solutions that could not have been solved by any Arizona-Sonora Regional Economic Indicators other means. The solutions are pragmatic and real. They improve the safe flow Project has been systematically providing of goods, people and ideas through this vital border region, which in turn has valuable economic information on the region by a positive effect on the U.S. identifying trends, opportunities and challenges in our cross-border region. Downloadable To support an ever-upward cycle of growth, AMC focuses on economic reports are available at no cost. Search Arizona- development, quality of life and the dynamics of an international border. AMC Sonora Regional Economic Indicators Project for understands that regional vitality leads to higher living standards, a robust the most recent publication. economy, safe and healthy environments, and sufficient infrastructure to accommodate the people of the region.

4 Governors Rose P. Mofford & Rodolfo Félix Valdez only aMc Turns AMC eduCAtion eXCHAnge prepAreS leAderS for A “whaT we share” inTo “how we ThriVe” CroSS-Border World

In 1992, AMC initiated an exchange program AMC advocates for smart, sustainable economic growth through development to allow students in Arizona-Sonora a cross- of binational investment initiatives, creation of opportunities that stimulate the border, cross-cultural post-secondary education. border-region economy and expansion of trade between Arizona and Mexico. A tuition waiver program was approved AMC also champions special projects and research opportunities related to by the Arizona legislature and began being the region’s global competitiveness, devises strategies to connect cross- administered by Instituto de Educación en border private sector partnerships, and coordinates policy for secure, lawful Sonora-Arizona. Nearly 50 students registered international trade. to attend community colleges in Arizona that first year and the program continues to prosper To promote a healthy regional community, AMC focuses on innovation today. Since its inception, over 1700 students and technology in schools and universities, exchange of arts and cultural have participated. activities, development of programs for community health, establishment of communication protocols in the event of an urgent public health occurrence, protection of food sources through pest eradication and vaccination programs, and implementation of greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects.

AMC facilitates expansion and improvement of Arizona’s ports of entry, which attracts business to the region, encourages business retention and promotes tourism and travel. And importantly, AMC supports border security through enhanced communications and advanced uses of technology.

Governor Bruce Babbit 5 tHe region The aMc TiMe-TesTed CoMMuniCAteS tHrougH A SHAred Alert SySteM Model oPens aVenues of influence for all

The Emergency Management Committee continues to develop shared systems for cross- AMC’s unique structure brings together those who can affect change with border alerts and notifications. In 2007, those who stand to be affected by change in an arena of constructive dialogue. Arizona acquired a web-based alert and AMC gives business and community members political influence. In fact, any notification system which is now available to the stakeholder with an issue can gain the support of decision makers in the public State of Sonora and its communities. It is a boon and private sector. especially to emergency services providers. At its heart, AMC is a grassroots organization made up of individuals and groups across a wide spectrum. The region’s most important industry, non-profit and government institutions are represented, as are interested citizens without any affiliations at all. Owners of private businesses large and small, students and educators, homemakers and community planners, legislators and elected officials, public employees and non-government agencies are all participants in AMC’s broad, inclusive, public-private, multi-partisan membership.

The governors of Arizona and Sonora chair the Arizona-Mexico Commission and Comisión Sonora-Arizona respectively. This top-ranking access point means that ideas and proposals generated at any level enter a direct conduit to the appropriate local, state, and federal agencies and legislative bodies. The governors can—and do—bring important issues to the forefront.

Governors Eduardo Bours Castelo &

Photo courtesy: Mark Butler

6 The aMc TiMe-TesTed

Model oPens aVenues of influence for all HISTORIC MILESTONE

deepWAter port eXpAndS AMC members bring their collective high-level skills, knowledge and talents touriSM And trAde to the table as they uncover solutions for critical issues. The AMC work is accomplished through thirteen binational volunteer committees co-chaired by In 1959, early AMC accomplishments included government and private sector leaders: a survey of seaports that called attention to Guaymas as a port for future development. In Agribusiness Health Services Art & Culture Real Estate 2004, an AMC Transportation Committee Economic Development Sports study investigated and assessed the viability of Education Tourism the Port of Guaymas as a potential maritime Emergency Management Transportation, Infrastructure & Ports addition to the Canamex Corridor. In 2008, the Environment Water first cruise ships docked in the now deep water Financial, Business & Legal Services port of Guaymas bringing tourists from around the world to the region. At Plenary Sessions held twice each year, one in Arizona and one in Mexico, these binational committees present and discuss current committee action items, evaluate evolving circumstances that may affect the matters at hand and propose new initiatives. Committee action items are presented to the governors of Sonora and Arizona before the entire assembly of Plenary participants.

With successful collaboration for more than a half-century, AMC has become a recognized leader for the advancement of prosperity in Arizona and Mexico and for other border regions around the world.

Governors Eduardo Bours Castelo & Janet Napolitano

Photo courtesy: Mark Butler

AMC board members & Governor Jane D. Hull meet with President Vincente Fox in Mexico City 7 aMc sPeaks To The needs of The region, and The world lisTens

There is simply no other public-private entity with the capacity to advance mutual prosperity for Arizona, Sonora and all of Mexico. AMC is the driving force for positive change in all matters that affect this unified region.

That is why AMC remains the longest running, most effective cross-border organization of its kind. Studied by nations the world around, AMC is a model for citizen diplomacy.

Never before has the need for cross-border communication and collaboration been greater than today. Global interdependency is fact. The speed and reliability of communications intensify with advances in technology. The world now acknowledges that resources are finite and management of resources demands cooperation beyond borders. Border safety and security issues ripple far beyond international lines. When our two-state, two-nation region unifies, the effects are felt by people in the region and those far away.

Governors Eduardo Bours Castelo &

Photo courtesy: Mark Butler

8 aMc sPeaks To The needs

of The region, and The world lisTens HISTORIC MILESTONE

AMC AdVoCAteS In the last 50 years, AMC has been responsible for some of the most influential f o r WAt e r programs, projects and initiatives that have shaped the region and its future. Through AMC, ideas that shape processes and set standards for international Th e (CAP) was halted cooperation are given a voice, and the world is listening. by action of the Executive Department of the United States in 1973. Th is federal reclamation project to supplement water in Arizona had already been authorized. It had funding. It was partially completed. AMC petitioned and urged the President of the United States and the Department of the Interior to reconsider. Construction of the project resumed and was substantially completed in 1994. CAP now manages the single largest renewable water supply in Arizona, serving approximately 1.8 million people in the state.

Governors Eduardo Bours Castelo & Jan Brewer

Photo courtesy: Mark Butler

Govenors from Arizona & Sonora gather at AMC’s 40th Anniversary: Bottom row, left to right: Paul J. Fannin, Jane D. Hull, Armando López Nogales, Rodolfo Félix Valdez Top row, left to right: Carlos A. Biebrich, Fife Symington, Raul Castro, Samuel Ocaña Garcia, Manlio Fabio Beltrones

Photo courtesy: Jose L. Muñoz Office of the Governor 1700 West Washington Suite 180 Phoenix, AZ 85007 www.azmc.org