UNITED STATES-MEXICO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE kok CAMARA DE COMERCIO MÉXICO-ESTADOS UNIDOS 6800 Versar Center | Suite 450 | Springfield, VA 22151 Mail to: P.O. Box 14414 | Washington, D.C. 20044 Tel: 703-752-4751 | Fax: 703-642-1088 The Ambassador of Good Business www.usmcoc.org The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, incorporated in 1973 in the District of Columbia as a 501 (c)(6) non-profit corporation, is a chartered binational chamber promoting trade and investment between the two countries TABLE OF CONTENTS • USMCOC Background • Projects and Events • United States-Mexico Cultural and Educational Foundation • President’s Biography • Binational Board Members • Why Join the Chamber? • How to Join the Chamber? • Chapter Offices • USMCOC Membership Form 2 USMCOC BACKGROUND MISSION The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce serves as the leading binational business organization working to build mutually beneficial trade and investment relationships between Mexico and the United States. HISTORY In 1973, a group of distinguished Mexican and U.S. businessmen established the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) as a 501 (c) (6) non-profit business association chartered in Washington D.C. to promote trade, investment and joint ventures between their respective countries. Now beginning its fifth decade of successful service, the Chamber has grown into a unique bi-national entity operating through offices in the following locations: Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Miami, Houston, Salt Lake City, Detroit, Mexico City, Aguascalientes, Monterrey, León, Veracruz, Puebla, Guadalajara, Queretaro and Morelia. With strong local membership and international contacts, chapters and offices help businesses bridge differences in legal, regulatory and economic systems, as well as language and culture. To further promote bilateral relations, the Chamber established the U.S.-Mexico Cultural and Educational Foundation in 1996 as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. The Foundation infuses practical business knowledge into the academic realm by overseeing educational and cultural exchanges designed to develop business leaders of the future. BASIC SERVICES CURRENT INFORMATION The Chamber’s local chapter and bi-national offices together feature programs for members to gain important insights on social, economic and political developments affecting the U.S.-Mexico business community. Activities include trade missions, award dinners, conferences, receptions, business seminars and cultural events. DIRECT RESEARCH The Chamber’s bilingual staff assists individual members upon request with research focused on their particular market concerns. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Chamber programs offer substantive venues for buyers, sellers and other parties to meet and review cross-border business opportunities with private industry counterparts and key government officials from both countries. 3 PROJECTS AND EVENTS The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) has always worked toward closer ties between the public and private sectors in both nations. In addition to membership activities, the Chamber currently is involved in several programs that directly affect U.S.-Mexico commercial, educational and cultural relations. CURRENT PROJECTS May Conference in Washington D.C. As a result of the signing of NAFTA, Mexico has become the United States’ second-largest trading partner and the second-largest market for U.S. goods, just behind Canada. North American companies, workers and consumers, have found a dynamic market for exports, while at the same time wages have increased and unemployment fallen. After a process of intense negotiations there is a new trade agreement that aims to modernize and integrate newer trade practices, technologies and industries. The Chamber Annual Conference reviewed and discussed the ratification process of the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, among other issues of interest for the binational business community. This conference is designed for private and public-sector executives and management personnel to learn and discuss how policies enacted in both counties affect and influence business between both countries. Government official and private sector leaders are invited to speak as panelists on different topics relevant to the conference agenda. Similarly, there are always new business ideas and opportunities that grow out of the contacts made at the conference. Good Neighbor Awards Gala Dinner As part of the May conference in Washington, the Chamber honors public and private sector leaders for their vision and commitment to the relationship between Mexico and the United States. Over a span of three decades, participants have gathered to witness the presentation of the Good Neighbor Award to ministers, ambassadors, governors, congressmen, former presidents, corporate CEOs, chairmen of organizations and others who have made a significant difference in U.S.-Mexico relations. The presentations take place each year at a formal awards gala set in a magnificent setting, such as the Organization of American States Building, a venue that symbolizes a united hemisphere, incorporating thirty-five member nations. The U.S.-Mexico relationship is an important facet of hemispheric relations. José Juan De Olloqui Award for Hemispheric Leadership This award was instituted as a part of the Good Neighbor Awards by the USMCOC in 2004. The award is given in honor of one of the Chamber’s original founders, His Excellency José Juan De Olloqui. Amb. De Olloqui was a leader and visionary who dedicated his work towards the enhancement of North American relations. Ambassador de Olloqui held several important positions in the Mexican government including Undersecretary of Foreign Relations and Ambassador of Mexico to the United States and Great Britain. 4 PROJECTS AND EVENTS (continued) In 2018, this award was given to Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon, Undersecretary for Political Affairs, U.S. Department of State, in celebration of his career in the U.S. Foreign Service, and for his strong advocacy for dialogue, trade and investment in The Americas. This award honors the contributions of individuals who have worked at improving relationships between North American countries; and have provided service to people in the hemisphere; encouraging continued economic, political and cultural relations. Binational Meetings in Mexico City In the fall of each year, the Chamber hosts it binational meeting in Mexico City. As part of the conference, participants are given the opportunity to hear and discuss, with top Mexican official, the challenges and opportunities facing the US- Mexico relationship. Similarly, the President of Mexico usually receives our delegation at his residence for a lunch and discussion. The two day event is capped off by our Gala and Awards Dinner, where we honor ministers, ambassadors, governors, congressmen, former presidents, corporate CEOs, chairmen of organizations and others who have made a significant difference in U.S.-Mexico relations. Border Issues Conference Two developments – NAFTA and the post 9/11 environment - have brought about a major transition in conditions at the U.S.-Mexico border. The region must cope with a fast growing population as well as issues relating to security, environmental concerns, health, water, immigration, transportation and infrastructure. The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, started this conference in conjunction with Congressmen Silvestre Reyes (D-TX), Mike McCaul (R-TX), and currently with the support of Congressman Pete Sessions, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, has hosted this conference with a now seventeen-year tradition, to address these concerns. Decision-makers from the two nations’ capitals and the border region meet in Washington, D.C. to explore common issues, learn about border programs and review potential new policy approaches. Panels and moderators are comprised of Members of Congress, representatives from the U.S. and Mexican governments, as well as private sector individuals. The conference aims to provide a venue where there can be an open and honest discussion on current conditions at the border and how these challenges can and should be addressed. North American Economic Sustainable Development Summit NAFTA has been clearly successful in its purpose of increasing trade and investment in North America and has provided great benefits for the economies of Mexico and the United States. However, with the increase in the volume of goods and services now being exchanged, and to continue to facilitate trade and travel in a timely manner, existing infrastructure is being taxed and now requires increasing efforts by the countries involved to better serve the demand. The USMCOC has organized very successful conferences on Binational Transportation in the past (Dallas 2008, Veracruz 2007, Los Angeles 2006, Acapulco 2005); but Transportation is only one element of the rather vast universe of commercial relations in North America. For this reason, 5 PROJECTS AND EVENTS (continued) the Chamber is presenting an opportunity to discuss the challenges to facilitate trade between Mexico and the U.S. with a more comprehensive approach, taking into consideration the aspects of infrastructure, logistics, transportation and energy, with a focus on sustainability. We bring together business leaders and key bi-national government leaders to speak and explore a broad range of ways to further integrate our economies through trade. It is our intent