Alliance 23

EDITORIAL COUNCIL UNITED STATES MEXICO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Albert C. Zapanta, President & CEO, Binational Headquarters; Francisco López Espinoza, CEO, Grupo Gráfico Multicolor; Eric Rojo, Vice-President/ Mexico Liaison; Joseph R. Chapa, Vice-President, International Trade Development Centers; Gabriela Kenny, Director of Communications; Cecilia López, Publishing Manager; and Jill Martínez, Editor.

PUBLISHING COORDINATORS Executive Director PROMEXE Rafael López Rivera rafa.lopez@multicolorig.com Director of Communications Gabriela Kenny gabriela.kenny@usmcoc.org Publishing Manager Cecilia López ceci.lopez@usmcoc.org

CONCEPT & MAGAZINE DESIGN Editorial Coordinator Cecilia López ceci.lopez@usmcoc.org Graphic Designer Luis Alberto Cabrera Villanueva lcabrera@promexe.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Joe Chapa Gabriela Kenny Cecilia Lopez Josie Orosco Marianna Rossell Regina Madrid Pesqueira Adolfo Kurczyn

Pete Garcia Blanca Berthier Luis Morris Ruth Martinez Claudia Vidal Nick Ortiz Sergio Ponce Andres Quiala

PRINTED BY

For advertising inquiries, contact: Rafael López rafa.lopez@multicolorig.com Executive Director PROMEXE Gabriela Kenny gabriela.kenny@usmcoc.org Director of Communications Cecilia López ceci.lopez@usmcoc.org Publishing Manager ALLIANCE is a quarterly publication of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and Promotora Mexicana de Ediciones S.A. de C.V. (PROMEXE), for the binational enterprise sector. Mexico office: Av. Jose Maria Chavez No. 3408, Ciudad Industrial; Aguascalientes, Ags., Mexico (www.promexe.com) United States office: United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, 5510 Cherokee Ave. Ste. 120, Alexandria, VA 22313-2320. Mailing address: P.O. Box 14414, Washington, D.C. 20044.

Printed by Multicolor Gran Formato, S.A. de C.V. Av. Jose Maria Chavez No. 3408, Ciudad Industrial; Aguascalientes, Ags., Mex. Specifications: Total production, 3,000 units; covers: couche paper 135 grs; Varnish UV. Interiors: couche paper 135 grs. Impression: offset full color.

The views expressed in this magazine are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect official positions of the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, its members or supporters. Our goal is to present a broad range of perspectives on shared bilateral issues.

Editorial Dear Friends, The year 2015 is just beginning and, so far, it has been an exciting year for the Chamber. We are welcoming Beto Pallares, Ph.D., as our interim chief operations officer. Beto hails from El Paso, Texas, and has solid experience working for top-tier strategy consulting firms, co-founding start-ups, international business development, nonprofit management, venture capital and military service. He serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards, and has agreed to collaborate with us on a part-time basis. You should soon see some of the improvements we have been working on.

We are also pleased to announce that the ConnectMexico project is moving forward.

As you may recall, the USMCOC signed an agreement with ProMexico in 2013 to launch an ecommerce platform, and, among other progress during the last year, we succeeded in finding an IT partner. A few days ago, the USMCOC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UMEXX and Softtek, a company founded in Mexico, which has become a global provider of IT services and business process solutions. We are in the final process of detailing the implementation plan.

As promised, in this issue we are presenting the summary of the First North American Sustainable Development Summit held August 26, 2014, in Las Colinas-Irving, Texas.

The centerpiece of the day was reviewing Mexico’s energy reform, but we also discussed other topics of great impact to North America’s economic development. A full report of the summit with in-depth analyses of the presentations is available on our web site, www.usmcoc.org. The second Summit is scheduled for August 24, 2015.

In October we hosted our binational conference in Mexico City designed to address Mexico’s challenges and developments in the areas of education, innovation, science and technology. There is no doubt that these areas deserve special attention as they have a major impact on any country’s economic development. Mexico’s Ministry of Education and the National Council for Science and Technology attended the conference. In this issue, they have generously provided additional information about the current administration’s plans for developing the workforce’s technical skills for the promising energy sector and the policies to support innovation endeavors.

The Chamber realizes the importance of education and innovation, and, with our sister organization, the U.S.-Mexico Cultural and Educational Foundation, we are developing two programs: the North American Training Consortium for Energy Professionals and Technicians, and the Binational Sustainable Laboratory. In the following pages we present the details of these important initiatives with New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the Arrowhead Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

This issue also includes interesting articles from good friends of the Chamber. In an interview for Alliance Magazine, Alan Bersin, assistant secretary and chief diplomatic officer of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, discusses life on the border and the efforts to create a 21st Century Border that will provide efficient and safe crossing for people and products. In another article, USMCOC board member Steve Molina honors the memory of Nobel Prize winner Dr. Norman Borlaug whom Molina knew as a child by describing Borlaug’s kindness and deep love for Mexico. This issue also features Charles Meacham’s summary of Mexico’s anti-corruption laws.

In this ever-changing world, Alliance Magazine is also moving forward with a more modern and dynamic design we hope you will enjoy. As already noted, 2015 promises to be a remarkable year for the Chamber and we hope you will join us in our events and activities for this year. ¡Hasta la próxima edición!

Albert Zapanta President & CEO

Contents / Contenido

CONTENTS 04 /

CHAPTER OFFICES OFICINAS DEL CAPÍTULO

05 /

BRIEFS BREVES

06 /

OF INTEREST DE INTERÉS

Contracts Issued in Connection with Mexican Energy Reforms will be Scrutinized under U.S. FCPA and 2012 Mexican Anti-Corruption Law Mexico Joins the Latin American Integrated Market

30 /

Houston Bets Big on Tourism

36 /

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES ACTIVIDADES DEL CAPÍTULO

50 /

INTERVIEW LA ENTREVISTA

North American Training Consortium for Energy Professionals & Technicians 2015: The Year of Mexico in the UK and the Year of the UK in Mexico

COVER ARTÍCULO DE PORTADA

Interview with Alan Bersin

54 /

UPDATE - EDUCATION ACTUALIDAD - EDUCACIÓN

Developing Technical Skills for Mexico’s Energy Sector

58 /

UPDATE - TECHNOLOGY ACTUALIDAD - TECNOLOGÍA

Public Policies for Innovation in Mexico from the National Council of Science and Technology

60 /

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

AAM: a history of quality, technology leadership and operational excellence

14 /

SPECIAL FEATURE CARÁCTER

How Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Norman Borlaug and Mexico Saved over One Billion People from starving

16 /

ADVERTORIAL PUBLIRREPORTAJE

18 /

BINATIONAL EVENT EVENTO BINACIONAL

62 /

UPCOMING EVENTS PROXIMOS EVENTOS

64 /

NEW MEMBERS / MEMBER DISCOUNTS

02 //Alliance

CHAPTER OFFICES THE AMBASSADOR OF GOOD BUSINESS www.usmcoc.org Al Zapanta President & CEO zapantaz@usmcoc.org Tel: (703) 752 4751 Fax: (703) 642 1088

Joe Chapa Vice-President International Trade Development Centers jrchapa@usmcoc.org Tel: (214) 329 4559 Fax: (703) 642 1088

Ebetuel (Beto) Pallares Chief Operations Officer beto.pallares@usmcoc.org Tel: (915) 820 8082

Gabriela Kenny Director of Communications gabriela.kenny@usmcoc.org Tel: (703) 752 4751 x 107 Fax: (703) 642 1088

California Regional Chapter Los Angeles, CA Jim MacLellan President Marlen Marroquin Executive Director 1800 Century Park East Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90067 Tel: (310) 598 4188 marlen@usmcocca.org

Northeast Chapter New York, NY Eduardo Ramos-Gómez President Alejandro Ramos Executive Director 1540 Broadway, Suite 1400 New York, NY. 10036-4086 Tel: (212) 471 4703 Fax: (212) 471 4701 alejandro@usmcocne.org

Aguascalientes Chapter Aguascalientes, Ags. Jaime del Conde Ugarte Presidente Rodolfo Rodríguez Casillas Executive Director Av. Independencia 1602 Col. Fátima Aguascalientes, Ags. Tel.: (449) 914 6863 y (449) 153 3553 www.usmcocags.com.mx

Inter-American Chapter Miami, FL David B. Rosemberg President Ruth Martinez Executive Director 2 S. Biscayne Blvd 21st Floor, Suite 2100, Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (786) 631-4179 interamerican@usmcocfl.org

Pacific Northwest Chapter Seattle, WA Luis Morris Velarde President 15100 S.E. 38th Street # 728 Bellevue, WA 98006-1765 Tel: (253) 678-7696 lmorris@usmcocnw.org

Golfo Chapter Veracruz, Ver. Andres Quiala President Jorge Alejandro Vega Executive Director Simon Bolivar no. 705. casi esquina con España.

Despacho 3 Colonia Zaragoza C.P. 91910 Veracruz, Ver. México Tel: (229) 937 0598 Fax: (229) 100 3857 naftaforum@gmail.com aquiala@usmcoc.org

International Trade Development and Assistance Center Joe Chapa Executive Director 207 Mandalay Canal Irving, TX 75039 Tel: (406) 839 1796 jrchapa@usmcoc.org

Mid-Atlantic Chapter Washington, D.C. Vacant Trade Representative 6800 Versar Center, Suite 450 Springfield, VA 22151 Tel: (703) 752 4752 Fax: (703) 642 1088 gabriela.kenny@usmcoc.org

Mid-America Chapter Chicago, IL Gery Chico President Blanca Berthier Executive Director Blue Cross Blue Shield Building 300 E. Randolph Dr. 49th floor Chicago, Il 60601 Tel: (312) 729 1355 / (312) 729 1356 Fax: (312) 729 1354 blanca.berthier@usmcoc.org

Southwest Chapter Dallas, TX Vincent Chapa President Josie Orosco Executive Director 901 Main Street, 44th. Floor Dallas, TX 75202 Tel: (214) 651-4300 / (817) 881 0264 Fax: (214) 747 1994 swusmx@netzero.com

The Woodlands - Gulf Coast Chapter, The Woodlands, TX Julie Charros-Betancor President Pete Garcia Executive Director 2211 Norfolk St. Suite 520 Houston, TX 77098 Tel: (713) 854 1577 pete@chambergc.org

Guanajuato Chapter León, Gto. Antonio Vargas Navarro President Sergio Ponce López Executive Director Blvd. Campestre No. 1215, Int. 12 Col. Panorama León, Gto. 37160 Tel: (477) 779 5670 sergio.ponce@usmcoc.org www.usmcocgto.org www.cplb.org

Michoacan Chapter Morelia, Mich.

Nick Ortiz President nick.ortiz@usmcoc.org Lucy Chávez Executive Director usmcocmich@gmail.com Melo 166-B Morelia Michoacan C.P. 58000 Tel: (443) 353 2927 https://sites.google.com/site/ usmcocmco/

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Binational Headquarters / Oficinas Generales 6800 Versar Center. Ste. 450 Springfield, VA 22151 Mail to: P.O. Box 14414, Washington, D.C. 20044

Noreste Chapter Monterrey, N.L. Dr. Eric W. Gustafson President Roberto Fuerte Executive Director Av. Fundidora No. 501.

Edificio Cintermex P.B. Local 114 Col. Obrera Monterrey, N.L. 64010 Tel: (81) 8191 7800 rfuerte@usmcocmtymx.org rfuerte@gmail.com

Pacífico Chapter Guadalajara, Jal. Francisco Castellanos President Daniel Nuño Trade Representative Tel: (33) 1813 1400 pacifico@usmcoc.org guadalajara@usmcoc.org

Puebla Chapter Puebla, Pue. Fernando A. Treviño President Vidaur Mora Executive Director 31 Poniente No. 4128 9º Piso Letra A Col. Ampliación Reforma Puebla, Pue. 72160 Tel.: +52 (222) 249-8828 Fax: +52 (222) 249-2361 puebla@usmcocpue.org

Querétaro Chapter Querétaro, Qro. Mónica López Trade Representative queretaro@usmcoc.org

Valle de México Chapter Mexico City Jose Garcia Torres President Claudia Vidal Executive Director Av. Insurgentes Sur 1605 Torre Mural, Piso 25, Mod. 3 Col. San José Insurgentes Benito Juárez, 03900. México, D.F. Tel: (55) 5662 6103 Fax: (55) 5683 2700 c_vidal@usmcoc.org

Briefs / Breves

PIP

Calvetti Ferguson Receives “Best of the Best” Honor

DeliversResults,

Calvetti Ferguson, a mid-tier Houston-based CPA firm that provides tax, audit, and advisory services to middle market clients in the energy, healthcare and international markets, received INSIDE Public Accounting’s (IPA) top honor as one of 10 firms in the “2014 Best of the Best” listing. The magazine also noted Calvetti Ferguson was the “Fastest-Growing Best of the Best” firm under $5 million.

Expands into Mexico

IPA recognizes 10 top accounting firms based on their overall superior financial and operational performance on more than 70 criteria. The firms earned the prestigious distinction by demonstrating the right combination of planning, strategy, and execution. There were over 100 firms that participated in the 24th IPA Annual Survey and Analysis of Firms.

The firm has shown exceptional growth, adding additional staff and offices in a very short time. The firm’s steady and continuous growth includes The Woodland’s office that opened December 2014, and a San Antonio office that opened July 2014. In addition to these offices, other locations are being considered.

PIP (Partners in Performance) is a global management consulting firm working hand-inhand with its clients to rapidly deliver sustainable results. In the last four years, PIP has helped its clients achieve more than $6 billion of validated, fully-implemented EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Tax) improvements, more than $31 billion in capital reductions and more than $0.6 billion in procurement savings.

Using an expert team and hands-on approach, PIP consistently helps clients achieve lower costs and higher revenues. Given the significant opportunities the Mexico market represents, PIP will be expanding their North America coverage from U.S. and Canada into Mexico.

Leading Medicine Publications Offer Information for Better Health One of the primary concerns about healthcare reform is that the United States needs to improve the health of its people. The current healthcare system is ill-equipped to manage the population’s current and predicted array of chronic health conditions, many of them related to the obesity epidemic. There are several serious issues concerning the future of healthcare that must to be addressed in order to improve the overall health of the country, but the good news is that we can do something to change the direction.

An active and healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to control the ever-rising costs of health care for individual families as well as corporations, large and small.

Through our collaboration with the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, we are offering members access to our Leading Medicine and Medicina de

Vanguardia magazines which highlight current and leading-edge information about ways to stay active, lead a healthy life, and better understand the underlying causes of disease. Early cancer detection and getting the right treatment can help save lives—and millions of dollars.

The magazines are available on these Web sites: Leading Medicine: www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/leadingmedicine_ methodist_2014summer/ www.houstonmethodist.org Leading Medicine en Español: www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/mdv_2014verano/#/8” www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/mdv_2014verano/#/8 For more information about Houston Methodist Hospital, visit www. houstonmethodist.org

Alliance // 05

T Of Interest / De InterĂŠs

By Charles E. Meacham,

partner at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP specializing in assisting U.S. and European clients with transactional projects throughout Latin America.

CONTRACTS ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH MEXICAN ENERGY REFORMS TO BE SCRUTINIZED UNDER U.S. FCPA AND 2012 MEXICAN ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS

06 //Alliance

Of Interest / De Interés

PENALTIES Penalties for violations of the FCPA are severe. The Mexican Anti-Corruption Law also establishes stiff penalties for violations of the statute which may be applied in addition to bribery felony sanctions set forth in Mexico’s criminal laws.

First

The law applies to all persons and companies— whether Mexican or not—that participate in federal public contracts in Mexico including, but not limited to, bidders, suppliers, contractors and concessionaires and the companies’ shareholders, representatives, agents, advisors, subcontractors and employees. Unfortunately, the law does not specify what level of involvement constitutes “intervention” in federal public contracts.

Second

The law applies to all Mexican companies and individuals that participate in international commercial transactions outside of Mexico that are related to the execution and performance of contracts for the procurement and leasing of goods and services, public works contracts, as well as the issuance of permits and concessions undertaken by a foreign governmental entity or agency.

Third

The law applies specifically to Mexican government officials that participate in or oversee federal public contracts.

Individuals are subject to civil penalties that can range from one thousand to fifty thousand times the daily minimum wage in Mexico City (currently USD $4.65). At current exchange rates, the highest fines for individuals are approximately USD $16,555. If it can be proven that the monetary benefits to the individual exceeded the amount of the penalty, the enforcing agency can increase the penalty by fifty percent. Individual violators can also be barred from participating in federal public contracts in Mexico for a term ranging from three months to eight years.

Conversely, for companies, the civil penalties can range from ten thousand to two million times the daily minimum wage for companies. At current exchange rates, the maximum penalties could be approximately USD $662,250. In addition, these penalties can be increased by fifty percent if it can be proven that the monetary benefit to the violator exceeded the amount of the penalty. Companies and individuals that are found to have violated the law may also be barred from participating in federal public contracts in Mexico for a term ranging from three months to ten years.

One interesting fact regarding the penalties that can be imposed under the Mexican Anti-Corruption Law is that the penalties are levied as tax credits so the enforcing agency can seek collection through the procedures already in place for collection of tax credits by the Mexican Treasury. Conversely, individuals or companies subject to these civil penalties can also challenge the validity of the penalties through a challenge procedure (recurso de revocación) before the administrative authority or a nullity lawsuit filed in federal courts.

Although the FCPA provides for a five-year statute of limitations, the statute of limitations for violations under the Mexican law is ten years. The Mexican law does provide leniency programs with reduced penalties for whistleblowers which should allow the authorities to better prosecute and prevent illegal conduct.

The Mexican energy reforms that become effective this year will open up many opportunities for U.S. energy companies; however, companies vying for federal public contracts in Mexico must be aware of the provisions of both the U.S. and Mexico laws, educate their executives and employees, and implement compliance programs designed to prevent and detect prohibited conduct.

Reprinted from the Latin Business Chronicle.

Of Interest / De Interés

MEXICO JOINS THE LATIN AMERICAN INTEGRATED MARKET BENEFITS INCLUDE FACILITATING PUBLIC OFFERS AND ATTRACTING FOREIGN INVESTORS

The Mexican market has been officially incorporated into the Latin American Integrated Market (Mercado Integrado Latinoamericano, MILA), the first cross-border initiative to integrate equities markets without any sort of merger or global corporate integration, using only technological tools along with the adaptation and standardization of the regulations on trading in capital markets and the custody of securities in the three original member countries, Chile, Colombia and Peru.

MILA began operating on May 30, 2011. One of the most important characteristics of MILA is that not one market sacrifices their independence or their regulatory autonomy.

A

ll MILA transactions are performed in the respective local currency without the need to leave the country, and with book-entry through the local broker thereby providing easier international transactions with this tool.

The Mexican Stock Exchange (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, BMV) has implemented MILA’s technological and operating systems in its stock market.

INDEVAL, the securities deposit in Mexico, has completed the coordination necessary to connect to other securities deposits in MILA. Now the markets in Colombia, Chile and Peru can operate in the Mexican market through a local broker to perform operative exchanges in all directions.

Mexico’s incorporation adds 136 new Mexican issuers to the MILA, totaling more than 780 securities among the four countries making it, according to the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), the top market by number of companies listed in Latin America Latina and number one in terms of market capitalization.

The combined value of the four markets exceeds $1.1 billion, which makes it one of the most attractive markets in the region.

As Pedro Zorrilla, joint director of BMV explained, “This entry is highly relevant for the Mexican market because it facilitates access to the South American investors’ markets of our issuers, which will give them better effectiveness and liquidity, while at the same time, strengthens the region as a whole and drives the MILA as point of investment, thereby increasing its value.”

The other markets of MILA agree on the positive result of this initiative. José Antonio Martínez, general manager of the Santiago Stock Exchange, commented, “Mexico’s entry into MILA is very important to us because, besides facilitating public offers and attracting foreign investors, it incentivizes the integration of the continent, strengthening Latin America’s position as an integrated market which will favor our economy.”

Fernando Yáñez, general manager of the Central Securities Deposit, explained, “This is a great step that allows us to continue advancing with a value proposal where we seek to meet the needs of our brokers and investors by having a broader market and providing an infrastructure capable of delivering a quality service.”

08 //Alliance

All the markets that belong to MILA have done a meticulous job and, together, have successfully achieved this integration.

The stock markets and securities deposits have signed reciprocal agreements and conducted connectivity tests to ensure secure and efficient operations.

BMV operates all the services of share and derivative instrument markets, including share listings, debt instruments, CKDs and investment and real estate trusts. It also offers one hundred percent electronic negotiation platforms for shares, derivative financial instruments, fixed-income and OTC derivative transactions, as well as providing access via routing orders to the world’s largest derivatives market, the CME. Similarly, it liquidates and compensates transactions through central counter-parties and offers custody services.

MILA is the first multi-national stock market integration initiative without any mergers or corporate integration at world level.

Information provided by Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV) and the MILA website www.mercadomila.com.

Of Interest / De Interés

NORTH AMERICAN TRAINING CONSORTIUM FOR ENERGY PROFESSIONALS & TECHNICIANS: The vision is to establish a World Energy Training Consortium, utilizing best practices from industry with cultural sensitivity for sustainable development. The goal is to provide a cost-effective training program in the U.S. for energy professionals from Mexico and other countries, offering practical capacity building for evolving and developing energy markets, to benefit all interested stakeholders. The objective is to achieve the participation of stakeholders by establishing a private-public partnership to include industry, governments and educational institutions.

It is expected that, in addition to PEMEX and CFE, key Mexican federal government ministries will be involved, including Secretarías de Economía, Energía and Educación.

As a project of the Foundation, the consortium seeks to fill a need to train professionals in the international energy sector, with particular focus on enhancing the capacity of energy executives from Mexico where the recent sector reform has highlighted. The need for highly trained professionals and technicians. The need to train energy professionals from other international locations will also be addressed depending on the partners and participants in the consortium. The demand exists to accelerate the process of not only technology transfer but enhancing the development of related knowledge and expertise in a broad range of processes related to the energy sector, particularly the oil and gas industry, such as in legal documents (i.e., operating agreements), accounting and audit, upstream techniques and processes, and downstream operations and control. Additionally, it appears that the need also exists to expand the cadre of trained professionals in midstream operations and transportation, to include analysis, construction, maintenance, pipeline safety and control processes, along with related environmental compliance.

BINATIONAL SUSTAINABLE LABORATORY (BNSL): The foundation recently assumed control of the Binational Sustainable Laboratory (BNSL), a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) entity that has been in operation for over 12 years, with the objective of creating and promoting technology-based businesses along the U.S.-Mexico border. The vision remains to make the U.S.-Mexico border region a model for prosperity and economic development. With binational stakeholders and partners in government, business and academia, it is poised to fulfill this objective. Based on a key partnership with New Mexico State University, the BNSL will be located on the university’s campus at Las Cruces, New Mexico.

The concept for the BNSL emerged in the late 1990s within Sandia National Laboratories Advanced Concepts Group as they examined border stress and opportunity disparity issues.

BNSL was viewed as an opportunity for the U.S.Mexico border region where, by fostering sustainable economic development, greater border stability, security and transparency could be achieved. BNSL has strong support from several key institutions: U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Agency (EDA), Small Business Administration (SBA), Mexico’s National Science and Technology Council (CONACYT), U.S.-Mexico Foundation for Science (FUMEC), New Mexico’s Economic Development Department (EDD), Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Los Alamos National Laboratories, and the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce.

Alliance // 09

Of Interest / De Interés

By: Yves Hayaux-du-Tilly

Partner at Nader, Hayaux & Goebel, SC, and cofounder and chairman of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain (MEXCC).

he last years have been very exciting for Mexican businesses working in and with the United Kingdom (UK). In that time we have seen a significant increase in economic activity, bilateral trade and investment with a concentrated focus by both governments on reinvigorating the relationship between the UK and Mexico.

MexCC, which is the first Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Europe, has been serving its growing membership for over three years and contributing to the growth of bilateral trade and investment. It is indisputable that today, both countries are closer than they have been for many years.

Mexico will also build on its relationship with the United Kingdom’s academic world to achieve sustained, long-term benefits.

To celebrate the exciting new era in the UK-Mexico relations, the two governments agreed to designate 2015 as “The Year of the UK in Mexico” and “The Year of Mexico in the UK,” also referred to as the “Dual Year.” the next twelve months will strengthen the bonds between Mexico and the United Kingdom, create new relationships and set the foundation for a legacy that will bring British and Mexican societies even closer together in the years ahead.

12 //Alliance

During 2015, extensive, diverse and stimulating exchanges between Mexican and British people will take place: artistic, cultural, scientific, academic, business and tourism-related activities and events.

Mexico will bring the diversity of its cultural heritage, rich history and strong traditions to the British people while, at the same time, promote its economic and commercial dynamism as an exceptional location for trade, investment and tourism.

The Dual Year will also feature a strong cultural program presented in different cities throughout the United Kingdom in which Mexico will highlight its rich history, traditions and contributions to contemporary art in the global scene; the dynamism of its creative industries through cinema, architecture and design; as well as its commitment to the emerging talents of new generations.

Mexico will also build on its relationship with the United Kingdom’s academic world to achieve sustained, long-term benefits.

Of Interest / De Interés

Fotografías: Cortesia de la Presidencia de la Republica

Mexico will promote its impact and prove itself to be an ideal destination for investment from the United Kingdom— particularly in strategic areas such as energy, advanced manufacturing, creative industries and financial services.

Mexico will be a guest country at the World Travel Market to display its culinary prowess, designated as an intangible, cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. The activities taking place throughout 2015 in Mexico and the United Kingdom will deepen the good relationship between the two countries and support initiatives and innovative projects to build a solid basis for mutual collaboration in the future.

As a proud and active supporter and participant in the trade and investment activities that will take place during the Dual Year, MexCC is developing a calendar of events and activities with COMCE (Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology), the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico, ProMexico and UKTI (UK Trade and Investment), in coordination with the Mexican Embassy and the foreign office. This effort will promote Mexico and the UK and present business opportunities for both countries, strengthen business ties in the strategic sectors of energy, advanced manufacturing, creative industries and financial services.

SUPPORTING CROSS - BORDER BUSINESS Gardere has been providing its clients with seamless representation across borders for over 20 years.

Our award-winning Mexico and Latin America Practice, now operating in Mexico as Gardere, Arena y Asociados, S.C., represents U.S., European and Pacific Rim clients with business and investment opportunities into Mexico and advises Mexican private and publicly traded corporations in domestic and international matters.

Our lawyers also represent clients involved in domestic and cross-border disputes. Our core focus includes corporate, energy, environmental, financial services, hospitality, international arbitration and disputes, intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax and transportation.

Gardere’s strength and success have been achieved through the combination of comprehensive resources of a large law firm with the expertise of over 230 lawyers in 40 distinct practice areas.

Febrero // 13

gardere.com

Special Feature / Carácter

By Stephen Molina

USMCOC Board member

HOW NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER, DR. NORMAN BORLAUG AND MEXICO SAVED OVER ONE BILLION PEOPLE FROM STARVING

I

t was a privilege knowing Dr. Norman Borlaug in Mexico City during the sixties. He was a father, agricultural scientist, Little League coach and later, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

My family moved from Michigan to Mexico in 1959 when my father took over as president of Ford Mexico. My brother and I attended the American School in Mexico City and cultivated many lifelong friends, including Susan, the fifth grader who has now been my wife for 45 years.

Borlaug coached in the Azteca Little League baseball organization that played at the American School with teams made up of expatriates and Mexican kids. He coached his son and my school friend, Bill. I didn’t make that team, but I was on All-Star teams where he did coach.

He affectionately called me “Stevie”—a nickname that no one else has ever called me! From Coach Borlaug, it was OK. It was a sign of friendship that I appreciated throughout his life.

Borlaug’s research was funded originally by the Rockefeller Foundation. He came to Mexico July of 1944 as a geneticist and plant pathologist to work with American and Mexican agricultural scientists on wheat and corn improvement projects. He and his colleagues worked in close collaboration with the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture. His wife Margaret and their children joined him later and became well known and well liked members in the large American expatriate community—church, school and society.

In 1964, he was made the director of the Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo (CIMMYT) at El Batan, Texcoco, just east of Mexico City.

Dr. Norman Borlaug received the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10,1970, for his role as “Father of the Green Revolution.”

Dr. Borlaug developed successive generations of wheat varieties with broad and stable disease resistance, broad adaptation to growing conditions across many degrees of latitude, and with exceedingly high yield potential.

14 //Alliance

These new wheat varieties and improved crop management practices transformed agricultural production in Mexico during the 1940s and 1950s and later in Asia and Latin America, sparking what today is known as theGreen Revolution.

Because of his achievements in preventing hunger, famine and misery around the world, it is said that Borlaug has “saved more lives than any other person who has ever lived.”

He retired from CIMMYT in 1979 but remained a senior consultant for the remainder of his life.

In 1984, Borlaug began teaching and doing research at Texas A&M University where he associated until his in death in 2009. Although the Borlaugs bought a home in Dallas to be close to their children and grandchildren, all of whom lived in Dallas, he was always on the move—spending a great amount of time in Mexico, continuing his research with his Mexican colleagues, teaching at Texas A&M, and opening a second research front in Africa.

Special Feature / Carácter

Borlaug was honored by his birth state of Iowa with one of the two statues commemorating a “favorite son or daughter” that each American state is allowed to have in the United States Capitol. When I visited the statue in the National Statuary Hall, I was pleasantly surprised to see a perfect depiction of the man I knew growing up. He was at work in a field, wearing his signature cap pushed back on his head just right and dressed in farm clothing. They did him justice, even to the angle of his cap.

I read that the statue was based on a 1964 picture of him working the fields in Ciudad Obregon. At the base of the

statue on one side it reads “Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal” and on the other side, “The Man Who Saved a Billion Lives.” Some legacy, don’t you think?

What I want to emphasize in this article is Dr. Norman Borlaug’s connection to, and love for, Mexico and its people. I spoke with both his son, Bill, and daughter, Jeanie, before writing this article, and they not only gave me the Pony League photo, but reinforced my lifelong belief that their father considered Mexico to be his home.

He raised his family there, developed his wheat strain there alongside his Mexican colleagues, and continued to reside and

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split his time between Mexico and Texas for the rest of his life.

Based on my experience with Coach Borlaug, the inscription on that statue should read “Iowa/Mexico.” I think he would have liked that. He loved Mexico more than any expatriate resident American I knew, except for my own father. The last time I saw Borlaug at an airport a year or so before his death, he was flying back to his beloved Mexico.

He recognized me and my wife, who had known him from the Lutheran Church on Avenida Palmas and asked about our families. He was the same genuinely friendly gentleman he had always been.

UETA/ DUTY FREE AMERICAS Receives the Binational Business of the Year Award Former Mayor Jerry Sanders, president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and Luis Escareño, director of Public and Governmental Affairs at Duty Free America.

O

n November 14, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Mexico Business Center (MBC) held its Annual International Tribute Awards Gala. During this event, Duty Free Americas was recognized for its outstanding impact on the binational efforts bridging U.S. and Mexican economies.

“The Chamber’s Mexico Business Center is committed to advancing policies and relationships that support our overall success as a unified binational community,” said Jerry Sanders, Chamber president and CEO. “The Tribute Awards are our opportunity to recognize those in the community who share this vision and are leaders in enhancing our region’s position in the global economy.”

“The San Diego/Tijuana Mega-Region is one of the most dynamic areas of the world, and the San Diego Chamber’s Mexico Business Center is at the center of this activity,” said Simon Falic, chairman and chief operating officer, Duty Free Americas/UETA. “Duty Free Americas/ UETA has been a proud member of this binational community for nearly 40 years and we look forward to serving our customers on both sides of the border for another 40 years or longer.”

“It was a great honor to receive on behalf of Simon Falic, the chairman of the board of Duty Free Americas, the 2014 Binational Business of the Year Award,” said Luis Escareño after he was given the award by the San Diego Regional Chamber president Jerry Sandres. and the Mexico Business Center Advisory chairman Alex Rios.

California state senate president pro tempore, Kevin de León, delivered the evening’s keynote address. Notable guests included Mariano Escobedo, director of International Relations, State of Baja California; Xavier Peniche, Secretary of Economic Development for the City of Tijuana; Senator Marty Block; Maria de los Remedios Gomez Arnau, Mexican consulate general in San Diego; Andrew Erickson, U.S. consul general in Tijuana; Pete Flores, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, director of Field Operations, San Diego Field Office; and the mayors of Chula Vista, Ensenada, Imperial Beach, National City and Tecate.

The evening’s program also included a video highlight of MBC’s accomplishments with video messages from San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Mark Cafferty, president and CEO, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation; and Hector Riveros, councilmember City of Tijuana.

UETA/DUTY FREE AMERICAS LATEST NEWS

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FIRST NORTH AMERICAN SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT Energy, Infrastructure, Transportation, Logistics and Border

Arctic Region

Anchorage

Juneau

Labrador Sea

Gulf of Alaska

Hudson Bay

Prince Rupert

Churchill Fort Severn Sept-lles

Victoria

Vancouver

Quebec

Winnipeg

Seattle / Tacoma

Thunder Bay

Portland

YUL

Halifax Portland Boston

Toronto DTW

San Francisco

EWR / LGA

New York

DCA

Baltimore Washington, D.C. Norfolk

ORD DEN

LAS

SLT

Long Beach/Los Angeles San Luis

San Diego

DFW

El Paso / Juarez

Ensenada

Nogales Guaymas

IHA

Laredo / N. Laredo

Topolobampo

Mobile New Orleans Huston / Galveston Tampa Corpus Christi

MTY

Charleston Savannah

Atlantic Ocean To Europe

MIA Fort Lauderdale Miami

Gulf of Brownsville San Juan Mexico Altamira GDL Tampico Tuxpan Puerto Vallarta CAN Port au Prince Veracruz Progreso Santo Domingo MEX Manzanillo Coatzacoalcos Mexico City Lazaro Cardenas Belize City Acapulco Puerto Cortes Salina Cruz Santo Tomas de Castil la / Puerto Barrios Puerto Quetzal Acajutla Puerto Limon Corinto Colon Panama Canal To South America

Mazatlan

Puerto Caldera

Balboa

THE CENTER FOR NORTH AMERICAN SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, A PROJECT OF THE U.S.-MEXICO CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE U.S.-MEXICO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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NORTH AMERICAN SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT

The North American Sustainable Economic Development Summit held August 26, 2014 in Las Colinas-Irving, Texas, brought together private and public sector leaders in energy, infrastructure, transportation, logistics, and border facilitation, to address the challenges and opportunities present in North America.

In his welcoming remarks, Al Zapanta, president and CEO of the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, commented that the topics to be discussed encompass a wide range of interests, including the quest to secure energy independence, the effects on international trade due to the Panama Canal expansion, and the opening of the Northwest Passage in the Arctic.

From border facilitation to transportation and infrastructure to the technologies that support all industries, the summit interwove

a vital framework of industry and commerce through panel discussions and forums.

Mexico’s Consul General in Dallas, Dr. José Octavio Tripp, welcomed attendees and noted the important changes in Mexico’s energy sector.

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX) was also on hand to welcome guests to the Summit, stating, “We must view North America in the context of today’s obstacles, especially security and global governance.”

It is important to keep in mind that North America plays a significant role in the international arena as the influence of NAFTA is a global asset of enormous value, making this the right moment to strengthen North American regional economic integration.

Gen. Al Zapanta & Consul General Dr. J. Octavio Tripp

MEXICO’S ENERGY REFORM FOCAL POINT OF THE DAY

At the heart of the day’s program was the recently approved Mexico energy reform and the growth of domestic U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG). As the United States, Mexico and Canada continue to integrate their economies through trade and shared systems, the region’s competitive edge will sustain the growth.

North American trade requires a comprehensive approach that includes infrastructure, logistics, transportation and energy, all with a focus on

ENERGY PANEL

Moderating the energy panel was Steve Molina, Texas Member of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. In his remarks to his audience, he noted the importance of energy independence in North America. The reforms recently implemented in Mexico are creating an extraordinary opportunity for powerful, joint programs and partnerships that shape the basis for a regional community.

Santiago Creuheras of Mexico’s Ministry of Energy outlined the 21 laws that comprise the new legal structure for the energy reforms. It alone will have an enormous effect on the future of North America, creating hundreds of business opportunities in the hydrocarbon industry and supporting industries including technology, financing and investment, and education and training, among others.

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sustainability. These cornerstones of commerce drive current initiatives— including negotiations for a Trans-Pacific Partnership, the ambitious twenty-first century trade agreement the United States is negotiating with eleven Pacific countries. As NAFTA’s partners leverage their relationship to strengthen North America’s resolve in addressing issues of sustainable development and growth, the resulting actions are sure to boost the competitive advantage of the region.

The final presenter on the panel was the former deputy assistant secretary of technology and LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) with the U.S. Department of Energy, Emil Peña. He observed that the oil market is at a crossroads with multiple gamechanging influences that are strongly affecting outcomes from the economy to technology and geopolitics.

Peña cautioned that it is time to strategically plan for energy independence and that nations must collaborate to identify how best to leverage North American assets in the effort of sustainability. NAFTA partners must embrace the coming energy revolution and understand that energy independence will be the cornerstone of North American sustainability.

Binational Event / Evento Binacional

GROW AMERICA ACT

Victor Mendez, deputy secretary of transportation, U.S. Department of Transportation, shared with the audience the vision contained in the Grow America Act, an ambitious plan to increase transportation investment in national infrastructure to keep pace with the growing demand. He also mentioned that the department is currently developing a national Freight Strategic Plan, which “…will look at freight movement in the U.S. from a multimodal perspective that includes rail, highways, and ports.”

Deputy Secretary of Transportation Victor Mendez.

MEXICO’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR Monica Aspe-Bernal, coordinator in the Agency for Knowledge and Information in Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transportation, provided a snapshot of the changes in the legal framework of the telecommunications sector in Mexico and the infrastructure projects in place such as the transition to digital television and open access mobile networks, among others, with a total investment of $14 billion. She also presented details of Mexico’s National Infrastructure Program which will double the port capacity, and includes the construction of highways, passenger railroads, high-speed railroads, and a new airport in the Mexico City area.

THE BORDER Former Congressman Silvestre Reyes from the El Paso district opened the border discussion with a brief update on the Ports Act before he turned the mic over to Ana Hinojosa, deputy assistant commissioner for the Office on International Affairs, Homeland Security and Luis Fernando Pérez Azcárraga, the principal customs administrator for Mexico’s Strategic Planning and Coordination section.

Recognizing the key role that government institutions play in facilitating trade, Pérez Azcárraga presented Mexico’s plan to meet the demands of foreign trade with the use of new technology and expanding facilities, while Ana Hinojosa explained the daily activities of the Customs and Border Protection Agency.

Dr. John Chrisos, vice president of AS&E, discussed the importance of private sector’s continued investment and development in new technologies that expedite trade along the border in a secure and efficient manner. He explained how advanced technology equips our nations with the tools essential to secure the borders against drugs, currency and illegal immigration.

José Zozaya, Monica Aspe Bernal and Deputy Secretary Victor Mendez.

Dr. John Chrisos, Ana Hinojosa, Luis Fernando Perez-Azcarraga and Tony Jimenez.

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NORTH AMERICAN FOCUS The summit’s strategic timing coincided with ongoing discussions between industry and government leaders eager to collaborate on a host of topics and challenges facing North American sustainability.

North America must address sustainable economic development without delay. As energy-driven initiatives grow and investments will once again pour into our region and into transportation infrastructure, leadership must be in a position to respond appropriately.

Ambassador Juan Sosa commented that commerce will capitalize on the investments made in Panama to increase the capacity of the Panama Canal.

The Arctic Region and Northwest Passage will play an increasingly greater role in global logistics and commerce, as reported by John Higginbotham, senior fellow at Carleton University and Center for International Governance Innovation in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

John Higginbotham.

CANADIANS’ PERSPECTIVE

Senator Doug Black, Province of Alberta, Canada, and David Manning, Alberta’s representative in Washington, D.C., expressed his conviction that North America must forge a new regional spirit of cooperation to drive progress—especially in the energy sector as it relates to logistics and pipeline transportation systems, and projects such as the XNL/Keystone Pipeline.

He added that, although North America has already begun to implement innovative and advanced technologies that reduce risk, lower costs, improve performance, and generate revenues, it must become even better in order to drive sustainable development while protecting the environment.

Alberta Rep. David Manning.

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AWAKEN TO A NEW DAY

The strong relationships among North American countries provide a strong foundation for innovation and a renewed, more integrated and sustainable economy.

bring advantages to businesses in North America, while optimizing the supply chains of major industries.

MicroTech president Tony Jimenez shared how energy and technology will require education to maximize results.

North America needs men and women equipped with the knowledge and education to be prepared for the tasks ahead. The future leaders must be keenly aware of the dynamics of binational and tri-national relationships, be masters in their industries and champions of reform.

This new generation of leaders will also need to know how to efficiently manage public/private initiatives.

Luc Ringuette of the U.S.-Mexico Market Exchange (UMEXX) commented that we must become adept at commercializing the technology transfer of research and development and capitalize on ecommerce platforms such as Connect Mexico that

GALA DINNER

Eduardo Bravo, Al Zapanta and John Williams signing a Memorandum of Understanding between Asociacion de Empresarios Mexicanos & the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce.

A highlight of the summit was the evening dinner and gala where guests Kenneth Smith-Ramos, director of Trade and NAFTA Office at the Embassy of Mexico to the U.S., spoke on behalf of Mexico’s Secretary of the Economy, Ildefonso Guajardo.

Smith-Ramos’ comments centered on the increasing scope and magnitude of Mexico’s economy and global trade within North America, and the benefits to be derived from the various and broad reforms implemented in Mexico.

It is time to put sustainable measures into practice. Global energy resources show that over the last twenty-five years, energy consumption has doubled as developing countries came onboard and online. The growth in these markets will create a surge in energy use that will see the consumption

Tony Jimenez.

of energy resources double again within fifteen years.

North America must address the energy crisis and create new technologies, implement new efforts and achieve energy independence. Through this tri-national partnership, prosperity will be emboldened, opportunities will abound, and the education of our future leaders enriched.

As industry and government work in tandem to deliver solutions for a strong, sustainable economic development, we must collaborate in public-private partnerships to this end. Nations must build bridges embracing cultural ties and work jointly to address tri-national concerns; from infrastructure, to security, to energy independence.

Gen. Al Zapanta and Kenneth Smith-Ramos.

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CENTER FOR NORTH AMERICAN SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Over the next 10 years, the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and the associated U.S.-Mexico Cultural and Educational Foundation, in partnership with the Center for North American Sustainable Economic Development, will be focusing on the goals defined during the summit.

Based on the results of the summit, the Center and the Foundation will be developing the following action plan:

* Continue issue-focused summits and seminars * Establish a North American Energy Training Consortium * Promote technology-transfer activities at the national laboratories * Implement Connect Mexico, an information technology and supply chain platform The summit confirmed that North America sits on the cusp of an energy renaissance.

Canada, rich in oil and gas, is optimistic about its opportunity to set the benchmark on balancing environmental stewardship with oil and gas enterprises and is working with the United States to move oil and gas cleanly, safely and efficiently.

Mexico is applauded for its resolve to push reforms that will capture the promise of a robust economy and sustainable economic development.

The United States continues developing known oil and gas reserves striving toward North American energy independence.

WE GRATEFULLY THANK OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Gold Sponsor:

Kansas City Southern

Silver Sponsors:

AS&E, Coca-Cola Company, Mito Financial, and Verizon

Bronze Level:

AeroMexico, Azteca America, Delta Airlines, Dominion Technologies, Inc., Gallastegui y Lozano, KPMG

Strategic Partners:

AEM, Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Greater IrvingLas Colinas Chamber of Commerce, ProMexico, United States Mexico Market Exchange(UMEXX) and the U.S.-Panama Business Council

For More Information U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce / PO Box 14414 Washington, D.C. 20044 U.S.-Mexico Cultural & Educational Foundation / 211 Mandalay Canal / Irving, TX 75039 Complete summit proceedings, with research, graphs and charts, are available at www.usmcoc.org.

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MEXICO CITY ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND AWARDS GALA Conference focuses on “Mexico Reforms: Future Opportunities and Challenges”

The U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) held its annual binational conference and Buen Vecino (Good Neighbor) Awards on October 29, 2014 at the St. Regis Hotel in the heart of Mexico City.

Prior to the conference, a delegation of chamber board members attended the twelfth annual Mexico Business Summit in Querétaro, Querétaro, held on October 26-28, 2014. Under the presidency of Miguel Alemán Velasco and the assistance of José Calzada Rovirosa, governor of the state of Querétaro, guests from 20 countries gathered to discuss world finances, the economy, trade, education, security, foreign affairs, and how Mexico can take advantage of the new structural reforms. Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto delivered the closing remarks of the event.

Carlos Slim Helu, making proposals at the Mexico Business Summit, accompanied by Lic. German Miguel, President of the Summit.

Governor of the State of Querétaro, José Calzada, during the closing speech at Mexico Business Summit 2014, flanked by Alfonso García Cacho (Executive Director of the Summit on the left) and Lic. Miguel Alemán, President of Mexico Summit Business (right)

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These structural reforms were also the main topic of the USMCOC binational conference and will undoubtedly continue to be of great interest to the international business community.

There are promising opportunities in important sectors such as telecommunications and energy, but there is also another area that is deservedly receiving significant attention due to its critical impact on Mexico’s future: education.

This year’s meeting entitled, “Mexico Reforms: Future Opportunities and Challenges,” was designed to analyze and evaluate how the country is preparing for the future. The reforms are creating enormous interest for domestic and foreign investors who will require highly trained professionals and technicians to keep up with the changes in different industries and the Mexican economy.

OPENING KEYNOTE The conference began with a presentation by Enrique Ugarte Dornbierer, NAFTA coordinator at ProMexico, who provided an update on trilateral trade figures and noted that Mexico received $35 billion in foreign direct investment—an historic record—with the U.S. as the leading investor country.

Enrique Ugarte Dornbierer, speaking at the podium with Al Zapanta, president and CEO of the USMCOC.

CONFERENCE PANELS STEM

The first panel focused on STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math) and innovation.

José Luis Solleiro Rebolledo, senior fellow for Applied Sciences and Technological Development from National Autonomous University (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM) shared the results of a survey conducted by INEGI (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía) and CONACYT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología). The report detailed the number of businesses in Mexico that are investing in innovation, and most importantly, the conclusion that companies that invest in innovation in Mexico have an advantage which positively impacts their performance.

José Luis Solleiro Rebolledo

The next speaker was Teresa de León Zamora, director of commercialization at CONACYT, who discussed Mexico’s policy on science, technology and innovation, and the role that CONACYT plays in its implementation, as well as providing an overview of the programs CONACYT has developed to support businesses and innovation projects.

The panel concluded with a presentation by Antonio Vargas Navarro, regional director of Servicios Corporativos Argos, S.A. de C.V., and president of the USMCOC Bajio Chapter. He described the advantages of innovation and used Guanajuato, the second largest job generator state in the country, as an example.

Antonio Vargas Navarro

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Teresa de León Zamora

Binational Event / Evento Binacional

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THE TOPIC OF THE SECOND PANEL WAS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Galo Galeana Herrera, director general of Energy and Extractive Industries of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), discussed the environmental regulations related to the exploration and extraction of shale gas and oil in Mexico.

Carlos Sandoval Olvera, president of the National Council of Industrial Ecologists, along with Steve Molina, a member of the Oil and Gas Compact Commission in the U.S., addressed business opportunities in the Mexico renewable energy market.

Sergio Ponce Lรณpez, director of the Bajio Center for Cleaner Production and executive director of the USMCOC-Bajio Chapter in Leon Guanajuato, shared the work of the Bajio center that began operations in 2004 with the financial support of SEMARNAT, the Ecology Institute of the State of Guanajuato, and the Inter-American Development Bank. The center currently provides assistance to automotive, tanning, hospital, hospitality and chemical industries in the state to reduce the environmental impact of their production processes.

Sergio Ponce Lรณpez, Steve Molina, Carlos Sandoval Olvera and Galo Galeana Herrera.

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE

The luncheon provided a double treat. Anthony Wayne, U.S. ambassador to Mexico, made a few opening comments and then turned the mic over to Dr. Rodolfo Tuirรกn, Undersecretary for Higher Education of Mexico.

Tuirรกn shared his thoughts on the need for education reform, current challenges and achievements in programs involving alphabetization, school autonomy and the importance of community participation.

Dr. Rodolfo Tuirรกn, Undersecretary for Higher Education of Mexico

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Ambassador of the U.S. to Mexico, Anthony Wayne.

Binational Event / Evento Binacional

EVENING GALA

The day concluded with the annual gala and Buen Vecino Awards presented this year to Monte Alejandro Rubido Garcia, commissioner for Mexico’s Commission for National Security; Jerry Patterson, commissioner of the Texas General Land Office; and Eduardo Ramos-Gómez, a partner at Duane Morris LLP and president of the USMCOC Northeast Chapter.

Security is a key factor for the development of businesses, and the USMCOC board of directors acknowledged the outstanding career and commitment of Rubido as the head of the Mexico’s Commission for National Security.

Throughout his tenure as Texas Land Commissioner, Patterson has made important contributions to the U.S. and Mexico relationship and fostering mutual understanding and collaboration; however, he has also demonstrated strong support for the Border Energy Forum that recently commemorated 21 years of existence and has become an essential forum for bringing together individuals from both the public and private sectors who are involved with the energy industry along the border area.

The private sector awardee, Eduardo Ramos-Gómez, is a managing partner with Duane Morris LLP in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore.

He formerly served as Mexico’s ambassador to Singapore, Negara Brunei Darussalam and the Union of Myanmar, and has been a strong supporter of the USMCOC for over a decade.

Security is a key factor for the development of businesses.

Mrs Ramos-Gomez; Eduardo Ramos-Gómez, Duane Morris Partner recipient of Good Neighbor Award and Al Zapanta, president and CEO of the USMCOC.

USMCOC expresses great appreciation to the speakers, conference attendees and sponsors for making this conference an extraordinary event. The USMCOC is looking forward to its next gathering in Washington, D.C., in May.

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HOUSTON BETS BIG ON TOURISM

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H

ouston, the most diverse city in the United States according to the Kinder Institute (2012), is also an international metropolis where more than 90 languages are spoken and 92 governments have official consulate representation.

Its 2.3 million residents make Houston the fourth most populous city in the United States, trailing only New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

View of new Marriott Marquis Hotel (rendering)

Houston is home to Space Center Houston, the official visitor center for NASA, and to the world renowned Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world. The city is considered to have one of the best culinary scenes in the country, with cuisine from around the world. More than 10,000 restaurants offer choices from American regions and 35 other countries.

Now the city is turning its eyes to tourism promotion to let the world know what it offers.

DOWNTOWN HOUSTON GETS A $1.5 BILLION FACE LIFT

More than $1.5 billion in infrastructure investment is coming to the Houston downtown area alone in the next two years. Eight new hotels are planned, including the city’s second convention center hotel, a 1,000-room Marriott Marquis which will be connected to the George R. Brown (GRB) convention center by a sky bridge. Currently, the 1,200-room Hilton Americas Houston is connected on the opposite side. This will make Houston’s convention center the only one in the state to be connected to two 1,000-room hotels.

By the time Houston hosts Super Bowl LI in 2017, approximately 2,000 additional hotel rooms will be available within walking distance of the GRB. In addition to the Marriott Marquis, the following hotels are also in construction:

SPRINGHILL SUITES / Opening in mid-2015 with 166 rooms HAMPTON INN/HOMEWOOD SUITES / Opening fall 2015 with 300 rooms HYATT PLACE / Opening January 2016 with 261 rooms ALOFT HOUSTON DOWNTOWN / Opening summer 2016 HOTEL ALESSANDRA / A 225-room luxury boutique property opening in mid/late 2016 HOLIDAY INN HOTEL / Remodeling has begun for the 215-room hotel The recreation and leisure activities currently offered by Discovery Green will be extended to the avenue in front of the GRB, Avenida de las Americas, to convert it to a pedestrian plaza with shopping and dining options.

Pedestrian plaza in front of the GRB Convention Center (rendering)

Visitors and convention goers will also have the opportunity to learn about the history of Texas at the Nau Center for Texas Cultural Heritage, a visitor and tourism center that broke ground November of 2014. The Nau Center will be located between the GRB and Minute Maid Park, ideally placed along Texas’ historic Independence Trail.

The new visitor center will also include a museum and educational exhibits and programs to serve not only visitors, but also students and teachers by showcasing the people, places and events of Houston and Texas.

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ATTRACTIONS Purchase the CityPASS booklet (which provides discounted access to five of Houston’s must-see sights) at the Visitors Center, online at VisitHouston.com or any participating attraction.

Enjoy an endless array of places to see and things to do while visiting Houston. The following are just a few of our favorites.

WHAT TO DO IN HOUSTON The city’s attractions such as Space Center Houston and the 20-museum district continue to amuse visitors of all ages.

Choose your experience in Houston, whether it is enjoying the booming cultural and performing arts, a shopping and dining outing, or an unforgettable family vacation, discover why Houston is the best option for your next visit to the United States.

BATTLESHIP TEXAS

The last of the battleships to participate in World Wars I and II, USS Texas became the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S. in 1948. Go aboard the landmark and get a hands-on look at crew life during war. Guests can climb high on the bridge, control the turrets on the main deck and go below into the ship’s underground city.

BAYOU BEND COLLECTION AND GARDENS

The former John Staub-designed home of Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg now houses the Museum of Fine Arts’ early American decorative arts and painting collection.

Outside, on the property’s 14 lush acres, is the largest organic, historic public garden in the state.

Don’t miss The Shop at Bayou Bend, inside the new Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON

Ranked the No. 1 children’s museum in the country

by Parents magazine, CMH is the most attended museum of its size in the nation, serving more than one million people annually. Bring the kids to enjoy all 90,000 square feet of jampacked, hands-on exhibits and educational fun.

DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM

Part restaurant, part exhibit, the aquarium features tanks filled with stingrays, sharks and other exotic marine life. Themed habitats include the Louisiana Swamp exhibit filled with dwarf gators, crawfish and snapping turtles, as well as the White Tigers of the Maharaja’s Temple exhibit.

HISTORIC PLEASURE PIER

Galveston Island’s newest attraction stretches approximately 1,130 feet over the Gulf of Mexico— more than three football fields in length— and provides the waterside community with familyoriented attractions, including 16 rides, games, retail shops and dining options.

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE

This multilevel destination highlights the Earth’s wonders in world-class touring exhibitions. The museum also makes room for the Wortham Theatre screen, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and innovative new Paleontology Hall.

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HOUSTON ZOO

Walk on the wild side with 4,500 animal residents. The 55-acre zoo fosters an appreciation for the ecosystems of the natural world. Nearby, Hermann Park Pavilion invites visitors to tour the park on a miniature train or cruise on the duck pond in a pedal boat.

KEMAH BOARDWALK

Head south of Houston to the 35-acre Kemah Boardwalk and dine overlooking Galveston Bay. Enjoy shopping, games and train rides, as well as the popular Boardwalk Bullet roller coaster and the Inverter, an upside-down thrill ride.

MOODY GARDENS

Within Galveston Island’s three glistening glass pyramids lies an IMAX 3-D Theater, Special FX-4D Theater and RideFilm Theater. Wildlife is on display in the Rainforest, Aquarium and Discovery pyramids.

Outdoor fun includes a paddleboat ride on the bay and a man-made beach.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON

One of the premier art museums in the U.S., the MFAH anchors the Museum District with exhibitions divided between two gallery buildings, a sculpture garden and two house museums. Art from major civilizations and antiquity to the present are on view.

SPACE CENTER HOUSTON

While much of NASA’s Johnson Space Center is off-limits to civilians, guests can still get an in-depth look at the nation’s space program at Space Center Houston. Go inside the Skylab training facility, witness a space shuttle launch in the Blast Off Theater and check out the latest addition—“Space Shuttle Explorer.”

TOPGOLF HOUSTON

With two area locations, TopGolf offers golfers a techsavvy tee-off experience in a three-story entertainment complex. The upscale driving range features 102 hitting bays, a rooftop terrace, a restaurant and multiple bars.

For more information on Houston attractions, log on to VisitHouston.com.

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TOUR ROUNDUP There’s a lot to see and do in America’s fourth-largest city, but if you’re looking for a tour to explore a particular element of H-Town, you’re in the right spot. From art and architecture to ghosts and craft beer, these organizations can take you on your perfect adventure.

For a unique perspective, see the city by bicycle. Ride along with the folks at Bayou City Bike Tours and discover various areas of town in depth. Take the Heights Tour, for example, which guides riders along the tree-lined streets of one of Houston’s oldest and most historically significant neighborhoods.

Food culture has become a major reason why people travel and few cities have experienced the kind of increased culinary attention that Houston now enjoys. Experience it firsthand on one of the Houston Culinary Tours. The organization offers weekly foodie walking tours in various parts of the city, as well as monthly chef-led tours focused on themes ranging from Korean to crawfish.

The double-decker bus tour bus may be synonymous with London, but Houston has one all its own and it ferries people to some of the most interesting spots inside the Loop. On Houston City Tours’ double decker tour, passengers ride along from

downtown to midtown to the Museum District, stopping along the way to hop off and sightsee at the Downtown Aquarium, Houston Visitors Center and Museum of Fine Arts, among other stopping points.

Many visitors (and plenty of locals, too) are unaware that beneath the bustling streets of downtown Houston is an equally complex maze of tunnels that stretches more than seven miles. These mall-like subterranean passages are where many downtown office workers dine, shop and knock out weekly errands. On Houston Urban Adventure’s Heart of the Tunnels Walk, guests travel the underground city and go to new heights, rising 60 floors to the top of the Chase Tower and its panoramic sky lobby.

Are you a beer lover? Houston is home to the state’s oldest craft brewery along with a number of new rising-star breweries. Many of the spots offer tasting tours at least one day a week where visitors can learn how brews are made and sample the product along the way. If you only have time to see one, head to Saint Arnold Brewing Company for lunch and a tour.

These are only a few of the many tours offered around town. For more information on tours, log on to VisitHouston.com/Tours.

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Cover / Portada

SHOPPING

THE GALLERIA

Shopaholics rejoice in The Galleria’s 375-plus stores and grand ice rink, flanked by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Macy’s. Featuring designer names akin to those on New York’s famed Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the sprawling mall also boasts boutiques like Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton, plus a two-level H&M, Trina Turk and a new Topshop store.

HIGHLAND VILLAGE

Enjoy complimentary valet service and a premium shopping experience just inside the Loop. Step into Joseph, a well-edited shoe and accessory boutique with pieces by top designers.

Other tenants include a three-story Restoration Hardware, Sprinkles Cupcakes and bhldn.

UPTOWN PARK

Shop and stroll in this convenient, al fresco arrangement of boutiques, restaurants, spas and well-heeled bars. Peruse more than 50 boutiques, including Top Drawer Lingerie, High Gloss, Mint Baby and Longoria collection.

CITYCENTRE

West Houston’s mixed-use CityCentre development has taken off as a popular shopping and dining hub in the memorial area.

Find locally-owned boutiques like Elaine Turner and Dryden Kreps, as well as national names like Allen Edmonds, Free People and J. Crew. Don’t miss additional shopping in Town & Country Village, located a couple of blocks south.

HOUSTON PREMIUM OUTLETS

This designer discount mall in the Cypress suburb, off Highway 290, offers more than 145 well-known stores, including Burberry, Tory Burch, Kate Spade New York, Theory and Escada.

KATY MILLS MALL

Twenty-five miles west of downtown, Katy Mills brings together retail and entertainment under one roof. Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Off 5th share space with H&M, Coach, Cole Haan and several outlet stores.

THE WOODLANDS

Discover 1,000 acres of shopping, dining and entertainment at The Woodlands Town Center. Just north of Houston, the center is home to The Woodlands Waterway, the al frescominded Market Street and The Woodlands Mall—a two-level retail complex with more than 160 stores. Expect endless dining options, as well as a mix of locally owned boutiques and national brands like Vineyard Vines, Langford Market, Maggies and Norton Ditto.

World-renowned brands and chic local boutiques offer treasures at every turn Seeking some retail therapy? Houston has the shopping segment covered— from the larger-than-life Galleria, chock full of designer boutiques, to outdoor marketplaces and expansive outlet shopping centers.

For more information about what to do in Houston including events, hotels, restaurants and more go to www.visithouston.com or www.visitahoustontexas.com for Spanish. Meetings and event planners can find useful information and contacts in the special meetings section of the Websites.

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Southwest Chapter DALLAS, TX

CHAPTER COORDINATES AND HOSTS CHINESE TRADE MISSION DELEGATION IN U.S. AND MEXICO

On October 22, and November 18 and 20, 2014, the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) Southwest Chapter, hosted an exciting business and educational trade mission with delegates from the Province of Yunnan, China, who came to North America and visited Dallas, and El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico.

The U.S.-Mexico China Trade Mission was the result of many months of planning with the chambers who reached out to our chamber for entry into Mexico and assistance in hosting the events.

Their ongoing support paid off since the Chinese delegation and all other involved chambers commended our chamber in supporting an excellent trade mission.

Global Fusion Luncheon On October 22, the chapter hosted the Global Fusion Luncheon in the beautiful Asian Gold Room at Sambuca whereby an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between both chambers was a perfect example of how we should partner in business as in countries.

Josie F. Orosco, executive director of the USMCOC Southwest Chapter, kicked off

CHINA TRADE MISSION DEPARTS

the event along with Octavio Tripp, consul general of Mexico, and Omar Llamas, Pro Mexico director Dallas.

The MOU and trade mission were made possible through the joint efforts of the chapter, Orosco, and President Gal Jumaoas, executive director of the Greater American Asian Chamber of Commerce.

James Huang, president of the U.S. China Chamber of Commerce and board chair David Gu; as well as representatives of Noah International, Elizabeth Lee (China) and Ken Tse (U.S.).

Global Fusion Summit And, on November 18, the chapter hosted the Global Fusion Summit to confirm the objectives of the trade mission.

Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Monica Alonzo and Jirocko Rosales with International Economic Development, assisted with a protocol visit.

At the meeting, delegates from the Province of Yunnan presented their concerns and addressed their questions on NAFTA, border issues, investment and imports from Mexico.

Mayor’s gift from Juarez at the Solidarity Statue on the borader of Juarez and El Paso.

Left to right: Arthur Levine, Borderplex Juarez, Mx; José Ramos, Juarez, Mexico, mayor’s office; Josie Orosco, executive director USMCOC Southwest Chapter; Du Junjun, Department of Commerce Yunnan, China; and Gal Jumaoas, president of the Greater American Asian Chamber.

Finally, on November 20, the delegation left Dallas to continue on to El Paso. The USMCOC Southwest Chapter gratefully thanks members of the Chinese delegation and those who supported and worked diligently in coordinating efforts with other chambers:

Members of the Yunnan Department of Commerce Chinese Delegation: Du Junjun, deputy director; Yin Yonglin, director of foreign investment; Gan Liqun, director of Division of Development; Li Guoqing, budget deputy director; and Zhang Wanlin, principal staff of Peoples Government.

We also thank Tommy Gonzalez, city manager of El Paso, TX; International Economic Development director Anna Elise Holguin; Anthony Guiliani, vice president of BorderPlex in El Paso; and Arthur Levine of BorderPlex in Juarez, Mexico.

Finally, thank you to José Ramos who served as liaison to the Juarez mayors for the protocol greeting and gift at the Texas-Mexico border crossing along with the Juarez Convention Bureau for hosting an outstanding lunch in Juarez.

Chapter Activities / Actividades de Capitulo

Northeast Chapter NEW YORK, NY

By Adolfo Kurczyn and Marianna Rossell

Telecommunications Reform and New Regulatory Framework:

Reshaping the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Industry

On September 9, Daniel Ríos, director of Regulatory Affairs at Mexico’s Institute of Telecommunication (IFT), gave a brief introduction to the Telecom & Media Reform, highlighting the founding pillars that focus on users’ welfare, a solid legal and regulatory framework and an asymmetric regulation which will provide certainty, foster competition and attract investment.

Several topics were addressed with special emphasis on four areas: FIRST The measures to level the playing field and eliminate entry barriers.

For the first time, companies will be required to share their infrastructure on a non-discriminatory and non-exclusive basis, eliminating the principal barrier to entering the market.

SECOND The free to air spectrum auctions. According to Ríos, the winners of the concessions will not necessarily be those that offer the highest bid. IFT will also take into account the goal of maximizing coverage and consider participants’ technical capacities their legal, administrative and financial criteria.

THIRD The telecommunications and broadcasting act. A law created to regulate the telecommunications and broadcasting markets and to eliminate the restrictions for Foreign Direct Investment.

FOURTH IFT challenges in being effective on strengthening the rule of law. Going forward, IFT is building a sustainable market environment to attract investment through a solid legal and regulatory framework, and eliminating entry barriers with a new market structure and competitive offers and prices.

Roundtable on Mexico’s policies to foster entrepreneurship and innovation (Sept 11)

President Peña Nieto addresses the United Nations General Assembly

The roundtable topic was the creation of the Instituto Nacional del Emprendedor (National Entrepreneur Institute, or INADEM). Its aim is to develop programs to help Mexican entrepreneurs create, consolidate and expand their businesses, develop Mexican entrepreneurs from the early stages, foster entrepreneurship in different business areas, support Mexican micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) and help them grow their global markets while also developing a local and regional markets, strengthening the entrepreneurship environment and empowering women and bringing them into the productive economy.

President Enrique Peña Nieto spoke about the long way Mexico has come and the country’s bright future with a long promising road ahead. He observed that Mexico has gone through an historic moment that is highly important which was the decision to make a change.

(Sept 22)

He noted that the government has the responsibility to carry out the reforms in an efficient manner, focusing on immigration reform and stating he hopes the U.S. Congress will soon pass long overdue immigration reform, that would greatly ease tensions on both sides of the border.

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Conversation on NAFTA with Dr. Jorge Castañeda (Sept 22) It has been twenty years since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was initiated. Focusing on the United States and Mexico, Castañeda discussed what has worked and what hasn’t worked with NAFTA and what needs to be done going forward.

Mexico’s monetary policy & economic outlook: a discussion with the vice governor of Mexico’s Central Bank (Sept 26)

The vice governor of Mexico’s Central Bank (Banco de Mexico) Manuel Sanchez, addressed the rebound situation in the Mexican economy and how the financial markets are performing. He gave some perspectives on inflation and monetary policy and the most recent progress in Mexico’s structural reform agenda.

Northeast Chapter NEW YORK, NY

Chapter Activities / Actividades de Capitulo

By Regina Madrid Pesqueira, edited by Marianna Rossell

Energy Reform Conference: Financing & Investment

Panelists advised that natural gas would continue to displace oil as an energy source both through the importation of cheap gas from the U.S. and through the development of liquefied natural gas. Noting that Mexico has one of the cheapest natural gas pricing in the world, speakers also emphasized that electricity prices are not expected to decline.

The national and international legal framework governing Mexico’s energy reform was presented by following the phases of key energy reforms as they were enacted over the last few decades.

The first reforms, introduced presented by previous administrations were deemed by one panelist to have been largely ineffectual, bringing us to the most recent reforms. The enormous potential for of renewables in Mexico was also addressed, again emphasizing that electricity prices are unlikely to decline in the near future.

Concerns from the perspective of the energy and financial industry elaborated on the need to create a market for green

Sculpture unveiling by Juan Soriano We have been supporting a project in which three monumental sculptures of the Mexican artist, Juan Soriano, were displayed at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in New York City on November 5, 2014.

certificates. The main concern lies with respect to property rights. Projects will be funded under the assumption that title to land will be obtained.

Conveyance of title requires of steps that are not necessarily foreseeable.

Other legal challenges that arose in the discussion included antitrust issues, particularly as they concern dealing with the CFE, the main representative of the government. It was noted that the Ministry of Finance will also play a major role regulating subsidies, taxes, tariffs, and regulations, among issues.

The last panel focused on the role of private equity and the capital markets.

Money from the capital markets is certainly needed. FIBRAs (a real estate investment trust) and CKDs (structured equity securities) have worked so far; however, new instruments will be required to better suit the complexity of the energy projects. In meetings between NAFIN (Nacional Financiera) and the private sector, the government acknowledged its necessary role in funding energy projects.

BOSTON: Mexican Energy Reform Roundtable We discussed advances in the Implementation of the Energy Reform and Business & Investment Opportunities for New England Companies in Mexico. It brought together prominent executives from many New England based energy companies to hear the expert opinion of the panelists.

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Chapter Activities / Actividades de Capitulo

The Woodlands Gulf Coast THE WOODLANDS, TX

CHAPTER APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT As events coordinator for LULAC, she was instrumental in bringing the 2002 National LULAC Convention to Houston and was in charge of sponsorships.

In her 30+ - year career in the hospitality industry, Charros-Betancor held positions in Houston for Marriott’s, Sheraton and Holiday Inns as international sales manager. In 2001, she joined the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau’s convention sales department as the first Hispanic sales and marketing manager and was later promoted to tourism marketing manager for the Mexico market.

Julie Charros-Betancor appointed president The Woodlands/Gulf Coast Chapter of the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) has appointed Julie Charros-Betancor to the position of president. She follows Ronda Butler-Harkey of Orgain Bell & Tucker LLP, who will remain on the board.

Charros-Betancor was instrumental in establishing the Gulf Coast Chapter.

Charros-Betancor serves as international sales manager for Mexico and Latin America for the The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center. In this position, she oversees all aspects of sales, marketing and public relations outreach to Mexico and the Latin America markets. Since serving in this position, she has aided in growing the resort’s business in this market by 5,200 percent—just in Mexico alone.

Charros-Betancor was born in Houston, Texas, is married to Eduardo, and has four children, Tiffany, Michael, Lauren and Santiago.

Fernando Sanchez appointed vice president

Fernando Sanchez has been appointed the chapter’s vice president.

He is the corporate director of Texas Advance Manufacturing Solutions (TAMS) in Spring, Texas.

Prior to joining the resort, Charros-Betancor served as president of AXO America, a receptive operator company in Houston specializing in tourism.

NETWORKINGS

3RD ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

The Chapter was active organizaing several networking mixers during the year with the objective of creating opportunities for members and potential members to meet and get to know each other and their businesses. On December 10, 2014, the last Networking Mixer of the year was held at Whitmeyer’s Distilling Co., the only Houston distillery since prohibition.

The Woodlands Gulf Coast Chapter held its 3rd Annual Golf Classic at Cypresswood Golf Course with great sponsors such as United Airlines, Spirit of Texas Bank, HermannMemorial, The Woodlands Hospital, AeroMexico Airlines, Pete Garcia International and others.

Left to right: James Alfaro, Vasco Galvez, Don and Denise Brown, Peter R. Garcia, Connie Cole, Cecy Lopez and Pete C. Garcia

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Mid America Chapter CHICAGO

2014 AUTOMOTIVE LEADERSHIP AWARDS DINNER

Chapter Activities / Actividades de Capitulo

GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

After a growing presence in the Detroit area, the U.S. Mexico Chamber of Commerce Mid-America Chapter celebrated its inaugural Automotive Leadership Awardso n September 17, 2014.

Logistics are at the heart of Mexican growth.

The day after the Detroit awards dinner, the USMCOC led a “Mexico Track” at the prestigious annual Global Automotive Logistics Conference held at the Detroit MGM Grand on September 18, 2014. The event attracts over 400 key automotive logistics decision makers from every major automotive company and most of the leading logistics providers.

The award recognizes the efforts and initiatives of both a public sector official and a private sector company toward strengthening the trade relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, particularly in the automotive industry.

The growth of the Mexico automotive industry has been of great interest to the logistics and supply chain professionals who are concerned with the growing U.S.Mexico freight movements that are further straining capacities on truck, rail and the infrastructure needed keep things moving and the auto industry growing.

This year we had the honor of presenting the first award to American Axle and Manufacturing, a pioneer in investing in the state of Guanajuato.

The public sector award was presented to the governor of the state of Guanajuato, Miguel Marquez, for business leadership and commitment to the state’s business community and for his welcome and support of Detroit’s automotive industry.

The U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce brought together key leaders to address these capacity concerns and discuss some of the solutions. Chamber staff and members that participated included, Al Zapanta, president and CEO, USMCOC; Scott Grady, executive vice president, Landstar; Jeff LeClair, CAT; and Brian Bowers, vice president, ROCHE International.

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Chapter Activities / Actividades de Capitulo

NorthwestChapter SEATTLE, WA

NEWS FROM THE NORTHWEST It Was a Very Good Year 2014 WAS A BUSY YEAR FOR THE NORTHWEST CHAPTER—FULL OF EVENTS AND NEW PROJECTS. AS THE YEAR CLOSES WE LOOK BACK ON SOME OF THESE EVENTS AND WHAT WE ACHIEVED THROUGH THEM.

Luis Navarro and the Chamber welcoming students from the Panamericana University to the port of Seattle.

On November 8, chapter board members hosted the first Social Christmas Reception at Newcastle Golf Club. Friends of the Chamber, community leaders and other specials guests attended the event.

On November 20, we held our Members Breakfast Meeting at the Columbia Tower Club Harverstone Room surrounded by breathtaking views of the Puget Sound. Luis Navarro, former chapter president and current director of Social Responsibility, updated our members on the strength and magnitude of Seattle’s sea and air terminals. Also on hand, Byron Dailey and Alison Maxwell, partners at DLA Piper, described their firm’s deep business relationship with Mexico. DLA Piper is a multinational law firm with 4,200 lawyers located in more than 30 countries.

On October 20, International law and business students from the Universidad Pan Americana - Guadalajara campus visited Seattle. The chapter organized a visit to the Port of Seattle where Luis

Navarro, gathered the port’s main executives to explain to the students how the sea and air terminals operate and the economic relevance of its operations in the state’s economy. Vice president John Diaz and Luis Morris recognized the University Panamericana Guadalajara chapter directors. The students were thrilled!

October 10 marked the chapter’s official opening of operations in Oregon State.

We visited the state Commerce and Trade offices where Vince Porter of Oregon’s State Office of Economy and Jobs held a business meeting with chapter president Luis Morris; Eduardo Alarcon, the chapter’s newly-appointed delegate to Oregon State; and Fernando Paz, Deputy Trade and Investment Commissioner of ProMexico in the Pacific Northwest.

U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce president, founder and CEO, Al Zapanta, honored the chapter with his visit on.

Luis Morris presents an award to Dailey Byron.

October 9. The chamber organized a special breakfast event at the Newcastle Country Club led by chapter president, Luis Morris.

After welcoming guests and members, USMCOC president and CEO Al Zapanta spoke to the group on the topic, “Tapping into Mexico’s New Sources of Growth.” In attendance were Eduardo Baca, Seattle’s Consul of Mexico and honorary chapter president, who moderated a Q&A session and highlighted the importance of trade collaboration for both countries.

On September 24, chapter president Luis Morris accepted the United Arab Emirates’ invitation to its presentation, “UAE 2021 Vision.” He and His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Manzouri, United Arab Emirates Minister of Economy, talked about the UAE 2021 vision of success and job creation by remaining attractive for foreign direct investment through developing policy advocacy, and helping develop strategic relationships.

Al Zapanta, Luis Morris, John Diaz and Gary Sears.

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Chapter Activities / Actividades de Capitulo

PANEL DISCUSSION ON “MEXICO: THE BENEFITS OF NEARSOURCING” On November 14, 2014, the InterAmerican Chapter of the USMCOC, in partnership with the South Florida Business Journal and HSBC Bank, cohosted a panel discussion at the Viceroy Miami Hotel entitled “Mexico: the Benefits of Near-Sourcing. “ Moderated by Al Lewis, editor-in-chief of the South Florida Business Journal, the panelists included Miguel Pachicano, senior vice president, Global Trace & Receivables Finance, HSBC Bank; Carlos A. Somoza, J.D., LL.M., principal with the international tax firm, Kaufman Rossin PA; and Alejandro Landa Thierry, partner with Holland & Knight LLP, Mexico City.

Among the topics discussed were: • The present economic situation and emerging trends; • The Mexican legal environment, regulatory framework and its attractiveness as a destination for foreign investors; • The benefits of regional supply chains with goods produced and sold in the same geographical area of the world; and • Mexico’s fastest growing trade corridors.

Inter-American Chapter MIAMI, FL

CELEBRATION OF VOLARIS AIRLINES, NEW ROUTES On December 1, 2014, Volaris Airlines celebrated its new routes from Mexico City and Guadalajara to Fort Lauderdale with a fun-filled celebration at the Fort Lauderdale Airport. The Inter-American Chapter was proud to participate and join Mexican Consul General Jose Antonio Zabalgoitia and other Mexican consulate dignitaries in welcoming the airline to Ft. Lauderdale.

Volaris CEO, Enrique Beltranena, addressed the advantages two new services will bring to customers and spoke of the significance of opening a second south Florida destination. “We are extremely pleased to offer our customers a brand new destination, Ft. Lauderdale, with its beautiful beaches, the adventurous Everglades and its world class shopping centers.

All this will originate from two of the most important cities in Mexico, our cosmopolitan Mexico City and our renowned ‘Perla Tapatía’ as Guadalajara is popularly known.”

Beltranena spoke of Volaris’ goal to continue uniting families on both sides of the border. “These services are a fast and safe option for Mexicans visiting family in either country. At Volaris, we pay close attention to what our customers [have expressed] to provide them with outstanding travel experiences based on their needs,” the executive said.

Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB), said, “This is the perfect time for this expansion of direct service into the two largest cities in Mexico with nearly 14,000 Mexican- born residents living in Broward County, visiting friends and family is now even easier.” “We look forward to working with tour operators and travel agents and educating them on what greater Fort Lauderdale has to offer their clients, including a thriving arts and culture scene, shopping, dining and nightlife,” said Erick Garnica, director of international sales at the GFLCVB.

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Valle de México Chapter MÉXICO CITY

ALCALDE DE PHOENIX, GREG STANTON, VISITA MÉXICO PARA APERTURA DE OFICINA DE REPRESENTACIÓN DEL ESTADO DE ARIZONA

MESA REDONDA SOBRE “COMPETITIVIDAD EN EL CONTEXTO DE LA MANUFACTURA” En la mesa redonda sobre “Competitividad en el Contexto de la Manufactura”, organizada por la USMCOC el pasado 28 de agosto, se contó con la participación de Willy Zapata, Jefe de la Unidad de Desarrollo Económico de la CEPAL, y Hans Kohlsdorf, Socio director de Efficient Ideas.

En dicho espacio, ambos invitados coincidieron en que un país tiene la capacidad de acceder a un nivel razonable de competitividad cuando su economía es capaz de insertarse en un proceso de crecimiento elevado y sostenible a largo plazo.

“Para que los países en vías de desarrollo puedan integrarse a estas prácticas requieren analizar la situación del país, de su industria y las empresas.

Los gobiernos deben generar cambios estructurales de acuerdo a una política industrial nacional que incluya prácticas de estándares internacionales”, compartió Willy Zapata.

El representante de la CEPAL puntualizó que las condiciones adecuadas en el clima de negocios favorecen la aparición de sectores competitivos, los cuales crean un entorno altamente productivo.

Chapter Activities / Actividades de Capitulo

En su intervención, Hans Kohlsdorf hizo énfasis en la responsabilidad de los empresarios en la generación de estándares de competitividad en sus empresas, entendiendo por competitividad la capacidad de una organización de mantener sistemáticamente ventajas que le permitan alcanzar, mejorar y sostener una determinada posición en el entorno socioeconómico.

Kohlsdorf reiteró que el empresario debe desarrollar ventajas competitivas considerando factores internos de la compañía como su habilidad, recursos y conocimientos, elementos con los cuales puede hacer frente al entorno. Para terminar, comentó que la competitividad tiene incidencia en la forma de plantear y desarrollar cualquier iniciativa de negocio, provocando una evolución en el modelo de empresa.

Para el desarrollo de esta mesa redonda, también se contó con la participación de José Andrés García Rosales, Director de Desarrollo de Negocios de la Cámara de Comercio MéxicoEstados Unidos.

El pasado 7 y 8 de octubre, el alcalde de la ciudad de Phoenix, Greg Stanton, realizó una Misión Comercial a la Ciudad de México con el fin de ampliar las relaciones económicas con su socio comercial más importante.

Acompañado por un grupo de destacados líderes del sector público y privado, inauguró la Oficina de Representación del Estado de Arizona en México. “Me siento muy contento de estar aquí, Arizona tiene muy claro que, como estado fronterizo con México, debe incrementar las relaciones comerciales, ya que sus economías comparten muchos intereses que pueden traer grandes beneficios”.

En el marco de su visita, se reunió con Francisco González Díaz, Director General de ProMéxico, para dar seguimiento a las conversaciones establecidas durante su anterior visita al país. En dicho encuentro, se confirmó el interés, de la agencia de promoción al comercio e inversión en México, de abrir una Oficina de Representación en el Exterior (OREX) en Phoenix, acción que asegurará una mayor interacción entre ambas partes.

En un acto protocolario, Greg

Willy Zapata, Jefe de la Unidad de Desarrollo Económico de la CEPAL; José Andrés García Rosales, Director de Desarrollo de Negocios de la Cámara de Comercio MéxicoEstados Unidos y de Hans Kohlsdorf, Socio Director Efficient Ideas.

Stanton fue recibido en la Cámara de Diputados por el grupo parlamentario del Partido Verde Ecologista y el diputado Antonio Cuéllar Steffan.

Además, fue distinguido como Visitante de Honor por el Presidente de la Mesa Directiva, Silvano Aureoles.

En entrevista con el periodista Carlos Mota, de El Financiero, Stanton enfatizó que los esfuerzos que vendrán a partir de la apertura de la Oficina de Representación de Arizona mejorarán no sólo el comercio, sino también la relación amistosa.

“México es prioridad en mi agenda, lo cual he demostrado a través de las nueve visitas que he realizado durante mi mandato”.

La Oficina de Representación de Phoenix en México será dirigida por José Andrés García Rosales, en coordinación con la firma Molera Alvarez LLC.

Alcalde de Phoenix Greg Stanton con Francisco González Díaz de ProMéxico

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Chapter Activities / Actividades de Capitulo

Inter-American Chapter MORELIA, MX

Festivales internacionales de Morelia El Festival de Música de Morelia Miguel Bernal Jiménez surgió en julio de 1989.

Su objetivo es fomentar la difusión y la enseñanza musical. De la mano del Conservatorio de Las Rosas, primer conservatorio de América, y con base en el proyecto del ilustre compositor michoacano Miguel Bernal Jiménez, ha conseguido que a lo largo de 26 años se presenten algunos de los más grandes exponentes de la música de concierto de todo el mundo.

Este evento ha sido ganador de la Medalla Mozart, otorgada por el gobierno austriaco y la Academia Medalla Mozart. Además, ha obtenido dos nominaciones a la presea Lunas del Auditorio como Mejor Espectáculo Clásico. Actualmente, es considerado por la crítica especializada como el mejor festival de música de concierto en el país y, por su calidad, se ha convertido en un foro muy importante para el intercambio cultural entre México y el mundo. Sobre esto, se espera ampliar la cooperación entre el festival y los Estados Unidos.

El Festival de Música de Morelia, preocupado por cumplir con su compromiso social, formó una orquesta y coro compuestos por niños michoacanos a los cuales se les proporcionaron instrumentos de manera gratuita y se les imparten clases de música.

Morelia los espera para la próxima edición 2015 del FIMM: http:// www.festivalmorelia.com.mx/ http://conservatoriodelasrosas. edu.mx/Portal/ninos-catores-de-morelia/

La Cámara de Comercio México–Estados Unidos, capítulo Michoacán, participó por primera vez como patrocinador, tanto de la doceva edición del Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia (FICM) como del vigésimo sexto Festival de Música de Morelia.

El FICM se llevó a cabo del 17 al 26 de octubre del 2014 en Morelia, Michoacán y también en otras cedes dentro del

estado. La cámara lo apoya para que logre su principal objetivo: ser un punto de encuentro único en México entre los cineastas mexicanos, el público michoacano y la comunidad fílmica internacional. La misión del FICM es promover a los nuevos talentos del cine mexicano, incrementar la oferta cinematográfica y contribuir al fomento de las actividades culturales y turísticas de esta entidad. El festival es encabezado por Alejandro Ramírez Magaña (Presidente), Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas Batel (Vicepresidente) y Daniela Michel (Directora General), quienes los esperan para el próximo festival en el 2015.

Para más detalles, visite la pagina oficial: http://moreliafilmfest.com/ patrocinadores/#patrocinadores-2013_in

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León Chapter LEÓN, GTO.

Chapter Activities / Actividades de Capitulo

LIDERAZGO AMBIENTAL PARA LA COMPETITIVIDAD Los negocios y las actividades industriales están sufriendo grandes cambios a nivel mundial debido a las nuevas formas de comunicación, producción y uso de materias primas y combustibles. Mientras esto sucede, la contaminación ambiental generada por el sector empresarial y la sociedad en general continúan impactando negativa y drásticamente el medio ambiente. Lo anterior ha originado que las empresas de proceso y servicios busquen e incorporen estrategias empresariales que les permitan seguir siendo tanto competitivas como amigables con su entorno. En este sentido, la Procuraduría

de Protección al Ambiente (PROFEPA) diseñó un modelo operativo, el que permite a las organizaciones conocer y usar herramientas de ecoeficiencia, las cuales reducen la generación de contaminantes y les permiten ser más eficientes, rentables, competitivas.

La USMCOC Chapter Guanajuato, a través del Centro de Producción Más Limpia del Bajío, se sumó al proyecto de la PROFEPA y durante los meses de julio a octubre capacitó y entrenó a personal de 45 compañías, ubicadas en el estado de Guanajuato y la Ciudad de México, en el uso e implementación de

herramientas de ecoeficiencia.

Los 45 negocios participantes se integraron en 3 grupos de trabajo y desarrollaron proyectos de ecoeficiencia, los cuales les generaron beneficios económicos por el buen uso y manejo de agua, materias primas, combustibles y mejores prácticas operativas de su personal. Asimismo, cada participante y organización obtuvo un reconocimiento por parte de la PROFEPA, incluida la USMCOC Chapter Guanajuato. ¡Felicidades a todos los participantes, ahora ya pueden llamarse empresas con Liderazgo Ambiental!

DESAYUNO CONFERENCIA “LA INDUSTRIA AUTOMOTRIZ EN EL ESTADO DE GUANAJUATO; RETOS Y PERSPECTIVAS”

CURSO P+L Y EE CON UN ENFOQUE DE RESPONSABILIDAD SOCIAL Con apoyo económico de la Secretaría de Desarrollo Sustentable del Estado de Guanajuato, se desarrolló entre los meses de septiembre-noviembre el curso teórico-práctico “P+L y EE con un enfoque de Responsabilidad Social”. En éste, participó personal de 15 empresas de diferentes sectores de la entidad. Su objetivo era que los asistentes aprendieran a detectar y evaluar áreas de oportunidad dentro de sus organizaciones para optimizar procesos, generar medidas de prevención de la contaminación e introducir dentro de su entorno laboral principios de Responsabilidad Social.

El pasado 12 de noviembre, la USMCOC Chapter Guanajuato organizó una actividad enfocada a conocer cuáles son los retos y perspectivas para los próximos años en el sector automotriz de esta entidad. Los participantes de este desayuno (de gobierno y sector empresarial) tuvieron la oportunidad de escuchar, analizar y comentar la información presentada por Carlos J. Velez de Kansas City Southern de México, Ernesto Horst de American Axle y Joseph Chapa de USMCOC Irving Texas.

Alliance // 47

Chapter Activities / Actividades de Capitulo

Veracruz Chapter VERACRUZ, MX

RAMÓN POO, ALCALDE DE VERACRUZ, DA SU PRIMER INFORME DE TRABAJO

La ceremonia estuvo precedida por Javier Duarte de Ochoa Gobernador del Estado de Veracruz, Arturo Bermúdez Zurita, Secretario de Seguridad Pública, Vidal Francisco Soberón Zans Secretario de Marina y Alto Mando de la Armada de México, Monte Alejandro Rubido García, Titular de la Comisión Nacional de Seguridad de México y Genaro Fausto Lozano Comandante de la Sexta Región Militar.

PRESENTACIÓN DE LA FUERZA CIVIL EN VERACRUZ USMCOC capítulo Veracruz estuvo en primera fila en este evento.

El gobernador Javier Duarte de Ochoa y el comisionado de Seguridad Nacional, Monte Alejandro Rubido García, encabezaron la presentación. Al tomar la palabra, Rubido García dijo que la “fuerza civil se suma para transformar a fondo a las policías de todo el país, de lo cual ninguna entidad federativa puede quedar fuera”.

DESTACA INFONAVIT LOGROS EN COLOCACIÓN DE VIVIENDA EN VERACRUZ El director del Infonavit a nivel nacional, Alejandro Murat Hinojosa, confirmó que el segundo año de administración del presidente Enrique Peña Nieto cerrará con grandes expectativas y enorme crecimiento en materia de colocación de vivienda en el país.

A su arribo a la sede del Consejo Coordinador Empresarial en el puerto de Veracruz, indicó que en el segundo semestre del año 2014, los sectores de vivienda y automotriz fueron considerados los más dinámicos de la economía.

El capítulo Veracruz estuvo presente en esta junta de trabajo.

Al primer informe de gobierno del alcalde de Veracruz, la USMCOC chapter Veracruz asistió como invitado especial.

El presidente municipal Ramón Poo Gil, a un año de trabajar por Veracruz, rindió ante la ciudadanía su informe de resultados de la administración que encabeza, la cual se ha basado en cinco ejes estratégicos desarrollados de forma conjunta con los veracruzanos. Este esquema ha permitido obtener avances significativos en el desarrollo de la Ciudad y Puerto de Veracruz.

COPARMEX Y FUNDACROVER FIRMAN CONVENIO PARA PROMOVER PROYECTOS CULTURALES La Confederación Patronal de la República Mexicana (Coparmex) en Veracruz firmó un convenio de colaboración con la Fundación de la Crónica de la Ciudad de Veracruz (Fundacrover) para incentivar programas de desarrollo cultural.

Al respecto, el director de Fundacrover, Miguel Salvador Rodríguez Azueta, indicó que entre los proyectos se encuentra uno de jingles o anuncios en perifoneo en 25 rutas de una empresa gasera, estrategia publicitaria en la cual se escucharán efemérides de Veracruz.

La USMCOC capítulo Veracruz acudió como invitado especial.

48 //Alliance

56

33

Interview with / Entrevista con

Alan Bersin is the assistant secretary for policy and chief diplomatic officer of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and former commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Bersin believes that fronterizos or “borderlanders” on both sides of the border are well positioned to demonstrate the benefits of deepening economic integration between the United States and Mexico to their fellow citizens. A longtime resident of San Diego, Bersin works to promote a new border agenda that recognizes commerce and public safety as mutually reinforcing, and encourages the development of policies that best position the North American economy to compete successfully in the world market.

Before his service at the Department of Homeland Security, Bersin served as chairman of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, California Secretary of Education, superintendent of Public Education in San Diego, and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, during which time he was the attorney general’s Southwest Border Representative responsible for coordinating federal law enforcement on the border from South Texas to Southern California.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY AND CHIEF DIPLOMATIC OFFICER, OFFICE OF POLICY

ALAN BERSIN 50 //Alliance

Q. What are some of the most significant developments affecting the U.S.-Mexico economic relationship?

A. When it comes to the U.S.-Mexico relationship, conventional wisdom often reflects past experience rather than present events or future opportunities.

French essayist and poet Paul Valéry’s thoughts apply here: El futuro ya no es lo que era antes; the future is not what it used to be. Mexico is already the 13th largest economy in the world. By 2042, according to the Organization for Economic CoOperation and Development (OECD), Mexico’s economy is projected to be larger than Germany’s, which is currently the fourth largest in the world.

Mexico is experiencing an unmistakable socioeconomic transformation by which its people are increasingly middle-class despite persistent poverty and inequality. This is reflected dramatically in every relevant measure: GDP per capita, fertility rate, infant mortality, life expectancy, average years of schooling, home ownership, housing quality, lifestyle, and consumption patterns. Mexico is the United

Interview with / Entrevista con

(fronterizos) are increasingly knit together even as they rely upon connective infrastructure that is unsuited to accommodate their relationship.

States’ third largest trading partner. Half of all trade between the two is intra-industry, involving shared production platforms and multiple border crossings prior to final assembly and sale.

In addition to the pronounced impact of these changes on trade in goods, changes to Mexico’s social structure portend equally significant effects on labor markets and migration trends. In 2013, for the first time in six decades, the net outflow of Mexicans from the United States exceeded the number of migrants arriving in this country legally and illegally.

Increased employment opportunity at home continues to reduce the “push” out of Mexico.

The dramatic reduction in birth rates has resulted in a decrease in the number of 16- to 28-year-olds, which historically provided the surplus labor from Mexico to fuel America’s economic growth. These long-term trends will alter irrevocably the nature of interactions in the Mexico/U.S. border region. As Mexico becomes a “transit” country for migratory flows toward the United States and a “receiving” country in its own right of surplus labor from elsewhere, principally Central America, its approach to border enforcement and migration management will adapt to the new circumstances. It should also become the beneficiary of the “demographic dividend” of maximally productive age groups which contributed so significantly to the accelerated growth of the so-called Asian Tigers: Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea.

Q. What steps can the United States and Mexico take to build a “21st Century Border”?

A. Borders today are as much about flows of goods and people, north and south, as they are about the boundary line (east to west) these flows will cross and often

re-cross. Conventional wisdom on the U.S.-Mexico border has told us for many years that trade and security are mutually exclusive, and that an increase in one must lead to a decrease in the other. In the post9/11 world, we have been told that slower border processes are necessary to reduce the chance that transnational criminals or terrorists will sneak across the borderline; that we must sacrifice safety for commerce to thrive.

We have been told that national policies must trump local arrangements. This approach to managing the border is misguided. It fails to address the needs of those who live in our borderlands, it ignores the importance of our binational trade to our prosperity, and it is premised on a false choice between security and trade.

Much of the traditional “border agenda” relating to infrastructure, wait times, cross-border development, and other issues needs to be recast as a matter of national priority. The central objective must be to drive down transaction costs of moving people and goods across border lines. This efficiency is crucial to our economic competitiveness at every level of the supply chain. Border communities can prosper if they build themselves into gateways and bridges to the North American future.

The importance of the borderlands themselves (in Mexico, “el tercer pais”), cannot be overstated: roughly 14 million people live in the region surrounding the border and the 10 U.S. and Mexican border states are jointly responsible for as much as 25 percent of the economic activity in their combined national economies. Our countries are interdependent, but most deeply so at the national margins where shoppers, workers, tourists, students and business people in the dozen twin cities (ciudades gemelas) on our border have built a binational region. Borderlanders

Alliance // 51

Spurred by the “Twenty-First Century Border Declaration” by Presidents Barack Obama and Felipe de Jesús Calderón Hinojosa, and continued by Mexico President Enrico Peña Nieto, we have worked to expand innovative solutions that liberate us from conceptual straightjackets of “security versus trade” or “national versus local.” With smarter security processes, we can secure cross-border flows of people and goods closer to their points of origin, learning more about them through advance information exchange to focus our energies on those that could potentially threaten safety or prosperity.

Risk management and traffic segmentation programs allow governments to best leverage limited resources. We must focus most of our time and resources on the people and goods about which we know the least or about whom and for which there is derogatory information.

Federal authorities must continue to support initiatives that are tailored for specific ports of entry and that reengineer processes to make more efficient use of existing infrastructure. In particular, federal authorities must work with businesses and local governments to design entry points that reflect local needs.

Federal governments must work together to ensure that inadequate border infrastructure is updated in a concerted manner. Highways and bridges must be repaired, and customs facilities must have capacity to match current flows.

Interview with / Entrevista con

Q. What can businesses and citizens do to experience a “21st Century Border”?

A. Border communities, businesses and citizens stand to benefit from further economic integration between the U.S. and Mexico, and from national policies that support this goal. They can also take concrete steps to partner with federal authorities, increasing their use of trusted trader programs such as the CustomsTrade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Nuevo Esquema de Empresas Certificadas (NEEC), or trusted traveler programs such as SENTRI and Global Entry/Viajeros Confiables.

These programs allow us to more quickly process prescreened cargo and previously vetted travelers, which in turn allows a focus of time and energy on goods and people about which less is known. As these programs expand, federal

authorities can expedite the movement of trusted goods and people. We must also develop binational investment frameworks that permit public-private partnerships to finance the construction of new ports of entry. The border is a particularly appealing place for these partnerships because governments, investors, nongovernmental organizations—and even development banks from both countries—are prepared to participate in the projects.

Building a safer and more prosperous North America will require that we place the book of conventional wisdom firmly back on its shelf. Our efforts and policies should be guided by what legal scholar and international affairs theorist Bayless Manning characterized as an “intermestic” lens that is simultaneously international and domestic.

This concept projects that as globalization proceeds through increased travel,

trade, and technological advance, that the distinction between international and domestic issues becomes more blurred.

Nowhere is that more true than along our land border with Mexico, where communities most deeply touched by policies developed in Washington, D.C. and Mexico City often have little say in developing those policies.

To genuinely secure our border and encourage trade, we must enlist the interest, insight and imagination of local communities.

In place of the old conventional wisdom, we must write a new volume of border leadership that recognizes new facts on the ground, rejects old dichotomies, reconciles appropriate federal standards with local decision making, and results in regional binational communities acting in concert in their nations’ capitals rather than separately in competition.

Duane Morris LLP proudly supports the

UNITED STATES-MEXICO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and joins in honoring the recipients of the Buen Vecino Award

MONTE ALEJANDRO RUBIDO GARCÍA Commissioner of National Security, Mexico JERRY PATTERSON Texas Land Commissioner EDUARDO RAMOS-GÓMEZ Partner, Duane Morris LLP and President, USMCOC-Northeast Chapter

Duane Morris LLP, a law firm with more than 700 attorneys in offices across the United States and internationally, is asked by a broad array of clients to provide innovative solutions to today’s legal and business challenges.

For more information, please contact: EDUARDO RAMOS-GÓMEZ Managing Partner, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore Offices, Head of Mexico Business Group P: +65 6311 3650 eramos-gomez@duanemorris.com www.duanemorris.com

Duane Morris & Selvam LLP 16 Collyer Quay #17-00 Singapore 049318

Duane Morris LLP 1540 Broadway New York, NY 10036

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Update/Education / Actualidad / Educación

DEVELOPING TECHNICAL SKILLS FOR MEXICO’S ENERGY SECTOR By: Dr. Rodolfo Tuirán, Undersecretary for Upper Secondary Education of Mexico.

T

he profile gaps in Mexico between those with four-year bachelor’s degrees or two-year associates or technical degrees and the requirements of the labor market are well known. These gaps are reflected in the high levels of unemployment and underemployment of these graduates and young professionals who have earned degrees in many diverse areas; in the ratio of degreed professionals working low productivity jobs with lower incomes; and in the frequent differences between their degree majors and the jobs they actually hold.

There are many and varied reasons for these disparities. The educational structure, the weak vocational guidance students receive, and the sparse availability of information that often young people have when evaluating educational and career options, are some of the educational factors that contribute to this imbalance. For example, there is a concentration of students enrolled in a small number of majors that results in the labor market having an oversupply of professionals and technicians with a particular profile, which contributes to

fewer job opportunities and job prospects and lower salaries.

These mismatches are also a result of the quality of the education itself. Obsolete study plans, outdated materials and programs create a huge gap between the skills demanded by the workplace and the skills and competencies available in the employee pool.

To address these imbalances, it is imperative that upper secondary schools (grades 10 to 12) and universities ensure that course curricula and materials are updated and state-of-the-art, that there are more flexible training strategies, and that there are a more efficient links between the world of education and the world of employers who provide the country’s job opportunities.

Mexico needs to transform the education system, generate synergies and align benefits. This effort will require a restructure of the organization by coordinating personnel and responsibilities; producing relevant materials; and building trust and commitment among all parties involved.

DEVELOPING TECHNICAL AREAS FOR THE ENERGY SECTOR One industry that calls for the urgent resolution of these imbalances is the energy industry in Mexico. In order to meet the demand for human resources due to the wave of expected investment as a result of the energy reform the questions that need to be asked are: Where do the qualified human resources currently employed by the sector come from? What are the shortmedium and long term needs for training technical staff? How many and what type of skilled jobs will be needed over the next four years? What skills and training will be necessary to meet the industry’s needs?

The energy sector will need trained technicians, researchers and specialists familiar with the exploration, extraction, distribution and supply of oil and gas; sources of electricity, including hydropower, nuclear and geo-energy, solar and wind; and others related to the production of biomass.

54 //Alliance

The strategic training program for human resources in the energy field, prepared by the Secretary of Energy (SENER), the Secretary of Public Education (SEP) and the National Science and Technology Council (CONACYT), predicts that, as a result of the energy reform, an investment of about $50 billion could occur from 2015 to 2018.

It is estimated that for every million dollars invested in the energy sector, about 2.7 direct jobs from professionals and technicians will be generated. Therefore, once the benefits of investment are achieved, the requirement in the period shown in Figure 1 would be of around 135,000 specialists in direct jobs, of which 80 percent would be those in vocational and technical careers, and the remaining 20 percent from professionals of the engineering and other professional careers.

Update/Education / Actualidad / Educación

Expected demand for technicians and students wich bachelors degrees in energy sector (No. of job openings) 10,000 7,600 5,400

4,000

40,000

30,400 21,600

16,000 2015

2016

2017

2018

Engineering, bachelor degrees, other professional majors, post-graduate masters and PhD. Technicians, vocational diplomas and technical diplomas.

Source: “Programa Estratégico de Formación de Recursos Humanos en Materia Energética” (PEFRHME)

Expected demand for technicians and students with bachelors degrees in energy sector (No. of job openings) HYDROCARBONS SECTOR

Gto.

19% / 18,428

Hgo.

14% / 7,238

Tab.

18% / 7,163

Ver. HYDROCARBONS AND ELECTRICITY SECTOR

Oax. Yuc.

11% / 2,667 24% / 18,069 22% / 16,308

Coah.

24% / 13,852 17% / 15,515

B.C.

17% / 12,174

Chih.

20% / 11,411

Son. Dgo. Gro.

ELECTRICITY AND BIOMASS SECTOR BIOMASS

BIOMASS

16% / 10,427 15% / 5,267 9% / 3,402

B.C.S.

11% / 1,856

Nay.

7% / 1,667

Pue. Chis.

MECHANISMS FOR LINKING TO THE ENERGY SECTOR

12% / 1,763

Jal.

ELECTRICITY SECTOR

The data in Figure 2 is based on the document “Prospective Analysis for the Oil, Electric and Renewable Energy Sectors 2013 – 2017,” Secretary of Energy- SENER.

15% / 12,820

Tamps.

Camp.

A significant number of young professionals are currently trained in technical courses required by the energy industry, e.g., thousands of young people enrolled in the upper level programs in related areas of mechanical engineering, metallurgy, computing and information technology, electronics and automation, environmental sciences, electricity and power generation, and vehicle and aircraft engineering. Studies show that around 60 percent of these young professionals are registered in those Mexico’s states where the greatest concentration of investment in the hydrocarbon sector, electric and biomass is expected. Included in the list of states are Coahuila, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas and Veracruz.

12% / 5,908

N.L. HYDROCARBONS AND BIO-MASS SECTOR

Surely a significant proportion of the professionals and technicians required by the energy sector in the next four years will come from the current educational pool, while some others will be new graduates hired to fill the emerging needs and requirements.

16% / 7,107 10% / 5,500

Alliance // 55

Articulating the “skills-growth” link for productivity development is the key to promoting the sustained growth of the country. To achieve this, it is essential to strengthen the connection between available graduates and the current and future needs of the various businesses of the economy, including of course, energy. Essentially, it requires increasing the relevance of education that provides young people sufficient training that equips them with skills for creativity and technological innovation, one that allows them to raise their productivity and significantly improve their job prospects.

Update/Education / Actualidad / Educación

To that end, the priorities for the Ministry of Public Education (SEP) will be developing the technical curricula for higher education as demanded by the energy industry through the following activities: Developing research and studies, with the participation of the energy sector, to clearly identify opportunities and key trends that will increase available human resources at regional and local levels. Similarly, for improving the quality and relevance of education, it is essential to develop planning mechanisms that break the inertia and encourage decision-making based on strategic information at local and regional levels.

On the basis of the analysis of human resource needs, there must be flexible systems to update study plans and programs, align them with the industry’s needs, and identify professional skills that will require young people to raise their productivity levels to access well-paying jobs. This implies, among other things, moving on from a paradigm where people earn their degrees first and then enter the workforce to another where education and work are closely intertwined and where people have the opportunity to grow throughout their lives.

There are currently three primary approaches to technical training and the acquisition of professional skills at the undergraduate level, all of which must be strengthened and improved to support the energy sector: 1) The technology education paths of CONALEP (Colegio Nacional de Educación Profesional Técnica, National School of Professional Technical Education) consist of four modules of 90 hours each, elected by the students after the fourth semester of studies. The study course, developed jointly by teachers, CONALEP staff and representatives of the productive sector, adapts to the needs of the job market at the local level.

Mechanisms for creating and strengthening certification of standards of competence associated with the energy sector must be developed. In this regard, there are recent efforts from PEMEX and the Mexican Institute of Petroleum (IMP) that produced eight labor competencies standards associated with the energy sector and five associated with the production of oil and gas. These standards are endorsed by the National Council of Standardization and Certification of Labor Competencies (CONOCER).

The three mechanisms set out here must be accompanied by other relevant actions. For example, the education sector has 199 schools or federal units and 279 state units where it would be possible to develop a range of specialized courses for continuous training that will enable technical workers to update their abilities according to the changing needs of the economy.

Also, as stated in the strategic training program for human resources in the energy field, it is necessary to strengthen the infrastructure of laboratories and classrooms of upper secondary education campuses in charge of forming the technical workers of the energy sector; award scholarships and incentives to students trained in priority areas for the sector; and promote teachers’ updating through professional internships in enterprises, among others.

These efforts will allow building in this and other sectors of the economy, a skills training system more coordinated, more effective and more inclusive and a training system that will help propel economic growth, productivity and national competitiveness.

2) Under the Mexican Model of Dual Training, which allows promotion of individualized training plans, the development of professional competencies takes place in the enterprises, with reference to a standard of national competence, while basic training skills are still carried out in the school classroom.

3) The “professional practice” (internship) model has been implemented at most of the technical high schools in the country, in order to help develop the skills of younger people. These practices take place in the last two semesters of upper secondary education; students visit or stay at a business location or factory for on-the-job training. There are more than 95,000 agreements between schools and companies for that purpose, including, of course, energy-related businesses across the country.

On October 31, 2014, Mexico issued a number of clarifying regulations that establish the legal and regulatory framework for the newly created and revamped agencies overseeing the reformation of the oil and gas markets.

Some of the issues addressed by the energy regulations include contractual procedures for bid rounds in Round 1, development of midstream and downstream operations, permitting and regulation of rates, and environmental compliance and regulation.

At Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs, PC, we understand how the regulatory agencies will implement these regulations because we work closely with the industry leaders and agencies that are shaping Mexico’s future regulatory policies. We are at the forefront of Mexico’s energy regulatory landscape.

How will you navigate Mexico’s new regulatory and legal environment? Let us share our unique experience and insight with you.

Contact Victor L. Cárdenas Jr., shareholder, Jackson Gilmour & Dobbs, PC, at (713) 355-5007 or via email at vcardenas@jgdpc.com.

Update - Technology / Actualidad - Tecnología MSTC Teresa de León Zamora, Technology Commercialization Director at CONACYT Adjunct Direction for Technology Development and Innovation tdeleonz@conacyt.mx

PUBLIC POLICIES FOR INNOVATION IN MEXICO FROM THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The National Council of Science and Technology, (CONACYT)(Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología) is a key player in the ecosystem of innovation and technological development in Mexico with a high level of representation and influence among public and private organizations, businesses and industries that adhere to federal regulations and as highlighted by CIDAC1 (Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo, A.C., Center for Development Research) in its 2012 publication, “Evaluating Innovation in Mexico.”

CONACYT believes in a state-supported strategy to increase competitiveness in a transversal way that provides a significant and beneficial impact on society. This includes a focused effort on increasing the percentage of the GDP invested in research and development to one percent (currently 0.56 percent) and adding value to, and further developing, the present infrastructure (human, material, financial, etc.), developing internal markets, identifying and implementing solutions to reverse market failures, and eliminating obstacles that affect competitiveness through interventions that support the start up of technology-based companies, capacity building (soft and hard skills), technology development and innovation.

In 2014, CONACYT and the Ministry of Economy committed a joint investment of $340 million in innovation programs alone. Beneficiaries of this investment receive funding as a subsidy, in many cases (primarily for basic and applied research programs) without the requirement of matching funds, and in other cases where the program participants are expected to co-fund 50 to 75 percent of the costs.

It is important to note that CONACYT has supported the creation and operation of 27 research centers located across the country and their associated infrastructure, which harnesses the capabilities of 8.5 percent of the national scientific research community.

These researchers are engaged in basic and applied science projects, running graduate education

programs and developing links with industry. An annual total of approximately 3,000 projects are supported in a diverse range of strategic fields such as biotechnology, societal challenges, energy, health, water, food technologies, climate change and natural resources, biomechanics, nanomaterials and genetics, among others of high value and impact.

CONACYT also leads a federal initiative to support the formation and operation of a network of national laboratories2 that coordinate the expansion of scientific and technological infrastructure whose resources can directly address the identified needs and demands of society. Among the growing number of national laboratories there is an emphasis on the development of supercomputers and medical and environmental biotechnology (in IPICYT), functional genomics (in CIAD), agro-ecological biotechnology and genomics (in ECOSUR) and aeronautical research and technology (in CIATEQ, CIDESI, CIDETEQ).

Following an important recommendation of the OECD3 related to a weakness in the engagement between industry and the academic community in Mexico, as well as poor public/private cooperation, both of which are recognized drivers for innovation in any country, CONACYT and the Ministry of Economy promoted the certification of Technology Transfer Offices in 2011.

Today there are 117 certified offices (located within universities and research centers, or which exist as private companies) that are receiving direct funding from FINNOVA4 for capacity building and project development with innovative intellectual property.

In an effort to offer different funding options that support a linear TDI5 model (basic and applied science - technology development - product development - market penetration, technology scaling - mainstream market), CONACYT distinguishes the following programs and funds, a selection of which is listed below, and to which research institutions, SMEs (small- to medium-size enterprises) and entrepreneurs can apply to support initiatives in strategic sectors which include health, security, energy, advanced manufacturing, space science, IT, energy and food:

58 //Alliance

Update - Technology / Actualidad - Tecnología

Basic and applied research funding

Technology Infrastructure Funding

Sector funds support annual or multiannual projects where national and international referees participate in the evaluation of quality and impact. An important example is the Health and Social Security Research Sectorial Fund between the Ministry of Health and CONACYT which funded 116 projects in 2014 with a total of $13 million invested between 39 institutions.

The TISF also funds those SMEs that are looking to improve and expand their internal capabilities (equipment, laboratory software, hiring science and engineering human resources).

Technology Management Training FINNOVA supports the 117 certified Offices of Technology Transfer (OTT) in Mexico.

Societal challenges CONACYT´s Institutional Fund supports scientific research to target Mexico´s national problems, among which are water management, climate change, natural and technological disasters, protection and management of ecosystems and biodiversity, food production, urban and city development, connectivity, advanced manufacturing and public security.

Technology Development and Product Development One of most successful programs in CONACYT is the Innovation Incentives Program (IIP) that supports projects in TRL6 4 to 6, and requires a collaboration between SMEs and/or large companies within the research and academic sectors.

Seed funding A sectorial fund between the Ministry of Economy and CONACYT, Technological Innovation Sectorial Fund (TISF) supports those SMEs that have just started a high-tech business and require money for prototyping development, market tests, feasibility studies, technology validation/testing, and technology/ intellectual property management (TRL 5-6).

Pre-commercialization funding The TISF supports prototyping at the planned operational level, as well as demonstrations in operational environments, developmental testing and evaluation, certifications, market introduction and scaling development (TRL 7-9).

Equity funding CONACYT has allied with the National Development Bank (NAFIN) to create an entrepreneurial fund for co-investment to support those SMEs that are already in the market and are seeking private equity funding to scale their products and services into proven and/or mature markets. This fund began with an initial investment of $16 million in 2004 and now has an active portfolio of 12 technology-based companies.

Academia-Industry Engagement CONACYT funds technology management activities, business and innovation consulting services from the OTTs to the industry, promoting new technology-based innovative projects through different calls that support the creation and operation of consortia.

International collaboration CONACYT supports, together with six other countries including the U.S., the creation of international consortia to develop innovative technology in pre-commercial phases (TRL 7 – 9).

Each international counterpart is assigning between $6-$11 million per year7 to support projects aligned to three basic goals: a) STEM (developing people and systems), b) translational research (TT and innovation), and c) technology development (projects, international agendas)8.

Technology and innovation promotion CONACYT supports many types of promotional events9 and trade shows throughout the year that will enhance and encourage networking, collaborative relationships and product development in the innovation ecosystem.

1

Private Research Center in Mexico in Economics and Competitiveness.

2 www.conacyt.mx/index.php/el-conacyt/desarrollo-cientifico/ programa-de-laboratorios-nacionales.

3 OECD Reviews on Innovation Policy, 2009.

4 FINNOVA: Innovation Fund between CONACYT and the Ministry of Economy.

5 Technology, Development and Innovation.

6 NASA Technology Readiness Levels.

7 1 to 1.5 match with CONACYT. 8 www.conacyt.mx/index.php/el-conacyt/convocatorias-yresultados-conacyt/convocatorias-foncicyt.

9 www.es.technologyreview.com/emtech/mexico/14 10 www.conacyt.mx/index.php/el-conacyt/convocatorias-yresultados-conacyt

Please visit the CONACYT web sites10 for more information about these and other funding programs for science, technology and innovation activities.

ABC GLOBAL GROUP es una empresa Americana con oficinas en San Antonio, Texas y Guadalajara, Mexico manejada por Mexicanos quienes han realizado negocios y asuntos migratorios desde 2007. Contamos con aliados estratégicos en temas migratorios, fiscales y legales, ofreciéndote el servicio y atención de nuestra cultura hispana. Tenemos amplia experiencia en apoyar a empresarios.

Visitanos en: www.visasasesorias.com www.abcglobalgroup.com

Contactanos en: Mex: 52 (33) 1813 1400 EUA: +1 (210) 922 2808 info@abcglobalgroup.com

Member Highlights / Miembro Destacado

AAM: A HISTORY OF QUALITY, TECHNOLOGY For the last 20 years, American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) has earned a reputation in the global automotive market for world-class quality, technology leadership and operational excellence. As a Tier One automotive supplier of driveline and drivetrain components and systems, AAM employs nearly 9,100 associates in the USA and Mexico and supplies millions of components to global automakers. AAM’s 16 facilities in the United States and Mexico are home to all facets of its business – design, engineering, design, testing and validation – an AAM advantage that is crucial in making the company globally cost competitive.

solutions by designing fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly products, including electric and hybrid driveline systems. AAM’s significant investment in research and development has resulted in advanced technology products that have improved the diversification of our product portfolio while increasing the company’s total served market around the globe.

Maintaining operational excellence at every AAM manufacturing facility requires that associates pay close attention to performance, safety, delivery, productivity and cost. Implementation of the Lean Manufacturing System has helped AAM improve quality, eliminate waste, reduce lead time and reduce total costs at a global level. At AAM, Lean is much more than just a manufacturing system, it is a cultural values. Lean principles guide AAM’s culture and help associates improve skills, manufacturing and business processes. The same lean principles are applied across all of the company’s facilities in Mexico and abroad.

At AAM, associates strive to produce flawless quality products every day. It is the principle that drives the people, the innovation, and the company. AAM stands for and consistently delivers industry-leading quality. The yardstick for the quality performance is the measurement of discrepant parts per million (PPM). For the last 10 years, AAM has been averaging less than 10 discrepant PPM as measured by our largest customer. This commitment to achieving perfection is a critical differentiator in the marketplace and has resulted in improved warranty performance for AAM’s customers by providing them with industry-leading quality products.

AAM has been an important player in the Mexican automotive market since 1999. Its original location in Silao, Mexico has expanded multiple times and now is a manufacturing complex of four facilities, complete with forging operations. The complex encompasses a total of 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing space. At the facility, known as the Guanajuato Manufacturing Complex, AAM manufactures an assortment of driveline components including front axles, rear axles and driveshafts for major automotive companies. Due to its strategic location in close proximity to its customers, qualified labor force, and support from the government, Mexico has proven to be an attractive place for AAM to grow.

Technology leadership takes investment, commitment and vision. Each one of AAM’s technology initiatives is a great example of how AAM uses its expertise to create new and innovative products that are growing our business and expanding our product portfolio and customer base.

Increased fuel economy, reduced emission, improved safety and vehicle performance are key priorities in the automotive industry. For AAM, this translates into mass and weight reduction, improvements in driveline efficiency, and enhancements to ride and handling performance through stability and traction control. To achieve these objectives, AAM has developed innovative

Over the last 15 years, AAM has invested more than $1 billion to expand its manufacturing footprint in Mexico.

In 2013, the company added AccuGear Silao, a facility

60 //Alliance

Member Highlights / Miembro Destacado

LEADERSHIP AND OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE dedicated to the manufacture of hypoid gears used at its flagship complex a mere 10 miles away. Just last year, AAM announced the addition of its third local location named Silao Manufacturing Facility for the machining of driveline components.

Since the day construction began on AAM’s first Mexico facility in 1998, existing, and potential customers demonstrated a great deal of interest in our operations.

They continue to visit the complex from throughout the world, and continue to provide requests for future business opportunities. Repeatedly, customers say that AAM’s Silao plants are the cleanest, best-equipped operations they have ever seen, and have some of the most courteous, hard working, skilled associates they have ever met.

The associates of AAM de Mexico, have proven that they have the dedication, skill sets, and steadfastness to meet the extraordinarily high standards that AAM maintains, and requires, as a premier Tier One global automotive manufacturer. The growth of AAM de Mexico has been a win-win situation for AAM, the city of Silao, the State of Guanajuato and the central region of Mexico. It has provided opportunities for AAM to enhance its global reach and for Mexico to once again demonstrate that it is one of the best places to establish manufacturing operations.

AAM is a world leader in the manufacture, engineering, design and validation of driveline and drivetrain systems and related components and modules, chassis systems and metal-formed products for light trucks, sport utility vehicles, passenger cars and crossover vehicles and commercial vehicles. In addition to locations in the United States, AAM also has offices or facilities in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, Scotland, South Korea, Sweden and Thailand.

Learn more about AAM at www.aam.com.

Upcoming events / Próximos eventos

February / Febrero .17 / Strawberry Regional Fair Michoacan Chapter Jacona Mich usmcocmich@gmail.com

.18 / Desayuno Conferencia

Pacific Chapter - Guadalajara, Jal Camara de Comercio de Guadalajara pacifico@usmcoc.org

.18 / Trade Mission

Desayuno Conferencia North America Michoacan Chapter

.TBD / Boston NAFTA Conference Northeast Chapter. New York, NY. TBD marianna@usmcocne.org

.19 / US-Mexico Real Estate

Investment Summit 2015 Northeast Chapter. New York, NY. TBD marianna@usmcocne.org

.20 / Seventh Celebration

of the International Trade Community in Los Angeles California Pacific Chapter. Los Angeles, CA. Consulate of Mexico in Los Angeles. 2401 West 6th Street Please call 310-9220206

.24 / Networking Internacional Pacific Chapter - Guadalajara, Jal Camara de Comercio de Guadalajara pacifico@usmcoc.org

.26 / Corporate Restructuring & Bankruptcy Procedures California Pacific Chapter. Los Angeles, CA. 1800 Century Park East Suite 300 Please call 310-9220206

.26 / Members Business

Breakfast Meeting Norhtwest Chpater - Seattle Columbia Tower, Seattle WA info@usmcocnw.org

.26 / VIVA U.S. MEXICO

Southwest Chapter. Dallas, TX. City of Dallas josie.orosco18@gmail.com; swusmx@netzero.com

March / Marzo .07 / Trade Mission Michoacan Chapter North America Michoacan Chapter

.09 / Mexico’s Monetary Policy and Economic Outlook Mid-America Chapter Baker & McKenzie blanca.berthier@usmcoc.org

.10 / Networking Internacional Pacific Chapter - Guadalajara, Jal Camara de Comercio de Guadalajara pacifico@usmcoc.org

.09 / Trade Mission

and Singapore California Pacific Chapter. Los Angeles, CA. TBA Please call 310-9220206

.13 / Golf Tournament

.09 / Trade Mission

The Woodlands - Gulf Coast Chapter Oakhurst Golf Club petegarcia@usmcocgc.org

.12 / Lien Six Sigma

.16 / U.S. - Mexico Supply Chain

Southwest Chapter. Dallas, TX. Sambuca, Dallas josie.orosco18@gmail.com; swusmx@netzero.com

blueprint Mid-America Chapter Baker & McKenzie blanca.berthier@usmcoc.org

.19 / United Airlines Reception

.21 / Networking Internacional

sponsored by the Mexico Tourism Board and The Port of Los Angeles. Networking California Pacific Chapter. Los Angeles, CA. TBA Please call 310-9220206

Pacific Chapter - Guadalajara, Jal Camara de Comercio de Guadalajara pacifico@usmcoc.org

.23 / “Russia and Putin:

Pacific Chapter - Guadalajara, Jal Camara de Comercio de Guadalajara pacifico@usmcoc.org

Perspectives and Relations and How this affects Mexico and Latin America” California Pacific Chapter. Los Angeles, CA. TBA Please call 310-9220206

.26 / Members Business

.23 / U.S. - Trade Mision

.24 / Networking Internacional

Breakfast Meeting Norhtwest Chpater - Seattle Columbia Tower, Seattle WA info@usmcocnw.org

Southwest Chapter. Dallas, TX. DFW Airport josie.orosco18@gmail.com; swusmx@netzero.com

.26 / Local and Global Water

.24 / Members Business

Initiatiatives Southwest Chapter. Dallas, TX. Samburca, Dallas ijosie.orosco18@gmail.com; swusmx@netzero.com

Breakfast Meeting Norhtwest Chpater - Seattle.

Columbia Tower, Seattle WA info@usmcocnw.orgm

.26 / Power and Electricity Utility

May / Mayo

Companies Reform in Mexico California Pacific Chapter. Los Angeles, CA. San Francisco Please call 310-9220206

April / Abril .04 / Expo Feria Michoacan

.05 / Networking Internacional Pacific Chapter - Guadalajara, Jal. Camara de Comercio de Guadalajara pacifico@usmcoc.org

.5 / Cinco de Mayo Corporate

Michoacan Chapter Morelia Michoacan www.expoferiamichoacan.mx/

Luncheon Northeast Chapter. New York, NY. TBD marianna@usmcocne.org

.07 / Networking Internacional

.5 / Cinco de Mayo event and

Pacific Chapter - Guadalajara, Jal Camara de Comercio de Guadalajara pacifico@usmcoc.org

.08 / Trade Mission

.08-20 / Trade Mission to India

“The Mexican Real Estate Investment Forum 2014” TBA Please call 310-9220206

celebration cocktail California Pacific Chapter. Los Angeles, CA. TBA Please call 310-9220206

Michoacan Chapter North America Michoacan Chapter

62 //Alliance

Michoacan Chapter.

North America Michoacan Chapter

.19 / Networking Internacional Pacific Chapter - Guadalajara, Jal. Camara de Comercio de Guadalajara pacifico@usmcoc.org

20-21 / Binational Board of Directors Meeting, Annual Conference and Good Neighbor Awards Gala Binational Event Washington, D.C. gabriela.kenny@usmcoc.org

.28 / DFW Airport Update and Opportunities Southwest Chapter. Dallas, TX. Sambuca, Dallas josie.orosco18@gmail.com; swusmx@netzero.com

.28 / Members Business

Breakfast Meeting Norhtwest Chpater - Seattle Columbia Tower, Seattle WA info@usmcocnw.org

.TBD / Mexico Today as a Global Partner Mid-America Chapter Baker & McKenzie blanca.berthier@usmcoc.org

August / Agosto 24 / 2nd North American Sustainable Economic Development Summit Binational Event Las Colinas-Irving, TX. gabriela.kenny@usmcoc.org

New Members / Nuevos miembros

New members to the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce California Regional Chapter. Los Angeles, Ca.

. ManattJones Global Strategies Sector: Consuting – Strategic business advice www.manatt.com/ manattjonesglobalstrategies.aspx

. MRC Global

Sector: Import-Export

Guanajuato Chapter. Leon, Gto.

. Estructuras y Paileria Especializada, S.A de C.V. Sector: Construction www.esypesa.com.mx Michoacan Chapter.

Morelia, Mich.

. Angele Garcia

Sector: Merchandize

. AR Produce

Sector: Vegetables and Fruits

. C de Michoacan

Sector: Graphic Design

. Pata de Perro

Sector: Merchandize

Northeast Chapter. New York, NY.

. BBVA Compass

Sector: Financial Services www.bbvacompass.com

. Endeavor

Sector: Entrepreneurial non-profit organization www.endeavor.org

. Mark Stockdale

Sector: Consulting-Sales

. Nelson Del Rio

Sector: Human Development Non https://propertyofthecommons.org

. Gloria Fieldcamp Individual Member

. Sandra Madrid

.

Sector: Education -University of Washington http://www.courts.wa.gov/?fa=home. sub&org=mjc&page= bioMadrid&layout=2

Klein & Company LLP Sector: Accounting Services www.kleincpas.com

. Lopez Velarde, Wilson, Hernandez and Barhem Sector: Law & Legal Services www.lvwhb.com

Pacifico Chapter.

Guadalajara, Jal.

. Ogmen Law

Sector: Law & Legal Services www.ogmenlaw.com

. Ivan Barajas Jacobo

. PetroRock Energy

. Juan Pablo Domínguez

. Pineda Covalin

. Miguel Angel Vargas Rea

Sector: Biotechnology www.dofer.com

Sector: Financial Services www.petro-rock.com

Sector: Manufacturing. Pipes and fittings www.pyagsa.com

Sector: Fashion Designer www.pinedacovalin.com

. Ritch Mueller

. José María Salguero

Sector: Law & Legal Services www.ritch.com.mx

Sector: Environmental www.gruposarre.com

Northwest Chapter. Seattle, WA.

. Fernando Paz

Sector: Investment Tourism and Trade https://promexico

. Luis Morris

. Roberto Cervantes Cruz Sector: Consulting www.consultoriaciss.com

. Greater American Asian Chamber Sector: Chamber of Commerce www.gdaacc.com . Kenneth Wincorn Law Offices Sector: Law offices www.wincorn.com

. Santex

Sector: Clothing Manufactoring Uniforms http://santexus.com

. U.S. China Chamber of Commerce Sector: Chamber of Commerce www.uscccdallas.org Valle de Mexico, Chapter.

Mexico, City

. BARBRI

Sector: Finance www.barbri.com

. Partners in Performance Sector: Consulting www.pipint.com

Veracruz Chapter.

Veracruz, Ver.

. Fundación Funda-Crover Sector: Cultural www.fundacrover.blogspot.mx

Southwest Chapter. Dallas, TX.

Sector: Environmental Services htpps://naturemexicofoundation.org

. Commercial Collection Consultants Sector: Business Collections www.ccc-worldwide.com

Member Discounts

Consult your regional chapter to obtain discounts: VALLE DE MÉXICO CHAPTER Mexico City · Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexico City at the WTC · St. Regis Mexico City · NH Hoteles Mexico nivel nacional · Marquis Reforma Hotel · Marriott Reforma Mexico City · Plaza Suites Mexico City · International Meal Company Mexico · Hoteles Radisson · Ostar Grupo Hotelero · Ostar Hotel Group has Geneve Hotel in Mexico City, the Racquet Cuernavaca, Hotel Francia Aguascalientes, Veracruz Centro Historico Hotel, Hotel Viva Villahermosa and Ramada Hotel Getaway in Orlando.

· Hoteles Misión In all of its 40 locations in Mexico till December 20th 2014. · UPS Mexico · Holiday Inn WTC THE WOODLANDS - GULF COAST CHAPTER The Woodlands, TX · The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center GUANAJUATO CHAPTER León, Gto. · MEXICO PLAZA HOTELS Locations: Leon, Guanajuato, Irapuato, Salamanca, Celaya and Guadalajara. Coming soon:

Aguascalientes, Silao y San Miguel de Allende · Hotel La Nueva Estancia MID-AMERICA CHAPTER Chicago, IL · Aeromexico · United/Continental · American Airlines · Crown Paradise Resorts · Las Brisas Hotels INTER-AMERICAN CHAPTER Miami, FL · Interjet · Aeromexico · Sports Club

64 //Alliance

CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAPTER Los Angeles, CA · Aeromexico · Alaska Airlines · Benckmarkemail en Espanol · Agencia Aduanal Adolfo Ayala Bejarano · Correduria Publica No. 23 · Cima Designs · Lewis and Lewis Insurange Agency, Inc. · Todd Becraft Attorney at Law · Trio America PACÍFICO CHAPTER Guadalajara, Jal · ABC Global Group

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