For more than a quarter century, the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce has hosted its annual meeting and Good Neighbor Awards (GNA) gala dinner in Washington, D.C. this past may. In addition to the board of directors’ meeting, other activities typically include seminars and briefings to bring the private and public sectors together for meaningful and timely discussions on relevant issues of the day, especially as they relate to trade, investment, border facilitation and security. this year’s meetings were very productive and are briefly described below.
White House Briefing
The U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce opened the conference with a White House briefing to address timely top-ics in the U.S.-Mexico relation-ship. While President Donald Trump and relevant cabinet members were in Brussels, Belgium, for the EU-U.S. Leaders’ meeting, select representatives from the Chamber board met with senior presidential advisors at the White House for a productive discussion. The briefing covered trade, investment, immigration, security, and prospects for the upcoming NAFTA negotiation
Welcome Reception
Verizon Communications has been a valued Chamber member and active participant for several years. Among the many types of support it provided for this year’s meetings, the company hosted a welcome reception at their state-of-the-art Technology & Policy Center in Washington, D.C.
In attendance were members of the Chamber’s board along with private- and public-sector dignitaries including the governor of the State of Guanajuato, Miguel Márquez Márquez. Guests were able to mingle, view the exhibits in the technology center and learn about the initiatives Verizon is spearheading.
Congressional Roundtable
The Congressional Roundtable, as in recent years, was held at the U.S. Capitol and was hosted by U.S. Congressmen Pete Sessions (TX-32), Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Mac Torn-berry (TX-13). Topics discussed included the prospects for actions related to trade, immigration and the upcoming NAFTA negotiations. The congress members shared their views and insights on several relevant issues and on the dynamics between Congress and the U.S. administration. Their comments had a positive tone regarding the legislative agenda.A reception at the Capitol after the presentations provided attendees the opportunity to interact with the hosts on a one-on-one basis. Congressional aides then took some of the guests on a tour of public areas of the historic building not usually seen by outsiders
Good Neighbor Awards
The highlight of the Chamber Annual Event was again the Good Neighbor Awards Gala which, as has been the tradition for many years, was held at the iconic Organization of American States (OAS) building in Washington, D.C. A pre-dinner reception in the patio-style foyer featured mariachis and margaritas. Following the reception, guests entered the magnificent Hall of Flags and Heroes to the sounds of mariachi classics and were seated for a gourmet dinner and to honor the year’s recipients of the Chamber’s Good Neighbor Awards.Our congratulations to the awardees and heartfelt thanks for their continuing support of the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and issues of bi- and tri-national trade.
