North American Trade Summit and Luncheon
The Southwest Chapter of the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce held an event entitled “North American Trade Summit.” The Strasburger & Price, LLP law firm hosted part of the meeting in the conference facilities of their 60th floor offices in Dallas, Texas. The conference was followed by a luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Market Center Hotel.
The objective of the event was to build new alliances and strengthen existing relationships by bringing together participants from Canada, Mexico and the U.S.
In her discussion on the benefits of NAFTA, Sara Wilshaw, consul general of Canada, noted that automobile parts cross the borders between the three trading nations many times before they are completely assembled and market ready. She also commented that everyone benefits when all three countries in North America work together, saying that the cost of import and export goods would increase if they were produced by any individual country alone.
In addition to Wilshaw, other local leaders addressed the participants on NAFTA and cross-border matters. Roberto Alonzo, Texas State Representative gave a welcome to attendees and spoke about the timeliness of NAFTA negotiations. Other speakers were Gilbert Vasquez, a partner in the Strasburger & Price, LLP San Antonio office, who specializes in cross-border transactions; Mark Beasley, vice president for international development at BB&T bank, and Nancy St. Jacobs who works in community business development for BB&T.
The Summit gave participants a birds-eye view of local companies’ national and international business dealings and provided information to help the participants develop high-level strategies for assisting companies and other Chapter members. Approaching business in this way helps everyone by sharing information, resources and connections.
The luncheon featured remarks by Dave Fender, president of Harvest Works LLC, an agricultural consulting firm, who spoke about the growing need in the U.S. for migrant workers to fill unfilled positions on farms.
