PHOENIX, Ariz. – As the global economy continues to evolve, the Arizona-Sonora region must work collaboratively to remain competitive. This was the overarching message at the Arizona-Mexico Commission’s 2013 AMC Summer Plenary Session.  During the event, Arizona Governor Janice K. Brewer and Sonora Governor Guillermo Padrés Elías reiterated their commitment to promoting economic prosperity for the region through mutual collaboration.

Much of the Plenary Session included dialogue about the strategic positioning of Arizona and Sonora as an economic mega-region.  “The stakes are clear,” said Governor Brewer, as she addressed the nearly 350 attendees of the plenary session. “If we fail to act, I can guarantee you that our competitors will act. Trade and investment — and jobs – will flow elsewhere.”

The cross-border flow of commerce is an essential component of our region’s economic prosperity. Arizona company executives learned firsthand how establishing a presence for their organizations in Mexico could be a major opportunity on which to capitalize. One forum, “Mexico: Business Opportunities in a Growing Market,” included presentations from Christopher Wilson from the Woodrow Wilson Center, Juan Carlos Briseño from ProMexico, and various representatives from programs available to assist companies entering a foreign market.  The audience also heard testimonies from Arizona companies who have successfully entered the Mexican market, allowing them to gain insight directly from success stories.

Governor Brewer and Governor Padrés also joined mayors, business leaders and government officials to hear from Michael Gallis, an expert in long-term, “big-picture” regional planning. Mr. Gallis addressed the strengths of the Arizona-Sonora region and corridors, as well as the region’s future outlook in light of emerging global trade patterns.

“Global competition is fierce.  There will always be more to do,” stated Governor Brewer. “But by coordinating with our friends to the south, and by thinking of our two states as a strong economic region, we can maximize opportunities on both sides of the border.”

This year’s plenary included the signing of one memorandum of understanding (MOU) as well as three declarations of cooperation.  The MOU was signed by Governors Brewer and Padrés through the Arizona Department of Education and the State of Sonora’s Department of Education. It is an agreement between the two states to pursue the establishment of an electronic records transfer system for the purpose of securely and promptly transmitting official school transcripts and other educational records between schools in the states of Arizona and Sonora for students in grades K-12.

In addition to the MOU, there were three joint declarations signed.

Binational Electric Transmission Opportunities:

• Declaration of Cooperation between the State of Arizona, through the Arizona Governor’s Office of Energy Policy and the State of Sonora, Department of Energy, to recognize that bi-national electric transmission opportunities have opened between the two states.
• Agreement declares the intent to pursue a vision of the two states as a region with shared energy resources consisting of traditional and renewable energies that may bolster a common energy market along the border that may improve the region’s quality of life and energy assurance options.

Arizona-Sonora Border Master Plan:

• Declaration of Cooperation between State of Arizona, through the Arizona Department of Transportation and the State of Sonora, through the Secretariat of Infrastructure and Urban Development, for the Arizona-Sonora Border Master Plan.
• The Master Plan will serve as a guide to form the regional plan for Sonora and Arizona for the advancement of infrastructure priorities and for the promotion of trade, tourism and commerce.

Motor Vehicle Infant and Child Restraint Education Program:

• Declaration of Cooperation between the government of the State of Arizona, through the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Government of the State of Sonora, through the Secretary of Public Health to educate the public about the importance of properly restraining infants and children when riding in motor vehicles.
• Collections of car seats will be held throughout communities in Arizona.  Those collected donations will be tested for safety and donated to the Sonoran Department of Public Health.

The two-day event also continued the annual tradition of donations from Arizona to Sonora.  Rural/Metro and its subsidiary, PMT Ambulance, donated two ambulances to the state of Sonora, marking the eighth year that the donation has been made.  The ambulance donated by PMT was gifted to the City of Cananea while Sonora’s Secretary of Health accepted the ambulance from Rural/Metro Corporation.  Westech Recyclers also donated refurbished computers to Sonora’s Secretary of Education for the fourth consecutive year, totaling over 3,000 computers to date.  The computers came preloaded with software in Spanish, and are ready to aid students in their educational endeavors.  Lastly, Solomon Technology Solutions graciously donated a STACS system – a universal communications device – to the State of Sonora’s Department of Emergency Management.

As part of the Plenary Session, 14 of the AMC’s committees met to develop collaborative solutions for the region.  The Health Committee will promote a bi-national educational effort to prevent teen pregnancy by creating working workshops, programs, and informational material. The Education Committee will continue to advance the work of the MOU signed today and facilitate the integration of primary and secondary education students returning to Sonora from the U.S., by implementing an electronic validation of student records.

Those who have contributed to advancing Arizona’s economic opportunities were recognized by the AMC during the conference.  This year, the AMC awarded the Paul J. Fannin Award to Westech Recyclers for their commitment to the advancement of education and workforce development in the Arizona-Sonora region.  The Tony Certósimo Award was presented to James B. Manson for his personal commitment to fostering improved relations with Mexico for many years, which embodies what the AMC and the Tony Certósimo award is all about.  Lastly, the Andy Nichols Award was given to the Tohono O’odham Nation for the work they have done on public health issues such as obesity prevention, diabetes, demand reduction of drugs, teen pregnancy prevention, and infectious disease surveillance, to name a few.

More than 400 people from the U.S. and Mexico came together to promote the shared interests of the region at the AMC Plenary Session. The result will certainly contribute to the long-standing tradition of the Arizona-Mexico Commission’s record of promoting mutual prosperity and enhanced quality of life for the citizens of Arizona and Sonora.

Click HERE for a copy of the press release

Public Notice

What: Transportation & Trade Corridor Alliance Public Listening Session
Ports of Entry and Mexico Committee
Education and Communication Committee

When: April 24, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Where: Pima Community College Downtown Campus, Amethyst Room
1255 N. Stone Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85709

Who: The Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance, Ports of Entry and Mexico Co-Chairs – James B. Manson and Margie Emmermann – invite all those interested in the importance of the border and proximity to Mexico as an asset to Arizona to attend this listening session and provide their insights, ideas and comments.  Participants are also invited to provide their ideas to guide the TTCA in its strategic communications and public outreach activities. These comments will be considered by the Committee for writing the Ports of Entry and Mexico Roadmap Chapter discussed below.

How: Public testimony will be heard from 10:00 to 11:30 followed by a facilitated dialogue based on those testimonies from 11:30 to 12:30.

Please be prepared with a presentation no longer than five minutes.  You may submit a one-page document providing further thoughts and background information at the time of the meeting or online at www.azttca.org

Background:

The purpose of the “Transportation, Trade and Global Competitiveness Roadmap” is to define a statewide vision that contributes to an economic development and jobs agenda. Each chapter of the “Roadmap” will be developed by committees as assigned by the Transportation and Corridor Alliance (TTCA) including Freight, Trade and Economic Development, Logistics, Supply Chain Development and Regional Sourcing, Mexico and Ports of Entry, and Education and Communication.

The Mexico and Ports of Entry committee will be writing a chapter for the Roadmap that will:

• Communicate the importance of the border and proximity to Mexico as an asset for Arizona.
• Provide guidance and suggestions to state agencies on how to improve the border crossing process for businesses and individual crossers.
• Suggest strategies for improving physical infrastructure at and near the border, including process improvements and the use of technology and smart transportation tools.

*** Contact Chris Stoller at cstoller@az.gov or (602) 542-1287 for any questions.

Click HERE to download the public notice.

PHOENIX – In recognition of Arizona’s long-standing relationship with Mexico, four of Arizona’s top chefs participated in Cena con el Chef (Dinner with the Chef), a Celebrity Chef Dinner and Raffle to raise funds for the State of Sonora’s Sistema de Desarrollo Integral para la Familia (Integral Family Development), or DIF Sonora. More specifically, the proceeds from the event benefit Manos A La Vida (Hands to Life), a community center focused on providing  occupational workshops for people with autism, down syndrome and intellectual disabilities – the first in Sonora.

DIF is a Mexican government institution dedicated to strengthening family welfare through public policy, government programs, and political advocacy. With more than 80 years of history, DIF has an established presence in every state of Mexico, spreading its vision of social assistance as a tool for inclusion, prevention, and social responsibility.

The Cena con el Chef dinner was held Friday, March 1, 2013 at La Cascada in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.  An estimated 600 people attended the event.  Arizona Celebrity Chefs Michael Cairns (Montelucia Resort & Spa), Lee Hillson (The Phoenician Resort & Spa), Robert Madrid (The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa), and Mel Mecinas (Four Seasons Resort) donated their time and skills to the important cause.

The President of DIF Sonora and First Lady of the State of Sonora, Iveth Dagnino de Padrés, hosted the dinner. The Arizona-Mexico Commission, the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association and the Arizona Office of Tourism collaborated with the State of Sonora on the event.

“Arizona’s ability to participate in the Cena con el Chef event is a true testimony of the relationship between our two states and it was a privilege to be able to help our neighbors in such a worthy cause,” said Margie Emmermann, executive director of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. “Continuing to forge the partnership between Arizona and Sonora is vital not only for economic reasons, but for the continued advancement in our region’s quality of life.”

Attendees were treated to pre-dinner cocktails and hors d-oeuvres followed by a culinary extravaganza of Arizona chef recipes. The night was closed by a raffle of many items donated by Arizona businesses and organizations.

“It was an honor to be part of this charity event,” said Sherry Henry, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “As one of Arizona’s top international visitor markets, Mexico is one of our most valued partners. It’s through these types of community events that we can continue to build upon partnerships that promote our two regions.”

While the chefs were in Sonora, they were featured on local television programs and newspapers promoting not only the event, but also their talents and the resort properties at which they work.

“This experience has motivated me to not only support DIF, but to help bring awareness to Arizonans of the Manos A La Vida center as well as the importance of economic trade between our states through tourism and trade defusing any negative perception of the state of Sonora and the country of Mexico,” said Chef Cairns. “The efforts of all involved resulted in relationships, friendships and memories that will last a life time. Having been in this business for more than thirty years, an event like this reminds me of the foundation of hospitality: kindness in welcoming strangers. The entire team did this on both sides of the border.”

For more information, contact Chris Stoller at the Arizona-Mexico Commission at cstoller@az.gov.

 PHOENIX — More than 150 leaders from Arizona’s transportation, trade and commerce industries came together with international entities last week to discuss Arizona’s stake in the global marketplace and the changes that must come to encourage international trade in the state.

The Arizona-Mexico Commission, in partnership with the Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance (TTCA)– a formed partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona-Mexico Commission and the Arizona Commerce Authority – hosted a global trade forum on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 in downtown Phoenix. The “As the World Trades: Arizona’s Place in the Global Economy” event brought together leaders from the state’s transportation and trade industries, along with a visit from Governor Jan Brewer, who stressed the importance of securing Arizona’s role in a global economy.

“I tasked the Alliance with developing a roadmap that would guide Arizona’s development of trade and transportation corridors for the next generation,” said Governor Brewer. “Even more simply, this effort is about two words: jobs and the economy. The stakes have never been higher. With growing global and regional competition and a fully interconnected world, we must be proactive or we will simply watch the world pass us by.”

The interactive forum was moderated by Todd Sanders, President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and offered insights from the following panelists: Jim Kolbe, former US Congressman; John Halikowski, Director of the Arizona Department of Transportation; Gene Seroka, President of the Americas for APL Limited; Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority; and Bruce Wright, Associate Vice-President for University Research Parks at the University of Arizona.  The forum focused primarily on the trade relationship with Mexico – Arizona’s neighbor to the south and the 14th largest economy in the world – and provided discussion and dialogue about the importance of being able to expand the throughput of trade across our ports of entry in order to remain competitive with other markets.

Last year, Arizona exported $18 billion in goods – over $6 billion to Mexico alone – and touted more than 500,000 businesses statewide. But for trade and the economy to grow, so must the state’s transportation infrastructure that carries people, goods and services. TTCA Co-Chair and ADOT Director John Halikowski acknowledged the infrastructure investment that must be made now to carry our state forward – an investment amid funding challenges and an 18-cent gas tax that has not been increased since 1992.

“If I had one wish, it would be to get the public to understand that transportation infrastructure investment is a wise use of our money,” said Halikowski. “We need to collaborate to solve the funding problem. Arizona is positioned to be a major transportation hub with its proximity to Mexico, Texas and California. We must invest in our state now while continuing to pursue transportation and trade corridors through projects like Interstate 11, intercity passenger rail, the North/South Freeway and the Border Master Plan.”

Former Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe, who is a recognized expert in trade issues, is co-chair of the TTCA, which is expected to present a report to Governor Brewer this fall with recommendations on how to advance Arizona’s trade relationships.

“Arizona has geographic advantages being positioned closely to Mexico, California, Texas and Canada. We are surrounded by big economies,” Kolbe said. “We have longtime ties to Mexico, we have tourism and land ownership, and we have a good business climate that is conducive to investment. But there are challenges ahead. The new Panama Canal expansion is going to change the trade paths in the United States and could bypass Arizona. Our state lacks good border infrastructure. But the biggest problem is the lack of a united front by political and commerce leaders to unify this state when it comes to trade and transportation improvements.”

For more information about the AMC, visit www.azmc.org or visit www.azttca.org for information about the Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance.

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer’s Four Cornerstones of Reform policy agenda highlights the importance of economic development near the southern border. Specifically, the Governor stresses the need for continuous collaboration between local communities to ensure that growth maximizes trade and minimizes negative impacts on affected communities.

The Arizona Border Communities Roadmap is a collaborative effort between the Arizona-Mexico Commission, Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Department of Transportation and Arizona Office of Tourism. The project’s mission is to identify, prioritize and advance policy and strategic action focusing on the economic development opportunities of the communities of Douglas, Nogales, San Luis, Somerton, and Yuma.

Mexico is Arizona’s top trading partner, supporting millions of jobs in the U.S. and Arizona, 114,000 in Arizona alone. Mexican visitors spend approximately $7.3 million each day in Arizona, pumping $2.3 billion annually into the State economy. According to Margie Emmermann, Arizona-Mexico Commission Director, “Arizona’s economy benefits tremendously from a strong relationship with Mexico. However, much of the economic activity and traffic occurs in Arizona’s border communities – Douglas, Nogales, San Luis, Somerton, and Yuma. Ensuring their economic viability and sustainability is critical to Arizona.”

During the June 2011 Plenary Session of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, a series of meetings were held with Governor Brewer to discuss the needs of border communities. The AMC has been working collaboratively with other state agencies to advance the topics addressed as priority needs in the border region. On January 25, 2012, the Arizona border community leaders discussed the following fundamental questions:

1. What makes border communities different from other rural communities?
2. What are the unique needs to make border communities sustainable?
3. What needs to be done to address these different needs of border communities?
4. What are the priorities to move border communities toward sustainability?

From that dialogue, members agreed to develop a border region economic roadmap that outlines the strategic investments that will lead to sustained economic success in Arizona’s border communities. The project includes documenting border communities’ assets, examining best practices, developing an economic vision and defining the strategic action. The process is intended to produce preliminary recommendations in June 2013 with the final document by September.

Please visit the Border Roadmap website by clicking here.

D-backs contingent to visit Hermosillo, Mexico this week for Caribbean Series

Youth clinic, ceremonial first pitches and news conference to highlight club’s second trip to Mexico in five months

Read the entire report here.

PRINCIPAL CONFERENCE TAKEAWAYS
1. We cannot afford to continue to be ignorant about our important commercial relationship with Mexico.
One of the most profound takeaways is that, as ASU President Michael Crow insisted upon, we remain “purposefully ignorant” about the enormously important commercial relationship the United States enjoys with Mexico. This ignorance is a critical weakness that prevents us from gaining even greater economic benefits from this relationship. With unemployment still at unacceptably high levels and the global economy experiencing ever-changing balances of power, we need to focus on what works.
2. U.S. global competitiveness depends on a strong Mexico.
The intense and highly collaborative nature of our bilateral commerce, including our highly integrated supply chains and joint production, means that what is good for Mexico is in large part good for the United States.
3. There is remarkable multi-partisan support for increasing bilateral trade.
Representatives from across the political spectrum in both nations insisted on the importance of binational trade, demonstrating that the possibility for agreement and moving forward on key issues related to trade already exists.
4. We have congested ports of entry that need major attention.
With waits for both commercial and passenger vehicles often reaching multiple hours, congested border crossings are a key impediment to trade and raise the cost of North American supply chains, which are critical for the competitiveness of U.S. and Mexican firms.
5. Local communities have a very important role in international trade (and some power as well).
International relations can often seem quite distant from the concerns and input of everyday people particularly people living in the U.S.-Mexico border region. Recognizing the often extraordinary leadership that local elected border officials exercise in what are essentially complex international/crossborder affairs, mayors in the border region tend to stand out for their strong efforts and perspectives. These
efforts can and do have a positive impact on bilateral relations.
6. You have to invest (in infrastructure) in order to profit from trade…and there are a number of investment options.
In an era of acute fiscal constraints, there is an emerging consensus on the importance of public-private partnerships as a way of identifying and tapping revenue streams available to finance and operate new modern ports of entry.

Read the entire report here.

Director to Play Key Role in Boosting Trade Relationship between Arizona, Mexico

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer has named Ignacio “Nacho” Escalante the Director of Trade and Investment for the Arizona-Mexico Commission’s (AMC) office in Hermosillo, Mexico.

As Director, Mr. Escalante will serve as a liaison and conduit for Mexican business owners seeking investment opportunities in Arizona, and vice versa. His mission will be to help facilitate business growth and relocation in both Arizona and Sonora, benefitting the larger economy of our border region.

“Mexico is Arizona’s single largest trade partner, so it’s critical to our regional economic prosperity that we continue to build ties with our neighbors to the south,” said Governor Brewer. “Mr. Escalante will be a valuable asset in this effort, given his extensive experience in capital finance and keen understanding of economic development in the border region. With his help and the continued commitment of leaders in Arizona and Sonora, we can put in place the conditions for economic opportunity that improves the quality of life for all of our citizens.”

Mr. Escalante has more than three decades of experience in business and finance, including 10 years as General Director of the Economic Development Council of Sonora. In that role, he focused upon attracting foreign capital investment. Most notably, he was involved in the 2005 expansion of a Ford Motor Company assembly plant in Hermosillo.

“I see multiple opportunities to achieve our goal of increasing trade between Arizona and Mexico and attracting new investment by manufacturers and other companies,” said Mr. Escalante. “A stronger economy will create jobs and prosperity benefiting people on both sides of the border.”

The State of Arizona first opened a trade office in Hermosillo in 1992. Budget cuts and the economic recession forced State officials to eliminate the Director of Trade and Investment position in 2008. Now, the position is returning thanks to a joint funding agreement between the Arizona-Mexico Commission and Arizona Commerce Authority.

“Arizona’s trade relationship with Mexico is critical to our state’s economic prosperity,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority.  “Sonora serves as Arizona’s gateway to Mexico, and establishing a Director of Trade and Investment in this pivotal location is instrumental in strengthening the connection among companies and markets in Arizona and in Mexico.”

Mr. Escalante received his CPA from the University of Monterrey, in Nuevo León, Mexico (1985). A long-time resident of Sonora, he is fluent in English and Spanish.

In his new position, Mr. Escalante will work closely with the Governor’s Office, Arizona-Mexico Commission and Arizona Commerce Authority to educate and advise Arizona companies interested in doing business in Sonora and other regions of Mexico. He also will assist companies in their search for suitable contacts in Mexico for distribution, representation, joint ventures and other commercial activities fundamental to Arizona’s economic growth.

Additionally, Mr. Escalante will assist State agencies in the planning and execution of industry-specific meetings, conferences and seminars that promote Arizona in areas such as commerce; transportation and trade corridors; tourism; educational institutions; and health-related services.

As Arizona’s top trading partner, Mexico accounted for 33.5% ($5.97 billion) of all exports and 35.1% ($6.16 billion) of all imports in 2011. In 2011, Arizona exports to Mexico exceeded pre-recession levels, reaching an all-time high of $5.97 billion.

Click HERE for copy of Press Release

Click HERE to view the document.

In accordance with the BECC’s procedures for public notice, BECC is hereby releasing the following project for public comment:

• New Water Transmission Line, San Luis, Arizona

This project will be considered for certification by the Board of Directors of the Border Environment Cooperation Commission and the North American Development Bank on or after November 19, 2012.  To ensure that the Board can take public comment into account in considering this project, comments submitted to the BECC at the addresses below will be transmitted to the Board in advance of its decision.

The information on this project has been posted on BECC’s Homepage at http://www.cocef.org The information is also available at BECC’s offices and it may be sent to interested parties upon specific request.

Comments regarding the project to be considered for certification must be received by November 16, 2012 and can be addressed at any of the following addresses:

E-mail: candidateprojects@cocef.org

Blvd. Tomás Fernández #8069
Fraccionamiento Los Parques
Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua C.P. 32470

P.O. Box 221648
El Paso, Texas 79913

Via Telephone: from the U.S. (01152) 656-688-4600
Via Fax: from the U.S. (01152) 656-625-6999

The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 2, during the IEDC Annual Conference, which was held on September 30 – October 3 in Houston, Texas.

“We recognize UA Office of University Research Parks and the Arizona Mexico Commission for creating innovative and successful strategies to promote economic development in this period of global recovery,” said Jay Moon, IEDC chair. “Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in communities. UA Office of University Research Parks and the Arizona Mexico Commission demonstrates that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and are using cutting-edge, effective practices that can be replicated in other communities.”

The Arizona Mexico Commission (AMC) with the assistance of the University of Arizona Office of University Research Parks developed a 30 page special report entitled:  “Arizona-Mexico:  The $26 billion Connection.”  The report appeared in the spring 2012 issue of BizTucson Magazine and highlighted the economic connections between Arizona and Mexico and the impact of these connections on economic development.

IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. These awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world’s largest independent non-profit membership and research organization devoted exclusively to the field of economic development. IEDC helps economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions.  Serving more than 4,400 members, IEDC provides a diverse range of services including conferences, professional development and certification, publications, research, advisory services, and legislative tracking. Visit www.iedconline.org.