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Mexico Business Center Update

By James Clark, Director General of the Mexico Business Center

The Mexico Business Center will stage two major awards ceremonies this autumn. They are the "Third Annual InterAmerican Business Awards" on Wednesday, November 7, and the "Seventh International Tribute Awards Gala" on Wednesday, December 5.

The InterAmerican Business Awards recognize businesses that contribute to both the San Diego and Tijuana economies by having facilities in both San Diego County and Tijuana. Awards are given for Outstanding Community Service, Environmental Stewardship, Technological Innovation, Regional Leadership and Service Provider of the Year.  The 2007 Third Annual InterAmerican Business Awards will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, November 7, atthe Hotel Camino Real Tijuana with Tijuana Mayor Kurt Honold as the host, and San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders as the Special Guest of Honor. There will be a free shuttle bus from the Chula Vista E-Street Trolley station to and from the Hotel Camino Real. The cost of the luncheon and awards ceremony is $35 per person for members, and $45 for non-members.

The International Tribute Awards for 2007 will salute Dr. Eduardo Sojo, Mexico's Secretary of the Economy at a Gala Dinner on Wednesday, December 5, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. President Felipe Calderon named Dr. Eduardo Sojo Garza-Aldape Secretary of the Economy in 2006. Prior to moving up to the Cabinet, Dr. Sojo served as Economic Advisor to Mr. Calderón during the presidential campaign and was subsequently the Transition Team's Coordinator of Liaison Work with the Federal Public Administration.

Local San Diego/Tijuana Awards will also be given. A Special Recognition Award for outgoing Baja California Governor Eugenio Elorduy Walther is scheduled to be presented by Mayor Jerry Sanders.The San Diego/Tijuana Citizen of the Year Awardfor 2007 will be given to civic activist Elsa Arnaiz.

The San Diego Natural History Museum has been chosen to receive the Outstanding Cultural Achievement Award for 2007 from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's Mexico Business Center. The Museum was chosen for its outstanding efforts to educate and informthe regionon the great diversity of the Baja California peninsula and the Sea of Cortes.  The Mexico Business Center also recognizes the annual "Dos Aguilas" event held at the San Diego Natural History Museum honoring distinguished leaders from both sides of the border.

The Distinguished Service Award will go to Project Concern International.The San Diego-based organization's early work in Tijuana in the 1960s included building a maternal and children's hospital to meet the needs of impoverished families. Today, this organization continues to care for those with few other resources.

The cost for the International Tribute Awards Gala dinner and ceremony is $125 per person, and $1,000 for tables of eight. For information or registration for both events, consult the SDRCC website, or call Viviana Ibañez at(619) 544-1362.