President
Thank you to the Chamber Staff and Board for the trust that you have placed in me as we work to advance the work of the US Mexico Chamber of Commerce California Chapter. I also want to thank recent Presidents Laura M. Nava and Judy Wilson for their support. I take on the role at one of the most interesting times in recent history when it comes to US and Mexico relations and opportunities. Before sharing my thoughts on the current moment, a little bit about my background. Similar to some of my recent predecessors, I also proudly represent the San Diego and Tijuana region. I grew up in Tijuana and completed primary school there, before moving to high school in San Diego and then university in the Bay Area. Prior to entering the dynamic cross-border manufacturing industry, I spent about 15 years working for large corporations in California, including nearly eleven years at a leading Japanese consumer electronics brands managing product categories across the Americas, with my territory covering from Argentina and Brazil up to the three North American countries of the USMCA. Since 2011, I have been focused on helping manufacturers from the US and many other nations to set up and manage IMMEX (maquiladora) manufacturing plants in Mexico, and it is from this experience of 14 years of strengthening and forming cross-border ties that I come with great enthusiasm to further the goals of the Chamber.
Even as the political leadership of both the US and Mexico sometimes create degrees of challenges in the business environment, there is simultaneously a sense that this same political leadership in both countries recognizes the importance of the integrated manufacturing supply chain that has become the North American market. Risks remain, first in what will be the ultimate results of the ongoing tariff negotiations between the US and other nations, and second in how Mexico will support the ongoing and future growth of its most important economic sector of manufacturing. However, the historical evidence shows that overwhelmingly since the forming of the USMCOC in 1973, the trend in trade between the US and Mexico, including of manufactured goods, has always been pointing upward.
I will work to grow the organization as well as support the Chamber’s staff in enhancing the ways in which we create opportunities for fostering ties between Mexico and the US. Of course, this will include in manufacturing, with which I am intimately familiar, but also in the very important sectors of trade, entertainment, education and culture. It is also critical that we continue to receive your support. Our members are the reason that we are here and we are here to listen to your feedback to improve your Chamber and we look for your support in our efforts; whether that be by participating in our events, joining our board and working or leading our committees that ultimately bring our ideals and our mission to life.
Thank you, members, board and Chamber team,
Ernesto Bravo
