A group of distinguished Mexican and U.S. businessmen established the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) in 1973 as a 501 (c) (6) non-profit business association chartered in Washington D.C. The coalition of businessmen created a bilateral organization to promote trade, investment and joint ventures on both sides of the border. Now in its third decade of operation, the Chamber has grown into a unique non-profit corporation operating through 8 offices in Mexico and 8 offices in the United States. All chapters and offices, with strong local membership and international contacts, help businesses bridge differences in legal, regulatory and economic systems, as well as language and culture.
Our local chapter’s inception began in late 2009 when Texas law firm Orgain Bell & Tucker, LLP, became a bi-national member of the national US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (“USMCOC) and began discussions for a The Woodlands-based chapter with the USMCOC President, Al Zapanta. Orgain Bell & Tucker attorneys and The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center representatives believed a need existed to encourage and facilitate the development of business between U.S. and Mexican companies in The Woodlands and Gulf Coast area.
In 2010, Ronda Butler Harkey of Orgain Bell & Tucker and Julie Charros-Betancor of The Woodlands Resort planned the initial kick-off meeting to determine membership response and interest. The response was overwhelming and positive for a local USMCOC chapter.
In 2011, Pete Garcia was selected as the Executive Director of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce The Woodlands-Gulf Coast Chapter. Ronda Butler Harkey was named President, and Julie Charros-Betancor was named Vice President-Membership. The advisory board was selected and plans quickly were underway for a chapter launch for Fall 2011.
Helping You Connect With Mexico.