GET TO KNOW US
About Our Chapter
The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce was established in 1973 as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit business association chartered in Washington D.C. Since its beginnings, the Chamber has grown into a unique bi-national entity operating 19 offices in the U.S. and Mexico.
Our local chapter for Houston, The Woodlands and the U.S. Gulf Coast was established in 2011.
Mission Statement
The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce has an unusual commitment to building cross-border business relationships. We connect our members with Mexico.
Vision Statement
- Our membership will encompass small, medium and large businesses that represent the variety of industries that are most important to our region’s future: e.g. Banking, Business Services, Education, Energy, Healthcare, Legislation, Manufacturing, Tourism, and Transportation and Logistics.
- We will disseminate timely and useful information to our membership across a range of business activities and keep current research on economic trends via all possible communication tools.
- We will provide strong connectivity among people and companies within the sectors represented throughout our membership.
- We will be the premier facilitator of the integration of newly arrived Mexican businesses into the broader business community.
- We will strive for continued improvement to the benefits of membership.
“If you want to do business between Texas and Mexico, the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce offers not only connections but information on our trade agreements and major event happenings that can help you grow your business.”
-Pete C. Garcia
President, Pete Garcia International
Executive Director, United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce
As President and Principal of airline and international business development consultancy firm, Pete Garcia International Inc. (PGI), Pete assists airlines in improving branding and revenue while developing new routes and improving profits.
PGI also acts as an advocate for both U.S. and Latin American companies. From developing cross-border business plans to legal protection management, they specialize in giving strategic planning that gives businesses a competitive advantage.
Pete is commonly referred to as the “Father of Latinization” in the tourism industry. He is also known for establishing Continental Airlines’ hub to Latin America from Houston and New York.
In his role as Executive Director of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce for the Houston/The Woodlands/Gulf Coast Chapter, he aims to develop business between our two great countries. He brings extensive knowledge to the table gathered from years of experience as VP Latin America for Continental Airlines. The key force in driving revenues tenfold in this region – from $250M to $2.5B – he built brand awareness and created the strategies and programs that increased its destinations from 25 to more than 75. Combined with his experience as a board member for Copa Airlines of Panama, Pete is a go-to resource for branding, marketing, revenue, route planning, sales and distribution.
During his expansive history bringing the needs of Latin American consumers to the travel industry, he successfully raised the level of customer service, boosted product offerings and established Continental as a key player throughout the region.
In addition, Pete has had the honor of actively spearheading some of the Greater Houston Area’s most impactful community initiatives. Most recently, he was Chair of the Houston Mayor’s International Trade Development Council of The Americas. He is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of Avance Houston, an organization that helps families with their educational needs, and also serves on the Advisory Board of Memorial Hermann Hospital. He served as Vice Chair of Amigos de las Americas and the International Investment Committee of The Greater Houston Partnership and the Supervisory Council at Houston CVB. Now, Pete is serving on the Executive Committees of The World Chamber of Commerce – Houston and The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce in Texas. He’s a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, an organization of 1,200 executives who strive to improve communities for both the public and private sectors.
Contact: 713-854-1577 | PeteGarciaInternational.com
“IF you are interested in growing your international business with Mexico, then I suggest that you get involved with the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, no only for your professional development and international trade but, also to keep you aware of USMCA (formerly NAFTA) regulations between the USA and Mexico.
I am proud to be one of the two founders of the Houston-The Woodlands-Gulf Coast Chapter.”
Julie Charros-Betancor
President, United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce
Julie Charros-Betancor joined The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center in February of 2007. She was named International Sales Manager for Mexico & Latin America. Before joining The Woodlands Resort, Julie served as President of AXO America, the only receptive operator company in Houston that specialized in group and tourism events from Latin America.
Prior to establishing AXO America, she worked for the National President of LULAC, Enrique Dovalina, as the Interim Events Coordinator for the 2002 LULAC NATIONAL CONVENTION in Houston. She was instrumental in bringing the national convention to Houston and was personally responsible for sponsorship efforts.
Julie was asked to join the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and was hired in December 2001 to the convention sales department as the first Hispanic Convention Sales and Marketing Manager. She was in charge of developing the Latin American markets (convention meetings) and Hispanic organizations as well as the federal government and military markets for Greater Houston. Her contact base, knowledge of hotels and 29 years of experience in the Mexico market led to her appointment. She was promoted to Tourism Marketing Manager for the Mexico market. Prior to the bureau, she held positions in Houston for Marriott, Sheraton and Holiday Inn as International Sales Manager.
Julie has 29 years of experience in the hotel/hospitality industry in Houston. She is very active in the meetings profession in Mexico. She is a past member of Meeting Planners International (MPI) Mexico Chapter, VISIT USA and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). In 2011 she helped establish the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce for the Houston/The Woodlands/Gulf Coast Chapter, where she currently serves as the President.
Julie was born in Houston, Texas and is married to Eduardo. They have four children: Tiffany, Michael, Lauren and Santiago.
Contact: 832-473-4841
Alliance Magazine
Dive into the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce’s official means of communication. Alliance Magazine is distributed to our membership through its offices in both countries – conveniently available online as a digital publication. We also deliver it to relevant institutions, organizations and government offices.
Members always enjoy a 30% discount off Alliance Magazine’s listed advertising prices!