Washington, D.C., May 25, 2023– The US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) celebrated its 50th Anniversary, and presented the Good Neighbor Awards on May 24, 2023 at the Organization of American States building, in Washington, D.C. 

The Chamber was officially founded in 1973, however, its history began over 100 years ago, with the foundation of the Mexico Chamber of Commerce, which merged with the USMCOC in 1989. Since its inception, the Chamber has strongly advocated the benefits of collaborative trade and business relations between our countries. We are proud of our legacy of being among the first believers in the North American Free Trade Agreement and its evolution into the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement

During this special celebration, Albert Zapanta, President and CEO of the Chamber, and José Zozaya, President of the Chamber’s Binational Board, presented the Good Neighbor Award to distinguished individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to bilateral and hemispheric relationships. 

Private Sector Leadership Award

Mr. Keith Creel, President and CEO, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, in recognition for his leadership and vision in creating the first truly North American railroad, connecting, Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, through the merger of Canadian Pacific Railroad and Kansas City Southern, opening doors to improved transportation services and facilitating commerce in North America. 

Mr. Jean Claude Tissot, President and CEO, Coca Cola Southwest Beverages-Arca Continental, in recognition of his leadership as President of Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages and successful consolidation of the Mexican Arca Continental in the U.S. Southwest region. The association between Coca-Cola and Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, now one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the U.S., is a true example of the integration of the U.S. and Mexican economies and production processes. 

Hemisphere Leadership Award

Vice-Admiral Alexandre Rabello de Faria, Chairman of the Council of Delegates of the Inter-American Defense Board, in acknowledgement of the extraordinary work in the promotion of multilateral collaboration to address longstanding and emerging security threats that affect our Hemisphere. 

 The Chamber will continue its 50th Celebration Program in Mexico City in the fall.