The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce proudly announced the recipients of the prestigious 2026 Good Neighbor Awards during a Gala Dinner held on May 19, 2026, at the historic Organization of American States Building in Washington, D.C.
Each year, the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce recognizes distinguished leaders from the public and private sectors whose vision, leadership, and commitment have strengthened the relationship between Mexico and the United States.
This year, the Chamber proudly presented the Good Neighbor Award to the following individuals whose leadership has significantly advanced cooperation, economic growth, and stronger ties between both nations.
Ambassador José Juan de Olloqui Award for Western Hemispheric Leadership
The Ambassador José Juan de Olloqui Award for Western Hemispheric Leadership was presented to Mr. Steve Menzies, Founder of the Steve Menzies Global Foundation, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to addressing critical global challenges. His efforts to improve workplace safety standards in the insurance industry, combined with his philanthropic initiatives supporting humanitarian causes, Americans unjustly detained abroad, and programs in education, the arts, and healthcare, reflect a strong vision of responsible and impactful leadership.
Private Sector Leadership Award
The Private Sector Leadership Award was presented to Mrs. Elizabeth Uihlein, Founder and CEO of Uline, in recognition of her leadership in building Uline into a North American powerhouse. Under her guidance, Uline has grown into a truly multinational enterprise with a strong presence across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, delivering millions of high-quality industrial supplies and products with efficiency and excellence throughout the region.
Public Sector Leadership Award
The Public Sector Leadership Award was presented to Hon. María Teresa Jiménez, Governor of the State of Aguascalientes, for her valuable work in advancing the regional economy, positioning Aguascalientes as a leading state in attracting foreign direct investment and as a strategic hub for Mexico’s automotive and advanced manufacturing industries, while strengthening ties between Aguascalientes and the United States.
From the United States, Amb. Christopher Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, also received the Public Sector Leadership Award in recognition of his steadfast commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship during his tenure as Ambassador to Mexico, particularly during pivotal moments such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the negotiation and implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Ambassadorial Recognition Award
A special recognition was presented to Amb. Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, as a heartfelt expression of appreciation for his extraordinary leadership in representing Mexico in the United States. His persistent commitment to dialogue, partnership, goodwill, and friendship—especially during moments of both success and challenge—exemplifies the true spirit of a Good Neighbor.
Amb. Earl Anthony Wayne, distinguished U.S. diplomat (1975–2015) and former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico (2011–2015), received the Ambassadorial Recognition Award in recognition of his distinguished diplomatic career and unwavering commitment to fostering closer and more collaborative relations between the United States and Mexico. His efforts have extended well beyond his tenure as Ambassador and have brought a thoughtful and balanced perspective to the most pressing challenges facing the North American region.
About the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1973 by a group of distinguished Mexican and American business leaders, the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce was established to promote trade, investment, and joint ventures between both countries. Today, the Chamber serves as the leading binational business organization dedicated to strengthening mutually beneficial trade and investment relations between Mexico and the United States.
Now in its fifth decade of successful service, the Chamber has grown into a unique binational organization operating through offices and chapters in Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles; Dallas; New York; Chicago; Seattle; Miami; Houston; Salt Lake City; Detroit; Mexico City; Aguascalientes; Monterrey; León; Veracruz; Puebla; Guadalajara; Querétaro; Morelia; Chihuahua; and the La Laguna region. Through strong local membership and international connections, the Chamber helps businesses bridge differences in legal, regulatory, economic, linguistic, and cultural systems.
To further promote bilateral relations, the Chamber established the U.S.-Mexico Cultural and Educational Foundation in 1996 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation promotes educational and cultural exchanges that combine practical business knowledge with academic development to help cultivate the next generation of business leaders.
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For more information, please contact
Gabriela Kenny, VP of Administration and Communications
(469) 567-0923
