In late February, Molera Alvarez organized a Trade & Protocol Mission to Hermosillo, Sonora, led by Phoenix Interim Mayor Thelda Williams and Phoenix Councilwoman Laura Pastor. The mission’s goals were focused on advancing collaboration with Hon. Célida López, the new Mayor for the City of Hermosillo. Several key meetings were held to help facilitate new cross-border business opportunities and to promote the continued growth of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. City of Hermosillo and Phoenix department leads met to discuss joint regional development efforts and innovations in municipal services, including water and public works. Tec de Monterrey held an interactive forum between university department heads and Phoenix delegation members to discuss collaborative efforts to enhance opportunities for startups in Phoenix and Hermosillo, as well as solutions to address shared challenges with respect to growth and sustainability issues. The Hermosillo Business Leaders Forum was attended by more than 300 local entrepreneurs and featured key economic development speakers from both cities including Christine Mackay, Phoenix’s Director of Community and Economic Development. Mayor López, U.S. Consul General Elia Tello, and a number of other officials and business owners were also in attendance to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the City of Phoenix Hermosillo Trade Office. To see pictures of the productive trade mission, please visit this link or click here for news coverage by Proyecto Puente. We thank all of the delegates who attended or supported the trade mission.