The Northwest Chapter of the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1993 by business people and professionals interested in forging closer economic and commercial ties between the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Mexico.  Under the leadership of its first President, Philip Jones (Jones & Company, international and public affairs), the Chapter’s programs highlighted the many Northwest businesses doing business in Mexico and the opportunities that were opening up for greater economic relations, particularly with the advent of the North American Free Trade Agreement.  The Chapter’s founders participated extensively in public discussion of the treaty, forming a speakers’ bureau to provide knowledgeable presenters on the subject to civic groups.  Trade missions to Mexico with several Washington state governors planted the seeds for joint ventures, investments and new two-way trade.  The NW Chamber was also actively involved in the 2006 visit to Washington State by former President Vicente Fox.

Over the years the Northwest Chapter has continued to monitor the progress of NAFTA implementation and present programs of interest to its members and the public.  While these programs have included discussion of broad public policy issues, it remains the aim of the Chapter to provide concrete and specific information relevant to Northwest businesses and their counterparts in Mexico.  To this end, the Chapter maintains strong and positive relationships with the Consulate of Mexico as well as Mexican government trade and investment officials and their counterparts in state and local government in the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to Phil Jones, past Chapter Presidents include David D. Spencer (international business attorney), John S. Anderson (Mexico business expert and former Director of International Trade for the State of Washington), Susana Gonzalez Murillo (international banker with U.S. Bank), and Luis Navarro (Port of Seattle).