Inaugural Business Expo Is Latest Step in Growing Arizona-Sonora Partnership

HERMOSILLO, SONORA, MEXICO (March 14, 2018) — Nearly 100 exhibitors and 3,500 visitors are attending the inaugural Arizona-Sonora Business Expo March 14-15, designed to facilitate new connections, increase cross-border collaboration and strengthen an already prosperous relationship between two trading partners.

The Arizona-Sonora region features core strengths in high-growth industries, including aerospace, mining, construction, manufacturing, medical devices, renewable energy and tourism. The region offers an incredible strategic advantage for companies when it comes to trade, investment and economic development.

“Arizona’s relationship with Mexico - our number one trading partner - can serve as a model for other states to follow,” said Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. “The Arizona-Sonora region presents a competitive platform for growth, a robust supply chain, modern transportation infrastructure, top-ranked higher education institutions and a talented workforce.”

The Expo takes place in the Sonoran capital of Hermosillo. The robust agenda includes B2B meetings, seminars, workshops and networking opportunities. Attendees will meet face-to-face with key suppliers and stakeholders and attend industry-specific presentations. The goal of the Expo is to be a matchmaker, connecting businesses with mutual interests and needs, and to expand trade relationships in the region.

This Expo is presented by the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Secretaría de Economía de Sonora in partnership with Arizona-Mexico Commission and the Comisión Sonora-Arizona. It represents the continuation of an alliance between two governors in one region recognized as a national model for cross-border collaboration.

Media Contacts

Susan Marie, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1231, [email protected]

Daniel Scarpinato, Office of Governor Doug Ducey, (602) 542-1342, [email protected]

Alec Thompson, Arizona-Mexico Commission, (602) 542-1287, [email protected]

Additional Quotes:

Kirk Adams

“Arizona and Sonora share common economic development aspirations, rooted in the deep understanding that cross-border collaboration can make both our states stronger,” said Kirk Adams, Chief of Staff to Governor Ducey. “The goal of the Arizona-Sonora Business Expo is to connect businesses with mutual interests and needs, and to expand trade relationships in the region. I’d like to thank Governor Claudia Pavlovich, Secretary Vidal and their teams for hosting this inaugural event in Hermosillo.”

Jessica Pacheco

"The spirit of cross-border collaboration and relationship building runs deep in Arizona, and proven results keep that spirit alive," said Jessica Pacheco, President of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. "We are proud to come together in Hermosillo for the Arizona-Sonora Business Expo to foster existing relationships and build new ones that will strengthen business ties between our states and countries."

Sandra Watson

“Arizona and Sonora have a strong partnership with shared goals focused on increasing trade and economic development throughout the region,” said Sandra Watson, Arizona Commerce Authority President & CEO. “The Arizona-Sonora Business Expo is designed to benefit businesses on both sides of the border by bringing them together to facilitate new connections and increased collaboration. We’re honored to partner with Secretary Jorge Vidal and his team, as well as the Comisión Sonora-Arizona and the Arizona-Mexico Commission to present this important event.”

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.

About the Arizona Mexico Commission

The Arizona-Mexico Commission is Arizona’s premier cross-border nonprofit organization. The Arizona-Mexico Commission's mission is to improve the economic prosperity and quality of life for all Arizonans through strong, public/private collaborations in advocacy, trade, networking and information. For more information about the Arizona-Mexico Commission visit www.azmc.org.