The Border Trade Alliance appointed four new board members at its fall board meeting last week in Tubac, Arizona. Joining the board are:
- Brownsville, Texas Mayor John Cowen
- NatureSweet Vice President and General Counsel Skip Hulett
- Laredo, Texas Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño
- Cameron County, Texas Assistant County Administrator Anthony Lopez
“We are so fortunate to welcome to the Border Trade Alliance board of directors individuals with tremendous public and private sector expertise into the policies that will help make our borders more efficient, secure, and economically competitive,” Border Trade Alliance President Ms. Britton Mullen said. “The breadth of experience and insight of our board members only enhances our credibility on Capitol Hill and in the administration when it comes to border policy.”
The BTA board of directors convenes each fall to adopt its policy agenda for the coming year. The BTA in 2024 will continue its advocacy for adequate staffing levels and infrastructure to process trade and travel, while also advocating for a streamlined presidential permit process, and opposing state-level inspection programs that cause shipping delays and congestion around ports of entry.
“These are challenging times for border communities as we navigate the impact of migrant surges at our ports of entry, as well as rising trade volumes that require additional staff and improved infrastructure to keep pace,” BTA Chairman Lance Jungmeyer said.
The board meeting was capped off with a tour of the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Ariz. and a tour of Del Campo Supreme’s produce warehouse.
“The BTA extends its thanks to the outstanding professionals from CBP at the Port of Nogales who provided an excellent behind-the-scenes tour of Mariposa,” Mullen said. “The tour was another reminder of the tremendous importance of CBP’s dual mission to process trade and travel efficiently while also keeping our country safe from illegal trafficking and from individuals who would seek to do harm. We will continue to advocate for the resources that allow CBP to do its job more effectively.”
Jungmeyer, who is also president of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, said the tour of Del Campo Supreme gave BTA members a better understanding of the vibrant agricultural trade between the United States and Mexico.
“Diego Ley and the entire team at Del Campo Supreme gave us a great look at how fresh produce can make its way from a farm in Mexico to store shelves in a matter of days thanks to companies like Del Campo Supreme and others that are essential to a resilient agricultural supply chain,” Jungmeyer said. “The BTA’s advocacy for policies that facilitate cross-border agriculture trade is essential to ensuring consumers have access to affordable and quality fresh produce.”
Contact:
Garrick Taylor
Tel: (+1) 602-615-1657