BTA's 2003 Border Outlook Conference in Washington D.C. to Focus on U.S. Policy & the Global Economy

Confirmed speakers include Asa Hutchinson, recently appointed Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security in the Department of Homeland Security.

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Media Contact:
Tania Torres
800) 333-5523
tania@thebta.org

BTA's 2003 Border Outlook Conference in Washington D.C. to Focus on U.S. Policy & the Global Economy

Confirmed speakers include Asa Hutchinson, recently appointed Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security in the Department of Homeland Security

Phoenix - February 20, 2003- The Border Trade Alliance's (BTA) 2003 Border Outlook Conference: U.S. Policy & the Global Economy, being held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pentagon City February 23-25, 2003, focuses attention on the issues facing North America's border communities this year amid federal government restructuring and concerns about the economy. The array of topics to be discussed during the three-day conference include the manufacturing shift behind the maquiladora industry and overseas trade to the possibility of a guest worker program in the United States and the acceleration of the Canada-U.S. "Smart Border" accords.

In particular, keynote speaker Asa Hutchinson will discuss some of the challenges faced in his newly appointed role as Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security in the Department of Homeland Security. Hutchinson, the former head Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, is responsible for securing the nation's borders and transportation infrastructure while at the same time facilitating the unimpeded flow of legitimate commerce and people across borders and ports.

"The BTA seeks to focus attention on the most pertinent issues facing border trade and public policies that encourage economic development in border communities," said Richard Cortez, Chairman of the BTA. "The conference will provide an engaging forum for exchange and dialogue as the country moves forward with the biggest federal reorganization in more than half a century".

Other speakers include Peter Boehm, Minister of Political and Public Affairs at the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C., U.S. Congressman Jeff Flake, U.S Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, U.S. Senator Jon Kyl and Raul Urteaga, Economic Counselor for the Secretaría de Economia at the Embassy of México.

To register for the conference or for further details including a copy of the most recently updated Agenda, please visit our Web site at www.thebta.org or contact our Administrative Office at (800) 333-5523.

Formed in 1986, the BTA is a grassroots, non-profit organization that serves as a forum for its participants to discuss and advocate issues pertaining to the environment, border development, quality of life and trade in North America. Its vision is to be a recognized leader and authority for the facilitation of international trade and commerce throughout North America. Its core values include a commitment to improving the quality of life in border communities through trade and commerce and a commitment to work as a community-based grassroots organization.

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