roberto garces, founder

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Mexchamber was originally founded in 1984 by Mr. Roberto Garcés in Los Angeles, California.   (ESPAÑOL)

It was 1961 when the young 22 year old arrived to the "City of Angels" for the first time selling  calendars for "Galas de Mexico," which were very popular for its distinguished chromolithography works of art inspired by Jesus de la Helguera and other artists of the 20th century.  Setting roots in California, Roberto  established his own import / export and distributorship company (EXPORT-MEX), particularly in the food and beverage industry, forging a  commercial route for almost 60 years from San Diego to San Francisco which is currently operated by his heirs. 

After many failures and steep hills he walked before achieving business success, Roberto was prompted in 1984 to charter a chamber of commerce along with other Mexican entrepreneurs for the purpose of helping other producers and manufacturers in Mexico to expand into the great market of the United States. 

As many other Mexican chambers of commerce throughout the United States were converted to "Hispanic," with a certain challenging attitude, Roberto and his board of directors decided keep their pride by maintaining the official name as "Mexican International Chamber of Commerce and Industry" also known today as MEXCHAMBER.

With the entry into force of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)  Mexchamber expanded to other regions, facilitating trade between the signing countries.  NAFTA caused many small businesses' desire to enter the largest consumer market in North America.  The Mexchamber was instrumental for many young export companies to reach their mission. 

With the legal reform of 1996 (Commercial Chambers and its Confederacies Law), Mexchamber was authorized in 1998 by the Department of Commerce (SECOFI)  to operate in national territory, becoming the first binational chamber in the history of commercial relations between Mexico and the United States. 

The pandemic caused by the terrible Covid-19 virus came to change the lives of many families and business organizations alike.  With the passing and absence of Mr. Roberto Garcés as the Chairman of the Board, the new board of directors was created, establishing the Office of the Executive Director, designating Mr. Ricardo C. Garcés as acting Executive Director to handle all programs and administrative matters for benefit of its members.  His formal term begins in 2022.