Board of Directors Luncheon Recap - Wednesday, October 25, 2023

The Smart Border Coalition Board of Directors meeting, held on October 25th, 2023, brought together over 20 board members who shared vital insights and strategies for addressing the challenges and opportunities within our coalition. Here are some key takeaways from the meeting:

• Bridging Two Regions: Emphasized our role as a bridge between two regions.

• Voice of the Border Community: Committed to advocating for border crossing community interests.

• Promoting Innovation: Focused on advancing smart technologies and innovation.

• Impactful Community Presence: Acknowledged our potential to positively impact the border community.

• Prosperity for All: Aimed to support individuals and businesses in realizing prosperity.

• Geopolitical Challenges: Addressed border challenges due to global geopolitical uncertainties.

• Shared Narrative: Stressed the importance of a unified narrative between the US and Mexico.

• Citizen-Centric Approach: Discussed improving the border crossing experience for regular citizens.

• CBP Staffing Advocacy: Highlighted the need for efficient staffing and port of entry management. 

The Smart Border Coalition would also like to extend its gratitude to Consul General of the United States in Tijuana, Tom Reott, for his insightful presentation on advancing the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry. Consul Reott emphasized the importance of making this project a major area of focus for the Smart Border Coalition, given the significant influence the coalition wields in the region.

Furthermore, Mexican Cónsul General Carlos González Gutiérrez emphasized that the Smart Border Coalition is a group dedicated to promoting economic prosperity, underscoring the coalition's commitment to achieving tangible and effective results in its efforts that contribute to economic growth.

Malin Burnham and Salomón Cohen holding a binational cooperation cartoon by Pulitzer winning cartoonist Steve Breen.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our gracious hosts, Ing. Rafael Carrillo and Norma Carrillo, for opening their home to us. We also want to express our appreciation to our dedicated Board Member, Jorge Kuri, for his outstanding leadership in coordinating this event.