The Chamber welcomes Governor of the state of Mexico, the Honorable Arturo Montiel Rojas on January 14 to discuss the successful launch in February 2005 of the new Kellogg Production Plant and ongoing economic development initiatives. Governor Montiel is also one of the top PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) candidate for the 2006 presidential elections in Mexico. The PRI, Mexico's "official" party, was the country's preeminent political organization from 1929 until the early 1990s and is expected to make a strong showing in the 2006 elections. Current Mexican president Vicente Fox is part of the PAN party.

Montiel became governor of Mexico state in 1999 and his term will conclude in 2005. Prior to his governorship, he served as the state’s secretary for economic development and previously, as mayor of Naucalpan. Montiel has also occupied roles in the federal government including director general of Proteccion Civil, the Mexican emergency management agency. 

Montiel’s visit to Dallas is the first step in his U.S. agenda for 2005. Accompanying him is the economic development director for the state of Mexico, Mr. Villasenor and former Ambassador Jorge Montano, who served during the NAFTA negotiations and later at the UN.  He now serves as a senior adviser to Governor Montiel. 

The private breakfast seminar is being hosted by Mary Kay Inc. and DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Carey LLP. There will also be press availability at 9:30 am at the Hotel Crescent Court. For more information on the NAFTA initiatives of your Chamber, contact Kristine Schwope at 214-712-1901 or kschwope@dallaschamber.org.