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Gregoire honored by Chamber of Commerce group for strengthening U.S.-Mexican relations

For Immediate Release: May 16, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. � The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce yesterday honored Gov. Chris Gregoire with its Good Neighbor/Governor�s Leadership Award for her successes in strengthening relations between the United States and Mexico.

Accepting the award were her daughter, Courtney Gregoire, and the governor�s Washington, D.C., representative, Mark Rupp.

�Each year, the chamber honors individuals in the private and public sectors who have made outstanding contributions to U.S.-Mexico relations,� said Luis Navarro, president of the chamber in the Pacific Northwest. �We feel your contributions are indicative of the foresight and leadership necessary for productive relations between our two countries.�

Also honored were the Governor of the Mexican state of Veracruz Fidel Herrera Beltr�n; U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez; Mexico�s Secretary of the Economy Eduardo Sojo; and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte.

Responding to her selection, Gregoire said, �It�s through developing personal relationships that our partnerships with Mexico will grow, leading to more exports and more jobs for Washingtonians.�

Gregoire noted that Mexico is one of Washington�s top export markets, and she and her administration have made it a priority to promote Washington products and cultivate cordial relations with Mexico.

Last summer, the governor traveled to Mexico to promote Washington products ranging from cherries to machinery.

She met with President Felipe Calderon to discuss discuss tariff issues and how to guard against trade barriers. They also shared concerns about effects of immigration laws, labor shortages and security issues.

Among other international trade successes, the governor joined officials of Darigold to expand the export of Washington dairy products to Mexico. She also helped a Spokane maker of packaging machinery expand sales to Mexico.

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