USMCA: Strengthening the Arizona–Mexico–Canada Bond E14
Supporting North American innovation, manufacturing and mutually beneficial trade, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) aims to grow the North American economies and create high-paying jobs for Americans.
Moderated by Phoenix Business RadioX, a distinguished panel from the Canada Arizona Business Council, Jennings, Strouss & Salmon and Thompson Hine LLP recently joined Arizona Technology Council CEO Steve Zylstra for an engaging discussion on the modernized trade agreement and how it will promote mutually beneficial trade leading to freer markets, fairer trade, and robust economic growth in North America.
The USMCA trilateral trade agreement is critical for the success of Arizona’s economy.
Thompson Hine, LLP is a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in eight offices. Ranked No. 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times, the company is also one of just seven firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award.
Thompson Hine LLP has distinguished itself in all areas of service delivery innovation in the BTI Brand Elite, where it has been recognized as one of the top four firms for “Value for the Dollar” and “Commitment to Help” and among the top five firms “making changes to improve the client experience.” The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTH® – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals.
Daniel Ujczo is an international trade and transportation attorney who focuses on providing end-to-end counsel for clients across North America. He works with companies in the design, development, purchasing/procurement, manufacturing, logistics, crossing the borders and reaching customers.
His trade work includes customs classification and compliance, utilization of preferential trade agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), tariff mitigation and exclusions, procurement issues such as Buy American and anti-dumping/countervailing duty issues. Ujczo also advises clients in the negotiation of transportation agreements, managing trusted trader and related security programs, and addressing issues at ports-of-entry.
Ujczo has served in the governments of Canada and the United States, private practice and academia. He assists clients, economic development organizations and governments with cross-border investment and expansion projects. This includes coordinating legal counsel on matters such as corporate structuring, taxation, immigration, incentives, intellectual property, employment among others.
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Jennings Strouss is dedicated to providing clients with strategic legal guidance to help them seize every opportunity. Since 1942, the firm has been well-known for its rich heritage, commitment to community and long-lasting relationships. 
Possessing a deep understanding of business and law, Jennings Strouss is a team of legal experts who are dedicated to your vision of success. Through its offices in Phoenix, Peoria, Tucson and Washington, D.C., the firm leverages resources both regionally and nationally to serve its expanding client base. Jennings Strouss is deeply rooted in each of its locations’ legal and business communities, and especially instrumental in helping shape the dynamic growth of Arizona and many of its institutions.
The firm promotes a pragmatic, results-oriented approach, coupled with a healthy, well-managed, and friendly atmosphere of collaboration. As a full-service law firm, Jennings Strouss is ideally equipped to provide legal assistance to entities of all sizes.
Patrick Welch focuses his practice in the areas of general and complex commercial litigation, construction litigation, fidelity and surety litigation, and U.S./Mexico cross-border business transactions and litigation. He is licensed in Arizona, Nevada and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Based in Arizona, Welch regularly assists surety and fidelity clients with all facets of Arizona and Nevada claim investigations, litigation, trial, arbitration, mediation and appeals.
Welch has an extensive familiar and professional network in Mexico. He is a delegate on the Financial and Legal Services Committee of the Arizona-Mexico Commission and actively involved with promotion of U.S./Mexico cross border trade. Welch also helped establish the Arizona Mexico Town Hall Forum and is a Founding member and Vice President of the Sonoran Desert Chapter of Lambda Alpha International. Welch’s passion for supporting clients with U.S./Mexico cross-border business objectives stems from his strong family connection to Mexico.
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The Canada Arizona Business Council (CABC) is an exclusive peer-to-peer network of executives who operate at the highest levels of the private and public sectors. The CABC believes in inclusion and diversity and strives to exemplify best practices and lead by example.
Its annual non-profit event, Wings & Wheels Scottsdale, donates tens of thousands of dollars every year to charities that support both Canadian and American active military and veterans. CABC is a transaction-oriented group where results are valued and members help each other obtain their business goals. This philosophy assures each member of one degree of separation with decision makers in any field on either side of the border.
Glenn Williamson has more than 30 years of entrepreneurial and executive level experience, primarily in the financial and operational aspects of companies. Specializing in accessing the Canadian capital markets for global investments, Williamson is chairman of EPCOR Water USA, the largest private water utility in Arizona, a subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities, headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, with operations in Canada and the United States.
Williamson is the founder and CEO of the Canada Arizona Business Council, a private sector group sanctioned by the Canadian Government and the State of Arizona to work on increasing bilateral trade and foreign direct investment between Canada and Arizona. On February 10, 2014, Mr. Williamson was appointed Honorary Consul for Canada for Arizona.
He is also a “Visiting Speaker” at Thunderbird: The American Graduate School of International Management in Phoenix, Arizona. He was a founding board member of Arizona State University’s North American Center for Trans Border Studies, a member of the Deans Advisory Council in the School of Global Management & Leadership at Arizona State University, and a Board Member of the International Committee of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.
Williamson has also been an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, home to the 56th Fighter Wing of the U.S. Air Force, which is comprised of some 200 F-16 fighter aircraft. He was also a member of the Blue Blazer Squadron, a group of 56 Honorary Commanders operating under the Fighter country partnership. Additionally, he sat on the Arizona District Export Counsel Board, a position appointed by the U.S Secretary of Commerce.
Williamson has received six coveted gold and silver National Telly Awards for executive production of non-broadcast video and film productions, and is an avid skier, scuba diver and video gamer. Williamson, who was born in Montreal and is fluent in French, is a graduate of Rothsay Collegiate Military Academy in New Brunswick, Canada. He currently resides in Phoenix with his wife and three children and is a dual citizen of both the United States and Canada.
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About AZ TechCast
AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.
Through the art of connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s guests will share their expertise, success stories, news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling the state’s growing technology ecosystem.
About Your Hosts
Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.
Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.
Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.
Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.
Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.
In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.
Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.
About Our Sponsor
The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.
A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.
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With a background in marketing, in various for profit and not for profit companies, Kyle McIntosh wondered, “How can I pair the passion and commitment to community progress of a non-profit with the sustainability and reach of a for profit company?” From this question and perspective a mission evolved to tear down the false distinction between the two sectors and to promote companies with Conscious Capitalism® business models through 
Jennifer Burwell, joined MAC6 in 2013. Jennifer is their VP and Director of Programs.
