Carlton Schwab

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Irving Sister Cities Program Enhanced

IRVING , Texas – March 4, 2008 – The Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce announced today the launch of an international trade development and assistance center that will facilitate information-sharing and provide business development assistance between companies in Irving and international interests in Mexico , Central and South America, Asia and Europe . The center will focus its initial efforts on Mexico .

“Through a partnership with the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and our Chamber, we are proud to offer this multi-national assistance center as an important resource for the Irving business community,” said Chris E. Wallace, president/CEO of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber’s mission is to support the growth of businesses in Irving and, given the global economy in which we all operate, it is important for us to help our local companies expand their presence in foreign countries. This Center will also enhance the business development focus of Irving ’s Sister Cities International program, which meets the goals of the City and Chamber,” Wallace added.

Bicultural internationalist and Latin American specialist, Joe Chapa, the current vice president of operations for the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, will oversee the center’s activities, which will include trade missions, “business matchmaking” initiatives, and information and training seminars. Chapa will work in partnership with Irving Sister Cities Executive Director Sharon Rose. The Center will be housed in the Irving Chamber ’s main offices at Williams Square in Las Colinas.

“I look forward to leveraging my extensive international experience, garnered from an 18-year career with Mobil Oil Corporation, for the benefit of businesses both in Irving and abroad,” said Chapa. “ Irving is an international city, and there is tremendous potential to attract foreign businesses here, as well as assist our local companies to enter new markets abroad. Ultimately, we hope to be the go-to resource for businesses on the path of globalization.”

For more information on the International Trade Development & Assistance Center , please call (214) 217-8484 or visit www.irvingchamber.com .

About the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce.
The Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce promotes the growth and expansion of business in Irving, an international community that is home to 200,000 residents and more than 8,000 businesses, including the global headquarters of four Fortune 500 companies and regional offices of more than 20 international companies. The Chamber serves as the unified business voice for Irving , which is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. With a rich heritage of leadership and collaboration, the Chamber works in partnership with the City of Irving and the corporate community to promote, advocate for and expand business in the city and further develop and market Irving ’s advantages as a premier location for doing business. For more information about the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, visit www.irvingchamber.com .