The Paso Del Norte Group

Programs: In 2012 the paso del norte group continued to fulfill its mission, to strengthen the economic vibrancy and enhance the quality of life in the paso del norte region consisting of ciudad juarez, el paso and southern new mexico. A significant part of this effort was carried out by three standing committees: membership, program and civic. The membership committee makes recommendation to the governing body (executive committee) with respect to offers of membership. It also continued to oversee communications with members, including but not limited to operating a web site and disseminating a monthly newsletter to all members. The membership committee was responsible for new member orientation, planning social functions for members and other measures intended to facilitate involvement of members. During 2012 the program committee arranged for numerous presentations by local, regional and nationally recognized speakers, all generally consistent with the organizations mission and purpose. The civic committee continued to oversee specific planning and actions by strategic initiatives and task forces which help to carry out the work of the organization. Over one-half of the members actively participate in the following committees: 1. Strategic initiatives. A. Bi-national relations. B. Downtown redevelopment. C. Education. D. Retirement. 2. Task forces. A. Alternative energy. B. Arts and culture. C. Innovation ecosystem. Approximately 60 of the more than 300 members are under 40 and are categorized as intermediate members or the young leaders group. These young members are full participants in the organization, holding officer and committee co-chair positions. They also have programs specifically directed towards their career planning and development. Working with funding from and through the pdng foundation, paso del norte group members played leadership roles in the planning related to the city of el pasos quality of life bond issue. In addition, the paso del norte group elected to focus on a city-wide education initiative program to ensure the citizens of el paso were well informed and understood the quality of life bond issues. Based on recommendations from a study commissioned by the city of el paso, the paso del norte group members and other regional leaders focused on establishing a new organization to better align all regional economic development efforts to create a globally competitive region. This effort culminated in the creation of the the borderplex bi national economic alliance.