TUCSON, AZ (August 29, 2025) -- The Arizona Technology Council’s CEO Network—including Tech Parks Arizona CEO Carol Stewart—traveled to Nogales, Sonora, for a day dedicated to U.S.–Mexico connections, engagement, and strategic collaboration. The delegation received a warm welcome from U.S. Consul General Michelle Ward, who provided valuable insights into binational relations at the U.S. Consulate before the group toured Belden Inc. There, executives observed how innovation in manufacturing is helping fortify supply chains, improve efficiency, and cultivate talent across borders.
The visit also marked a significant milestone for the workforce with the launch of the inaugural Electrical Program cohort at the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District. Made possible through the support of South32, this program represents the public–private partnership needed to align educational opportunity with workforce demand. Special thanks were extended to Joshua Rubin of Javid LLC for coordinating the visit, which showcased the importance of collaboration in building economic resilience and innovation capacity for both the United States and Mexico.
“Cross-border collaboration is vital for Southern Arizona—strengthening supply chains, building skilled talent, and positioning the region as a hub for trade and innovation.”
Why Nogales Matters
Nogales plays a pivotal role as a gateway in the CANAMEX Corridor—a strategic trade route connecting Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. With four international ports of entry, including the Mariposa Port of Entry, which handles high volumes of commercial trade, Nogales channels billions of dollars in goods each year. This constant flow of cross-border commerce not only supports a robust regional economy but also reinforces the interdependence of supply chains spanning North America.
The city is also a symbolic and practical center for binational partnerships. Nogales offers a unique vantage point to observe how manufacturing, logistics, and trade practices directly impact both sides of the border. For visiting executives, the experience underscored the importance of Nogales in shaping the future of regional economic growth.
Building Cross-Border Momentum
The CEO Network’s visit reinforced the power of executive-level engagement in driving regional progress. By bringing together leaders from Arizona and Sonora, the Arizona Technology Council is creating new pathways for collaboration across trade, talent development, and innovation. These kinds of exchanges build trust, open doors for joint ventures, and foster greater awareness of shared challenges and opportunities.
The tour also underscored the importance of infrastructure that supports regional integration. Whether it is improved transportation links, streamlined customs processes, or investments in technology, the systems that facilitate cross-border cooperation are as critical as the relationships themselves.
Aligning Education with Industry
One of the most powerful takeaways from the trip was the spotlight on education and workforce development. The Electrical Program at Santa Cruz Community College is a prime example of how targeted initiatives can meet the specific needs of employers while creating upward mobility for local residents. South32’s support for this effort demonstrates how private industry can play a transformative role in bridging the gap between classroom training and real-world skills.
For the business leaders present, the program served as a reminder that building resilient economies requires investment not only in infrastructure and trade, but also in people. By ensuring that students are equipped with the technical skills required in advanced manufacturing and related sectors, the region can strengthen its competitive edge while supporting inclusive economic growth.
Regional Impacts
The tour illustrated multiple, interconnected impacts. At Belden Inc., executives witnessed firsthand how advanced manufacturing practices contribute to the stability of supply chains, while ensuring quality and efficiency for customers worldwide. The launch of the Electrical Program underscored how education and industry partnerships can help close critical skills gaps, preparing the next generation of workers for high-demand roles.
By fostering face-to-face connections between executives from both sides of the border, the CEO Network helped reinforce the region’s strategic connectivity and expanded opportunities for collaboration. Ultimately, the visit reaffirmed Nogales’s role as an essential hub of binational commerce, workforce innovation, and regional growth.
Strengthening U.S.–Mexico ties through executive engagement, workforce development, and advanced manufacturing is critical to Southern Arizona’s economy. Cross-border collaboration ensures resilient supply chains, prepares skilled talent, and positions the region as a competitive hub for trade and innovation.