Last week, representatives of KCS and KCSM participated in the First Central American Business Round Table Conference at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas.  Sponsored by the City of Laredo, Texas and the Federation of Central America Export Chambers, the conference was designed to promote business between Central America, Mexico and the U.S., using Laredo as a transportation gateway.  Approximately 179 business leaders attended the conference.

Attending the conference on behalf of KCSM were director de ventas y mercadotecnia David Eaton, coordinador de relaciones institucionales y proteccion al derecho de via Javier Garza, ejecutiva de mercadotecnia de intermodal Rosa Pruneda, ejecutivo de ventas de intermodal Manuel Baker and KCS executive representative Bill Nolen.

Eaton was part of a group of panelists walking conference attendees through the logistics of commerce connections to Central America through Mexico and into the U.S. and how the Central American Free Trade Agreement plays a role in this process.  Representatives of ocean carriers, other railroads and logistics companies were also on the panel. 

Eaton used the opportunity to talk about the importance of Lazaro Cardenas and KCS’ International Intermodal Corridor to these trade flows.  KCSM also hosted an exhibit at the conference where Nolen, Pruneda and Baker discussed the corridor with potential new shippers.

Supporting KCSM’s statements about Lazaro Cardenas and the International Intermodal Corridor were Governor Leonel Godoy of the State of Michoacan and a representative from Maersk Middle America.  As the only ocean carrier serving every Pacific Coast port, Maersk endorsed Lazaro Cardenas and KCS’ International Intermodal Corridor as the most effective route.

As part of the conference, a group visited KCS’ international rail bridge in Laredo, where Nolen explained the operation and its benefits to international commerce.  The visit, like KCSM’s participation in the conference, demonstrated KCS’ commitment to developing business in Laredo.

“Laredo is our gateway between the U.S. and Mexico, and we’re always pleased to help the local community in its business development endeavors,” said Nolen.  Nolen is also a member of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce board of directors.