Port Manatee Hosts U.S. and
Panamanian
Dignitaries

Latin Chamber Present at Historic Event

The Ambassador of Panama to the United States, Jaime Eduardo Alemán Healy, and Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Sarasota) met with more than 70 business leaders and area lawmakers on February 8th to discuss the potential economic impacts for Port Manatee related to the Panama Canal's expansion.

"This is about creating jobs," commented Rep. Buchanan during a briefing at the Port. "As a member of the Congressional Panama Caucus, I am working to create jobs throughout Florida, and Port Manatee's capacity for growth and its proximity to the Canal give it distinct advantages as we move closer to the planned completion of the expanded canal in 2014.:

Following a port tour, Ambassador Alemán said, "Port Manatee is doing the right things to take advantage of the expansion of the canal." He also complimented port leaders on the operations and efficiencies of the port.

The Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce was represented at the event by César Gómez, Executive Director; Patricia Castro, Secretary / Director and member of the Board, Jorge R. Chacón, co-founder, past president and current Chair of the Latin Chamber's International Enterprise Partnership; Javier Curiel, co-founder and member of the Chamber (Latino Excellence of Sarasota); José Antonio Garnham, member of the Chamber and Latino Excellence of Sarasota, among others.

Left to right: Javier Curiel, José Antonio Garnham, Jorge R. Chacón, Ambassador Jaime Eduardo Alemán Healy, César Gómez, Congressman Vern Buchanan and Patricia Castro.