UNITED STATES-PANAMA BUSINESS COUNCIL
ANNUAL BI-NATIONAL BOARD MEETING
THE CLUB ON FRANKLIN SQUARE, WASHINGTON DC
OCTOBER 13, 2000

Present
U.S. Board Members: 
Nick Antonelli, Ulysses Auger, Michael Barnes, Susan Davis, Michael Farrell, Ken Juster, Robert McMillan, Juan Sosa and Albert Zapanta.
Panama Board Members: 
Felix Carles, Dominador Kaiser Bazan, and Luis Navarro. 
Executive Director Ricardo Gonzalez de Mena was also present.
Guests from Panama included: 
German Bravo, Herman Bern, Joe Salterio, and George Thomas.

Welcome
 The Chairman Michael Barnes welcomed the visitors from Panama and the U.S. Board. Chairman Barnes acknowledged the presence of the Vice President of Panama Dominador Kaiser Bazan and members of the USPA Panama Board.

Past Activities in the U.S. – 2000
 Juan Sosa briefed the Board on the "Panama Day" program which included visits to five cities in the United States: Houston (April), Atlanta and Chicago (June), Miami (August), and New York (September). The program was successful in conveying Panama’s message to new markets, building and strengthening relations with corporations, and Panama was able to promote specific products such as tourism, telecommunications, agricultural, energy, maritime and others.

During the year USPA USA also took a trade mission to Panama in February coinciding with the gala dinner, obtained eight dialysis machines for the health ministry, organized a welcoming reception for Ambassador Guillermo Ford, organized together with GABC a breakfast forum with Ambassador Ford, and worked with OPIC in the organization of an E-trade forum with Minister of Commerce Joaquín Jácome, among others.

Past Activities in Panama – 2000
 Felix Carles briefed the Board. Panama has been very active organizing the speakers and visitors from Panama to the "Panama Day" program. A gala dinner was organized in February with the attendance of President Moscoso. Events with Ambassador Simón Ferro and other personalities have also taken place.

Program for the Year 2001
 Based on the experience, "Panama Day 2000" will continue to be part of USPA’s program. Next year it is anticipated that San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New Orleans will be three cities to be visited. A repeat in New York and perhaps Miami will also be considered.

Some of the ideas offered as programs and/or complements to existing programs included:

  • Visiting with editorial boards during the "Panama Day" program.
  • Addressing issues that may be detrimental to Panama’s image.
  • Promoting the program with more advanced time.
  • Continue to have a mix of public and private sector officials.
  • Continue to work with local organizations.
  • Take advantage of programs and events already in place and have a role.
  • Start an initiative designed to promote high-tech and telecom projects in Panama, using the resource that Northern Virginia offers as a leading technology corridor.

Website
 The Board was briefed on the council’s website www.us-panama.org.  It was suggested that US-Panama.com and US-Panama.net be also registered.

USPA proposed to publish on a weekly basis ten positive stories about Panama. Board Member Bazan instructed George Thomas to coordinate this effort.

Organizational Changes
 Chairman Barnes proposed the appointment of Margaret Sosa as Executive Vice President of the Council. It was approved unanimously.

Recognition to Michael Barnes
 Mike Barnes has been Chairman of USPA since inception. After six years he is stepping down to concentrate his efforts as President of Hand Gun Control. Juan Sosa, President of USPA requested Chairman Barnes to stay on the Board and he accepted. The Bi-national Board appreciates the work done by Mike Barnes as Chairman of USPA and will recognize him with the "Friendship Award 2000" during the evening’s dinner.

Election of new Chairman
 Juan Sosa proposed Robert McMillan as the new Chairman. McMillan, a former Chairman of the Panama Canal Commission, has been a member of the board of USPA for two years, during which time he has provided exceptional support to the organization. The election of Robert McMillan as Chairman of USPA was approved unanimously.

Adjournment
 Robert McMillan thanked the Board for his election and reiterated his commitment to continue working for better relations between the two countries and for expanded business opportunities.