Canadian American Business Council Celebrates 25 Years as the Premier Voice of the Canadian American Business Community

Amgad Shehata, VP Strategic Development and Public Affairs, UPS Latin America, Caribbean & Canada, next Board Chairman

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the economies of Canada and the United States have developed over the last 25 years, one organization has been a steady voice behind greater cooperation between these two nations – the Canadian American Business Council (CABC).

Founded in 1987, the organization has worked with leaders from the private and public sectors of Canada and the Unites States to shape policy, drive cooperation and educate citizens about the important relationships these two countries share.  In keeping with that heritage, the CABC also announced today that Amgad Shehata, Vice President of Strategic Development and Public Affairs for UPS Latin America, Caribbean and Canada has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CABC. 

"The work done by the CABC over the last 25 years has been invaluable to the economies and policies of the United States and Canada," said Mr. Shehata.  "With the support of its members,  the CABC and its staff have displayed unmatched enthusiasm for the CABC's mission, supporting landmark events, driving innovative communications and marketing campaigns, and developing relationships that have all elevated the private sector's perspective on the issues that affect our two nations.  It is an honor to be named Chairman of such a remarkable organization, and I look forward to continuing the great work of the CABC."

Highlights of the CABC's work over the last 25 years include: Presidents, Prime Ministers, U.S. Senators, and Cabinet Ministers, along with CEOs of companies such as Coca-Cola, RBC Royal Bank, Siemens, and CN, providing insights at our policy conferences through the years.

"It's truly been a fantastic ride, but the work is not done yet, especially as North America looks to expand its prosperity by negotiating new trading agreements," said Emma Rigby of the CABC.  "We will continue our efforts in bringing the leading minds from the United States and Canada and driving awareness about how our relationship is a model for success for the world, particularly as the partnership evolves with new initiatives like Beyond the Border and the Regulatory Cooperation Council." 

About the Canadian American Business Council

The CABC is the voice of business in the world's most prosperous relationship. Established in 1987 in Washington, D.C., the Council is a non-profit, non-partisan, issues-oriented organization dedicated to elevating the private sector perspective on issues that affect our two nations. Our members are key business leaders and stakeholders from both sides of the border. The Council's activities include high-level briefings on issues of current concern, assistance with practical trade and policy challenges, significant networking opportunities, and informative seminars. 

The CABC Board roster is represented by the American Apparel and Footwear Association, Air Canada, Associated Equipment Distributors, Amgen, Arent Fox, American Gas Association, Bombardier, Borden Ladner Gervais, Campbell Soup Company, Canadian National Railway, Coca-Cola, Deloitte, Dickstein Shapiro, ExxonMobil, Fasken Martineau, Ford Motor Company, International Dairy Foods Association, J.C. Flowers & Co., Lockheed Martin, MTS Allstream, Ontario Media Development Corp, RBC Royal Bank, Research In Motion, Revolution Organics, Spectra Energy, Sutherland, TransCanada, UPS, United Technologies, VHB Engineering.

For more information about the CABC and membership contact:
Emma Rigby, Executive Director, CABC: 202 496 7906; erigby@mckennalong.com; www.canambusco.org

SOURCE Canadian American Business Council