Every Day is Magic: Ada Limón

In her 2015 collection, Bright Dead Things, a National Book Award finalist for poetry, Ada Limón writes of moving to Kentucky: “Confession: I did not want to live here.” It’s perhaps not a surprising sentiment coming from a coastally oriented person who was raised in Northern California, attended college in Seattle, and then spent over a decade in New York City.

 

But Limón and her husband, Lucas, have been in Lexington for seven years now and the effects of settling into this place are noticeable in her new book, The Carrying (Milkweed, Aug.). It’s a phenomenally lively and attentive collection replete with the trappings of living a little closer to nature. While Bright Dead Things is marked by a preponderance of light, such as images of fireflies and neon signs, The Carrying features numerous appearances by various trees, birds, and beetles. Limón also demonstrates a greater willingness to be explicit in naming colors, particularly green. “It’s crazy green, the whole book,” she says. “Lexington is the greenest place I’ve ever lived.” Similarly, where in Bright Dead Things, Limón tells a lot of stories and anecdotes, in The Carrying she is very present in her thoughts and experiences.

As it turns out, these shifts in focus have another, altogether unexpected source. While putting Bright Dead Things together, Limón was diagnosed with chronic vestibular neuronitis, which can cause bouts of vertigo. “If I’m really having vertigo, it’s pretty intense and I really have to focus,”
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Business

Corridor Women’s Network hosting ‘Marketing to the Hispanic Community’ luncheon

“his informative and engaging workshop will feature two esteemed speakers: Pauline Anton, President & CEO of the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC), and J.R. Gonzales, Executive Vice Chair ofTAMACC. These distinguished leaders will provide insights into the significant buying power of Hispanics in Texas and share strategies on how to effectively market to this dynamic demographic…”

https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/news/corridor-women%E2%80%99s-network-hosting-%E2%80%98marketing-hispanic-community%E2%80%99-luncheon

 

Mexican Firms Face Severe AI Talent Shortage

“…The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed industries across the globe, and Mexico is no exception. However, the country’s ability to capitalize on this technological revolution is being hampered by a severe shortage of skilled professionals. During the AWS Summit 2024, Rubén Mugártegui, General Director of AWS Mexico, painted a stark picture of the challenges faced by Mexican businesses in this area. He revealed that a staggering 80% of companies in Mexico are experiencing “absolute difficulty” in hiring personnel with the necessary AI skills. This shortage is not just a local issue; it is part of a broader trend affecting the entire Latin American region, where vacancies in AI and related fields exceed 2.5 million…”

https://latinamericanpost.com/business-and-finance/mexican-firms-face-severe-ai-talent-shortage/

 

ISM® Enhances Reach with New Initiatives in Mexico and Latin America

“To address the expanding needs of the global supply chain management community, the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) is set to broaden its reach in Mexico and Latin America starting September 2024. This expansion will include a range of offerings such as supply chain skill-building courses, ISM certification prep programs, and executive-level events, available in both English and Spanish. This initiative enhances ISM’s existing presence and community in the region…”

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/ism-enhances-reach-with-new-initiatives-in-mexico-and-latin-america/

 

Alvarez & Marsal Appoints Jose Manuel Ramirez as Latin America Complex Transactions Tax Managing Director

“New York, July 18, 2024 — Alvarez & Marsal Tax, LLC (A&M Tax), an affiliate of leading global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), announced the appointment of Jose Manuel Ramirez as a Managing Director joining the Latin America Complex Transaction Tax team in New York.

Mr. Ramirez brings over 30 years of experience advising multinationals on local, regional and global transactions encompassing domestic and international corporate and personal tax planning. He helps clients navigate centralized offshore treasury, cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) issues along with managing indirect and excise duties, value chain optimization, site location, captive reinsurances, shared services centers, dispute and tax controversy resolution, and tax incentives projects.

Jose Manuel’s experience with strategic tax services to large multinational companies and LATAM family-owned businesses, aligns with the expansion of the US based team of professionals serving the Latin American region and complements the ongoing investment in talent at the local level as well. Mr. Ramirez will work closely with Managing Director Alfonso A-Pallete who joined the firm in 2022…”

https://www.alvarezandmarsal.com/insights/alvarez-marsal-appoints-jose-manuel-ramirez-latin-america-complex-transactions-tax

U.S. sanctions Mexican drug cartel-linked companies over alleged timeshare fraud

“…And about 6,000 U.S. citizens reported losing nearly $300 million from 2019 to 2023 via Mexican timeshare fraud crimes by targeting American timeshare owners often in various or complex ways in years-long schemes, according to the FBI, adding that totals what they can track legally as unreported crimes keep on.

Treasury points at four companies in Mexico: Constructora Sandgris, Pacific Axis Real Estate, Realty & Maintenance BJ and Bona Fide Consultores, which the department claims were the front companies doing business on behalf of those linked to Mexican drug cartel…”

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2024/07/16/US-Treasury-sanctions-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-timeshare-fraud-cartel-jalisco-nueva-generacion/9541721145308/

Experts Warn of Mekotio Banking Trojan Targeting Latin American Countries

“Financial institutions in Latin America are being threatened by a banking trojan called Mekotio (aka Melcoz).

That’s according to findings from Trend Micro, which said it recently observed a surge in cyber attacks distributing the Windows malware.

Mekotio, known to be actively put to use since 2015, is known to target Latin American countries like Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Spain, Peru, and Portugal with an aim to steal banking credentials…”

https://thehackernews.com/2024/07/experts-warn-of-mekotio-banking-trojan.html

 

Dollarama increases stake in Dollarcity, plans Mexican expansion

“Dollarama Inc. has increased its stake in Dollarcity to 60.1 percent and announced significant expansion plans for the Latin American chain, as per BNN Bloomberg.

Montreal-based Dollarama revealed on Wednesday that it acquired an additional 10 percent interest in Dollarcity, with plans to enter the Mexican market. This acquisition was made in exchange for 6,060,478 Dollarama common shares, valued at approximately $761.7m based on Tuesday’s share price of $125.68…”

https://www.wealthprofessional.ca/news/industry-news/dollarama-increases-stake-in-dollarcity-plans-mexican-expansion/386143

Listen: Generational shift strengthening San Antonio-Mexico economic bond

“In 1996, a group of Mexican entrepreneurs founded the Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos to help Mexican professionals find success in the U.S. and assist Americans interested in doing business in Mexico.

Founded in San Antonio, the US – MX Business Association, as it’s known in English, or AEM, now has chapters all over the country. And while the founding chapter has always been active, the latest generation of young professionals, led by Victor Reyna, who was named president last fall, is breathing new life into the organization…”

https://sanantonioreport.org/listen-generational-shift-strengthening-san-antonio-mexico-economic-bond/

Capital One Opening Tech Center In Mexico

“Capital One is the latest foreign bank to enter the Mexican financial sector. However, it will not compete directly with BBVA or Banco Santander, given that the initial hirings suggest a focus on generating technology products for the North American market.

Mexico’s banking regulations mean that institutions must wait considerably for oversight checks to be completed. There is currently a backlog of at least five foreign banks—Banco Plata, Banco Masari, Banco ION, Konfío and Nu Mexico—awaiting their banking license. UK unicorn Revolut only recently passed its final test.

Starting with DevOps and human resources, Capital One aims for a 1,500-employee workforce of Mexicans or permanent residents over the next three years. Specifically, the bank is looking for creative professionals in technology, financial regulations and software development. Given the high demand for such workers, the bank is determined to create a startup environment…”

https://gfmag.com/banking/capital-one-mexico-tech-center/

Borderlands Mexico: Widening technology gap a threat to US-Mexico trade, experts say

“…Commercial transportation is a category that is often stereotyped as a laggard in terms of technology adoption,” said Love, who is based in Laredo. “Most carriers, logistics professionals are just so busy keeping the lights on that they can’t really start to think about innovation in the future.”

Mexico replaced China as the top U.S. trading partner in 2023, with trade between the U.S. and Mexico totaling $798 billion last year. In the first quarter of 2024, trade between Mexico and the U.S. totaled $200.1 billion, a 1.7% year-over-year increase…”

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/borderlands-mexico-widening-technology-gap-110000643.html

 

Latin America Roundup: Mexico, PAHO seek to help Guatemala boost regulatory capacity

“…The agencies agreed to personnel exchanges in their national laboratories of reference and proposed cross-border surveillance initiatives. COFEPRIS invited Guatemalan regulators to take part in its nascent regulatory school and has pledged to provide the Guatemalan agency with a quality management system…”

https://www.raps.org/news-and-articles/news-articles/2024/5/latin-america-roundup-mexico,-paho-seek-to-help-gu

Mexican Business Leader Eddie Garcia Invited as a special guest to participate in the NASDAQ Bell Ringing Ceremony

“…Garcia, the Founder and CEO of one of the largest and most successful Hispanic-owned real estate companies in America, has established a standard for diversity and success in the corporate world. His journey, a true testament to hard work, perseverance, and the limitless possibilities of the land of opportunity, serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs worldwide.

Garcia is currently working on his biggest venture to date, set to be revealed this September, which promises to be his greatest achievement…”

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/05/02/2874613/0/en/Mexican-Business-Leader-Eddie-Garcia-Invited-as-a-special-guest-to-participate-in-the-NASDAQ-Bell-Ringing-Ceremony.html

Borderlands Mexico: Experts push infrastructure to boost cross-border trade

“…U.S. trade with the world totaled $5.1 trillion in 2023, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Mexico did almost $800 billion in trade with the United States last year, once again becoming the nation’s top trade partner.

“I think you’re seeing growth all across the U.S.-Mexico border … and Laredo [Texas] is where the rubber meets the road,” said Jordan Dewart, president of Redwood Mexico. “I think that’s where the infrastructure is headed. That’s where the main investment deals on highways to access the border are going. If you go to Laredo right now, the amount of new warehousing construction, new trucking facilities construction, is just staggering. There are miles and miles of construction. If you drive up I-35, you can see the dust clouds from 50 miles away from all construction. So I think everyone will benefit.”…”

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/borderlands-mexico-experts-push-infrastructure-to-boost-cross-border-trade

Canada seeks Mexican talent

“…The Directorate of Immigration Services of the Québec Government Office in Mexico in partnership with Montreál International announced the search for qualified personnel to work in one of the most important cities of the French-speaking province.

The search for Mexican talent is due to the fact that Mexico has professionals specialized in this sector with high quality training, they are receptive to immigration, they adapt easily, and Québec is geographically close, culturally familiar and Latin American…”

https://mexico-now.com/canada-seeks-mexican-talent/

Hispanic and Latino professionals feel overlooked and underrepresented in corporate America, new study finds

“…The study notes that while Hispanics and Latinos make up 19% of the US population they only represent about 8% of the professional labor force. And within corporate America, only 10% of managers and 5% of executives identify as Hispanic or Latino/a…”

https://www.aol.com/hispanic-latino-professionals-feel-overlooked-213312572.html

ZF opens state-of-the-art technology centre in Mexico

“The new building joins the advanced electronic components manufacturing plant that began production in 2023, thus completing the Monterrey campus – a strategic complex for the leading automotive technology company at a regional and global level. It is the first multi-functional and multi-divisional campus for ZF in Mexico.

Located in a 43,294 square metre area inside FINSA Guadalupe Industrial Park, ZF’s Monterrey campus is one of the most innovative and advanced of its kind in Mexico, allowing ZF to continue leading the development of cutting-edge technologies for the automotive industry…”

https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/zf-opens-state-of-the-art-technology-centre-in-mexico-119952

New Reporting Requirements for Mexicans and Other Foreigners with Participation in U.S. Entities

“The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Rule of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) entered into force on Jan. 1, 2024. Now, U.S. or Mexican entities will be required to report the individuals who directly or indirectly exercise substantial control over the entity or own 25 percent or more of the ownership interests in that entity, unless the entity is exempt from reporting.

In addition, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on Feb. 16, 2024, proposed a new transparency initiative focused on “all cash” acquisitions of U.S. residential real estate by entities and trusts, with a requirement that real estate professionals involved in the transaction must report the individual beneficial owners and other information to FinCEN within 30 days of closing. Learn what this latest proposal means if you acquire U.S. real estate through an entity or a trust…”

https://www.hklaw.com/en/events/2024/04/new-reporting-requirements-for-mexicans-and-other-foreigners

SWJ El Centro Book Review – Frontera: a journey across the US-Mexico Border

“The borderlands between Mexico and the US are among the most studied border regions in the world. The border represents an intersection of several studies on security, culture, environment, and economics. This book can encompass and touch on a myriad of complex issues affecting the Mexican-American border by taking a deep dive into both sides of the border. The authors use a variety of perspectives and experts to thread together an intricate picture of the current and future state of the border. Sergio Chapa and Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera are the authors of this book. Sergio Chapa is an oil and natural gas industry expert and journalist in Houston, Texas. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera is a professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University. Sergio Chapa and Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera’s book explores the natural and ethnographic landscapes of both sides of the US-Mexico borderlands. The authors provide insight into the region’s cultural life, political context, and security situation…”

https://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/swj-el-centro-book-review-frontera-journey-across-us-mexico-border

Lawsuit Claims Auto Parts Maker Sewon, Recruiter ‘Lured’ Skilled Mexican Engineers to Georgia as Cheap Labor

‘A proposed class action lawsuit accuses auto parts supplier Sewon America and recruitment agency Total Employee Solution Support (TESS) of luring and exploiting highly skilled Mexican engineers and technicians to a LaGrange, Georgia, Sewon manufacturing plant as part of an illegal “bait and switch” scheme to secure cheap labor…”

https://www.classaction.org/news/lawsuit-claims-auto-parts-maker-sewon-recruiter-lured-skilled-mexican-engineers-to-georgia-as-cheap-labor

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Poem
“…And would it have been worth it, after all,
Would it have been worth while,
After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,
After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor—
And this, and so much more?—
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:
Would it have been worth while…”

T.S. Eliot
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

Mexican American Proarchive Annual Report for 2022

The American Community Survey is an annual survey administered by the federal government to help local officials and community leaders and businesses understand the changes that take place in their communities. It includes percentages of our population’s graduate school attainment and the employment of Mexican Americans in various occupations.  These important factors influence the allocation of federal resources. Mexican American Proarchives uses the data provided by the American Community Survey to better understand how Mexican Americans compare to the general population.

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