TAMIU’s A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Texas Center Establishes Advisory Council

Texas A&M International University’s A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business has announced the establishment of an Advisory Council for its Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development (Texas Center).

This strategic initiative is intended to unite influential leaders from the banking, customs brokerage, logistics, and transportation sectors to enhance cross-border trade, elevate logistics capabilities, and position the Texas Center as a premier resource for North American trade and economic development.

The Council’s founding members convened their inaugural meeting Friday, March 21, 2025, in the De la Chica Room of TAMIU’s Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.

Dr. Luis A. Pérez-Batres, Dean and Radcliffe Killam Distinguished Professor of the Sanchez School of Business, outlined the Council’s purpose.

“Our inaugural meeting reaffirmed the power of our shared vision to drive regional and international progress by establishing a dynamic hub of innovation and thought leadership that bridges academia and industry,”  Dr. Pérez explained, “We are fully aligned with TAMIU’s broader aspiration to become a premier international university.”

Advisory Council chairman Gerry Schwebel, executive vice president of IBC Bank, echoed this transformational commitment.

“Our vision is to position the Texas Center as the definitive source for cross-border trade data, research, and policy recommendations between México and the United States,” Schwebel said, “Research centers like this create a multiplier effect on economic development, having a real-world impact on business competitiveness and policy effectiveness. The Texas Center is evolving from regional expertise to national leadership,” he continued.

The Advisory Council will provide strategic guidance across multiple dimensions, including the development of data-driven trade indicators, the establishment of strategic partnerships, and the promotion of a greater understanding of North American and global trade dynamics.

Dr. Daniel Covarrubias, director of the Texas Center, outlined its current initiatives.

“We’re committed to developing actionable research that meets the real-world needs of our industry partners and policymakers,” Dr. Covarrubias said, “Currently, the Center is working on a white paper series that outlines a forward-looking framework for a Binational Customs Agency, a North American Industrial Policy Council, and the digital infrastructure needed for next-generation cross-border trade.”

Council members also underscored the urgency of building a competitive regional workforce, preparing for USMCA 2.0, and ensuring the region’s continued success through evidence-based decision-making.

“We must build and retain top talent in our region. Partnering with TAMIU enables us to design programs that prepare students for well-paying careers in international trade and logistics—right here in Laredo—while ensuring continued prosperity for the region,” Council members observed.

Dr. Ned Kock, TAMIU division chair and Regents Professor at the Sanchez School, reinforced the importance of faculty-driven innovation.

“Successful faculty generate insights that move society forward; TAMIU is fortunate to have many accomplished scholars,” Dr. Kock said, “We look forward to strengthening synergies with the Texas Center to serve both our region and the nation.”

Laredo remains the #1 trading port in the Americas, handling nearly $340 billion in annual trade. The work of the Texas Center and its Advisory Council will be instrumental in sustaining and expanding this leadership role, organizers said.

For more information about the Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development, contact Dr. Covarrubias at 956.326.2520 or visit online at http://texascenter.tamiu.edu.

Registration for TAMIU’s  Maymester, Summer, and Fall 2025 courses begins Monday, April 7, 2025, at 8 a.m. online via Uconnect. 

For more on TAMIU’s story, visit its social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube, and online at tamiu.edu.