San Marcos — Monclova, Mexico is forging more than just steel these days. 

The city recently hosted a 24-member trade mission expedition from sister city, San Marcos and discovered that relationships may prove as important to their economy as the steel mill that brings it fame, San Marcos representatives said.

The three-day civic, academic and trade mission was led by Mayor Susan Narvaiz and City Manager Rick Menchaca, and coordinated by the Center for Latin American Commerce at Texas State University-San Marcos, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, and the city of San Marcos. The focus of the trip was for the cities to work together to increase trade, share ideas for commerce, and exchange best practices.

The sister city relationship between San Marcos and Monclova was formalized in 2004, but it actually began 20-years ago when former San Marcos fireman, Roy McMullin, first offered assistance and outdated fire equipment to the struggling department in Monclova.  The San Marcos Fire Department continued to volunteer its personal time and used equipment over the many years.

The three-day mission, partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Business and International Education program, was coordinated by Dr. Jack Mogab, Center for Latin American Commerce, McCoy College of Business Administration at Texas State University-San Marcos.

“The function of the Center is to serve as a link between the McCoy College and the local and international community,” Mogab said. “This trip was really an opportunity for us to put into practice the Center’s mission by linking the university, and the local and international communities together to explore cultural, academic and business opportunities. We look forward to building upon the relationships established during the visit.”

Chamber leaders exchanged ideas, educators discussed potential collaboration, and training sessions were conducted by representatives of the San Marcos police and fire departments.

“Our meetings with our sister Chamber in Monclova, ‘CANACO Monclova,’ were both interesting and productive,” Phyllis Snodgrass, San Marcos Chamber of Commerce president, said.  “We learned that we have much in common and exchanged fundraising ideas, advocacy strategies and other best practices.  We are looking forward to a long-term relationship that is mutually beneficial for both communities.”

Trade opportunities also were explored with local economic development officials, and included tours of local manufacturing operations. "Our follow-up will include matchmaking between companies in both cities, but the hardest part is complete.  We established relationships that will make this next step much easier,” Amy Madison, Economic Development San Marcos, said.

The interest in trading is a two-way street. Texas' largest export partner is Mexico. 

According to the Department of Commerce, Texas traded $56 billion worth of goods in 2007. Texas imports over $120 billion in product from Mexico each year.

Economic Development San Marcos is a public-private partnership between the city of San Marcos and the Greater San Marcos Chamber of Commerce.