Rosenbaum & Frank LLP

Business Breakfast Roundtable with the Mayor of Dallas
July 16, 2009
Toronto

On July 16, 2009, the Ontario Chapter of AmCham Canada hosted Mayor of Dallas, Thomas Leppert and his delegation for a business breakfast roundtable at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Toronto. The Dallas delegation consisted of business people from the transportation, communications and real estate industries, City of Dallas Council Members Linda Koop and Ron Natinsky and the Consul General of Canada in Dallas, Norris Pettis. Also in attendance were Robert Bathgate, National President of AmCham Canada, Scott Bozek, Principal Trade Consul with the U.S. Commercial Service and Laura Aune, Trade Commissioner, Canadian Consulate General, Dallas. Martin Rosenbaum, Ontario Chapter Chair, AmCham Canada was the moderator.

Mayor Leppert spoke about the strides made by Dallas since his election as Mayor in 2007. He also explained the many advantages of doing business in Dallas, including the 25% decline in the crime rate, the low cost of living relative to other large cities in the United States, the attractive business environment and the strategic location of Dallas and its close proximity to 5 major highways, 2 railway lines and the third largest airport in the world. Mayor Leppert and Councilor Ron Natinsky discussed the downtown revitalization project that has made Dallas a favorable choice for businesses looking to relocate. Jim Callaway, Senior VP of AT&T, spoke highly about AT&T’s recent experience in moving its corporate head offices from St. Louis to Dallas. Mayor Leppert and Councilor Linda Koop spoke in depth about the advances that Dallas is making with respect to environmental developments by producing renewable energy, moving to “green” buildings and expanding its public transportation system. Mayor Leppert introduced Gary Thomas, President & Executive Director of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system (DART), who discussed the history of DART and the upcoming developments that are being made to enhance and expand its service.

Following Mayor Leppert’s presentation, the attendees and the members of the Dallas delegation engaged in an interactive roundtable discussion on topics that included Buy American legislation and Dallas’ investment in research and development in technology, transportation and healthcare. Each attendee was also given opportunity to make a brief presentation to the delegation. The event was a great success and a valuable experience for everyone in attendance.

L-R: Robert Bathgate, AmCham Canada President, Councilor Linda Koop
Mayor Tom Leppert, Councilor Ron Natinsky and Martin Rosenbaum, Ontario Chapter Chair