National Journal editor calls Castro brothers the 'future of politics.'

At the opening session of SA to DC 2013, National Journal editor Ron Fournier said Mayor Julian Castro and Rep. Joaquin Castro represent the future of American politics. "The two gentlemen from your state are the two rising stars in politics." Fournier said that a time of extreme cynicism in politics, the willingness of individuals to come to Washington to serve as advocates, such as with SA to DC, provides a ray of hope for political pragmatism.
 

What to expect the first day in DC

The Greater San Antonio Chamber President tells what is in store the first day of SA to DC.

What happens before the group arrives?

by Michael Vela
In preparation for the San Antonio delegation to arrive in Washington DC on Tuesday, March 5th the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Chamber staff spent the day walking the halls of the nation’s Capitol, confirming appointments with respective State Representatives and Congressmen. This year's SA to DC trip is a partnership between the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Free Trade Alliance and The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Together, we will host a delegation consisting of more than 150 business leaders, state and local elected officials from San Antonio at the Nation’s Capitol.

This year’s delegation consists of 12 committees: Small Business, Immigration, Military, Healthcare & Bioscience, Transportation, Water, International Trade, Education, Technology, Manufacturing, Aerospace, and Hospitality & Tourism.

Also, Hispanic Chamber President & CEO, Ramiro Cavazos, along with Jose Maria Gonzalez, Director of International Business, and Michael Vela, Director of Communications were delighted to visit with former San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Louis Escareño on Sunday.

Dedicated staff make SA to DC special every year

Leaving the Chamber of Commerce weather behind in San Antonio, the Sa to DC group of 100+ business and community leaders took off early this morning for sunny, but significantly cooler Washington DC.

This post is a special shout out to the staff members from The Greater Chamber and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber who have spent countless hours getting meetings set up, staying up really late, getting up and working well before the sun rise to make this trip smooth.

Thanks especially to Jose Maria Gonzalez, Michael Vela, Will Garrett, Liza Barratachea, Lauren Sides, Michelle Morris and Allegra Zwan. You make this trip really special for the rest of us.

Photo: big loads of luggage are taken to charter busses for SA to DC attendees

Mayor Castro and Congressman Castro to kickoff SA to DC events

SA to DC 2013 starts off with a bang this year with a lively discussion on three topics with Mayor Julián Castro and Congressman Joaquin Castro, moderated by National Journal Editorial Director Ron Fournier. The opening event is a rare opportunity to catch the two together and talk about federal and local priorities on education, military relations and immigration reform.

Fournier has also made recent headlines because he joined several seasoned journalists to challenge White House tactics on their recent management of press relationships. He is also outspoken about the broken politics across our nation's capitol. In fact, today's blog suggests that President Obama and Speaker of the House John Boehner need to grow up. 

Read it here:

Adult Leadership Required to Clean Up the Mess in Washington

by Ron Fournier