New Director To Lead Meeting Of Trade Consortium

By Yeleny Suarez
The new executive director of the Jay Malina International Trade Consortium said the group will meet today (8/19) to discuss goals, expansion of programs and economic impact on international trade.

Manny Gonzalez took the executive director’s position at the consortium (ITC) in early May after being appointed by Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas.

He said a meeting is scheduled from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at the Miami International Airport Hotel, concourse E, on the fifth floor.

In 1997, Mr. Gonzalez operated as an international trade coordinator. In 2000, he worked as a managing director and president for Latin America for Emarketworld. Six months later, he left to become managing director for Miami Internet Alliance and a year later, he became assistant director of operations for the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) for the Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor, where he served until taking his current job.

"This position is very similar to my previous responsibilities in the mayor’s office," Mr. Gonzalez said.

The trade consortium’s former executive director, Tony Ojeda, retired after 30 years with Miami-Dade County, and said last week he has new plans.

"I will be concentrating on my new business, Civictech and Associates," said Mr. Ojeda, referring to an international management consulting firm, specializing in the strategic planning, organizational, marketing, and human resource needs of local governments, where he will serve as president and chief executive officer.

The Civictech office at 1221 Andora Ave., Coral Gables, opened in mid-May after Mr. Ojeda retired from local government.

Mayor Alex Penelas wrote in a memo:

"I am confident that Mr. Gonzalez will continue offering the outstanding leadership that Tony Ojeda provided with the hard work of the ITC staff."