Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the questions that we are frequently asked about the Institute of the Americas:

What is the Institute of the Americas?
The Institute is an independent, inter-American organization that promotes cooperation between the public and private sectors to improve the economic, political and social well-being of people in the Americas.

When was the Institute founded?
In 1983, the Institute was founded by Theodore E. Gildred in collaboration with Richard Atkinson, who was then chancellor of  the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and who later served as president of the University of California. Gildred, a San Diego land developer and former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, established the framework and the vision for the Institute that is still in place today.

Who heads the Institute?
Jeffrey Davidow, former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Venezuela,
is the Institute’s president.  He is guided and supported by a distinguished Board of Directors whose members are business and academic leaders from throughout the Americas.

Is the Institute a non-profit organization?
Yes. The Institute is a 501(c)(3) corporation registered in the State
of California.

Is the Institute part of a university system or the U.S. Government?
No. The Institute receives no funding from UCSD nor is it supported by the federal government. However, we work closely with universities and governments throughout the Western Hemisphere to encourage dialogue on public policies for economic development, trade and investment, good governance and regional integration.

What is the source of the Institute’s funding?
Much of our financial support comes from our Board of Directors, program Steering Groups and corporate members throughout the Americas. The Institute also receives funding from membership dues, conference and roundtable registrations, corporate sponsorships and donations.

How can I find out more about the Institute’s funding?
The Institute’s annual financial statements are available to the public. You can see an electronic version of  the 2007 and 2006 statements by going to the Financial Statements page on this web site.
 
What is a Steering Group?
Each of the Institute’s programs has a Steering Group comprised of representatives from companies operating in Latin America. Steering Group members offer advice regarding our programs, conference and roundtable locations, event agendas and speakers.

What benefits will I receive if I join?
Our members network with important policymakers and business leaders from throughout the region to learn about political and economic trends as well as business opportunities in the region.

What are the Institute’s primary focus areas?
Energy , Information and Communication Technology and Professional Workshops are at the core of our efforts, as well as Project Mexico, which enables Mexico’s leaders to respond to today’s political and economic challenges, and our Cepas community
program, which highlights the best of border life.

Does the Institute focus only on Latin America?
Yes. The Institute responds to the needs of members and collaborators who are looking for business opportunities, pursuing expansion into new markets and seeking project development partners in the Western Hemisphere.

How does the Institute differ from other organizations?
The Institute is focused only on the Americas. It is not a lobbying organization, but an impartial and independent organization that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and academics for frank and open discussions about the challenges and opportunities in Latin America.

What kinds of events does the Institute organize?
The Institute organizes high-level conferences between leaders of the public and private sectors to strengthen the political, economic and business development ties critical to improving the quality of life in countries throughout the Americas. Most of sessions are open to the public. We also offer professional workshops on subjects ranging from public health to migration to science and technology.

Where is the Institute located?
The Institute is located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego. However, many of the Institute’s conferences and roundtables are held in countries throughout the region, such as Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Mexico and Canada.