"This year we will visit both Mexico and Canada in search of businesses looking to expand or relocate," said John Breier, the Austin chamber's vice president for economic development. "This trip will also introduce some Central Texas businesses to potential Mexican partners that can enhance their trade prospects."

Breier and Charlotte Millard, the chamber's international business development manager, lead the Austin group whose other members are representatives from Mahindra Consulting, Faulkner Construction and the Winstead, Sechrest & Minick law firm. Frank Flauto of the City of Austin's International Program, also is on board. Breier and Millard will meet with companies interested in expanding to Austin and Central Texas.

The chamber has reinvigorated its outbound economic development efforts in the face of the Austin area's economic downturn. It also led a delegation to Silicon Valley in February. Other Texas cities participating are Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Houston, Odessa, San Antonio and Victoria.