The Canada-United States Business Association (CUSBA) is pleased to announce that James C. Becker has been elected as its new President. CUSBA is a non-partisan, issues-oriented business association based in the Detroit-Windsor area that focuses on issues affecting Canada and the United States.
Mr. Becker has been an active CUSBA board member for over 10 years and is excited to have the opportunity to continue growing CUSBA’s presence and its impact on cross-border business at such a pivotal time. In recent years, the group’s importance has become increasingly evident as we navigate the cross-border relationships between Canada and the United States. He brings a great deal of expertise and experience to CUSBA at this crucial time, both professionally and personally.
Jim Becker is a Senior Vice President at CBRE with a specialization in Global Portfolio Solutions. With nearly 40+ years of industry experience, Jim has broad experience in all facets of the real estate spectrum, including driving global portfolio strategy, transaction delivery, project management, integrated facility management and outsourcing initiatives.
Prior to joining CBRE, Becker was with Avison Young, joining in October 2012 to build the Midwest markets. During this time, he opened Avison Young offices in Columbus, Cleveland, Minneapolis, and Indianapolis and focused on building Detroit and winning new client business. Additionally, Becker was previously with JLL as International Director (2007-2012) and President, Canada (2010-2012), where he oversaw the firm’s Canadian operations, including platform repositioning, recruiting, and opening new offices in Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa.
Throughout, Jim has shown strong leadership acumen that has helped grow service delivery platforms by successfully driving business development, recruiting and strategy at local, regional and international levels.
Jim has been active with other non-profit groups, including serving as the Board Chairman with Global Detroit and a Past Chapter President & Board Member with CoreNet Michigan.
Jim is a dual citizen in both the United States and Canada. As a result of his background, he is an excellent choice to serve as the next CUSBA President.
Jim Becker succeeds Mark High, a member in the Detroit office of Dickinson Wright PLLC who served in the position for 12 years before stepping back into the role last fall as Laurie Tannous assumed new responsibilities. While Laurie served as President for approximately two and a half years, she was instrumental in updating the CUSBA website to begin building our online presence. When Mark returned on an interim basis, he picked right up with what he had been involved in previously, including advocating for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, coordinating CUSBA’s annual Cross-Border Economic Forecast events, maintaining close relationships with the Consuls General posted to the Canadian Consulate in Detroit, and significantly raising the organization’s profile across both countries, as well as coordinating the process resulting in Jim’s election. Mark will remain on the Board.
Jim commented, “I am grateful for Mark’s and Laurie’s efforts on behalf of our cross-border community over the years. Mark worked hard to establish relationships throughout our region, spanning from Chicago and Grand Rapids to London, Waterloo, Hamilton, and Toronto. Thanks to Laurie, we will be able to continue expanding our reach online through the new website, which I intend to maintain and grow through an active social media presence. They have both placed CUSBA in a strong position from which it can move forward.”
The Board is pleased to welcome Jim Becker to the position of CUSBA President. Mark stated, “He is an experienced and dynamic leader, really born into this position, and will push this group to new heights – I wish him well and offer him my full support.”
Jim is looking forward to serving as President of CUSBA and has developed an effective strategic plan to ensure the group continues to grow. CUSBA’s mission is to strengthen the economic partnership between Canada and the United States by fostering dialogue, insight, and collaboration among business leaders, policymakers, and economic institutions operating along the border. CUSBA will remain a reliable resource on economic and policy issues affecting cross-border business between Canada and the United States. The organization will prioritize thought leadership, member engagement, and high-quality programming that encourages informed dialogue on cross-border economic trends and business opportunities.
About The Canada – US Business Association (CUSBA)
CUSBA – The Canada – US Business Association has provided leadership and foresight since 1992 as one of the premier voices for the Canadian and American business communities. CUSBA is a nonprofit, non-partisan, issues – oriented business association focused on issues affecting Canada and the United States. CUSBA is a key voice for small, medium and large businesses in the world’s most prosperous cross-border relationship. Established in Detroit, Michigan, our members are business leaders and stakeholders from both sides of the international border. To learn more about the group, visit us online at https://cusbaonline.com.
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