Over the last decade, Mexico has worked hard to globalize its markets by solidifying its trading partners and cultivating foreign investment. It's important to recognize what Mexico has done to position itself to become a major global player. The list of issues that Mexico faces, though no less significant, is certainly becoming shorter.

President Felipe Calderón, the luncheon's featured speaker, served as the 56th president of Mexico from Dec. 2006 to Nov. 2012. He made economic reform a top priority of his administration, implementing policies that catapulted Mexico into a powerful player in the global economy.