Fox to visit farmworkers, business execs

Mexican President Vicente Fox this week will see the full spectrum of Washington's economy — from meeting with farmworkers in Yakima to dining with executives from such companies as Boeing and Microsoft.

During his whirlwind 24-hour visit, Fox is scheduled to speak to more than 1,500 people at a series of tours, meetings and receptions. Gov. Christine Gregoire will be along for all of the events.

Many details and guest lists were still being worked out late last week.

While Fox will mingle with some of Washington's most powerful figures, his office emphasized that he wanted to "meet the people," said Gregoire spokesman Lars Erickson.

"He's coming to not only meet with corporate leaders ... but also to meet with the people who make up our economy — and that's the workers," said state Rep. Phyllis Kenney, D-Seattle.

Kenney is president of Centro Mexicano del Estado de Washington, a local organization that worked closely with the Mexican consulate in planning Fox's visit.

Fox is scheduled to arrive early Wednesday afternoon at McAllister Field airport in Yakima, where Gregoire and local officials will greet him. More than 30 Mexican journalists are expected to travel with Fox.

After a brief ceremony at the airport, Fox will tour G&G Orchards. Situated in the Naches Heights area, one of the state's prime apple-growing areas, G&G is the state's largest Hispanic-owned apple packer and shipper.

Owners René and Carmen Garcia have been lobbying to break down Mexican trade barriers that have kept them from selling their Red and Golden Delicious apples there.

While at the orchard, Fox is scheduled to make a brief speech to about 250 workers.

Fox and Gregoire will then board the president's plane — yes, it's made by Boeing — for a quick flight to Boeing Field in Seattle, where they are scheduled to arrive about 4 p.m. After another tarmac ceremony, Fox will head to The Westin Hotel downtown for a series of events.

An estimated 500 Mexican Americans will attend what is being described as a "reunion meeting" with Fox. Fox is expected to take a few questions from the audience during the meeting, which will be conducted in Spanish. The forum will be moderated by Jorge Madrazo, who heads Mexico's consulate in Seattle.

Later that evening, about 700 invited guests will join Fox at a "gala dinner" hosted by Gregoire and Centro Mexicano del Estado de Washington.

Several local and state officials — including Gregoire, Seattle Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and state House Speaker Frank Chopp — are scheduled to make brief remarks, followed by another speech by Fox.

Carlos de Icaza, Mexico's ambassador to the United States, is also expected to attend.

The $150-a-plate dinner will feature filet of beef with ancho-basil chimichurri sauce, halibut with puttanesca and a choice of two desserts: chocolate-infused tart with sweet tequila sauce or lime-margarita mousse with sugar rim and cactus cookies.

On Thursday morning, Fox and Gregoire will have a breakfast meeting at the Westin with business leaders. Executives from Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco and Alaska Airlines are among those expected to attend.

Fox will then tour a 100-bed nursing home in Seattle run by Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a statewide organization that specializes in treating Latino people. Fox will meet with patients as well as the clinic staff.

"It's not every day that we get the president of a country come by," said Sea Mar Executive Director Rogelio Riojas.

Fox's final event will be a luncheon at the Rainier Club hosted by the state Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Seattle. About 200 people, mostly Latino business leaders and government officials, are expected to attend.

Fox is scheduled to leave about 2 p.m. after a send-off ceremony at Boeing Field.

Ralph Thomas: 360-943-9882 or rthomas@seattletimes.com