Spencer Fane served as a panel sponsor for the 4th United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Dialogue, held on November 18–19 in Phoenix, Arizona. Attorney Mike Patterson participated on behalf of the firm, contributing as both a panel speaker and coordinator for the business-to-business networking segment. n nThe event, hosted by the U.S. Export Assistance Center Arizona and the Arizona District Export Council (AZDEC)—an organization Spencer Fane supports annually—was organized in collaboration with key trade agencies from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Discussions centered on regional investment prospects and trade dynamics under the USMCA framework. Around 250 small business representatives from across North America attended, focusing on trade expansion, preparations for the 2026 USMCA review, and SME engagement in sectors such as sports, tourism, artificial intelligence, and workforce development. n nAs an engaged AZDEC member, Patterson facilitated connections by bringing several clients to the November 18 matchmaking session, enabling over 120 local firms and visiting companies from Mexico and Canada to explore potential partnerships. The following day, he moderated the opening panel, “Small Business Trade Opportunities & Prosperity,” featuring leaders from domestic and international markets who shared perspectives on competitiveness, supply chain resilience, and business growth. n nWithin the firm, Patterson advises clients on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and securities issues. His expertise spans cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, equity and debt financing, foreign direct investment, distribution agreements, licensing, and market entry strategies. He supports enterprises involved in trade with Latin America, Canada, Asia, the UK, the EU, and Africa by identifying critical legal challenges, allocating resources efficiently, and implementing effective solutions. n
— News Original —nTitle: Mike Patterson Represents Economic Opportunity at FirmnContent: Spencer Fane was pleased to be a panel sponsor for the 4th United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Dialogue on November 18-19 in Phoenix, Arizona. Attorney Mike Patterson represented the firm at the event as a panelist and client liaison for the event’s B2B matchmaking program. n nHosted this year by the U.S. Export Assistance Center Arizona and the Arizona District Export Council (AZDEC) (of which Spencer Fane is an annual sponsor), the SME Dialogue is convened by the Office of the United States Trade Representative with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Global Affairs Canada and Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, and the Development Productive Unit and the Vice Ministry of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economy of Mexico to discuss regional trade investment opportunities and challenges under the USMCA. Approximately 250 small business stakeholders across North America participated in this year’s event, which focused on small business trade opportunities, the upcoming 2026 USMCA review, and SME involvement in sports, tourism, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, and training and talent development. n nMike – an active AZDEC member – brought several clients to the November 18 matchmaking event, which allowed over 120 local businesses and visiting Mexican and Canadian companies to meet and discuss potential collaborations. The next day, he emceed the opening SME Dialogue panel, Small Business Trade Opportunities & Prosperity, which featured domestic and international business leaders with insights on competitiveness, supply chains, and growth. n nAt the firm, Mike helps businesses navigate corporate, compliance, and securities matters. He has extensive experience in domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, equity and debt offerings, foreign direct investment, distribution, agency and licensing matters, and market entry strategies. He efficiently resolves legal matters by identifying key issues, focusing resources, and executing a plan while serving clients engaged in trade between Latin America, Canada, Asia, the UK, the EU, and Africa.
