The new Manzamigos newsletter is out for the general public. This newsletter is a semi-weekly newsletter detailing different events, fund raisers, and gatherings happening in and around Manzanillo.

Download the new newsletter here: Manzamigo’s February 09 Newsletter

What Is Manzamigos?

Manzamigos A.C. was started nearly 10 years ago by a group of Mexican business men & officials, including the then Mayor of Manzanillo, Rogelio Rueda, along with invited members of the foreign community. The Association was designed initially to have all of the various heads of department in Local Government and Commerce available to assist the foreign community and Mexican community, with business man Guillermo Gomez heading the group as President. As is often the case, most of the officials & business men were far too busy to attend any meetings and after the end of one hectic year Guillermo Gomez stepped down as President and Nigel J. Rumford elected to take his place.

At the time of incorporation there was a total membership of five with only two actively working within the Association. The first object at hand was to incorporate the Association to allow Manzamigos to become a recognized legal entity in Manzanillo & Mexico. It was a long hard struggle to both register and get the required Hacienda (Tax) number but with determination Erick Arista, the elected Treasurer persevered. President Nigel was investigated thoroughly by Mexican officials and Manzamigos A.C. was finally born. Since that time of five members, Manzamigos A.C. has grown to a membership of over 250, an achievement of which we are justifiably proud.

The main reason for this expansion were the “Book of Conversions”, a handy shopping tool designed to assist the “Spanish Linguistically Challenged” amongst us, “Thirsty Thursdays” which have become hugely popular (some feel a little too popular), the almost weekly newsletter and the website www.manzamigos.com. A second book “Dining Out in Manzanillo” was added to the list in 2007. Although not a charitable Organization, Manzamigos has assisted several other organizations or people who needed help at one time or another as well as being involved in providing Christmas treats for underprivileged children.

You can become a member of Manzamigos A.C. by contacting our Membership Chairman, Vivian Molick at vimoli@juno.com or by seeing Vivian, Gerry & Dorothy Szakacs or Sharon Ottsman at any Thirsty Thursday. The fee is 250 pesos per year per family, which then gives you the opportunity to help us develop a good, knowledgeable and respected foreign community in the welcoming seaside city we call home.

There are many more things that can be done to add what we have in place already, to bond the diverse communities of Manzanillo and we invite you to become a partner in our exciting venture. This past year the torch of President was handed over to Gerry Szakacs who has continued the legacy offered him with pride and is now looking for people to continue the good works of Manzamigos. With the 2009 AGM at hand, if you are able to help Gerry and your fellow members, please let him know of your availability, position of interest and area of expertise.