Western Union expands community development initiative throughout Mexico.

The Western Union Company announced the expansion of the 4plus1 Program to the State of Veracruz. Since last year, Western Union has been working with federal, state and local officials in Mexico to implement this pioneering initiative, supporting economic development projects across local communities in Zacatecas and four other Mexican states.

For the second time in less than a year, Christina Gold, CEO, Western Union, visited Mexico to meet with key Western Union Agents and top government officials involved in economic development and the remittance industry. In addition to the 4plus1 Program, they discussed matters regarding social responsibility and competition within the Mexican market.

“Western Union is deeply committed to all the communities we serve around the globe, and Mexico is no exception,” said Mario Hernandez, Director of Public Affairs, Western Union, who accompanied Ms. Gold on her trip to Mexico. “Our dedication to the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic consumer grows stronger every day, through our corporate giving campaigns, improved service and lower rates.”

In the initial stages of the program, Western Union donated funds for eight projects in Zacatecas communities. These included an eco-tourism park, fruit and vegetable processing, nopal farming, agribusiness equipment, a pork farm and a computer assembly plant. In all, Western Union will contribute at least $1.25 million to these and other projects in several Mexican states.

The 4plus1 program is an extension of the 3X1 Program, established by the Mexican government in partnership with Mexican Hometown Associations in the United States. The Western Union Company is the first private-sector company to participate.

“Western Union is helping the community here on many levels,”said Esthela Valencia, President of Zacatecano Federation of Northern California. “Not only have they made it easier to send money to our families, but they continue to show a commitment to crucial development projects in our communities back home.”