About Us

Today, Gov. Luis G. Fortuño is still actively involved in the work of CRECE, bringing a great deal of expertise and credibility to our efforts. Gov. Luis G. Fortuño serves on the board of directors as chairman, and helps to foster nonpartisan support for CRECE’s programs from his large network.

CRECE programs feature in-depth and data-driven research on Puerto Rico’s economic freedom and competitiveness, a series of forums aimed primarily at university students on developing the economy and society, dialogues on poverty solutions using tools from other think tanks in the US, and a youth entrepreneurship program known as Lemonade Day, which teaches kids how to plan and run their own businesses using the lemonade stand model.

To take advantage of the opportunities available to us in Puerto Rico, and rise to meet the many challenges ahead, our efforts at CRECE focus on three main areas: 1) improving the business climate; 2) reducing generational poverty; and 3) expanding entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico.

OUR STORY

The Center for Economic Renewal, Growth and Excellence (CRECE in Spanish) was established in December 2013 by Luis G. Fortuño, former member of the United States Congress and Governor of Puerto Rico, and a faithful defender of the economic freedom movement. CRECE is the result of its founder’s deep commitment to the present and future of Puerto Rico and the Hispanic communities in the United States, outside the political sphere. The entity is governed by a Board of Directors composed of Puerto Rican professionals who share the same passion for defending the principles of economic freedom, personal responsibility, and opportunity as engines of social and economic prosperity. It draws on the experience and success of its members as a starting point to investigate and promote public policies that promote greater economic freedom.

CRECE is located on the grounds of the Ana G. Méndez University – Cupey Campus, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, along with the the Luis G. Fortuño Siglo XXI Library, which houses the former Governor’s archives and historical documentation.  Our presence at the Ana G. Méndez University allows us to contribute to the professional training of individuals through initiatives that complement the academic offering currently available to them. , We encourage critical thinking and respectful debate by offering students and faculty opportunities to engage and learn from various perspectives that focus on timely topics.

OUR MISSION IN ACTION

The Center for Economic Renewal, Growth and Excellence (CRECE in Spanish) was established in December 2013 by Luis G. Fortuño, former member of the United States Congress and Governor of Puerto Rico, and a faithful defender of the economic freedom movement. CRECE is the result of its founder’s deep commitment to the We reject top-down initiatives and actively seek collaborations with grassroots and other organizations to reach our goals. We want to spur change by allowing communities to identify their strengths and weaknesses and tap into their talents and skills to achieve prosperity. Some of our most important collaborations are with Echar Pa’Lante, Colmena 66, Ana G. Mendez University, Fundación Rafael Hernández Colón, public and private elementary schools on the island, and the Atlas Network on the mainland. CRECE may be small, but with these important connections we leverage our work far beyond our modest appearances.

Our programs educate leaders, citizens, and children on basic economics, rule of law, and civics – inspiring entrepreneurship, prompting civil discourse, and catalyzing change.

OUR TEAM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS