Chamber press Release
Chamber develop business links in New York on the inaugural trade visit to the US
A North Kildare Chamber delegation attended a series of events in New York this month led by President of the Chamber, Vivian Cummins and CEO Allan Shine. The main purpose of the visit was to explore options for a comprehensive trade mission by Co. Kildare stakeholders to New York in early 2016.
The 3 day visit to New York was of extreme benefit to the Chamber as there were many opportunities to meet with the key stakeholders in industry. Whilst Kildare is home to some of the world’s biggest names in business – Intel, Kerry, Pfizer and Hewlett Packard, the county is eager to “House “ more and has the capability and environment to house more.
During the visit the delegation were the guests of the Ireland Chamber of Commerce-USA (ICCUSA) at its 27th Annual American Celtic Ball, an awards banquet/dinner, attended by over three hundred business and government leaders from Ireland, the US and around the world at the Plaza Hotel, Central Park. They also had an opportunity on the eve of the Celtic Ball dinner to meet with recipients of the Sir Michael Smurfit Business Achievement Awards this year including William McMorrow (Chairman and CEO – Kennedy Wilson) and Kathleen A. Murphy (President Personal Investing – Fidelity Investments).
In addition the Chamber delegation held a series of meetings with Irish Government bodies operating in North America including IDA Ireland and Bord Bia at the offices of the Irish Consul in Ireland House on Park Avenue. They also met with Irish firms who had recently established in the U.S.A. including Brandon Global I.T. and Espion Group as well as more established Irish-American concerns such as Maguire Hegarty LLC.
Vivian Cummins, President of the Chamber said today” Kildare has so many unique selling points -Maynooth University which provides a ready source of available talent, its close proximity to Dublin and the availability of zoned land coupled with it being a county rich in heritage, arts, culture and sporting facilities and now we highlight Kildare as THE county to do business in. The Chamber will continue to develop and nurture business relationships in North America and I look forward to welcoming the Chairman of the Irish Chamber USA, Mr Maurice Buckley to our Annual Business Awards Night next month”.
The common message that came across loud and clear during the visit was that Irish workers, both here and in the U.S. are highly valued by American business. Over and over again the message was repeated that Irish workers are recognised as being well educated, hard working and dependable.
The message was reinforced that whilst Ireland is one of the best places in the world to do business, Kildare is the best place in Ireland to do business.
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