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Message from our President
Maurice A.Buckley
It must be said that the United States' special relationship to Ireland has borne many fruit. As Ireland's economic policy became heavily pro-business over the past decade it yielded a highly attractive market place. Subsequently, the United States played an integral role in steering corporate investment into Ireland as a priority track in ensuring economic stability and accelerated growth.
A secondary yet equally crucial track was the role of the United States in the Northern Ireland Peace Process, a process which today stands as a model for other regions who hope to emerge from conflict and become economically viable. The island of Ireland is now prosperous and peaceful, with an endless optimism for future growth. As Ireland now possesses one of the world's most educated workforces, its people's preparedness to compete in the global marketplace will sustain this next exciting chapter.
The role of the Ireland Chamber - United States over the past 20 years has been to consistently and actively promote the business interests of our members and the development of economic, commercial, financial and educational relationships between the United States and the island of Ireland. To that end, our membership consists of executives, professionals and entrepreneurs in the U.S., Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Our 19th American Celtic Ball held on October 11, 2007, was a genuinely historic evening. For the first time in Irish history, Northern Ireland's political leaders attended an event together and spoke on the same stage on US soil. Beginning with the national anthems of the US, Ireland and England, this significant event was emotional. The keynote speaker Senator George Mitchell, whose commitment over many years paved the way for the new government of Northern Ireland, received The Ireland Chamber's Lifetime Achievement award. The Senator made a very personal speech that received multiple standing ovations.
The later part of the evening was dedicated to the presentation of awards with the "Michael Smurfit Achievement Awards" going to Neville Isdell (Chairman & CEO - The Coca-Cola Co., and also the first recipient of the award to come from Northern Ireland), Jack Butler (Partner - Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom), Joe Loughrey (President & CEO - Cummins Inc) and actor Matt McCoy.
The American Celtic Ball is one example of our black-tie events. We also offer business lectures, golf tournaments and networking forums throughout our 7 Chapters in the U.S. and in conjunction with our partner Chambers Ireland we truly provide our members a competitive advantage. Specifically Chambers Ireland has over 13,000 members and represents 60 plus chambers on the island.
Regardless of the size of your company or even if you are an entrepreneur looking to enter the Irish market or conversely launch an initiative into the U.S. market, our network suite will steer you toward success. I encourage you to take the time to explore our website and consider the ways we might be able to assist your corporation, firm or start-up initiative. Our Membership levels are geared to affordability, value and tangible introductions. The links across the Atlantic have always been strong and the cooperation in business, education, politics and culture do indeed make a great difference in the lives of the people of Ireland, both north and south.
Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to meeting your business networking needs.
Sincerely,
Maurice A. Buckley
President & CEO
