TR AN S FO R M I N G CO R K
Global Conversations Our Connecting Cork ‘Global Conversations’ series launched on 30th June, with the first event focusing on Chicago. The series will highlight cities and regions around the globe where there are strong Irish and Cork connections, providing an opportunity for attendees to hear from business and political leaders among the Irish diaspora who are positively impacting the cities and regions they now call home. The support of ‘Team Ireland’ in these global locations is fundamental to creating a strong sense of community for the Irish abroad through our Embassies and Consulates. The DFA diplomatic missions work closely with our state agencies (Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland) to provide support and advice to companies and individuals looking to connect with international markets for trade, investment and tourism.
Connecting Cork with Chicago Speakers on the panel at our recent webinar discussed a broad range of topics, from two-way investment opportunities, to immigration, startups, equality, diversity and talent. A strong message arising from the discussion was the importance of consistent and ongoing engagement in order to build on the relationships that exist between Irish and US networks. Irish companies can expect to find a welcoming business environment in Chicago and there is a strong affinity with Ireland. However, while being Irish may get you in the door, you must be prepared to work at the relationship and have a well-honed value proposition in order to see success!
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Two-way Opportunities Chicago is the third largest city in the United States (after New York and Los Angeles) with a population of nearly three million people and a strong Irish community. The city of Chicago is also the county seat of Cook County, which is twinned with Cork County. Strong business sectors in the Chicago area include industrial, agri-food, automotive, life sciences and manufacturing, and the Enterprise Ireland team can offer support and advice to Irish companies looking at establishing a base in Chicago, as well as the broader Midwest and Northeast geographies in the US. IDA has 9 offices in North America, with the Chicago office focusing on sectors such as tech, IFS, life sciences, engineering and emerging business. Over 50 FDI companies are supported by the Chicago office, with these companies employing around 10,000 people in their Irish bases. Ireland’s track record as a stable and consistent location has been to our advantage over the last few years as many companies looked for alternative investment locations following the Brexit vote. Talent is top of mind for potential investors and following the recent establishment of Munster Technological University (MTU), Cork’s status as a twin university city will greatly enhance our value proposition as an investment location. The life sciences sector is particularly strong in the American Midwest. Cork has seen multiple investments and re-investments from life sciences companies headquartered in Midwest, such as Eli Lilly, Stryker, Abbvie. Most recently, the announcement by Accenture of their expansion of their life sciences consultancy operations in Cork, speaks to the enduring strength of the sector.
Katherine Fitzpatrick Director of International Relations
Celebrating Immigrants in the US Fiona McEntee spoke passionately about her advocacy work on behalf of immigrants in the US and her proactive address to Congress on the need to reform the 30-year-old immigration legislation that still exists in the US and is no longer fit for purpose. Irish businesses and individuals were urged not to be shy about exploring their eligibility for the ‘extraordinary ability’ visa (sometimes called the ‘Einstein visa’) which applies to individuals who are at the top of their field in areas such as technology, science, sports and music among others. Furthermore, new opportunities are opening up for immigrants who wish to start up companies in the US, with the reinstatement of the International Entrepreneur Parole Program by the new Biden administration.
Best Practices in PublicPrivate initiatives Bridget Gainer’s 20-year career with Aon has allowed her to fuse a private-sector mindset with her public sector work as a County Commissioner. She outlined a number of examples of how large institutions and public-private partnerships can be forces for good and can help to build a stronger economy as well as helping to ensure that people can live with dignity.
