INUSA 22 Cleveland

Cathal McSweeney with Ambassador Byrne Nason.

One of the main objectives of Connecting Cork is to engage with the substantial Irish business community and diplomatic corps overseas to promote Cork as a destination for business, investment, talent and collaboration.

Cork Chamber has a very strong relationship with Irish Networks USA and, through Connecting Cork, was delighted to continue our sponsorship of their annual conference by partnering with them for INUSA22 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Cleveland is a city with deep Irish connections and a proud diaspora. At the conference, International Relations Manager, Cathal McSweeney spoke about the growth and developments in the Cork region as well as the vibrant business community and quality of life. The audience included Irish business professionals from different cities and states from across America. The keynote speaker was Irish Ambassador Byrne Nason. In her address, the Ambassador emphasised her pride in representing a modern progressive and empathetic Ireland, a country whose business community is thriving in the US, ranking 9th for FDI and employing over 110,000 people there.

Cork Chamber also had the opportunity to appear on a local Irish radio show with former US Ambassador to Ireland Edward F. Crawford to discuss the work of the Chamber and how the Connecting Cork initiative enabled greater engagement with the Irish diaspora in the US. The conference commenced with the launch of a direct flight between Cleveland and Ireland by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Ambassador Byrne Nason. This new direct link will officially take off in May 2023.

It was great to be back in person at the Irish Network event and Connecting Cork looks forward to our continued close relationship with Irish Networks USA and the many chapters and representatives across the US.