The State of BITA

EXPANDING INTO THE USA OFFERS EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR MEMBERS

In October 2018, Paul Whitnell had a very busy 4 days. He caught a plane to New Orleans on Wednesday 17th and arrived on the 18th. He spoke at the annual Irish Network USA (IN-USA) conference Thursday night, and then flew back to the UK landing on Saturday – leaving him just enough time to get his tuxedo and get to the Savoy for our Gala Ball and Awards!

No stranger to a heavy workload, this was a lot even for him, but he felt it important to work with IN-USA and to look to the future of BITA and the future of our members’ businesses.

Irish Network USA is the national umbrella organization integrating the Irish Networks that exist in various cities across the United States. It allows members of the networks to connect with their peers and to develop relationships that will foster success in their business, economic, cultural and sports ventures.

The mission of IN-USA is to bolster business opportunities and economic development between the United States and Ireland; to support and encourage Irish Arts and Culture through film, literature, theatre, dance and language; to encourage and promote the mission and expansion of Irish sports, throughout the United States; to support the efforts of local Irish organisations and associations; to serve as a conduit between newly arrived Irish immigrants and their communities in member cities and states.

Dr. Nigel Alley

Imelda Gallagher

Joseph McGill

Their aims as an organisation are incredibly similar to those of BITA, and their values are the same as ours – passion, communication, delivery and integrity. As an organisation we are expanding. We get an average of 15 new members every month, and are opening chapters in Manchester, Isle of Man and Cork – 2019 is our year of growth.

We are working closely with representatives of IN-USA – Joseph McGill, Imelda Gallagher and Dr. Nigel Alley, with whom we are arranging a series of podcasts and involvement in exhibitions. Joseph McGill, a Principal at US based law firm Foley, Baron, Metzger & Juip, says; “As President of the Irish Network Michigan and Michigan Irish American Chamber of Commerce, I am excited to participate in the new BITA/Irish Network collaboration. Leveraging established networking groups in the USA, Ireland and England is going to be a game changer for all involved!”

Although there is much business to be had in the UK and Ireland – the latter especially experiencing an astounding rate of development recently – we want to be forward looking. The USA is not known as the land of opportunity for nothing, and IN-USA incorporates networking organisation in 23 states and over 3000 members.

Imelda Gallagher from Mobilitie says; “I am a member of IN Chicago and delighted that we have the opportunity to work together with BITA to promote the mission and values for mutual benefit.”

The MOU that the BITA president signed in October signals our intention for expansion and cooperation with this organisation. We want to be able to offer our members the best opportunities to network and expand their businesses, across the Atlantic or otherwise. Members of BITA will be able to access events hosted by IN-USA as members, and IN- USA members will be able to attend our events as well.

Dr. Nigel Alley is the US Director of Sales at FLUTURA Decision Science & Analytics. He is an Irish expat having moved to Houston, Texas in 2008. Nigel is the current president of the Houston chapter of Irish Network USA and organizes regular networking events across the greater Houston area. He is also looking forward to growing the relationship between IN-USA and BITA and sees opportunities available for members of both organisations.

Any members that would like to get involved with IN-USA should contact Paul Whitnell (paulw@bita.ie) for information.