Cork’s international engagement, led through our Connecting Cork initiative and its sponsors, has been a cornerstone of Cork Chamber’s work for many years. Through sustained participation in global trade missions and strategic partnerships, we have built a strong reputation for Cork, for our Chamber, and most importantly, for the innovative and ambitious business community we represent.
Our recent engagements across the United States form part of a much wider programme of international activity that spans key global markets, including Europe, the UK and Asia. These missions are not standalone visits, they are part of a long-term, consistent effort to position Cork as a globally competitive location for investment, talent and business growth, while also supporting our members in expanding their international reach.
San Francisco Innovation, investment & deepening ties
Our visit to San Francisco, as part of a Cork City Council delegation, led by Lord Mayor, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, provided a valuable platform to promote Cork across business, tourism, civic and political networks at the start of the St. Patrick’s season. Engagements with leading organisations, including IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland clients, highlighted the Bay Area’s role as a global hub for innovation, particularly in AI, and its strong links to Cork.
Meetings with companies such as Zoom underscored Cork’s growing importance in global operations, while collaboration with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and local economic bodies reinforced opportunities for partnership, including a forthcoming innovation exchange between both cities. The visit also strengthened tourism and cultural connections, reflecting the enduring and dynamic relationship between Cork and our sister city San Francisco.
Chicago continues to be a key partner for Cork across business and tourism. As part of a Cork County Council delegation to its sister county, Cook County, led by Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cork Chamber engaged with key stakeholders to further strengthen these long-standing ties.Engagements focused on deepening ties with Midwest-based companies with operations in Cork, as well as Irish firms expanding in North America. Visits to organisations such as Motorola Solutions and Carbery Group’s Synergy Flavors showcased the strength of transatlantic investment and innovation originating from Cork. Productive discussions with IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, tourism partners and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce further reinforced opportunities for trade and collaboration. Participation in St. Patrick’s season events also highlighted the strong cultural and economic connections that continue to underpin the Cork–Chicago relationship.
Our presence in Greenwich, a global centre for hedge funds and investment firms, provided a strategic opportunity to position Cork as a leading location for international financial services. Through our sponsorship of the Irish Funds Greenwich Seminar, in partnership with the Cork Financial Services Forum, we engaged with key industry stakeholders and highlighted Ireland’s, and Cork’s, competitive advantages. Discussions emphasised Ireland’s position as the largest domicile for European ETFs, alongside its strong regulatory environment, talent base and gateway access to European markets. These engagements continue to support Cork’s growing profile as a hub for financial services investment.
In New York, engagements focused on promoting Cork as a dynamic and competitive location for international business, particularly within financial services and technology. Through participation in the Irish Funds seminar and a series of high-level networking events, we highlighted Cork’s deep talent pool, sectoral expertise and collaborative ecosystem. Consistent feedback from US stakeholders reinforced Ireland’s, and Cork’s, attractiveness as a gateway to Europe. The visit also provided valuable opportunities to connect with Cork Chamber members and global partners, while key insights from the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland further demonstrated the scale and strength of US–Ireland economic ties.
Washington, DC Reinforcing strategic transatlantic partnerships
Our visit to Washington, DC marked a key moment in the mission, placing Cork Chamber at the centre of high-level engagements that underscore the strength of the Ireland–US relationship. Participating as part of Team Ireland, alongside President Rob Horgan, we engaged in a series of strategic business events hosted by the Embassy of Ireland and supported by IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Research Ireland.
