Gateway Success

Hi all, I just wanted to drop a note to report back to everyone on the Ireland-GatewayToEurope (www.gatewaytoeurope.org) mission last week. Events in Boston and Washington in April to provide practical information for US corporates who an interest in establishing operations in Ireland and the EU. I have to say it was a remarkable three days and should benefit Sigmar in many different ways. Having met the participants on Tuesday we all visited Capitol Hill on Wednesday, including attending the Senate whilst they were sitting (just missed Mark Zuckerburg !). We visited the office of Congressman Richard Neal MA. We then had a private and very honest session with EU Ambassador to UD, David O’Sullivan (incredible access). And that evening we were hosted in Ireland Ambassador residence with 150 guests. The next day highlight was a US launch of the Boston College Ireland Business Council, with minister M Darcy, the Ambassador (again) and many dignitaries and CEOs. Included on the council are head of Boston College CEO Club, Neil Naughton of Glen Dimplex, Jim Kelliher (Logmein, Fleetmatics, Activio, Hubspot, Drift) and most importantly our own , ROBBIE !! Robbie spoke brilliantly again and hosted a great panel. We had a few more meetings/events (including leading tech hub Kendall Square) and highlight next day was probably the BC/Gateway celebration of 20 years of Good Friday agreement, with another 100 guests. That evening we even got to meet some victims of Boston bombing at Fenway Park where they were honoured. Looking at last month’s biz books, many of Gateway community appeared, so hopefully more new relationships, IDA travelled to all the events and very positive, great relationships now with Minister/Ambassadors/Consuls and mainly US business leaders which auger well for future relations/biz. Also Jerome travelled from Groupe Adequat and was absolutely blown away by the organisation (all Robbie and Jamie), camaraderie, access, professionalism and business opportunities that we can access in US, so great to spend time with him. I am sure I am forgetting some bits and I am sure Jamie will send a few professional photos, but I attach one informal one. I have to say, we don’t normally pat our own on the back but any participant would (and did !!) say that the organisation, creativity and management of Robbie and Jamie, was incredible and anyone involved can only have higher opinions of everyone at Sigmar as a result. Many thanks, Adie