Back New York Launch, Irish Consulate, Park Avenue 

Apr 30, 08

By Fionuala Pender

in Network Public Communication

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On Thursday 24th April, IIBN launched its New York chapter at the prestigious location of the Irish Consulate General, Park Avenue, New York.

Over 130 attended the evening - an excellent mix of entrepreneurs and New York business professionals. The event was generously hosted by the Irish Consulate and warmly opened by Niall Burgess, Consul General. Niall emphasised the importance of celebrating Irish entrepreneurial success throughout the world and encouraged all Irish groups and networks in New York to work together to help maximise the Irish business voice, both in New York and throughout the world.

Conor Foley, IIBN Chairman welcomed the guests and thanked those that had travelled from Dublin, London and Boston. He emphasised that IIBN is a global, 'not for profit' organisation which brings together successful Irish ex-pat entrepreneurs and business professionals. 'It is our mission to now expand into other cities throughout the world where there is a strong Irish presence by replicating the London model and bringing all members together into a single organisation. We act locally, but think globally', he said.

The objective of IIBN is to facilitate greater communication and connectivity between successful Irish business people all over the world. Our Mission Statement is very simple. Our aim is to foster entrepreneurship and nurture entrepreneurs via networking, education and mentoring.

IIBN hopes to achieve this organically and also by collaborating with the many excellent Irish networks that already exist in each of these cities. The IIBN board wants to form alliances with all of these with a view to expanding the reach of all organisations.

Ultimately, IIBN wants to become a focal point or hub for all Irish entrepreneurs throughout the world, whether they are living in London, NY, Dublin or anywhere else. Conor explained the hope to launch two further chapters - Moscow and Johannesburg - by the close of 2008.

Jonathan Grey, an IIBN Board Member who travelled from London for the launch, explained how IIBN has already opened up new opportunities for him and his company and he looked forward to introducing the London members to those in New York.

The formalities concluded with a short address by Mark Tuohey, Chairman of Cooperation Ireland (USA), in which he highlighted the intention to work closely with IIBN in New York for the benefit of both organisations.

The evening concluded with drinks and canapés at the Consulate, with most of the attendees retiring to Mahoney's on 5th Avenue afterwards!