At the first meeting of the New Hampshire-Ireland Trade Council Oct. 23, members began charting a path to increase economic, academic, and cultural bonds with one of the state’s leading trade partners.
The trade council was established by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Chris Sununu earlier this year, tasked with advancing trade and investment and promoting business and educational exchanges. The initial meeting of the council took place on the heels of the governor’s trade mission to Ireland in September, which included Commissioner Taylor Caswell of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs and Director of Economic Development Chase Hagaman.
“The ties between New Hampshire and Ireland are significant, with many opportunities for stronger economic and cultural connections,” Caswell said. “We share similar growth industries, and perspectives on how we interact with and embrace the business community, as well as operate as gateways into our respective regions.”
Caswell briefed the council on the highlights of the recent trade mission, which featured productive meetings with key government and administrative officials, business leaders, educational institutions, and more. BEA identified several potential action items related to the trade mission, which the council discussed.
The council also heard from State Senator Regina Birdsell concerning a legislative envoy to Ireland earlier this year, with the senator sharing in the excitement around the relationships being developed between Ireland and the Granite State.
In its first official meeting, the council elected State Senator Sharon Carson as its chair and identified priorities it will take up at its next meeting, which is expected to occur in November.
New Hampshire-Ireland Trade Council members include:
- Senator Sharon Carson
- Senator Regina Birdsell
- Representative Sherman Packard
- Representative Dennis Malloy
- Secretary of State designee Steve Shurtleff
- BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell
- BEA Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Jeanie Forrester
- Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire President Michael Skelton
- University System of New Hampshire designee Dean Michele Dillon
- Public members:
- Michael Barrett of the Granite State District Export Council
- James Cox of the U.S. Commercial Service
- Andrea Hechavarria of the NH Life Sciences Association
- Darragh Madden of Irish Electric