Enterprise Ireland Americas Hosts Business Events to Coincide With US Visit by Ireland's President Mary McAleese

Enterprise Ireland Americas Hosts Business Events to Coincide With US Visit by Ireland's President Mary McAleese

President to Address Business & Entertainment Industry Leaders at events in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Oregon and Arizona

PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Enterprise Ireland (EI), the Irish Government's export engine for innovative technologies and services created by emerging and high-growth Irish companies, will host a series of business events this week in Silicon Valley and other West Coast locations to coincide with a visit by Ireland's President Mary McAleese. The itinerary features a breakfast event at Stanford University for Silicon Valley business leaders and a reception in Los Angeles, co-hosted by EI and the Irish Film Board that will draw entertainment industry leaders. Other EI-sponsored events will be held in Arizona and Oregon.

The Presidential trip caps a year of frequent visits to the region by Irish Government and business leaders and reflects the strong trade, investment and cultural links shared by Ireland and the US. In the last 12 months, Irish companies have inked numerous multi-million-dollar contracts for their advanced technology, with customers across the US tapping into Irish ingenuity to assert a competitive edge. In the same period, several prominent US corporations selected Ireland as their European hub, drawn to the country for its unmatched talent and culture of innovation, and continuing a decades-long trend of US companies planting international roots in Ireland.

"The US continues to be the largest export market for Irish goods and services," said Tom Cusack, director of the Americas for Enterprise Ireland. "2008 was especially strong for Irish technology companies which continue to pioneer outstanding offerings in segments that range from enterprise software to semiconductors and alternative energy, among many others. The same innovation extends to Ireland's film industry which continues to build on its international reputation for creating compelling, award-winning productions. We're pleased that President McAleese is here this week to pay tribute to the strong and prosperous ties that connect Ireland and the US."

About Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is the Government Agency responsible for driving leadership and growth for innovative Irish companies in international markets. With a network of 13 domestic offices and 32 international locations, Enterprise Ireland helps world-class Irish companies establish strong positions in global markets, thereby increasing regional and national prosperity.

Source: Enterprise Ireland

CONTACT: Jane Evans-Ryan of Genuity PR, +1-408-489-6391,
jane@genuitypr.com, for Enterprise Ireland

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