WTC Savannah Hosts Delegation from Ireland

Savannah, GA- A delegation from Wexford Enterprise Centre (WEC) in County Wexford Ireland spent six days in Savannah, Georgia learning about ways to facilitate international trade between the two cities. The delegation included Chairman Eamonn Murphy and Group CEO Brendan Ennis.

There were many reasons for the visit from the WEC, one of which is recognition of the unique relationship that exists between both regions, historically and economically. At least 56% of Savannah’s Irish can trace their origins back to County Wexford, Ireland. Additionally, Ireland remains a strong trading partner for Georgia and is home to a division of Kerry Group, a multi-billion dollar food company headquartered in Ireland. With an overall goal to determine the feasibility of developing a trade corridor between the two regions, the group met with several food and consumer-product based companies and industry representatives to explore potential connections and partnerships for international trade. 

Throughout the week, the group met with businesses ranging from technology to agriculture and restaurants, as well as representatives from the tourism industry. After a boat ride along the Intracoastal Waterway the group met and toured WTCSav partner, Savannah Bee Company, a destination for specialty honeys and naturally luxurious honeybee inspired body care, who’s market is expanding internationally. 

The delegation also met with representatives from federal and state organizations. The meeting included representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, U.S. Commercial Service and the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center, whose ExportGA program generated much interest from the visiting delegation. The WEC hopes to develop a program in which Wexford based companies will be “trade ready” upon completion.

In addition, the team in Savannah learned more about the WEC, a specialized business environment offering support, advice and affordable multipurpose workspaces to a wide variety of companies across a broad range of sectors. The WEC encourages, nurtures and supports entrepreneurs to establish or grow their business. Both teams departed with plans to utilize their connections to cultivate their shared interests. 

For additional information, please contact LeAndrea Mikell, Programs and Marketing Coordinator at WTC Savannah, lmikell@wtcsavannah.org.

Pictured above (from left to right): Brendan Ennis (WEC), Howard Keeley, Director of the Center for Irish Research and Teaching, Georgia Southern University, Eamonn Murphy (WEC)