Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 11/18/2016
SPRINGFIELD – A group of businesspeople from northwest Ireland made Springfield one of its three stops in the Commonwealth on a trip to encourage partnerships with American businesses or investment either in Ireland or Massachusetts.
The delegation, from Donegal in the Irish Republic and Derry in Northern Ireland, visited Worcester and Boston as well. Michael Tunney, the head of Enterprise and Economic Development for the Donegal County Council, explained that 17 businesses are in the delegation and the effort to grow business opportunities between a part of the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is a first.
The businesses represented are in activities that range from food to telecommunications, Tunney added. After the group’s trip to Springfield, Tunney said they would return for more talks in Boston.
In the first part of the group’s visit to Springfield, Mayor Domenic Sarno greeted them at a gathering at Techspring. He explained the city has $2.7 billion in investments that are ongoing including the CRRC rail car company and MGM Springfield. Springfield is home to MassMutual, a Fortune 100 company and is in the middle of the precision manufacturing region, he added.
“Maybe I can’t give you 10 out of 10 things [you seek] but I can give you six or seven out of 10 things,” Sarno said.
Richard Sullivan, president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, said that when you look at Hampshire, Hampden and franklin counties there is an investment of $5.2 billion.
Sullivan said local officials are “looking to form partnerships so both parties can benefit and grow.”