In November 2019, World Trade Center Savannah (WTCSav) led its fourth and largest mission to Ireland as part of the Tradebridge initiative. The team of 28 included representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, Georgia Grown, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, Visit Savannah and Georgia Southern University.
Targeted business development meetings were the primary focus of the trip. Savannah’s economic leadership had the opportunity to advance investment leads during meetings and facility tours across three counties in Southeast Ireland. Companies in Wexford, Waterford and Carlow counties were represented in the meetings and tours.
Additionally, management from nearly 50 businesses in the Southeast Ireland region attended a “Why Savannah?” luncheon to learn more about economic and investment opportunities in the Savannah region.
World Trade Center Savannah was honored to host a dinner at Johnstown Castle focusing on regional business and relationship development. The event marked the first occurrence that a meal was served in the venue since 1944. Guests enjoyed a tour of the castle afterwards.
Additional activities included a meeting with Irish President Michael D. Higgins at the President’s residence in Dublin, Aras an Uachtarain, as well as a tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship Museum which is home to the Savannah Landing exhibit and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Georgia Southern University’s new learning center in Wexford. A tourism luncheon was hosted by Visit Savannah at the Dunbrody to encourage Irish locals to consider Savannah when planning their next vacation. The Georgia Department of Economic Development also hosted a networking reception at the Irish Immigration Museum that included Dublin-based contacts and the Irish America Chamber of Commerce.