LVEDC hosted a delegation of economic development officials from Ireland. Their itinerary included a meeting with Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds (second from right).Economic development and business leaders from Ireland visited the Lehigh Valley recently to discuss strategies and build relationships with the goal of fostering future foreign investment in the region.
In February, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) hosted representatives from three Irish Local Enterprise Offices (LEO), county-based agencies that provide advice, information, and support for business expansions and startups.
Irish economic development delegations have visited Pennsylvania previously, but this was the first time their itinerary included a stop in the Lehigh Valley, a recognition of the opportunities the region holds for international business.
“The similarities between the Lehigh Valley and these Irish regions make us very attractive to manufacturers and life sciences companies looking to break into the U.S. markets. These are relationships that pave the way for foreign direct investment and economic development between our two countries,” said Doug Warfel, LVEDC’s Director of Attraction and Lending.
A discussion of each country’s approach to economic development was held at the LVEDC offices in Bethlehem. The discussion was facilitated by Littus Market Entry Platform, a firm that assists foreign companies seeking to grow their businesses in the United States.
The delegation toured Factory LLC in Bethlehem, met with Mayor J. William Reynolds at City Hall, and attended a dinner at the Sun Inn, sponsored by LVEDC.
“It was absolutely fantastic to visit the Lehigh Valley,” said John Magee, Head of Enterprise of the LEO in Mayo County. “Both Mayor Reynolds and LVEDC were so impressive as ambassadors for Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley. The visit to Factory LLC was fascinating and it was obvious that it represents a strong model of how to successfully incubate sector-specific businesses. The “Made Possible in Lehigh Valley” brand accurately captures the sense of potential and possibility that I witnessed there. I was also impressed to learn of your commitment to working with neighboring counties and cities to collaborate on common challenges.”
“One of Bethlehem’s many assets is its diverse economy that continues to welcome new investment, both foreign and domestic,” Mayor Reynolds said. “It was a pleasure for me to spend time with the visiting delegation from Ireland that is exploring potential foreign direct investment opportunities in our community, sharing with them the ways in which we can accommodate their needs, and provide an exceptionally attractive place to live and grow a company.”
In addition to the LEO representatives, the Irish contingent included members from the Sligo Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Great Visitor Experiences; Monaghan Bros Hospitality Furniture; and Shamrock Enterprises, which develops and produces high-quality natural feed products for livestock.
CEO Ivan Tuohy of Great Visitor Experiences met with his counterparts at Discover Lehigh Valley. CEO Aidan Doyle of the Sligo Chamber of Commerce & Industry met with COO Frank Facchiano of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Peter Monaghan of Monaghan Bros Hospitality Furniture met with Neville Gardner of McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar in Bethlehem.
“I really enjoyed our trip to Bethlehem and was really impressed with the progressive approach you all take to economic development,” said Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise at the LEO in Clare County.
More than 80 international companies from 23 countries have a presence in the Lehigh Valley. International companies completed or announced about 2 million square feet of development in the region in 2022, including French wood cabin manufacturer Hekipia and Czech CHP unit manufacturer Tedom. About 40% of LVEDC’s economic development prospects in 2022 were international firms.
Ireland is the ninth-largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States, with $269 billion in 2021.