Page 18 - Our Wexford

People Profile

MARK REDMOND

The numbers are impressive. therefore, that an important body ties between the two countries,”
And proof of how important of influence is the American he adds. “US Foreign Direct
American businesses are to the Chamber of Commerce Ireland. Investment in Ireland is now at
Irish economy, in good times Now led by former head of the an all-time high, it’s never been
and bad. Over 700 companies Irish Tax Institute and native higher, and US confidence in
across Ireland have their of County Wexford, Mark Ireland is also, thankfully, at an
headquarters in the United Redmond, the ACCI has been all-time high.”
States, directly employing representing American investment Even during some of our darkest
140,000 people in this country and businesses here for over half a days, economically, the US kept
and also indirectly responsible century. faith in this country. The period
for a further 100,000 jobs. 2008-2012, the age of austerity for
A huge 26pc of Irish GDP is That history reflects the key role Ireland and so many other nations
accounted for by exports from played by FDI from the US since across Europe and the rest of the
US companies based here, the 1960s when the Seán Lemass-
ABOVE: world, actually saw an increase in
Mark Redmond, CE, worth billions to the domestic led government of the time took American investment here, with
American Chamber economy. Ireland out of its insular, inward- FDI from the US exceeding that of
OPPOSITE PAGE: Meanwhile, employees of looking past and looked abroad for the previous 50 years.
Under the iconic new opportunities for growth and
portrait of President American companies in Ireland innovation. Ireland and Wexford have many
John F. Kennedy, donate about 200,000 hours
his grand-nephew through volunteer work in their “It’s a very important sector of the advantages when it comes to
Congressman Irish economy and Irish society,” as attracting foreign investment,
Joe Kennedy III local communities, meaning the Mark points out.
(grandson of Bobby payload is not just in financial Mark Redmond says.
Kennedy) with Mark terms but also social capital, with “The number one thing is our
Redmond in the The Chamber now has over 700 talent. I talk every day to leaders
White House on St 4,000 local community projects members who are American
Patrick’s Day 2015 supported by those businesses. of US companies in Ireland
companies with activity in Ireland, and in America and the most
So that’s quite an influence on as well as some members who are important thing we have got and
Irish finance and Irish life in Irish companies doing business have to nurture is the talent of the
general and it’s unsurprising, in the United States. “We’re all workforce here.”
about strengthening business

18 OUR WEXFORD