Irish Network USA Conference With keynote by Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason City Club of Cleveland October 22, 2022
Irish Network USA is the national umbrella organization integrating the Irish Networks that exist in various cities across the United States. The mission of IN-USA is: to bolster business opportunities and economic development between the United States and Ireland; to support and encourage Irish Arts and Culture through film, literature, theater, dance and language; to encourage and promote the mission and expansion of Irish sports, throughout the United States; to support the efforts of local Irish organizations and associations; to serve as a conduit between newly arrived Irish immigrants and their communities in Member cities and states.
IN USA helps Irish and Irish-American professionals across the United States to connect with their peers and to develop relationships that will foster success in their business, economic and social ventures.
The 2022 annual conference was held in Cleveland, Ohio. The weekend began with a reception for Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland's Ambassador to the United States, at Cleveland City Hall.
Saturday morning the sessions began at the City Club of Cleveland where many notables have spoken including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rosa Parks, Robert Kennedy, President Theodore Roosevelt and every US President since Jimmy Carter.
Cleveland City Club CEO Dan Moulthrop with IN-USA Cleveland leader Mark Owens
IN-USA president Steve Lenox welcomed the crowd to the historic venue.
IN-USA President Steve Lenox
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Steve then introduced Global Cleveland president Joe Cimperman who spoke about the Irish, Cleveland, immigrants and more.
Joe Cimperman speaking at IN-USA conference
Then IN-USA president Steve Lenox introduced Ambassador of Ireland to the United States of America - Geraldine Byrne Nason who gave the keynote address. The Ambassador just completed five years as Ireland's Ambassador to the United Nations, most recently during Ireland's term serving on the Security Council as an elected member, working for international peace and security. Among many other things, she spoke of the deep impact of Irish culture on the diaspora in Cleveland and the US. She reminded us that the landmark Good Friday Agreement was signed on 10 April 1998. 2023 will mark a quarter century since that important day. It's worth your time to watch the entire keynote.
Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason at IN-USA Conference
After her keynote, Jay Murphy of Baseball Ireland National Teams gave the Ambassador a jersey.
Jay Murphy and Ambassador Byrne Nason
There was ample time to meet and speak with the Ambassador.
Ambassador Byrne Nason and John Myers
There were business connections explored.
A variety of speakers shared information and the attendees forged relationships for the future.
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