Atlanta Celebrates “Europe Day”

   Atlanta, who since the 1996 Olympics, has had a dramatic growth in it’s outreach to the world, which is equaled by the world’s focus on Atlanta, took time out of it’s busy schedule to celebrate “Europe Day”.
   The event, organized by the City of Atlanta, was held at the 755 Club, a beautiful club facility inside the home of the Atlanta Braves, Turner Field. Atlanta plays host to a large contingent of foreign consulates, including most European countries. Many consulate representatives where represented in the large crowd.
   The Ireland Chamber of Commerce USA-SE was given the honor of speaking on behalf of the European Community. This honor was in line with the Republic of Ireland’s holding the Presidency of the EU and for the advancement that ICCUSA has accomplished in creating a relationship with Ireland and Europe.
   Jim Gaffey, Chairman, Executive Committee, in his talk covered the many tremendous accomplishments during the Republic of Ireland’s active Presidency. While covering these many items of interest to the gathered audience, he stressed the detailed work accomplished by Ireland & Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, in the expansion of the EU to include the ten eastern block nations who joined the EU recently. He also covered the many positive comments made during the “Day of Welcomes” held in Dublin and throughout the island of Ireland as the expansion was ratified.
   He also had an added honor when he was asked to open the festivities and to introduce Mayor Shirley Franklin the host of the event. He joined Mayor Franklin as she honored European companies, including Merzedes Benz U.S. headquarters, which have recently established major facilities here in Atlanta.
   The Ireland Chamber of Commerce USA was given this honor for it’s work to strengthen ties between Georgia, the southeast and the island of Ireland and though Ireland to Europe. ICCUSA-SE has co-hosted events along with the EU Center at the Sam Nunn School of International Relations at Georgia Tech, including the welcome given to Consul General of Ireland, Ambassador Eugene Hutchinson, when he was here to help open “Design Gallery - Ireland” at Atlanta’s Americas Merchandise Mart. Enterprise Ireland is currently is in its second year of a three year contact sponsoring eleven companies at this largest merchandising mart in the U.S.
   Dr. Brian Murphy, Co-Director of the EU Center, was also asked to chair the recent ICCUSA breakfast to welcome Ireland’s Ambassador to the U.S., His Excellency Noel Fahey to it’s annual Governor’s Breakfast attended by Governor Sonny Perdue and a large gathering of Atlanta’s Business community.