Dakota County Targets Ireland, Plans Trade Mission

Strengthening economic and cultural ties to Ireland is a new priority for Dakota Future and a September trade mission is in the works as an aggressive effort to develop relationships between business, education and government entities.  Dakota Future is a countywide non-profit economic development organization serving Dakota County whose members include leading employers, educational institutions, chambers of commerce and communities. 

According to LaDonna Boyd, economic development director for Dakota Electric Association and chair of Dakota Future’s International Trade Committee, the decision to prioritize Ireland was an easy one.  “Ireland ranks third behind Canada and China as a Minnesota trading partner and is strong in the information processing and medical device industry.  These are Minnesota’s strengths and we see real opportunity to create economic linkages.”  Dakota County’s Delta Dental and Pearson NCS are two companies with strong Irish business presence.

One partnership being proposed is between Inver Hills Community College and the Cork Institute of Technology in Cork.  Both colleges are Cisco Systems regional training partners.  Cheryl Frank, president of Inver Hills, believes that great benefits can be derived from international cooperation.  “We are looking forward to learning how they attract and train students and link to jobs in the local economy.”

In Rosemount, two organizations are seeking Irish partners.  The City of Rosemount, with its shamrock on the water tower and letterhead, is exploring a sister city partnership.  Mayor Bill Droste believes that the sister city partnership will be a wonderful opportunity. “Looking back, we share a cultural heritage.  Looking forward, there will be many opportunities for cultural and economic linkages.  In addition, Rosemount’s Dakota County Technical College is developing a partnership with (school name) in the same community.

To support the growth of economic ties, Dakota Future and the Northern Dakota County Chambers of Commerce co-hosted a seminar “Doing Business in Ireland.”  The seminar was led by the Minnesota Trade Office and the U.S. Commercial Service and included speakers from the U.S. Embassy in Dublin.  Businesses were advised of the opportunities in Ireland and tips for developing business partnerships.

In the past, the International Trade Committee has focused its efforts on China.  Boyd says, “We have visited China several times and established business opportunities and government sister city partnerships.  We have seen the benefits of a long term commitment to international trade activities.”  The ITC hosted a Chinese delegation in May, providing tours of Thomson Legal and Regulatory in Eagan, Permac Industries in Burnsville, the Minnesota Zoo and Inver Hills Community College.  A large group of Dakota County community leaders met the delegation for lunch at a local Chinese restaurant.

Persons interested in participating in the Dakota Future trade mission to Ireland can find complete information on Dakota Future’s web site at www.dakotafuture.com or by calling Bill Coleman at 651-491-2551.