Building on a strong foundation established through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the NC Chamber welcomed a delegation from Northern Ireland for their annual visit to North Carolina. 

This year’s visit deepened economic ties, fostered innovation, and advanced meaningful business-to-business engagement across key sectors. It followed the recent launch of the NC Chamber’s International Commerce Division, a strategic initiative designed to transform global interest into investment, partnerships, and long-term opportunity for North Carolina businesses.  

Businesses and stakeholders interested in staying engaged with the work of the International Commerce Division, and receiving updates on international opportunities are encouraged to complete our brief survey here. 

A Statewide Showcase of Industry and Innovation 

Stopping in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, the delegation engaged directly with North Carolina’s business community through a series of strategic meetings, site visits, and networking opportunities. 

In Charlotte, the delegation met with leaders from NC Chamber Cornerstone Member Bank of America, where discussions helped set the tone for the visit and provided an opportunity for introductions and dialogue between North Carolina and Northern Ireland stakeholders. Last year, Bank of America announced plans to create 1,000 new jobs in Belfast, further establishing the city as a hub for innovative financial technology and strengthening its connection to North Carolina. 

The visit continued with a tour of The Pearl, an innovation district developed through a public-private partnership led by NC Chamber Cornerstone Member Atrium Health, followed by a visit to NC Chamber Cornerstone Member Chemring, a specialized engineering and manufacturing firm focused on delivering innovative solutions for national security, defense, and aerospace sectors. These visits provided additional opportunities to engage directly with North Carolina manufacturers and industry leaders. 

Spotlight on Aerospace at PTI 

A highlight of the visit took place in Greensboro at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI), where the delegation participated in a series of presentations focused on North Carolina’s rapidly growing aerospace sector and opportunities for collaboration with Northern Ireland companies. 

The session opened with welcome remarks from NC Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Jake Cashion and Senator David W. Craven Jr., followed by an overview of PTI’s growth and vision from Piedmont Triad Airport Authority Executive Director Kevin Baker. 

Industry leaders then showcased North Carolina’s aerospace ecosystem, including Julie Felgar of Cornerstone Member JetZero, Steve Grady of Cornerstone Member Honda Aircraft Company, and Jay Little of Collins Aerospace. Additional insights on regional economic development were shared by Penny Whiteheart of the Piedmont Triad Partnership, highlighting the role of the Carolina Core in driving investment and industry expansion. 

The discussion highlighted the strong alignment between North Carolina and Northern Ireland in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and engineering.  

Meaningful Dialogue in Raleigh 

The visit culminated in Raleigh with a roundtable discussion hosted at the NC Chamber, convening leaders from both regions to explore shared priorities and partnership opportunities. 

The session opened with welcome remarks from NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido, followed by presentations from Jarrett Lane of the NC Critical Technologies Alliance and Michelle Bolas, Acting President and CEO of NCInnovation, highlighting North Carolina’s leadership in emerging technologies and innovation ecosystems. 

Justin Sosne, Head of the UK Government Office in North Carolina, provided perspective on international collaboration, further reinforcing the importance of transatlantic partnerships. 

A key component of the discussion included participation from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, with Chief Deputy Secretary Kenny Flowers sharing insights on the state’s economic development and global engagement opportunities. 

The roundtable concluded with a Northern Ireland Chamber debrief, reinforcing the shared commitment to continued collaboration and long-term economic growth. 

Building Connections Through Culture 

In addition to business engagement, the visit also highlighted the deep cultural ties that connect North Carolina and Northern Ireland, and the relationships that shape and strengthen economic collaboration today. 

During the visit, the Northern Ireland Chamber presented Gary Salamido with a bespoke, trilingual plaque crafted in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. Featuring the North Carolina state toast in English, Irish (Gaeilge), and Ulster Scots, the piece reflects the rich linguistic and cultural heritage shared between the two regions. 

Thoughtfully designed using oak sourced from Strabane, symbolically linking Raleigh’s identity as the “City of Oaks” with the historic oak groves of Derry~Londonderry, the plaque serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted connections between North Carolina and Northern Ireland.  

Celebrating Continued Collaboration 

The delegation’s time in Raleigh included a networking reception with North Carolina business leaders, providing an opportunity to build relationships and explore future collaboration. 

Across every stop, the message was clear: North Carolina and Northern Ireland share not only economic alignment, but a longstanding connection that makes partnership both natural and impactful. 

As we look ahead, the NC Chamber remains committed to expanding this relationship through continued engagement, reciprocal visits, and the work of the International Commerce Division—ensuring these connections translate into tangible opportunities for businesses in both regions. 

We look forward to continuing this momentum and welcoming future opportunities to strengthen the bonds between North Carolina and Northern Ireland.