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South Dublin Mayor welcomes the US Ambassador and Mayor of Tampa Florida

South Dublin Mayor welcomes the US Ambassador and Mayor of Tampa Florida

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04/08/2022

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

The Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Emma Murphy and the South Dublin Chamber welcomed the US Ambassador to Ireland; Claire Cronin, the Mayor of Tampa, Florida; Jane Castor and members of the Tampa Bay Chamber to County Hall in South Dublin yesterday. The visit was an opportunity to strengthen ties between the “Sister Cities” of Tampa and South Dublin County by formally signing a ‘Continuing Cooperation Agreement’ which renews further promotion of relations between the counties, opportunities to develop business relationships and cultural understanding.

The Sister City Agreement was signed in Tampa in 2014 by the then Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Sarah Holland and the then Mayor of Tampa, Bob Buckhorn, who is now a member of the Tampa Bay Chamber and was part of yesterday’s delegation.

The Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Emma Murphy spoke of the history and the benefits of Sister City Agreements and the cultural links between the two great counties. She said “Quality relationships and collaborations play such a key role in the growth and development of our businesses and wider economic development. Every opportunity to grow and expand our businesses, our educational institutions, our knowledge share and talent has to be welcomed.  An agreement of cooperation was signed in Florida between South Dublin and Hillsborough County in 2014 to set up our commitment to this cooperation on a formal footing. Today the countersigning of a ‘Continuing Cooperation Agreement’ between South Dublin and Tampa Bay Chamber marks the further strengthening of these relationships between our counties. We particularly welcome Tampa Bay Chamber and the Tampa businesses who are part of this delegation and trust that you can forge new trade opportunities when you meet with and indeed visit some of our local businesses that have been arranged by South Dublin Chamber.” These sentiments were echoed by the US Ambassador and Mayor Castor.

The afternoon included speeches from the two Mayors, the US Ambassador, the South Dublin and Tampa Bay Chambers.

There were also presentations by South Dublin County Council highlighting innovative projects underway and promoting South Dublin County as a place to visit and do business. As part of the ceremonial aspect of the event,The SDCC Mayor presented gifts to the Tampa Mayor and US Ambassador showcasing local businesses from within the South Dublin County Council administrative area.  

Mayor of Tampa, Jane Castor said: It was an honour to join Ambassador Claire Cronin and South Dublin County Mayor Emma Murphy in continuing our Sister City agreement. Our exchange of cultural and economic initiatives will prove beneficial for all involved. Impressive and exciting development in South Dublin County's future!”

 

ENDS

 

Editors Notes

 

Sister City Agreements

A sister city, county, or state relationship is a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. A relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign off on an agreement to become sister cities.

A city may have any number of sister cities, with community involvement ranging from a half dozen to hundreds of volunteers. In addition to volunteers, sister city organizations can include representatives from non-profits, municipal governments, the private sector, and other civic organizations.

Each sister city organization is independent and pursues the activities and thematic areas that are important to them and their community including municipal, business, trade, educational, and cultural exchanges and projects with their sister city.

 

Images

  • Bob Rohrlack CEO of Tampa Bay Chamber, Andrew Mayts Jr. Chair of Tampa Bay Chamber, Peter Byrne CEO of South Dublin Chamber and Eamonn Egan President of South Dublin Chamber
    Bob Rohrlack CEO of Tampa Bay Chamber, Andrew Mayts Jr. Chair of Tampa Bay Chamber, Peter Byrne CEO of South Dublin Chamber and Eamonn Egan President of South Dublin Chamber
  • Bob Rohrlack CEO of Tampa Bay Chamber, Andrew Mayts Jr. Chair of Tampa Bay Chamber, Peter Byrne CEO of South Dublin Chamber and Eamonn Egan President of South Dublin Chamber
    Bob Rohrlack CEO of Tampa Bay Chamber, Andrew Mayts Jr. Chair of Tampa Bay Chamber, Peter Byrne CEO of South Dublin Chamber and Eamonn Egan President of South Dublin Chamber
  • Cllr. Emma Murphy Mayor of South Dublin addresses the Delegation from Tampa at County Hall
    Cllr. Emma Murphy Mayor of South Dublin addresses the Delegation from Tampa at County Hall
  • Cllr. Emma Murphy Mayor of South Dublin and Jane Castor Mayor of the City of Tampa sign their signed partnership agreement, witnessed by Claire Cronin US Ambassador to Ireland
    Cllr. Emma Murphy Mayor of South Dublin and Jane Castor Mayor of the City of Tampa sign their signed partnership agreement, witnessed by Claire Cronin US Ambassador to Ireland