'Deals being done' in Ireland, Strapp says

Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario business representatives have held more than 200 face-to-face meetings with Irish counterparts, Bruce Strapp said this afternoon.

Speaking by telephone from Dundalk, Ireland, Strapp said he's personally had 47 individual meetings on behalf of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation and the Innovation Centre.

Garden River steals the show

The Turtle Concepts youth group from Garden River (shown above in a photo supplied by Tony Martin) has been a huge hit in Ireland, Strapp told SooToday.

"They were one of the highlight presentations. Totally impressive. It made me proud of the Garden River group," Strapp said.

Deals to be announced

The EDC president and chief executive officer is one of 27 Sault and Northern Ontario business representatives currently visiting Ireland on a trade mission.

Another 70 Northerners, including Sault MPP Tony Martin, are also in the country as part of a parallel cultural and networking exchange.

"There's definitely going to be deals done," Strapp told SooToday.

Strapp was unable to point to any sectors that were particularly hot, describing the businesses he's been meeting as "a very diverse group."

Surprise New Hampshire connections

The Sault delegation has visited the Irish communities of Derry, Draperstown, Newry-Mourne and Dundalk.

As an unexpected fringe benefit, the Sault delegation has been able to develop promising connections with another trade group from New Hampshire that is also visiting, Strapp said.

Most returning tomorrow

Most members of the delegation are returning to Canada tomorrow.

However, Strapp said he has further meetings planned and won't be back until Tuesday or Wednesday.

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