Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland’s ambassador to the United States, conducted a three-day visit to Missouri, with a stop in St. Louis on August 28, where she engaged in a series of high-level meetings and cultural exchanges. Hosted by STL Partnership and World Trade Center St. Louis (WTC), the itinerary included discussions with Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, highlighting opportunities for strengthening bilateral trade and investment. A key event was an executive roundtable co-organized by WTC and Greater St. Louis Inc. (GSL) at the GSL headquarters, fostering dialogue between Irish and regional business leaders. Ambassador Byrne Nason also participated in the Global Health Innovation Summit, coordinated by BioSTL, where she met Irish-founded health technology firms expanding their operations in the U.S. market. Cultural engagement was also a focus, as she visited St. Louis Irish Arts to experience traditional music and dance, and toured the University of Missouri-St. Louis to learn about its academic offerings in Irish Studies.
Byrne Nason expressed enthusiasm about the growing economic relationship between Ireland and Missouri, noting the strategic value of partnerships in innovation-driven sectors. She acknowledged the support of local organizations such as WTC St. Louis, Greater St. Louis Inc., the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, and BioSTL in facilitating a productive and insightful visit. Rodney Crim, CEO and president of STL Partnership, along with WTC’s executive director Tim Nowak and deputy director Stella Sheehan, accompanied the ambassador throughout parts of her visit, reinforcing institutional collaboration.
— news from St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
— News Original —
Irish Ambassador Visits St. Louis
STL Partnership, World Trade Center St. Louis staff meet Geraldine Byrne Nason n nIreland’s ambassador to the U.S., Geraldine Byrne Nason, recently spent three days in Missouri, including visiting St. Louis on August 28. Ambassador Byrne Nason’s visit included meeting Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer. She also attended an executive roundtable—that was organized by World Trade Center St. Louis (WTC) and Greater St. Louis Inc. (GSL)—held at GSL, plus the Global Health Innovation Summit planned by BioSTL. She also visited St. Louis Irish Arts for some traditional Irish music and dance and the University of Missouri-St. Louis to learn about its Irish Studies program. n n“I was delighted to visit St Louis this week – a city with historic Irish connections,” Ambassador Byrne Nason said. “Trade between Ireland and Missouri is growing and the visit was a useful opportunity to learn more about the opportunities for Ireland to deepen our business relationships here. I also met with a number of innovative Irish companies working in healthcare that are partnering with BioSTL as they scale their presence in the US. I appreciate the support from WTC St Louis, Greater St. Louis Inc., St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and BioSTL to a very productive visit.” n nRodney Crim, CEO and president of STL Partnership, Tim Nowak, executive director of WTC, and Stella Sheehan, WTC’s deputy director, had the opportunity to spend time with the Ambassador during her visit.