The Irish Business Organization: Taking Business Networking to the Next Level

The IBO has been around for over 30 years, and during that time has become the premier business networking organization in the Irish Community in the New York metro area. Many people have found jobs through it, many people have changed careers because of it, and countless others have grown their business as a result of connections made through it. The membership has always attracted a lot of 'ideas' people and it has become an invaluable networking forum for people to bounce ideas off each other and rendezvous with like-minded professionals, often long after the formal networking event has concluded.

The organization has a constitution and a noble list of rules and procedures, but it is indelibly focused on business networking: helping its members to expand their business network and ultimately to increase their client base.

There are two stellar events every month: An Evening Networking Event on the second Wednesday and a Business Networking Breakfast on the fourth Tuesday. These events are held at a variety of venues around Manhattan: The Irish Consulate, NYU Glucksman Ireland House, Fitzpatrick Hotels, and various member establishments such as O'Lunney's Times Square Restaurant and Lily O'Brien's Chocolate Cafe. Other events scheduled for 2010 include a golf outing in May and various cultural events at well-known locations such as the Irish Arts Center.

The president for 2010 is Niall O'Leary: known around town as 'The Dancing Architect', he has taken over the top spot in the organization from Garret Corcoran, who did a fine job for the last two years. Niall runs his own architectural practice as well as the Niall O'Leary School of Irish Dance, one of the most well-known Irish dance establishments for teaching and performing the art-form in the New York area. He is also head of the Niall O'Leary Irish Dance Troupe, a professional dance company who perform at corporate events and festivals all over the east coast and beyond. He also runs Irish music and dance events around the city and is Artistic Director of the New York City Irish Dance Festival presented by the Irish Arts Center on the first Sunday in May each year.

His website www.nialloleary.com has more info on all of the above.

Also joining Niall on the 2010 IBO Executive Committee are Sheila Lynott (Century Business Solutions), Gregory McIntyre (The Padded Wagon Moving Company), Robert Gibbons (Communications Executive) and Louise Cody (McGladrey & Pullen, LLP): together they make up a dynamic and diverse quintet determined to continue the great work of the IBO down through the years. The IBO is always very welcoming to new members, and the 2010 Executive Committee are particularly looking to grow the organization by getting more people involved in its many events. There are many new faces at every event, but also a significant number who have been around for a long time.

A mark of a great organization is the number of former presidents who are still actively involved, and the IBO is extremely fortunate that it can count on the counsel and goodwill of many of its former leaders who still attend its events on a regular basis.

2010 kicked off with a packed house at the first IBO evening event of the year, as Antonia Reilly spoke entertainingly about her excellent work in the design department at Wal-mart on the second Wednesday in January. She also gave some valuable insights into the workings of corporate America. Dara Burke from Concern gave an update on the awful situation in Haiti and those present gave generously.

The IBO January Business Breakfast took place last week at the recently renovated restaurant in the Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel on Lexington Ave. and 56th Street.

Attendees enjoyed a full Irish breakfast (although some selected other options from the full menu available) while exchanging ideas and contacts in a relaxed but focused setting. The featured speaker was Paul Finnegan, Executive Director of the New York Irish Center, located in Long Island City. He spoke of the many great programs that they are doing and their exciting plans for the future.

The next event in the IBO calendar promises to be a special occasion: On Wednesday February 10th the organization is hosting, direct from Ireland, Irish Government Minister Billy Kelleher TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Trade and Commerce. Hailing from County Cork, he is recognized as one of the up-and-coming stars on the Irish political scene. He will speak about Irish/US relations and how the Irish Diaspora can play a key role in Ireland's recovering economy. The event takes place at the Hilton Hotel New York, 1335 Avenue of the Americas (6th Ave.) between West 53rd and West 54th Streets.

Also on the same night IBO member Michelle Brassell from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Wealth Management will fill the 'Member Profile' slot: she is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) and will inform the gathering about the new Roth IRA Conversions available in 2010 along with partners Ken Mathieson, Michael Kelley, and Heather Guthrie.

The February IBO Evening Networking Event is in the Beekman Parlor on the 2nd Floor of the hotel: Free for members and first-time guests, $20 for all others, it promises to be a great night of business networking. You can sign up for membership or renew by going to www.ibo-ny.com or alternatively at the door on the night. Already a large number of people have RSVP'd: email a_ibo@yahoo.com today so you don't miss out!

The next IBO Business Networking Breakfast is again in the Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel (Lex. And 56th) on Tuesday February 23rd at 8am. The featured speaker will be Paul Butler, COO of Empire One Telecom (www.eot.net)

You do not need to be a member to attend the breakfast either, but member discounts are available for those who join the organization.

It is in times like these that a lot of people are forced to re-evaluate their business strategy: The IBO is a great resource to help people to do that. There are many benefits to joining. As a 501-C3 not-for-profit, IBO membership is also tax-deductible.

Check out www.ibo-ny.com for all the latest info on this excellent business networking group.