US Exchange Programme promotes the new Northern Ireland

The US Exchange Programme gives local business leaders the opportunity to promote a vibrant and stable Northern Ireland.

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds congratulated local business woman, Susie McCullough, Marketing Director in the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, for her nomination on a US Department of State exchange initiative. Also known as the International Visitor Programme (IV), around 5,000 established and potential international leaders from a variety of backgrounds including government, business, media and education, take part each year.

Minister Dodds believes such exchange programmes offer members of Northern Ireland’s talented workforce, the opportunity to promote the new, stable Northern Ireland to an international audience, and further develop mutually beneficial links with the US.

He said: “With the US Investment Conference set to take place in May, Northern Ireland must take every opportunity to strengthen relationships with the US, and its business community, in particular.

“Such programmes allow us to showcase a sample of our skilled and well-educated workforce, as they act as ambassadors for our region.

“I was a former participant of the exchange programme back in 1992 and I can assure Susie she will gain a tremendous insight into American values, best practices and culture. My experience involved travelling across America to states including Arkansas, California and Illinois, where I observed the Presidential election campaign.

“I wish Susie every success with her trip and hope that she reaps the benefits of her experiences and the contacts she makes for years to come.”

The US Consul General, Susan Elliott also met with Susie before her departure.

Ms Elliott said: “American women now constitute about 45% of all business executives and managers in the United States. Through exchanges like these, and in our broader contribution to this year’s Investment Conference, we hope the US Government can play a positive role in helping Northern Ireland’s women to realise their individual and collective potential to help the economy”.

Susie left Belfast on 4 February 2008 for her two week exchange which will include visits to the cities of Washington DC, St. Louis (Missouri), and New York.

Susie said: “It is obviously an incredible honour to be asked to participate on the International Visitor Programme. As well as being a major tourism market for the City of Belfast, the United States has many innovative approaches to tourism promotion and to the empowerment of women in business. I look forward to acquiring new insights on the key issues relating to women in the workplace and on ways in which women have changed the American business culture.”

Susie’s programme opens in Washington DC, with an overview of the policies and initiatives that encourage the development of female entrepreneurs and business leaders in the US and internationally. It will then take in regional site visits to large and small corporations, government organisations and business development centres.

Notes to Editors:

1. Participants in the IV programme are established or potential foreign leaders in government, politics, media, education, science, labour relations, the arts, and other key fields.
2. They are selected by the US Government to visit the United States to meet with their international counterparts and to have in-depth exposure to this country, its culture and people.
3. Over the years, hundreds of former IV's have risen to important positions in their countries. The Alumni includes more than 200 current or former heads of State and around 1,500 Cabinet-level ministers.
4. For specific information on the IV programme, please call Peter McKittrick at the US Consulate on 028 9038 6110 or 07967 758485.
5. For further information, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9510.
6. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager Number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.