NJEDA Welcomes Irish-American Business Leaders for Roundtable Discussion on Economic Successes and Challenges

Irish-American entrepreneurs in the fields of clean energy, marketing, real estate, and small business joined the conversation

TRENTON, N.J. (March 24, 2025) – In recognition of Irish-American Heritage Month and Saint Patrick’s Day, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) hosted a roundtable discussion last week with state legislators and Irish-American entrepreneurs to discuss state support for the Irish business community and efforts to strengthen economic relationships with the country. Hosted at the NJEDA’s Trenton office, the roundtable brought together business leaders from a variety of industries across New Jersey, exemplifying the impact of Irish Americans on the state’s economy.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA is committed to creating a stronger, more diverse economy by fostering international relationships and promoting economic opportunities for every New Jerseyan,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Irish Americans are an integral part of New Jersey’s economic fabric, and frank discussions with representatives of the community will help the state craft and refine resources to strengthen businesses and support entrepreneurs.”

Moderated by Director of the New Jersey Ireland Center Steven Lenox, the discussion included representatives from the New Jersey General Assembly, including Speaker Craig Coughlin, Majority Whip Carol Murphy, and Assemblyman William F. Moen, Jr.

“We have a lot to be proud of here in New Jersey, especially when it comes to fostering a strong business environment for Irish-American entrepreneurs and our international partners,” said Speaker Coughlin. “With nearly one million residents of Irish descent, the economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and Ireland continue to drive investment and opportunity. The partnership between our two regions has already brought tremendous growth and opportunity, and there is still so much more to build and achieve together for generations to come.”

“Through the development of the American National & New Jersey Irish Caucus, we had the opportunity to travel and speak with government officials and business leaders in Ireland,” said Assemblywoman Murphy. “Recognizing New Jersey’s potential, Ireland continues to explore future business and education opportunities in the state. Conversations, like the one held by the NJEDA, are important as we continue building our partnership with Ireland.”

“I was extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in NJEDA’s Irish American Roundtable earlier this week on St. Patrick’s Day. It was a great opportunity to highlight the strength of the Irish American community and its continued role in the economic success of New Jersey,” said Assemblyman Moen. “As a member of the Irish Trade Commission, we are committed to strengthening the relationship between Ireland and New Jersey as well as the Irish American culture around our great state.”

“While the close ties between New Jersey and Ireland are especially evident in March, they run deep throughout the year,” said Lenox. “Not only did our discussion highlight this, but the initiatives we’ve undertaken to make our state more attractive to Irish companies looking to expand into the US — including making New Jersey the first US state with a permanent economic development presence in Ireland — put this into action every day.”

Applegreen Electric, which maintains its United States headquarters in Glen Rock, designs, develops, and operates electric vehicle charging stations at over 630 Applegreen travel plaza sites in the United States, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Vice President of Electric Vehicles Jimmy Ellis, who participated in the roundtable discussion, oversees the expansion of convenient, high-speed electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Originally from Cork, Ireland, Michelle McCarthy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MCC Marketing Group, has over 15 years of expertise in leading transformative marketing campaigns for some of the most iconic names and venues in the sports and entertainment industry. In 2023 and 2024, she was featured in Irish America Magazine’s prestigious Business 100 list, celebrating her contributions to arts, entertainment, philanthropy, and community action.

“Irish brands have long been synonymous with quality, authenticity, and innovation – values that deeply resonate with American consumers. Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has cultivated an environment where international businesses can thrive, offering Irish companies a unique opportunity to leverage this dynamic ecosystem,” said McCarthy. “By fostering direct connections between Ireland’s graduates, Irish entrepreneurs, and New Jersey’s industry leaders and investors, we can create even greater opportunities for growth and collaboration. As the founder of MCC Marketing Group, I’m proud to have our company based in New Jersey – a state that champions innovation and international partnerships. We understand the power of storytelling in shaping a brand’s success, and we’re excited to see Irish businesses continue to flourish in the New Jersey market.”

Ann Wycherley, a Real Estate Broker at Brown Harris Stevens, emigrated to New Jersey from Ireland and studied at the Marketing Institute of Ireland. Wycherley is an award-winning agent with over 20 years of experience in the Hudson County market. She has been recognized by the New Jersey Circle of Excellence and earned a Lifetime Membership in the New Jersey Association of Realtors Distinguished Sales Club.

Tim Bauersachs owns and manages the Cross and Shamrock, a family-run gift shop and online store located in Hamilton Township specializing in Irish gifts and religious items. He also serves as Treasurer for the North American Celtic Trade Association, which promotes the sale of Irish and Celtic products in North America. The Cross and Shamrock received grant funding through the NJEDA’s COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Assistance Program.

“Cross and Shamrock has been in my family for 40 years and it’s an honor to keep the business alive and continue serving Central Jersey,” said Bauersachs. “Irish culture runs deep throughout New Jersey and I’m proud that our family business is part of the story. I’m grateful to the NJEDA for its assistance in helping keep our doors open during the pandemic and I look forward to offering our Irish gifts and religious items for years to come.”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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