 This
Month's Issue:
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PRESIDENT'S
ADDRESS, James Doran
 I
think all of us can be proud of the great job Phil McGauran,
Jim McGuire, and Steve Collins have done with our website.
If you haven't tried it, please give it a shot - it is extremely
user friendly and can provide you with an immediate update
on your personal membership information, as well as all
the regularly scheduled IBO events.
Speaking of events, we had over 100 members and guests at our last regular meeting, where they heard Commissioner Robert Walsh [Department of Small Business Services] speak about his department, and then field questions from the audience. It was a great presentation and we are sure that the commissioner will be hearing from our members.
The month of March will have our regular
meeting as well as The St. Patrick's Day Parade. We hope
everyone can join us as we march up Fifth Avenue led by
our own Bill Buckley. Please try and be there!
Finally, a word about our committees. The membership committee led by Julia Connolly is encouraging interested members to join their efforts in increasing our overall membership base. Julia will be glad for the extra assistance, and you can contact her at our next meeting where we will focus on all of our active committees. So we'll see you on the 12th of March.
James Doran
President, IBO
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IBO
MONTHLY MEETINGS
March Meeting
Wednesday, March 12th - 7.00pm
Member Presentation:
Paul Sullivan, Manchester Partners
Guest Speaker
Bill Cullen, Author and Entrepreneur
April
Meeting
Wednesday, April 9th - 7.00pm
Guest Speaker
Congressman Bill Gilman
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NOLAN'S
NOTIONS
March 2003
I was in Ireland over the past weekend,
visiting my 88 year old Dad, who has recently had a series
of mini-strokes, essentially effecting his mobility and
short-term memory.
He is being well cared for by my mum, who turned 81 on
Sunday, so my showing up at their door on Thursday was
a surprise to say the least, but also was one of the best
trips I have had home in years.
Any emigrant will tell you that we all look
warily at the ringing phone, if the call is after 10pm
and before 8am. The advantages of life here in America
are often outweighed by the guilt or compassion we feel
for those we left behind. How many outwardly strong and
independent men and women do we all know who are brought
to tears by the memories of home and the people we have
left behind, the living, and those who have passed away.
I was able to fit a lot in 4 days, bringing
the folks to their old haunts, and meeting their friends,
many in similar situations as my parents, housebound,
no one at home. I bumped into lots of my friends on the
way too, including many who are not riding high on the
back of the Celtic Tiger, driving older cars, or even
a couple of school mates who are depressed. I fitted in
a funeral too, of our old postman, Bertie Kelly, he of
the stuff legends are made, a writer and poet, he wrote
his last poem, a love poem for Valentines day. He had
just celebrated his 91st birthday!
I thought of my life in America, and the
up-coming celebration of St. Patrick's Day, my family
and friends, my good fortune to be healthy and happy,
and loved. So today being Ash Wednesday, I decided not
to give anything up for Lent, but instead I promise to
reach out more, to my friends and family and colleagues
who may be hurting, or in poor health. (speaking of which,
our fellow member and friend Danny Moloney - Liffey Van
Lines could do with a prayer, as could Joe Malone - former
head of Bord Failte, both of whom are recovering slowly
after major by-pass operations).
Getting back to Ireland, I was not on a
business trip, in fact I made certain not to get distracted
by business, but one thing did happen, everywhere I went,
I was asked, "Will Bush invade Iraq?" or "How
do you stand on the war?", or "Will you not
come home, where your family will be safe?".
My friends all had their views, some better
informed than others, most were concerned for their jobs,
their family and our collective future. Europe I found
was more practical and less sanguine than we are, at the
grass roots level at least when it comes to waging war!
I met an old friend, Nick Murphy, (Former
National AOH President), on the plane over. He was heading
to Kerry for a break, having had 3 major operations in
the past couple of years, he was looking forward to Kerry
V Dublin in Killarney like a boy would eye an un-opened
box of chocolates. Yet he too had concerns, for our nations,
Ireland and America. No stranger to conflict, he would
have preferred negotiation to war any day.
As I waited to board Aer Lingus 112 to Shannon,
at the new terminal 4 at JFK (which btw is so far superior
to the old terminal) I noticed a sign for a chapel, amid
the gates. On inspection I discovered a little gem of
a catholic church, 'Our lady of the Skies', where travelers
could sign a visitors book, say a prayer, or just contemplate.
It is flanked by 3 other chapels, Protestant, Jewish and
multi-Faith, each a safe haven for travelers, amid the
security checks and searches now associated with flying.
The Chaplain there is Fr. James Devine,
and he shares a unique office with Rabbi Bennet Rachman.
Stars of David and Shamrocks adorn their communal window,
and peace pervades the whole area. There must be a message
there for all of us! I read one message in the visitors
book in Our lady of the Skies church at JFK, written by
a traveler recently, that perhaps sums it all up, "Safe
Journey, World Peace, Mother's Health"
So, be safe, and don't take our blessings
for granted.
Brian Nolan
Celtic Solutions
Tel: (201) 280 5022 - BGNolan@aol.com
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GUEST SPEAKER
- MARCH MEETING
We are delighted to have
Bill Cullen as our guest speaker for our March 12th
Meeting. The following is a brief bio on our speaker. Mr.
Cullen will be signing copies of his best-selling autobiography
at the IBO meeting (copies will be available for sale that
evening).
 Bill
Cullen - Author and Entrepreneur
Bill Cullen is Chairman and owner of the Glencullen
Motor Group in Ireland. Listed as one of Ireland's Top
100 Businessmen and one of the richest self-made men in
Ireland, Cullen is the author of the heartwarming autobiography,
It's A Long Way From Penny Apples, a #1 bestseller
in Ireland in 2001, which continues to hit the country's
top-ten lists.
Bill was born in 1942 in the inner slums of the Summerhill
tenements in Dublin. One of fourteen children whose mother,
Mary Darcy was a fruit seller, Bill was on the streets from
the age of six selling fruit, flowers, newspapers, toys,
balloons and Christmas decorations. 'Get the last of the
Cheeky Charlie's' or 'Starlights, Colored Starlights' ,
will bring a smile to many of our members who grew up in
Ireland and know the selling calls of the Moore St. Traders.
Bill finished school at the age of 13 to sell on the streets
full-time.
In 1956, Bill started as an office messenger in the Walden
Motor Company, a Ford Motor dealership in the Dublin city
center. By 1964, at age 22 he was Director General of the
company. With his experience, Bill then set up his own motor
business, The Fairlane Motor Company, which became the biggest
Ford dealership in Ireland. In 1986 he took over the troubled
Renault Car Distribution franchise. His turnaround of that
company, into what is now the Glencullen Group is indeed
an exciting business story. Today the group has an annual
turnover of over 300 million Euros.
Bill is also a Director of the Irish Youth Foundation,
which raises almost a million euros annually for youth projects
in Ireland. In 1998, Bill was the recipient of the Lord
Mayor of Ireland's Award for instigating the Children's
Hour fundraising initiative that raised 4.5 million euros
for the young people of Ireland.
It's A Long Way From Penny Apples - is an account
of incredible poverty and deprivation in the Dublin slums.
It is the story of a mother and father struggling to survive
as they fight to give their children a better life. But
is also a story of courage and joy and happiness - of how
a mother gave inspiration and values to her children.
Bill's achievements as an entrepreneur, writer and entertainer
are an inspiration to many. We are delighted that Bill Cullen
will be our Guest Speaker at the IBO March 12th Meeting.
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DOLLARS & SENSE
BUSINESS CONTINUATION & SUCCESSION PLANNING
The family owned business is the backbone
of American industry. Close to 70% of family owned businesses
will not survive the retirement, death or disability of
the current owner. There are many complex reasons for this
and businesses must prepare carefully for survival. Succession
planning is a lifelong process aimed at ensuring the continuity
of the business to the next generation.
When to Start?
- The first night you sleep well as a business owner,
satisfied that you have a viable company, is the time
to begin thinking about the continuity of your enterprise.
Elements of a Succession Plan
- A personal development plan is needed for the owner,
the selection of a successor and a leadership development
plan for the successor.
- The evolving leadership roles of the founder and the
successor including job descriptions at various stages
for both.
- Communication of the succession plan to the family,
the company and the community.
- An organizational succession plan covering evolution
of top management and board, career paths for key managers
and future family participation in the business.
The Need for Buy/Sell Agreements
A properly funded buy/sell agreement permits an orderly
transfer of a business when an owner retires, divorces,
leaves the business, becomes disabled or dies. The existence
of such an agreement can spell the difference between the
future success or failure of the business. Many times, the
agreement provides the only market for a deceased's business
interest in a closely held business. At the death of a business
owner, the interests of the surviving owners/employees and
the decedent's heirs may be in conflict.
A funded buy/sell agreement benefits everyone.
For the heirs, it creates a qualified purchaser for the
inherited business interest at a fair price. The value of
the business interest is set by the agreement for the purpose
of tax filings, which can help the planning process and
possibly reduce any income or estate tax obligations. Cash
is provided in exchange for the business interest, which
can be a risky asset for the decedent's heirs to hold over
a long period of time. For the business, it increases the
likelihood that banks and suppliers will continue to extend
credit lines. For employees, it helps to assure that the
business will continue despite the death or disability of
an owner.
With a funded buy/sell agreement, the probability
that customers or clients will seek other suppliers following
the death or disability of an owner is lessened. For the
surviving owners, it assures control of the company since
the decedent's heirs must sell to the firm and not to outsiders.
Funds are automatically provided to purchase the business
interest held by the heirs. Full management control is guaranteed
and potential emotional conflicts can be eliminated.
Business continuation and succession planning
and buy/sell agreements involve complicated human, financial,
legal and tax issues and qualified advisors such as attorneys,
CPA's and financial planning professionals must be involved
in the process as a coordinated team. Is your business prepared
to survive? A simple test can measure the risk associated
with transferring a family business from one generation
to the next. I will be glad to send it to anyone who has
an interest.
John J. Doolan
Northeast Insurance Brokers
Tel: (908) 709 1550 jdoolan@att.net
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St Patrick's
Day Parade 2003 - New York City!
 Yes
it is that time of year again when the Irish march all the
way up Fifth Avenue, proud to be in the St Patrick's Day
Parade! The Irish Business Organization is pleased to join
the New York City Parade on Monday, March 17th, 2003.
It is our pleasure to announce that Bill Buckley will be
the IBO Grand Marshall for this years St Patrick's Day Parade!
Congratulations!
The IBO has a great Parade start time this year at 1:15
PM and we are lucky to be placed in the middle of the Parade!
We hope to get many members marching due to the early start
time.
So please join us in representing the Irish
Business Organization for the Parade!
We will meet at the official place of assembly, East 46th
Street between Madison Avenue & Vanderbilt Avenue at
12:30 PM.
Please let us know if you plan to march
with the Irish Business Organization in the 2003 St Patrick's
Day Parade. You can contact the IBO office at (212) 750-8118
or info@ibo-ny.com
or Eileen Collins at (212) 475-6525 or eileencollins1@yahoo.com.
Please leave your name, phone # and email address. We will
send you additional information on the day's activities!
The Parade officials are very serious about the guidelines!
We must be in line and ready to march on time. They enforce
a strict dress code so please be sure to dress well! Needless
to say no jeans, sneakers or clothing with advertising.
We must have all marchers join the IBO at the start of the
Parade, after we leave the starting point you are not permitted
to join the Parade. Be sure to have an early lunch because
once we start marching we will not eat or drink until the
Parade ends!
Traditionally it is a great day to celebrate our Irish heritage.
All IBO members that march up Fifth Avenue on St Patrick's
Day always have a fun day!
We hope to see you on Monday March 17, 2003! ____________________________________________________
St Patrick's Day Parade - Pearl River,
NY!
It is a popular time of year for a Parade! We are proud
to announce that the Irish Business Organization will be
marching for the first time in the Pearl River, NY St Patrick's
Day Parade!!
So in addition to marching up Fifth Avenue in NYC we will
also march up Main Street in Rockland County. The Irish
Business Organization is pleased to join the Pearl River
Parade on Sunday, March 23rd, 2003.
We are happy to announce that Bill Buckley will be the IBO
Grand Marshal for this Parade!
Julia Connolly is organizing the Parade details including
the meeting place and start time. The Parade is under 2
hours and is one of the largest US St Patrick's Day Parades.
It is about a 45 minute drive from New York City and also
accessible via bus or train. We will be sure to have some
post Parade activities for all to enjoy!
Please let us know if you can march in Pearl
River with us! Again you can contact the IBO office at (212)
750-8118 or info@ibo-ny.com,
Eileen Collins or Julia Connolly. Please leave your name,
phone # and email address so we can send additional information.
We hope to see you on Sunday, March 23,
2003! And have a good St Patrick's Day!
Eileen Collins
(212) 475-6525
eileencollins1@yahoo.com
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NOTICEBOARD:
Renew IBO Membership & Enter for Free Ireland Trip
Exclusive IBO Sweepstakes Extended!
2003 IBO Membership extended to March 12th, renew now and
you could be the winner of:
Two Return Airfare Trips to Ireland
courtesy of O’Connor’s Fairways
Travel Inc.
www.oconnors.com
&
Two Weeks Free Car Hire in Ireland
Courtesy of Irish Car Rentals
Toll Free No: 1 877 347 3227
All members who pay their 2003 dues by March
12th will automatically be entered into a free drawing
for 2 Round Trip Airfare Tickets to Ireland courtesy
of Barry Twomey at O'Connor's Fairways Travel Inc.
AND newly included 2 Weeks Free Car Hire
in Ireland courtesy of Ann McCartan at Irish Car Rentals
www.irishcarrentals.ie!
Airline tickets valid for travel Sept 15th
2003 to March 7th, 2004 (excluding Christmas). The car rental
is in conjunction with the air travel offer for the same
dates as the air travel. Certain restrictions apply to both
the airline tickets and the car rental. See Terms &
Conditions on IBO website www.ibo-ny.com.
Draw for tickets will take place at IBO
March 12th Meeting.
You can renew via credit card
or check by using the IBO Membership Renewal form which
is available for download via the IBO web site (click on
link below to access download page).
http://www.ibo-ny.com/join.php
Please complete the form
and forward it (with payment) to:
IBO Membership, P.O. Box
6425, FDR Station, New York, NY 10150
So renew NOW to be included
in this Exclusive IBO Sweepstake!
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IBO
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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March
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March 12th
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IBO Monthly Meeting - Shelburne
Hotel
Member Presentation: Paul Sullivan, Manchester
Partners
Guest Speaker: Bill Cullen
Entrepreneur & Author - It's a Long Way From
Penny Apples
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7.00pm
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March 17th
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St. Patrick's Day Parade-New
York
IBO Members to march up 5th Ave.
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March 23th
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St. Patrick's Day Parade-Rockland
County
IBO Members to march in Parade
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March 25th
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New York Networking Breakfast
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Fitzpatrick's Grand Central Hotel
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8.00am
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April
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April 9th
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IBO Monthly Meeting - Shelburne
Hotel
Guest Speaker: Congressman Ben Gilman
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7.00pm
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June
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June 9th
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IBO Golf Outing - Twin Brooks
Country Club Watchung, NJ
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IRISH
CITIZENSHIP
Applying for Irish Citizenship by Descent
If you were born outside of Ireland, but have a grandparent
who was born in Ireland, you can apply for "Irish Citizenship
by Descent" by registering in the Irish Foreign Births
Register (FBR) at the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate.
You can phone the Irish Consulate in New York to request
an information package containing the FBR application and
instructions (212) 319-2555.
If you were born outside of Ireland to a mother or father
who was born in Ireland, you are automatically considered
an Irish citizen (and can apply for an Irish Passport).
For information on applying for Irish citizenship by marriage
(or for other related questions), you should refer to the
Irish Embassy's website for more information (http://www.irelandemb.org).
Once you receive Irish Citizenship, you can apply for an
Irish Passport. There are many intrinsic benefits to dual
(U.S. / Irish) citizenship beyond the appeal of reconnecting
with your Irish heritage. For example, having an Irish Passport
can help you move more quickly through immigration when
traveling to any European Union (EU) member country. As
an Irish passport holder, you can also live or work in any
of the fifteen EU member states: Ireland, United Kingdom,
France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Luxembourg,
Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany, and Austria.
Information regarding required documentation can be found
at the following web page: http://www.irelandemb.org/fbr.html
Steven Collins
Webb Communications, Inc
Tel: 212-695-7022, ext 313 - scollins@sitespan.com
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About
The IBO: The Irish Business Organization of New York,
Inc. is an non-profit, non-denominational organization,
which seeks to promote, foster, and advance the business
interests of Irish and Irish American business people in
the tri-state area.
The IBO News
is the official newsletter of the Irish Business Organization
of New York, Inc. It is published 10 times per year. This
newsletter is distributed to members of the IBO, guests
from recent IBO meetings, and other individuals from the
NY-NJ-CT business community.
Newsletter Staff
Philip McGuaran, Belvedere Communications, 212 726 0150
Steve Collins, Webb Communications, 212 695 7022 ext 313
Timothy Daly Bogner, Tel (718) 729 4847
Allan Cullen, Stevens Printing Services, 631 584 3501
Brian Connolly, Zivkovic Architects, 212 807 8577
Jim McGuire, TeleDotCom, 212 675 6565
Contact Information:
The Irish Business Organization of New York Inc.
FDR Station, PO Box 6425
New York, NY 10150-1901
Tel: 212 750 8118
Fax: 212 747 1820
email: info@ibo-ny.com
www.ibo-ny.com
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