 This
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PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS
Another successful St. Patrick's Day Parade for the Irish Business Organization. Despite the Irish weather, a hearty group of marchers, led by our own Brian Nolan, made their way up Fifth Avenue. The parade was followed by multiple opportunities to meet and greet fellow marchers and friends at the local pubs and restaurants. Next year, we hope to have a better position in the line of march, and have even more members and friends join the festivities.
Speaking of members, like all organizations we continue to face the challenge of maintaining and attracting members. We would encourage all active members to not only renew their membership, but to reach out to friends, relatives, and business associates to join our organization.
With our next regular meeting on April 14th, we hope that every member will try to attend-not only for our program-but to learn first hand about our plans for the remainder of the year-including the golf outing and our greatest Gala Ball ever.
James Doran
President, IBO
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IBO MONTHLY MEETINGS
Wednesday, April 14th - 6.30pm
** NOTE NEW TIME **
[Complimentary wine and appetizers at 6.30 pm.]
Guest Speaker : Mark Alesse, State Director, National Federation of Independent Business
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is the largest advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. NFIB was ranked the most influential business organization (and 3rd overall), in "Washington's Power 25" survey conducted by Fortune magazine.
NFIB's purpose is to impact public policy at the state and federal level and be a key business resource for small and independent business in America. NFIB also gives its members a power in the marketplace. By pooling the purchasing power of its 600,000 members, the National Federation of Independent Business gives members access to many business products and services at discounted costs. NFIB also provides timely information designed to help small businesses succeed.
Mark Alesse has been the state director and chief lobbyist for the New York State chapter of NFIB since 1988. With 20,000 members, NFIB is New York's largest advocacy group for small and independent business owners.
In addition to his work with NFIB, Alesse also organized the leading commercial, industrial, and professional organizations in Albany, along with local governments and others to create New Yorkers for Civil Justice Reform, a broad-based, 1100-member coalition seeking to enact comprehensive tort reform. Since its inception, the coalition has become the largest of its kind in Albany and has been successful in stopping the trial lawyers from passing any regressive liability bills. Their goal is put an end to frivolous lawsuits.
Alesse has worked in state legislative affairs for over 20 years. He spent two years on the Assembly Program Staff, where he was assigned to the Commerce Committee. He then moved on to work for the Senate Research Service, where he researched and wrote about banking, insurance and housing issues. Alesse later became the first director of the Senate's Task Force on Defense Spending. In 1986 he left the legislature and joined the Retail Council of New York State as their director of public affairs, and two years later he accepted the position of state director for NFIB, where he has been ever since.
During this time Alesse has increased NFIB's voice in the State Capitol and worked hard to represent the small business owners of New York, lobbying on the broad, business-climate issues -- like tax cuts, tort reform, workers' comp, health and labor reform -- reflecting NFIB's diverse business membership.
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IBO CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
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April
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April 14th
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April IBO NY Meeting
The Shelburne Hotel, 303 Lexington Ave (@37th St.), New York, NY - Guest Speaker: Mark Alesse, State Director, National Federation of Independent Business.
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6:30 PM
NOTE NEW START TIME |
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April 20th
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6.30 PM |
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April 27th
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NYC Breakfast Networking Meeting
Fitzpatrick's Grand Central Hotel, 44th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues. Contribution for light breakfast is $10. Any questions, contact Tom Ward at TGWard718@aol.com or 718-565-0383.
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8:00 AM |
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April 28th
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Rockland County MeetingMadden's Restaurant, Central Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10954. Guest speaker: tba For details please contact Julia Connolly (201) 446-7939, juliac@ibo-ny.com
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7:00 PM |
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May
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May 12th
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May IBO NY Meeting
The Shelburne Hotel, 303 Lexington Ave (@37th St.), New York, NY - Guest Speaker tba.
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6:30 PM
NOTE NEW START TIME
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May 18th
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6.30 PM
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May 25th
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NYC Breakfast Networking Meeting
Fitzpatrick's Grand Central Hotel, 44th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues. Contribution for light breakfast is $10. Any questions, contact Tom Ward at TGWard718@aol.com or 718-565-0383.
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8.00 AM
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May 26th
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Rockland County Meeting
Madden's Restaurant, Central Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10954. Guest speaker: tba For details please contact Julia Connolly (201) 446-7939, juliac@ibo-ny.com
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7:00 PM
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June
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June 9th
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May IBO NY Meeting
The Shelburne Hotel, 303 Lexington Ave (@37th St.), New York, NY - Guest Speaker tba.
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6:30 PM
NOTE NEW START TIME
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June 14th
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Golf Event
**SAVE THE DATE **
The Irish Business Organization of New York will sponsor a golf event on June 14th in support of the Aisling Irish Center of Yonkers, New York.This event also honors several long-time IBO members who have passed on but are remembered in a special way.Please save this date and contact Pat Sheridan on 1-800-828-6222 or Jim Faulkner on 973-952-0300 for more information on scheduling a foursome, being a sponsor, or helping out as a volunteer. New members to the golf committee welcomed. This is a lovely way to enjoy time with old and new friends while assisting a great charitable organization.
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Time TBA
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June 15th
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6.30 PM
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June 22nd
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NYC Breakfast Networking Meeting
Fitzpatrick's Grand Central Hotel, 44th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues. Contribution for light breakfast is $10. Any questions, contact Tom Ward at TGWard718@aol.com or 718-565-0383.
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8:00 PM
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June 23rd
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Rockland County Meeting
Madden's Restaurant, Central Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10954. Guest speaker: tba For details please contact Julia Connolly (201) 446-7939, juliac@ibo-ny.com
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7.00 PM
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October
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October 15th
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Annual Gala Ball, New York Hilton
**SAVE THE DATE **
This year the recipient of our Humanitarian Award will be Brother Rick Curry, Founder and Artistic Director of The National Theatre Workshop of the Handicapped. The NTWH provides the disabled community with the communication skills necessary to pursue a life in professional theatre and enhance their opportunities in the workplace.Our Celtic Spirit Award will be honoring The Pipes and Drums of the NYPD Emerald Society. For the past forty-three years their music has played in both joyous times, as the other evening, and also comforted the New York community, especially after September 11th.
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Time TBA
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St. Patrick's Day Parade 2004 - New York City
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St. Patrick's Day Parade 2004 - Pearl River
On Sunday, March 21st, the IBO once again participated in the Pearl River Parade. With the growth of membership in the latest satellite group in Rockland County the IBO’s presence in the parade was impressive. Braving the chilly wind, members, their families and friends were led up the avenue by Brian Nolan, the IBO Grand Marshall.
Please join us at our monthly Rockland meetings on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Madden’s Restaurant in Pearl River.
Julia Connolly
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NOLAN'S NOTIONS
An occasional Column from former IBO President!
Since it is still Irish Month, (I am writing this on March 29th) I had better update you all on my meanderings for the cause, walking for Ireland and making sure the Smithwicks was flowing ‘just right’ from the shiny new taps all over the city.
Well there’s good news and there’s bad news. The bad news is that the author, Pete McCarthy, who was to read from his best-seller The Road to McCarthy (he also wrote McCarthy’s Bar) on Friday, March 5, never showed. Him that walked all over Ireland and Australia seeking out Pubs named ‘McCarthy’s Bar’, left us high and dry (well not quite dry, since the Smithwicks arrived), failed to show up in The Irish Arts Center.
Pauline Turley apologized profusely, (just as well it was a free reading, how can one look for a refund to a free reading, I ask”) and it seems the good Mr. McCarthy was unwell and unable to travel. There I was fresh from a bar, braced by a March breeze up 12th Ave, standing alone at the door, with the names of 23 McCarthy’s Bars in America in my pocket for my hero, and where was he? A no-show! A third book, ‘McCarthy Takes America’, already penned in my mind, book signings, film rights…all kaput! Gone with the Hudson wind! Ah well, there’s always Malachy McCourt, maybe he will like my idea, ..or maybe not, whoever heard of a bar called McCourt??
The Dubliners founder, Ronnie Drew, accompanied by musician-extraordinaire Mike Hanrahan, however did not let us down with his extraordinary review of the Dubliners success in the 60’s and 70’s. (Where does a guy get a voice that can be heard across 5 city blocks in a whisper?). At the Irish Echo’s 75th anniversary party, Ronnie regaled us after-hours with many of his favourites, including a haphazard rendition of “The Queen she came to call on us” even managing to get Sean Finlay and Barry Lynch to stop talking for a minute!
Then on to the Parade on the 17th. Well whatever about the tradition of strolling leisurely up Fifth Avenue, this year, the IBO positively cantered up, in a vain effort to stay warm. I was proud to be Grand Marshall for a day, but it’s like the saying, “If a tree falls in the forest, does anyone hear it?” In our case, with the fog of snow, the rapidly darkening day, the frigid avenue wind and the late hour (4.30pm), I’m not sure who saw us, which is a real pity.
Then it was back to the Stanhope, where Eugene Flanagan had booked his usual suite for his folks, to watch the parade in comfort, only to find that the hotel had changed ownership and policy. (The room was only available after 3pm, kinda defeating the purpose. Eugene, ever the optimist, booked it for March 16th and 17th for 2005, so mark your calendars). Anyway, here’s the rub, Eugene calls me up on the 19th, asking me if I found the parking at the Stanhope to my liking on the 17th. Parking I asked? What parking? Sure, I parked my butt in the Stanhope Bar and bought a round or two, but no, I’d never bring a car to New York on St. Patrick’s day, what am I? Looking for trouble? Turns out someone put their car on Eugene’s tab, using my name! Go figure! Entrepreneurial yes, my car, no! Happily it worked out ok and Eugene was looked after by the hotel, but whoever you are, we know what you’r driving!
I did find parking in Pearl River though, and my son David & I joined Julia Connolly and her intrepid Rockland posse in the Apres St. Patrick’s Day parade there. It’s a great day if you’ve not done it before. Pearl River is probably the most relaxed and friendly parade of them all, and I have to say, the IBO were welcomed there like a good pipe band. Well done Julia.
Finally, to end the silly season, Ireland today brought in a blanket smoking ban all over the country, using the same unproven statistics on second-hand smoke that Mayor Bloomberg did! (honestly if 1,000 bar staff had died each year of second-hand smoke and Mayor Mike had said, then darn it, I must living under a rock, ‘cause I missed every one of them, every year!)
Ireland of late has become a country that is so bureaucratic (and petty-bureaucrat at that), that it would put America to shame. It must be the Eurocrat influence, laws and hordes of inspectors for everything. What Ireland needed was a simple rule that banned smoking in Restaurants and allowed pubs to have smoking, only if they did it in an air-controlled manner, with decent tax incentives for bars that went ‘smoke-free’, basically letting the market decide.
Instead we have gone from having the smokiest, smelliest and happiest bars, overnight, to having the cleanest, safest and probably, emptiest bars in the world. Typical of our wont, we go for extremes. All or nothing! I can just hear the talk outside Mass on Sunday. “No, grand-dad doesn’t come into town anymore, nor do any of his friends. They used to go the McCarthy’s for a pint and a fag, now they can’t” Personally, I wouldn’t like to own a bar there, (or here) now. The fun is gone out of being Master of the House!
Brian Nolan
Celtic Solutions
202 280 5022
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Legal Ease
A monthly legal column by Carolyn A. Byrne, Esq.
Undoubtedly, you have all heard some sad tales of careless email correspondence in the workplace. Typically, these tales of errant email woes come in three devastating varieties:
1. There is the accidental “reply to all.” Example: To: All Department Members. From: The Boss. Please attend the luncheon meeting today. Reply to All Department Members and Boss: I hate these stupid meetings. Everybody knows that our beloved boss only organizes these things to hear the sound of his own voice.
2. Then there is the unintentional “forward.” Example: To: Susan. From: Bob. I don’t want to do business with Jane anymore. She charges me more than her company’s list price, and then she pockets the difference. Susan’s response. I know, but at least she uses the kickbacks to buy us nice meals once in a while. (Susan forwards email chain to Jane): Dear Jane: How about lunch next Thursday?
3. And then there is my personal favorite, the inadvertent addressee. Example: (and this one is a direct quote from a highly publicized incident at an elite law firm last summer) To All Partners: Hey John, I’m busy doing jack sh*t. Went to a nice 2hr sushi lunch today at Sushi Zen. Nice place. Spent the rest of the day typing emails and bullsh*tting with people.
Of course, the first thing we all think of in connection with these sad tales is the embarrassment factor. Worse still, is the risk of losing one’s job for violating workplace email policy (be sure to check your computer log on screens and employee handbooks for official company policy on proper email usage). In this column, the first in a series on legal issues of relevance to our members, I would like to briefly touch upon an additional and often-overlooked risk in connection with workplace email communications: potential liability for defamation claims.
Generally speaking, a person who brings a defamation lawsuit seeks money damages for an injury to his or her reputation. Defamation claims are loosely categorized into two basic types: spoken (slander) and written (libel), and both categories involve a person’s statements that are likely to expose another person to “public contempt, ridicule, aversion, or disgrace.” So, now, the big question: Which of the above three examples of emails might constitute libel, if it is shown to be false and to have been made negligently or with reckless disregard for the truth? Answer: Email example number two.
Email example number two is a statement that if false, would undoubtedly subject Jane to disgrace and public contempt. Jane would also argue that it accuses her of a serious crime. Furthermore, it might cause Jane to lose her job, and damage her reputation in the industry and the community. Accordingly, both Bob and Susan could be sued for defamation under those facts.
Why not email example number one? Because it is an opinion, rather than a statement of fact that can be proven true or false in a court of law. This is not to say that the author of email example number one would be insulated from an on the spot termination by the loquacious boss. But at least the legal consequences of the email would not likely go further than that.
Why not email example number three, replete as it is with foul language? Again, separate and apart from whether the email author might be fired, the email is not likely to be deemed defamatory, because the only reputation it injures is that of the email author, not of anyone else. (Incidentally, the young author of that email was permitted to finish out his summer internship, but he was not offered a full time position with the firm the following year).
So, what can you do to minimize the risk of defamation liability due to the content of your emails?
1. Obviously, avoid making statements unless you believe they are “substantially true.”
2. Avoid forwarding emails that may contain falsehoods drafted by others. You may end up being sued for defamation as if you were the original author of the defamatory statement.
3. Whenever possible, take particular care to avoid making false statements involving “the four nasties”: (a) a person’s criminal activities; (b) a person’s “loathsome disease”; (c) negative performance in one’s trade or business; and (d) someone’s state of “unchastity.” These four nasties are areas that have courts looked upon with particular disfavor.
Notice that I have not said whether Jane’s defamation lawsuit would ultimately be a courtroom winner, subjecting Bob and Susan to millions of dollars in damages. This is because in most cases, defamation claims are difficult to prove due to the murky standards of reputational injury, and the requirement of “fault” on the part of the person making the statement. Nevertheless, do not underestimate the power someone has in simply filing a suit against you, whether or not it will ultimately succeed. As we all know, simply defending a lawsuit, however meritless it may be, often involves a significant expenditure of time and money, even if you ultimately win. So spare yourself a bit of the money and grief: remember this little defamation lesson and THINK before you SEND.
Until next month,
Carolyn A. Byrne, Esq.
cbyrne@velaw.com
The opinions expressed above are those of the author, and should not be construed in any way to reflect the opinions of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. or the Irish Business Organization of New York. Moreover, this column is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. There is no substitute for a one-on-one consultation with a lawyer to address your particular legal concerns.
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SIMON SAYS
April 2004
I have been in New York for about six years now, a member of the IBO for a little over two years. Over that time I have gradually begun to understand what the IBO is and who the members are. I am still learning.
The key is, of course, in the name: the Irish Business organization of New York. The New York is perhaps a little misleading as there is no doubt that our reach is throughout the tri-state area, but I guess we are New York, indeed, Manhattan-centric, for good or ill.
Irish - well, yes. Business - of course. There are so many Irish organizations everywhere one looks. Our niche is largely, but by no means only, in what are called SMEs, Small to Medium Enterprises. Our strength is perhaps in the combination of the two: Irish and Business.
The Irish is our intial and continuing common bond, that sense of pride and joy in our heritage; the Business gives us our raison d’etre, and what sets us apart from the many Irish social organizations. It’s good to get together for the craic, share stories and a glass or two, ..but, hey, we need to put bread on the table - we’re here for business.
You may see several initiatives in the coming months aimed at enhancing the potential for business in the organization. Whether making contacts to find a new customer or supplier, to extend one’s network through one’s own profession or industry (you never knows when you may need that introduction to get a new job!), to find a mentor to see one through confusing times or to learn new skills and refresh old ones - we hope that you find what you need in the IBO.
And if you don’t - please let us know. The IBO is your organization. We aren’t owned by a multi-national, or anyone else! We act for and through the efforts of the members - and that means you. If there is something you like - tell us. If there is something that is not to your liking - tell us (info@ibo-ny.com).
I recall a CEO of my acquaintance telling his staff that there was no way that he could make his company successful. No way. He could screw it up very easily, but the only people that had the power to make the company successful were those in front of him - the men and women who spent their working hours laboring for the good of the company.
Similarly, I can tell you now that the Executive Committee cannot make the IBO successful. Oh, we could indeed really screw the IBO up, but it is up to you, dear reader, to make the IBO the success that it truly deserves to be.
So please, give of your thoughts, suggest speakers and new initiatives, introduce new members, keep us up-to-date with changes in your contact details, pay your membership dues promptly (the three golden rules of business, ‘cashflow, cashflow and cashflow’, apply to the IBO also), and generally be pro-active.
[Please read the previous paragraph again, slowly. Consider what you can do.]
In return, I promise that I will work hard with the other members of the Executive Committee to help make the IBO the most dynamic, fun and profitable place to spend your time.
... and will try really hard to not screw things up!
If you have been, thank you for reading.
Simon Pereira Shorey
Your comment on this column is greatly welcomed; please write to Simon at: simonps@ibo-ny.com
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IBO
MENTOR PROGRAM
With the success of the pilot program, further applications are now being accepted for admission in to the main Program, to be launched in April, with preparatory briefings to be held in March.
If you have a career that you would like to develop further, run an enterprise that you would like guidance on, or simply would like a wise and unbiased head to turn to - the IBO Mentoring Program could be the answer. We have access to experienced individuals both within and outside the IBO who have offered to act as Mentors to our members.
The Program is free to IBO members and is totally confidential.
If you would like to learn more, email Simon Pereira Shorey at simonps@ibo-ny.com or call Simon on (212) 208 2526.
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NOTICEBOARD
- IBO Website Members Forum
Just a reminder that once you have logged into the Members Forum (left hand side of the IBO Home Page at www.ibo-ny.com) if you click on to ‘Members Forum’ you will have access to pages for:
- Job Opportunities
- Members seeking positions
- For Sale/For Rent
- Misc. Event Announcements
- IBO Suggestion Box
You can post your own items and read those posted by other members. This is a new area so initially there will be only a few items there. However, the more you use it, the more useful it will become! So please post about any non-IBO events that you wish to publicize, post job opportunities that you hear about, and indeed anything else pertinent. This is YOUR area. Please use it and read it every time you come to the website.
- Success Stories
One hears of many success stories of how membership of the IBO has led to new business, a new job, etc. We are seeking to collect these so that they can be used as ‘sales points’ to attract and retain members. If you have one (or many) of these stories to tell, please email us now at success@ibo-ny.com and let us know.
- Philip McGauran
We are sad to relate that Philip has departed these shores for the old country, at least for the foreseeable future. The good news is that this is due to a new and exciting business venture of his coming to fruition and requiring his presence ‘on the plot.’
Philip was presented with a Tiffany pen on St. Patrick’s Day, as an expression of gratitude for his invaluable contribution to the IBO, which will be remembered for a very long time. We wish him well.
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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
Editor: Simon Pereira Shorey, GeneAfrica, Inc. (212) 208 2526
Technical Support: Jim McGuire, Eric Elias: Teledotcom Inc., 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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