The Berrien County Development Authority was recently visited by four members of the Lisburn – Castlereagh, Northern Ireland Development Council.  The delegation included the Right Worshipful the Mayor Councillor Brian Bloomfield, Alderman Jim Dillon, Councillor Uel Mackin, and Economic Development Manager Hazel King.  The group spent three days in Berrien County touring existing industries, agribusinesses, and farms.  They were also introduced to several regional and state economic development partners. 

“Berrien County has a very diverse offering of industry, business and especially agricultural commodities,” said Crissy Staley, executive director for the Berrien County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority.  “The group was given the opportunity to see the inner workings of our manufacturing plants and family farms.  Land and water are some of Berrien County’s greatest assets.  The group was very impressed with the scale of our industries and especially our farms.”

The Berrien County Development Authority was introduced to Lisburn-Castlereagh during a trade mission trip in 2016.  The Authority gleaned several leads and potential prospects they continue to work with as a result of the visit.

“We found Northern Ireland, particularly the Lisburn-Castlereagh area, rich with opportunity for Berrien County,” said Nick Lacey, Chairman for the Berrien County Development Authority.  “Their Council, like ours, is working to grow their local industries develop new markets.  Our organizations are working to develop a sister city type relationship that will be mutually beneficial for both Berrien County and Lisburn-Castlereagh industries and local economies.”