Media Contact: Gwen Oldham at SF Chamber, 415-352-8839 or goldham@SFChamber.com

SAN FRANCISCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND SAN FRANCISCO CENTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNER WITH CORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO DEVELOP BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN SAN FRANCISCO AND IRELAND

San Francisco, Mar. 31, 2010 - The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and its foundation program, the San Francisco Center for Economic Development (SFCED) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cork Chamber of Commerce to develop trade and economic development opportunities between San Francisco and its sister city, Cork, Ireland.

"This partnership will help open doors and enhance business activities in both San Francisco and Cork, Ireland during these difficult economic times," said San Francisco Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Steve Falk. "As the second largest city in Ireland and an important trade hub in Europe, San Francisco companies can benefit from stronger ties to Cork's business community."

As agreed upon in the MOU, the San Francisco Chamber, the SFCED and the Cork Chamber will work collaboratively to encourage and promote trade, economic and industrial activities between the two cities. The organizations will also exchange visits of delegations and facilitate networking among respective members to help build business opportunities in both cities. "There are significant opportunities to increase business collaboration and trade between our two cities," said Cork Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Mr. Conor Healy.

"The Cork Chamber is wholly committed to a long-term working relationship with our fellow Chamber in San Francisco for the benefit of the business community in both cities." The agreement was signed during a three-day trade development visit from the Cork Chamber of Commerce in San Francisco.

The visiting delegation also met with other San Francisco city officials and representatives from IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Bay Area businesses including: Apple, Cypress Semiconductor and McAfee.

More information on the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is available at www.sfchamber.com. More information on the Cork Chamber of Commerce is available at http://www.corkchamber.ie.

###

About the Chamber
Founded in 1850, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the pre-eminent business organization for advocacy, networking and economic growth. The Chamber delivers on its mission to attract, develop and retain business in San Francisco by representing companies and organizations that make San Francisco a preferred destination for businesses and visitors - a great place to live and work.