The ongoing engagement by American companies on the island of Ireland formed a key part of Joseph Kennedy's address at a reception in the US Ambassador's residence in the Phoenix Park.
Pictured: Michael Savage, Newry Chamber, Joseph Kennedy, USSpecial Envoy to Northern Ireland, US Ambassador Claire D Cronin, Una McGoey, Dundalk Chamber and Hubert Murphy, Drogheda and District Chamber.
Mr Kennedy, the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, said the support of American firms was crucial and he was delighted with the support his work was receiving.
"Drogheda has seen key investment from US firms, in both the tech world and in sports, and let's hope this will continue into the future. It is vital that Drogheda and its hinterland positions itself as an ideal location to do business as part of the M1 Corridor with our neighbours in Dundalk and Newry," Chamber President Hubert Murphy stated.
"We are at a landmark stage when it comes to opportunity, and we need to embrace that by selling the area to foreign investment and cross border cooperation.
"Drogheda is growing at an enormous rate and the next five years will tell the tale. Now is the time to push and push hard and create significant employment centres locally."
Mr Kennedy spoke highly of the need for apprenticeships - something he has seen in operation in Belfast - and that's a vision shared by Drogheda.
"Martin O'Brien and the LMETB and the team at DIFE are doing enormous work in that sphere and as a chamber we see huge benefits for the workforce in the years to come."