I. The general court finds as follows:
(a)Ireland's ties to New Hampshire date back to 1719 when a group of Scots-Irish families built the settlement of Nutfield;
(b)Irish Americans were an important part of New Hampshire early history, such as Gen. John Sullivan, who helped win the American Revolution, served in the Continental Congress, and was New Hampshire's third Governor;
(c)New Hampshire is the most Irish state in the nation, with more than 20 percent of Granite Staters boasting of Irish ancestry;
(d)Ireland is one of New Hampshire's largest trade partners, exporting more than $400 million in Granite State goods to Ireland annually; and
(e)New Hampshire should build upon its historic, cultural, and economic ties with the Republic of Ireland.
II. The commissioner of the departme
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I. The general court finds as follows:
(a) Ireland's ties to New Hampshire date back to 1719 when a group of Scots-Irish families built the settlement of Nutfield;
(b) Irish Americans were an important part of New Hampshire early history, such as Gen. John Sullivan, who helped win the American Revolution, served in the Continental Congress, and was New Hampshire's third Governor;
(c) New Hampshire is the most Irish state in the nation, with more than 20 percent of Granite Staters boasting of Irish ancestry;
(d) Ireland is one of New Hampshire's largest trade partners, exporting more than $400 million in Granite State goods to Ireland annually; and
(e) New Hampshire should build upon its historic, cultural, and economic ties with the Republic of Ireland.
II. The commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs and the secretary of state shall have the authority to establish a New Hampshire-Ireland trade council to meet with one or more trade councils established by the Republic of Ireland. The purpose of the council shall be to advance bilateral trade and investment between New Hampshire and Ireland, initiate joint action on policy issues of mutual interest to New Hampshire and Ireland, and promote business and academic exchanges between New Hampshire and Ireland.
III. The members of the council shall include:
(a) Two senators, appointed by the president of the senate.
(b) Two house members, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(c) The commissioner of the department of business and economic development, or their designee.
(d) The secretary of state, or their designee.
(e) A representative from the Business and Industry Association, selected by that organization.
(f) A representative of the division of economic development, appointed by the commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs.
(g) A representative of the university system of New Hampshire, appointed by the chancellor.
(h) Two public members, appointed by the governor.
(i) Such other members as the commissioner and secretary of state may appoint.
IV. The council shall elect a chairperson, whose duties shall include calling meetings.
V. The New Hampshire-Ireland trade council shall be authorized to raise and accept funds, through direct solicitation or other fundraising events, alone, or with other groups, and accept gifts, grants, and bequests from individuals, corporations, foundations, government agencies, and public and private organizations and institutions.
VI. There is hereby established in the state treasury the New Hampshire-Ireland trade council fund. The funds shall be comprised of monies obtained according to paragraph V, and shall be used to defray the council's administrative costs and to carry out its purposes. The fund shall be non-lapsing and shall be continually appropriated to the council.