OPENING up new opportunities for companies on both sides of the Atlantic is what the conference is all about. And for one firm in Cavan that is what it did.

All day yesterday, and the day before, Cavan Crystal Glass directors Mr Norville Connolly and Mr Peter Pollock were engaged in talks with US firms about opportunities to do business.

"The conference was a huge success for us," said Mr Connolly.

The company, which was taken out of receivership in August 1995 by Mr Connolly and two San Diego businessmen, has now completed a reorganisation. It is due to build a £1.7 million visitors' centre in Cavan and is close to several lucrative deals.

According to Mr Connolly, there were a number of major advantages for him in travelling to Pittsburgh. All the government agencies and relevant ministers attended.

"You cannot underestimate the value of that," Mr Connolly said.

"You can speak to them and get problems sorted out on the spot." Cavan Crystal also negotiated deals with two other Irish companies, which they met at the conference.

In addition, the company exchanged information with dozens of companies from Ireland and the US and was "match made" with five US firms. "Out of that, three were very exciting," Mr Connolly said. "We've made preliminary arrangements to forward samples and business information and, we expect orders to follow.

One of these companies sells antique furniture and wants the crystal to complement its range. Other companies were also backing the programme. Ms Diana Todaro, of Diana's California Cookies, was an invited guest on the food panel after she completed a deal with Braycott Foods following the Washington conference.