Dundalk Chamber held their 124th AGM this week. Michael Gaynor is now in to his second term as Chamber President and continuing as Vice President is David Minto of Horseware. Michael Farrell of PKF FPM Accountants is remaining on as Treasurer and Paddy Malone, Malone and Co. Chartered Accountants, is remaining as PRO for the Chamber.
Michael thanked those who contributed to the success of the Chamber during the year and made special reference to the organiser of both the Santa Run and Saint Patrick’s Day parade, David Minto. Michael thanked his Management team and Chamber council for all their support throughout the year, without whose support the Chamber could not function.
Michael was delighted with the success of the “Shop Local Gift Vouchers” noting that we had sold over 250,000 in vouchers in less than 12 months. The target set had been 50,000. There are 200 participating retailers benefiting from the scheme. Michael stated that we are pleased to work with BIDS on our initiative.
The Chamber incurred over €10,000 in costs promoting this even after some sponsorship. Michael said that it was a source of pride that not alone had the Chamber given its time free but had absorbed all costs. As a result neither the consumer nor retailer incurred any cost.
In his speech Michael encouraged all businesses and members of the public to buy them as bonuses, gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and leaving presents as the Chamber intends so build on this even more in the coming years.
Michael said the focus of the Chamber for 2016 will be to continue the positive momentum of ‘recovery,’ The chamber’s active participation on numerous forums, and joint committees with local authorities, development agencies, our sister company Oriel Hub (which provides support to small business) and neighbouring Chambers, ensures that the key business issues locally are being represented, and incorporated into to the decision making processes within the region”
In his address he mentioned that Dundalk Chamber will continue to influence all appropriate public and private bodies, and state agencies including lobbying Government Ministers, Oireachtas committees, European Parliament and Louth County Council in order to facilitate the creation of an environment and infrastructure within Dundalk and its environs which is conducive to the further development of business, industry and commerce.
Membership has remained constant over the recession showing the relevance the Chamber has to the business community. This strength has allowed the Chamber to make enormous progress over the past number of years. We are the largest business network in Co Louth, and we have delivered in the facilitation of business net-working, through or event planning, and have providing platform. We aim to remain the prime representative forum for businesses in Dundalk and County Louth.
Michael concluded by thanking all for their support and asking all to encourage all business people to join and contribute to Dundalk’s future.
