Kilkenny Chamber marks 'year of growth and advocacy'

Kilkenny Chamber used its 78th Annual General Meeting to mark what members have described as a ‘Year of Growth and Advocacy’.

At the gathering in Butler House yesterday, outgoing President Anne Barber outlined her pride in the achievements of her two-year term of office and paid tribute to the hard work the grouping had undertaken noting; “We have continued to grow a successful programme of networking and information events for our members, to host MEPS, senators, and visiting delegations, and to be a touchpoint for business in Kilkenny.”

Claire McInerney Brown was elected President for the next two years – hear what she had to say to KCLR CEO John Purcell here and stay tuned to hear more from her on The KCLR Daily (10am-1pm).

In her address to the members, Claire spoke of Kilkenny as a place where enterprise thrives, and where each era of its development has demanded adaptation and Kilkenny businesses have responded with determination and innovation.

She said; “Excellence is at the heart of everything we strive to do. Whether in design and craft, retail, manufacturing, services, hospitality, food production or technology, Kilkenny businesses have shown a commitment to high standards that is recognised far beyond our county boundaries. As a Chamber, we have a role to champion that pursuit of excellence—supporting our members to network, to innovate, to compete, and to lead in their respective fields.

“As I look ahead, my focus over the next two years is clear: to represent you—our members—with energy, integrity, and purpose.

“The economic landscape will continue to evolve over the coming years more rapidly than it has evolved in the past, but if Kilkenny’s history tells us anything, it is that we are well capable of meeting change with ambition and confidence.”

The President also told the attendance that the Chamber has embarked on a Strategic Review of 5 pillars which, the Board believes, encompasses the Chamber. These are:

Corporate Governance, Financial Sustainability, Advocacy & Strategic Partnerships, Member Engagement & Value Creation, and Innovation & Transformation.

Before the AGM concluded, CEO John Hurley thanked outgoing President Anne Barber for her tireless commitment to the Chamber during her term of office and said he looked

forward to working with the new President. He also thanked the Board of Directors for their service, acknowledging in particular the contribution of Brian Keyes of Iconic Media, as both Director and former President, who is stepping down from the Board.

He spoke of our living in turbulent and uncertain times and how it was proven in recent days how easy it could be to bring the country to a standstill saying; “Membership is our lifeblood. Our members are the reason we exist. We are here to represent and support you, and we are always open to new members joining. So please do encourage every business person you know to come and talk to us about joining our organisation. Together we are stronger and Kilkenny knows all about pulling together to get results!”