As further businesses within the community prepare to reopen next week, Athlone Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling upon members of the public to support local at this time.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, John McGrath, President of Athlone Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated the importance and beneficial impact of supporting local businesses as they strive to commence recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
“The Athlone Chamber of Commerce and Athlone Advertiser initiative launched last week promoted by Smiths SuperValu in Monksland and Croghans SuperValu in Athlone to support local businesses in the region is an example of the efforts being made to protect employment and the local economy,” John asserted.
Tim Dolan, Manager at Smiths Supervalu in Athlone fully appreciates the benefits of such support.
“Take the example of Oliver Carty, Carty Meats. What started as a small family business has been supported locally over a long number of years and is now providing us here in Supervalu and the wider Musgrave group with a secure, reliable source of Bord Bia approved foods without any disruption during what is a time of crisis in the food and logistics businesses. The employment given by these companies is key to a regions success” Tim remarked.
Ted Carty, of Oliver Carty, is busy working tirelessly like many of his colleagues to meet the extra demand due to the crisis.
“We really appreciate the custom Athlone has provided to us down through the years and for the most part this is largely due to those working in the business. The support local effort is one we should all be taking account of at this time. If not local, Irish is just as important. Its important to acknowledged the work being done on the ground by Irish companies keeping supply lines open at this time. We are happy to support all activities of this nature,” Ted acknowledged.
The support local business initiative has been welcomed by Mary Croughan of Croughans SuperValu.
“Small businesses are going through a terrible time at present. We are lucky in that we are able to be open, albeit with a changed market place and various health related restrictions, it’s the smaller businesses that are closed that need the help now. We are more than happy to assist at the moment. We look forward to our neighbours opening up when it is safe to do so and would like for those local businsesses and retailers to be supported,” Mary emphasised.
One of those neighbours is Valerie Donegan of Athlone Opticians.
“We are delighted to be reopening on Tuesday, May 19. We will be adopting all safety procedures to ensure your visit is completely safe. We would like to thank the support of the local initiative and all of my business colleagues in the vicinity, Concannon’s Total Health Pharmacy, League Barbers, as well as Costa. We truly appreciate the support we have received from local customers, it is much appreciated and encouraging,” Valerie commented.
