“The growth in the population of Athlone to just short of 20,000 people is very positive and places the town firmly in the lead in the region,” said Michael O’Brien, president of Athlone Chamber. “This places more onus on us all to work together to ensure jobs and a future for the citizens of the town. Athlone has many significant employers, both indigenous and overseas companies in the private sector and some large employers in the state sector, but we cannot afford to sit on our laurels with the rising numbers on the live register”, stressed Mr O’Brien
The chamber says it is happy to work in partnership with local organisations to address any weaknesses and challenges.
Athlone Chamber has nominated Athlone to take part in Fergal Quinn’s Towns Project, a new television programme that will aim to harness a town’s talent, innovation, and resources with the aim of stimulating job creation. The chamber is in the processes of setting up a mentoring network for start up businesses providing expert advice in a range of business areas such as management, marketing, strategy, and HR from retired business people who are willing to give their time to help the new generation of businesses grow. The chamber will be meeting with retailers next week who have been affected by recent closures to explore any initiatives that can be undertaken.
“There are lots of people and organisations out there with ideas and suggestions of initiatives that can help Athlone and we welcome all input. The chamber would encourage any organisation or individual that has a project that they feel would help Athlone’s economic development to get in touch and we can all work together for the betterment of the town,” concluded Mr O’Brien.
