“The more members, the stronger our voice” is the message from newly appointed president of Athlone Chamber, Aengus O’Rourke, who is calling on local businesses to get involved in the local chamber of commerce.
Speaking following his appointment, Mr O’Rourke said that the only way to tackle the current economic crisis is for businesses to pull together.
“I will be working hard with the board members to grow our membership; the more members, the stronger our voice. More than ever I believe that businesses need to pull together, pool their ideas, and speak as one in the interest of the local economy as a whole. We will come out of this recession, but it is how we effectively manage our way in the downturn that will determine Athlone’s position into the future,” he said.
The new president for 2009 added that the chamber plays a dual role, in being a business partner to its members and a “business champion for Athlone Inc”.
“One of my priorities will be to highlight the many positive aspects of Athlone from both a business and tourism perspective. Over the coming year there is no doubt that business owners will face difficult challenges. However, I also believe that opportunities will surface; we as a chamber will work hard to seek out opportunities and initiatives to assist the business community in Athlone.
“The recent launch of the Athlone Gift Vouchers is an example of a chamber initiative to generate local spend and to encourage shoppers to spend locally. Early indicators show that the vouchers are turning out to be a great success, with demand already ahead of expectation.”
Mr O’Rourke, who had served as senior vice president of the chamber for the past year, said he was honoured to take up the new position, and was looking forward to the challenge ahead. He paid tribute to outgoing chamber president Tim Hayes, whom he described as “extremely hard working, representing and lobbying on behalf of Athlone Chamber to deliver worthwhile benefits for the Athlone business community”.
“Athlone Chamber is extremely grateful for his tireless work and commitment and we wish him well in his future endeavours,” he added.
Mr Hayes told the board of the chamber that he looked back with great pride on what has been achieved over his three years in the position.
“As president, I witnessed a significant range of developments and enormous change in the town and this is reflected in the chamber. The organisation’s effectiveness in advocacy on behalf of Athlone’s business community has increased substantially...over the past three years, the services that the chamber offers its members have been strengthened through initiatives such as Chamber HR, Chamber Translation, and the Athlone Gift Voucher.”
He highlighted in particular the increase in chamber membership in recent years. “The chamber has seen significant growth in its membership, particularly in the past year, growing into a strong business networking organisation in the town. The Hodson Bay Hotel has benefited in being part of the chamber and I would urge all businesses to join the chamber, get involved in the committees and at board level, and go to the wide range of networking events. Not only will your business benefit but the town will also.”
He added; “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Aengus on his appointment and indeed the new board members. Having worked with Aengus over the past year in his capacity as senior vice president I have no doubt but that he will be an excellent president. The chamber can look forward to a very productive and successful year ahead.”
