Local Enterprise Office Laois in collaboration with Laois Chamber will be hosting a Women in Business Networking lunch on Tuesday, March 8, to celebrate International Women’s Day as part of Local Enterprise Week.
This event will take place in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, from 12.30pm to 2pm.
The special guest for this event is Rathdowney native Louise Phelan, CEO of Phelan Energy Group Ltd and former Vice President at PayPal who will be in conversation with Ronan Berry, presenter of the ‘Taking Care of Business Show’ on Midlands 103.
Louise spent 13 years as Vice President at PayPal leading and developing the business and taking a large performance team from 200 people to 3000 people across multiple geographies.
Louise has also served as a Director of Ryanair since December 2012 and was appointed Senior Independent Director (SID) in June 2020. She held the prestigious position of President of the American Chamber of Commerce in 2014, the first woman to ever hold this role.
Louise’s leadership achievements have seen her win numerous awards. She was named Business Leader of the Year in 2017 and Businesswoman of the Year in 2013 and 2017. Louise was also named Ireland’s ‘Most Trusted Leader’ at the Great Place to Work awards an
d ‘Irish Innovation Champion’ at the 2014 Innovation Luminary awards. In 2012, Louise was awarded the Sir Michael Smurfit Achievement Award by The Ireland Chamber of Commerce – United States. That same year, she was presented with an Outstanding Contribution to Irish Industry Award by the CCMA.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Honor Deevy, Acting Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Laois said:
“Small businesses throughout Laois have been severely impacted by Covid-19 restrictions. That’s why initiatives like Women in Business Networking lunch as part of Local Enterprise Week 2022 is more important than ever to give an opportunity for women in business to network and celebrate International Womens’ Day.
We are delighted to be organizing this event in collaboration with Laois Chamber to assist businesses in Laois.”
“We are delighted to be hosting this event in collaboration with Local Enterprise Office Laois as part of International Women’s Day, and we are thrilled that Louise Phelan will be joining us as our special guest,” Caroline Hofman, CEO of Laois Chamber added.
“Louise has extensive and impressive experience in business, together with a number of accolades, and this event will be a great opportunity to hear more about her leadership journey and sustaining success in business, as well as having the opportunity to network with women in business from around the county.”
Alison Browne, President of Laois Chamber and Director of Gerry Browne Jewellers in Portlaoise, added: “You owe it to yourself to take time out, on International Women’s Day, to sit back, have a lovely lunch and listen to a lady who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the business world, both at a national and international level.
“We are sure to be inspired by Louise.”
The fee for entry to this event is €10 which includes a two-course lunch. Register at: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Laois/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/ or contact Local Enterprise Office Laois on 057 8661800.
