Laois Chamber Alliance recently held their fourth AGM on the evening of Tuesday, October 3, in SOLAS Eco Garden Shop, Portarlington.
At this AGM, James McElwee, Partner with Portlaoise-based Rolleston McElwee Solicitors, stepped up from his previous role as Vice-President and became the newly elected President of Laois Chamber Alliance, taking over from Yvonne McKeon of McKeon Stone.
Ashleigh Doyle of CJ Sheeran and Yvonne McKeon both stood down at this AGM following the conclusion of their terms as Directors.
Fiona Hyland of The Gandon Inn was elected Vice-President and re-elected Treasurer, and Tom Clowry was re-elected as Secretary.
Bernie Foran was re-elected as a Director, with two new Directors being elected on the night – Dr. Michelle Byrne of Maryborough Family Practice in Portlaoise and Gillian Reidy of Penhouse Design in Ratheniska, Stradbally.
Speaking at the AGM, acting CEO, Caroline Hofman said: “Last year’s AGM marked a new chapter for the Chamber, with the merger of Laois Chamber and Laois Tourism to form one cohesive umbrella organisation, which we now know as Laois Chamber Alliance.
“This merger means that not only do we now have a broader membership base, representing sole traders to multinationals, hospitality and tourism providers, to manufacturing and retail, but we also have a stronger voice in terms of lobbying on a range of policy and budgeting issues for the county.
“Looking to tourism, more visitors to Laois will have a positive ripple effect, benefiting all stakeholders and businesses across all sectors as a result.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Director Ashleigh Doyle and President Yvonne McKeon who have stepped down at this AGM.
“You have all been fantastic to work with and Laois Chamber Alliance and Laois continues to grow from strength to strength.
“I wish the very best to our new Board and President, James McElwee, as we mark another chapter for Laois Chamber Alliance.”
Speaking following the AGM, outgoing President Yvonne McKeon said: “During my year as President the amalgamation of Laois Chamber and Laois Tourism took place to form Laois Chamber Alliance.
“This new enlarged organization offers enhanced opportunity to all its members and to Laois people to be true to our motto “Stronger Together” and to make Laois the best place to live, work and do business.
“I offer my best wishes to our new President, James McElwee, who brings the highest standards of leadership and incisive analysis to the role.
“He will be most ably supported by the Board members Fiona Hyland, Tom Clowry, Bernie Foran, Michelle Byrne and Gillian Reidy, together with acting CEO Caroline Hofman and Tourism Development Executive Regina Dunne.”
Following his election as the new President of Laois Chamber Alliance, James McElwee said: “I am most honoured to be taking up the role as president of Laois Chamber Alliance and wish to thank all the members for the opportunity.
“Thank you to outgoing President, Yvonne McKeon of McKeon Stone for all your hard work throughout the past number of years.
“Thank you also to outgoing Committee Member, Ashleigh Doyle of CJ Sheeran for your support and contribution of the years and the tireless work of the Committee, CEO Caroline Hofman and Tourism Development Executive Regina Dunne.
“The voluntary dedication of people to the cause of ‘Project Laois’ continues to amaze me notwithstanding everybody’s busy workloads. It will be a hard act to follow.
“At the same time, Laois has such potential that needs to be exploited and with the recent amalgamation of Laois Chamber with Laois Tourism I feel we can maximise this and ensure businesses, tourists and families equally will come to enjoy its riches.
“I intend to take up the baton and continue the growth within the county in all sectors.”
