Laois Chamber Alliance held its Annual General Meeting last week where members gathered to review the organisation’s accomplishments over the past year and set a course for continued success and growth in the coming year.
Fiona Hyland of the Gandon Inn and Treacy’s Pub was elected as the Chamber’s new president for the next 12 months, taking over from James McElwee of Rolleston-McElwee Solicitors.
The meeting commenced with a welcome address from outgoing President James McElwee who highlighted key achievements of the past year and plans for the year ahead.
“Our membership has grown from 102 members in June 2023 to 122 by June 2024. This growth is particularly encouraging given our low starting base following the merger of Laois Tourism and Laois Chamber to create the Laois Chamber Alliance. It reflects the dynamic and thriving nature of our Chamber.
“In the coming year, we plan to host 12 networking events, including six talk & tour sessions, and three breakfast briefings focused on insurance, energy, manufacturing, and industry, targeting our larger members.
“In conclusion, I am incredibly optimistic about the coming year and the opportunities it holds for all of us. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant, prosperous community here in Laois. Thank you all for your continued support and dedication to our Chamber.”
During the AGM, the Chamber’s financial performance and reports were reviewed and approved by outgoing treasurer, Fiona Hyland.
Fiona was then elected as President of Laois Chamber Alliance. Fiona is a long-standing member of the Chamber executive committee and has served as treasurer for a number of years.
Speaking after being formally elected Chamber President Fiona Hyland said: “I am honoured to accept the nomination to President of Laois Chamber Alliance, and I want to thank the members for their trust and support.
“As an eighth-generation business owner in Laois, reared in a rural hospitality business, I understand the importance of business and tourism to Laois, and the power of working together to support, encourage, advise and inspire one another.
“Laois Chamber Alliance has a unique opportunity to harness the spirit of resilience, creativity and multi-generational experience of the business community to drive positive change, not just for us but for future generations.
“I invite every business and tourism operator in the county to join us as a member, regardless of your size or sector”.
“By coming together to support local enterprises, to network, strategize and advocate for resources that benefit our towns and rural landscape, we can tackle the challenges we face and seize the opportunities that are ahead of us. We are stronger together for Laois.”
Jackie Carroll, CEO of the Chamber said “I look forward to working with Fiona and all the board in the coming year. Our complete offering to businesses in Laois has evolved over the past number of years and this Chamber is on a strong footing going into 2025.
“I am delighted to see four new board members elected tonight, and a committee which represents a wide and varied mix of sectors from across the business community in Laois”.
Newly elected board members were announced on the evening were; Tony Woods (Midland Steel), Caroline Lydon (Laois Partnership Company), Valerie O’Connell (Choice People) and Dara Cruise (Neville Hotel Group) joining the leadership team to provide fresh perspectives and strengthen the Chamber’s efforts in business support, attracting investment, lobbying and networking.
CEO Jackie Carroll, detailed the plans for the year ahead and all members were informed that full details will be distributed the second week of December.
In closing, James McElwee expressed gratitude to all members, sponsors, and partners, reiterating the Chamber’s commitment to fostering a thriving business community. “I am incredibly optimistic about the coming year and the opportunities it holds for all of us. Together we will continue to build a vibrant prosperous community here in Laois”.
For more information on the AGM or to learn about membership opportunities, please contact jackie@laoischamber.ie or visit laosichamber.ie
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