A big crowd descended on The Heritage Killenard on 24th September for the official launch of re-established Laois Chamber. Speaking at the launch, Deputy President of Phelan Energy Group and Keynote speaker Louise Phelan (formerly of Pay-Pal) announced the Chambers plans to submit an application for regional development to Enterprise Ireland which could see major investment in the County if successful.
Louise Phelan also spoke about the 11,500 commuters leaving Laois each day remarking that it was “unsustainable” and that a collaborative effort was needed to bring people back to the county and turn Laois into a sought after business location.
Adding to Louise’s comments Minister Flanagan also highlighted the need to bring jobs to people, not people to jobs. He commended the new Chamber on their vision for Laois and urged businesses, especially those in the private sector to support the Chamber.
Chief Executive of Laois County Council John Mulholland expressed his pleasure that the new Chamber was now up and running and also on its ambition to transform Laois into the centre of Ireland for business. He complimented Laois County Councils Business Support Unit and Local Enterprise Office for their hard work behind the scenes in getting the Chamber re-established.
Also in attendance was CEO of Chambers Ireland Ian Talbot. Mr Talbot commended Laois’ superb central location and ease of access saying that it would be a major selling point for the County going forward.
Also speaking at the event was the President of Laois Chamber Martin Crowley who informed the audience that work was already well underway to attract a major agri-business company to the County. Mr Crowley shared with the launch that company representatives had already visited a location in the south of the County and the Chamber were optimistic they would be successful in landing this project.
Taking to the podium, new Laois Chamber CEO Bernie Everard shared the vision for the future of the chamber. She highlighted the importance of a strong and diverse chamber in helping to support business in the county and encourage growth.
She said that the chamber has already begun to fulfil this vision by building strong collaborative relationships with Laois County Council, the Local Enterprise Office, Laois Tourism, Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Laois/Offaly ETB and the local business community to name a few.
The Laois Chamber of Commerce is located in Lyster Square, Portlaoise, Co Laois. For more information on the Chamber visit laoischamber.ie or contact Laois Chamber CEO Bernie Everard by email info@laoischamber.ie or by phone: 085 256 6522
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