Review of 2010 in the Chamber 

In a year of cut backs, restructuring, recession, regrouping etc the Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber not only expanded its services offered to members but added 40 new members to our membership listing in 2010.  

Simply, the services offered are of immense value to businesses hence the increase and dramatic rise in membership. 2010 was a very busy year in the Chamber starting with Business Afterhours. This is  where a member business gets to showcase their premises to other members. These were so popular there were waiting lists for some of the events.

IFAC Accountants, Interlude Restaurant, GlaxoSmithKline and Dungarvan Brewing Company all got to show colleagues what they do. Breakfasts on offer were of the taxation & budget kind, with Cogent Taxation giving great information to members about their tax situations while FDC Accountants Post Budget analysis cleared up many questions. The great Enterprise Evening at the Bank Of Ireland inspired the need for a very successful Speed Networking event – which will be held again in January 2011.  

Social evenings were also on offer; the Chamber Summer BBQ, Golf Scramble and the Chamber Ball each hosting large numbers.  

HR Seminars, Revenue Online Seminars, Good Service and Crime Prevention Seminars were all offered to members. Other training courses scheduled by the Chamber for members and the public were; Press Release Writing, Basic First Aid, First Aid For Children, Manual Handling and Social Networking media training.   

Quarterly literature mail outs where members get to supply flyers/ leaflets to other member businesses, business partnering, movie premieres were activities that were in large demand also.  

Lobbying was a strong Chamber activity. Free parking in Dungarvan town centre on street and council car parks from 4pm every day was achieved. The Chamber also lobbied on behalf of members for lower rates and Christmas Lights to be turned on earlier.  The removal of casual traders was also lobbied following representation from local businesses.  

Keeping business local is a strong message from the Chamber which was delivered regularly through various media. The Chamber Shopping Vouchers which retains an average spend of €170,000 per year in member businesses has grown significantly this year. The concept of keeping business local is one dear to many and a trend that is expanding – now everyone. Old and young appreciate how important your business is to the local economy and safeguarding jobs.   

Very significantly the Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber commissioned  a €45,000 study by RIKON (the research department of the WIT Business School) on the development of tourism in the area. Growing from this is partnering has taken place  with the Waterford County Council and Fáilte Ireland to achieve many initiatives and targets outlined from the study.  

The Chamber is not resting and will continue the positive growth and increase in services throughout 2011.  

If you think Chamber membership can benefit your business, don’t hesitate to contact the Chamber office on 058 45054 or email .  Join us on facebook to keep abreast of upcoming events & activities on www.facebook.com   Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber Page.