On Friday 26th November, Business leaders, key political decision makers and stakeholders gathered to celebrate the achievements of Tralee Chamber over the past 10 years, while looking forward to building a bigger and better Tralee.
Over 150 people gathered at The Rose Hotel in Tralee for the inaugural Tralee Chamber Presidents Lunch. Guests of honour and keynote speakers included, Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, Group Internal Communications Director for Kerry Group, Tony Bergin, Mayor of Tralee Cllr. Mikey Sheehy and Past President of Tralee Chamber Padraig McGillicuddy.
The occasion which celebrated the achievements of Tralee Chamber over the last 10 years, while looking forward to building a bigger and better Tralee, was a coming together of not just the town itself, but the wider business community across Kerry.
Speaking at the President’s Lunch, Colette O’Connor, Tralee Chamber CEO, commented on the remarkable year 2022 was for Tralee with “record-breaking numbers attending events” for occasions such as the Kerry Footballers Homecoming, St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Tralee Food Festival and the International Rose of Tralee.
Colette went on to add: “We anticipate a further influx of numbers coming to the town with the launch of Tralee the Christmas Kingdom which kicks off this weekend with a full programme of activities planned for the month of December.”
Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD commented: “It has been my personal pleasure to work with Tralee Chamber since its inception and have always found the people working within the Chamber to be wholly, truly and totally dedicated to their home place in this majestic town.”
She went on to say: “As the town seeks to thrive, it must be more than just about the buildings and streetscapes, but also the heart of the town and community. In this respect I want to particularly acknowledge the leadership of the Chamber when it comes to supporting, initiating, growing and enhancing such a rich variety of festivals – including the spectacular success of the International Rose of Tralee, the Tralee Food Festival as well as the enticing and exciting Christmas plans in place all in partnership with Kerry County Council.
Colette O’Connor, concluded by saying: “Tralee as a county town has always led out front and for Tralee Chamber the agenda is simple – it is for our members strengthening Tralee as the regional economic driver for the Southwest, while further developing its reputation as a fantastic place to live, work and visit. How the Chamber does this is by bringing all the various agencies together through collaboration and open discussion.”
Image caption: Tralee Chamber Board with Keynote Speakers Tony Bergin, Kerry Group & Padraig McGillicuddy, Ballygarry Estate. Back L-R – Kevin McCarthy Chair, Aidan Turner, Siobhan Rivas May, Padraig McGillicuddy, Mark O’Sullivan. Front L-R – Tony Bergin, Colette O’Connor, Nathan McDonnell & John Reen.