Chambers’ countywide coalition

SEVEN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE PEN DEAL ON HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP

IN an unprecedented move, all seven of Kerry’s Chambers of Commerce have signed a deal that will see them working together to advance their and the counties interests.

The agreement between the various chambers will involve them representing the entire county on regional and national issues, as well as supporting each other on local business issues.

Representatives of the seven chambers in Tralee, Killarney Dingle, Kenmare, Castleisland, Killorglin and Listowel met in Tralee on September 13 when they put pen to paper on a formal co-operation agreement.

In a joint statement the Kerry chambers said they will be collaborating on several key projects which are aimed at enhancing the entire county, in order to develop greater opportunities for job creation, infrastructure development, funding and bringing additional investment into Kerry.

Each chamber will remain autonomous and independent of each other, as will their individual members, but a crucial element to the agreement will see the seven separate Kerry chambers supporting each other on key local and regional issues.

This will include combining their resources to further support their own individual business members’ interests.

“This is the first time that all businesses in Kerry will have an opportunity to work closely together through their own local chamber and will lend a stronger voice for individual businesses. Every sector, industry and area of county Kerry will be represented, with this agreement ensuring greater collaboration,” said the statement.

Speaking at the signing of the agreement Stephen Stack of Listowel Community and Business Alliance said the agreement “presents a huge opportunity for the various chambers to learn from and support each other, to provide a stronger support for businesses in their own areas of Kerry”.

Details of the deal emerged last week, but the new partnership was not officially announced until Tuesday morning. Paul O’Neill of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce said the development was good news not just for the specific towns involved but for the entire county.

“Forming this strong alliance between all the Kerry Chambers will help lead to stronger lobbying on behalf of the county to support the various industries in Kerry,” said Mr O’Neill.

Trudi O’Sullivan of Killorglin Chamber Alliance also welcomed the agreement, which she said will create new opportunities for Kerry.

“In order to provide for greater opportunities in Kerry, a strong unified voice will be crucial, in particular when lobbying for investment into infrastructure in the county,” said Ms O’Sullivan.

Ken Tobin of Tralee Chamber Alliance said the new partnership arrangement will boost job creation and investment across the county.

“This alliance will enable us to provide a strong counter-balance for investment and job creation in Kerry, as well as supporting the growth of businesses within Kerry,” Mr Tobin said.