Write a commentNewry man and Chief Executive of the Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency, Dr Conor Patterson was elected as President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade at their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 15th October in Bellinis, Newry.
The election of the Office Bearers and Executive Committee was presided over by Honorary Chamber member Mr Art Magennis MBE. Mr Cathal Austin, Mr Peter Conway and Mr Michael Downey were elected as First Vice President; Second Vice President; Honorary Secretary, respectively. Mr Stephen Kearney was re-elected as Honorary Treasurer for the Chamber.
In his acceptance speech, President Conor Patterson stated, ‘it is an honour to be elected as President of such a dynamic and highly respected lobbying and networking organisation. The next 12 months will have a significant long term bearing on the Greater Newry Area; whilst we live in challenging times, I am confident that with our positive attitude the local business community will ride out the storm and emerge stronger and more competitive’.
‘Newry Chamber, under the auspices of the Greater Newry Vision Partnership will continue to lobby for investment from Central Government in the regeneration of our City Centre, in improved infrastructure and in public service provision appropriate for a dynamic, growing City’.
President Conor Patterson stated that his objectives over the next 12months included facilitating the growth and expansion of the Newry Chamber through developing networking opportunities and increasing consultation with the wider business community. He stated that he was committed to developing strong relations with neighbouring Chamber’s of Commerce, in particular with Dundalk Chamber. Dr Patterson said, ‘in the recently launched Programme for Government in the South, the Government repeated its commitment to develop the Newry Dundalk region as a ‘Gateway’ between the Republic and Northern Ireland. This level of Government support and intervention has the potential to offer major investment opportunities for this cross border region and its significance cannot be underestimated’
Conor Patterson thanked the out-going Chamber President, Mrs Mary Doran for the energy and enthusiasm which she had committed to the role during her tenure in office. President Patterson also thanked his fellow Chamber Office Bearers, Executive members and Chamber staff for their continued support to the Chamber, stating that he looked forward to building strong relations with the civic, community and voluntary sectors in the Newry area during his term in office. Dr Patterson welcomed the Chamber’s new Executive members, Mr Shane Mulholland of First Derivatives, Mr Brian McConville of MJM Group and Mrs Emma Marmion, Prestige Employment Solutions onto the committee.
