First Minister at Chamber Dinner

First Minister, Peter Robinson was Guest Speaker at Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade’s Gala Dinner held in the Canal Court Hotel on Wednesday night.

President Deborah Loughran stated, ‘Newry Chamber was delighted with the success of this important and prestigious event.  We welcome the First Minister’s very positive comments about the Newry business community and the offer of support from the Executive in further developing the local economy’.  

This high profile event was sponsored by CRASH Services and the Canal Court Hotel.  It was attended by dignitaries, government decision makers and distinguished guests including Minister Danny Kennedy, Conor Murphy MP, Mayor Daire Hughes, Bishop John McAreavey, MLA’s, Councillors and local business leaders.   

At the event, President Deborah Loughran made presentations to immediate past President Cathal Austin and Executive Member, Jerome Mullen for their commitment to Newry Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking at the event the First Minister Peter Robinson said: “The Northern Ireland Executive has made growing our economy its number one priority and we will continue to explore all opportunities to create economic growth. An improving economic climate in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland are certainly welcome developments for the local economy but particularly for Newry, making it one of the most attractive and important locations for jobs in Northern Ireland.

“Newry people and Newry businesses have been at the forefront of putting Northern Ireland on the economic map for investment in the past and I am confident this will continue well into the future.

“Local success stories such as First Derivatives, Norbrook, Glen Dimplex, MJ Marine and FM Systems have made Newry a corporate hub on the international stage attracting foreign direct investment and helping Northern Ireland to deliver our key goals and commitments in our Programme for Government and Economic Strategy.

“I commend the work of the Newry Chamber of Commerce on the valuable work it does to create business growth, create employment and promote tourism in the Newry area and wish it continued success.”