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Dundalk Chamber have just launched the Louth Business Awards for 2013. These awards have been a huge success and have been a sell out with 500 people attending on the night

Simon Cowan Prometric, Paddy Malone Dedco, John Fee Dundalk Credit Union,  Robbie Richardson Customer Focus, Imitiaz Yusef Fairways Hotel, Margaret Byrne Vhi Healthcare, Niamh Murphy Crowne Plaza , Michael McCabe Business Support Unit, Pat Donaghy Dundalk Credit Union, Ray Murphy FAS, Kathleen Dodd Enterprise Ireland and Aidan Crowe Diageo.

The aim of the Awards Scheme is to recognise the achievements of companies and individuals in promoting excellent services and products in a top class manner. They also encourage companies large and small to continually improve their business. Even in these tough times many businesses are beating the trend and deserve to be recognized.

This year the Chamber has teamed up with the School of Business & Humanities in DKIT and winners in certain categories will win 20, 000  Euro worth of mentoring, market research, and advice.

Companies can nominate themselves or another company in 4 of the 15 categories. These include

•   Best Customer Service Award Independent Retailer sponsored by The Argus.
•   Best Retail Premises for both exterior and interior visual impact sponsored by Dedco.
•   Special Community Group sponsored by Dundalk Credit Union.
•   Age Friendly Award sponsored by Myhomecare.ie.
•   Business Growth Award sponsored by Vhi Healthcare.
•   Best Exporter of the Year Award sponsored by Enterprise Ireland.
•   Best Pub/ Bar Award sponsored by Diageo.
•   Best New Business under 3 years sponsored by the School of Business & Humanities DKIT.
•   Best Training Initiative sponsored by FAS.
•   Best Tourist Attraction sponsored by The Crowne Plaza Dundalk.
•   Dundalk’s  Best High Growth SME sponsored by Louth County Enterprise Board.
•   Best Business Website sponsored by The Fairways Hotel.
•   Best use of Internet Technology sponsored by Fastcom.
•   Corporate Responsibility Award sponsored by Prometric.
•   Best Hair Salon Award sponsored by L’Oreal Professional Products Division.

These awards are a superb opportunity to showcase your business. There will be extensive coverage in the Argus and on the chamber website www.dundalk.ie If you would like a nomination form call Brenda in Dundalk Chamber Tel: 042 9336343 or email her to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or you can simply enter on line by clicking in to www.dundalk.ie/awards  . You may enter up to 4 categories and companies can nominate them selves or other businesses.

Dundalk Chamber hosted another very successful Embassy visit when The Belgium Embassy came to Dundalk to meet local companies in order to forge business links.

Mr Dirk Smoulders, Economic Attaché of The Belgium Embassy visited Dundalk recently for a series of one-to-one meetings with various companies from around the North-East. This is just one in a series of many visits which Dundalk Chamber has organized. The meetings took place in Oriel Shared Services in the Finnabair Business Park.

Mr Smoulders was delighted with the number and variety of contacts and was sure that the visit would enhance trade in both directions.

Mr Smoulders stated ‘that although Belgium is suffering economically in the same way Ireland is there is signs of growth in the economy creating many opportunities for foreign investment. The cost of doing business is still cheaper in Belgium and they have a highly skilled workforce ...like Ireland’.

This is just another example of the Chamber creating new links for local companies. Due to the success of the meetings, Dundalk Chamber will play host to more Embassies in the near future, including both The Spanish and U.S. Embassy details of which can be found on www.dundalk.ie

If your company would like to attend one of these free meetings please call Alice in Dundalk Chamber on 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Press release ends

For further information on this press release please contact Paddy Malone PRO Dundalk Chamber on 042 9336744.

Paddy Matthews was elected President and Holly Dance Vice President.  Michael Farrell remains as treasurer and Paddy Malone becomes PRO.
In his closing speech as President Paddy Malone thanked the staff and members of the Chamber for their support.

He outlined a heavy schedule of activity during the year which included lobbying on Vat Rates and Narrow Water
He made reference to the large number of organisations the Chamber engaged with including, Louth County Council, Dundalk Town Council, BIDS, DKIT, Enterprise Ireland and IDA.
We held a number of conferences, business briefings, budget breakfast, Golf Day and the annual business awards. Next year the DKIT will be offering support to the winners of the various categories. This year we facilitated an accountancy internship with DKIT
He also pointed out that we had good working relationships with neighbouring Chambers in Newry, Warrenpoint, Kilkeel as well as Drogheda.
The Chamber has for many years actively supported the Narrow Water Bridge project.
Our community involvement includes organising the St. Patrick’s Day parade, Night of Lights as well as our involvement in the Tidy Towns competition.
Michael Farrell outlined the Chamber’s financial position which has now recovered.  Membership in the last 12 months has increased despite the downturn in business.
Paddy Matthews as incoming President thanked Paddy Malone for his commitment and dedication over the years.  He indicated that would intend to continue with the initiatives already underway and was in the process of drawing up a strategic plan for the next 3 years and beyond.  He invited members to discuss this or any other matters with him and invited those businesses that are not members of the Chamber to join.
He said that Holly’s acceptance of the post of VP was a positive development for the whole area as it indicated the commitment that Foreign Direct Industries have to the local economy.
Jimmy Cummiskey pointed out that Dundalk has obtained significant FDI investment in the past 24 months

Dundalk Chamber will host their monthly Business After Hours Event on Thursday 6th June 2013 in association with Dealtronic. The venue has yet to be confirmed and the time will be 5.30m – 7.30pm.

For Businesses who are Serious about increasing sales.
Finally ! - Discover the Secret Sales Software, that's increasing sales and customer loyalty by 20%!!

Peter McCaul, Managing Director of Dealtronic will be the speaker on the night where he will introduce you to Dealtronic software. This software can help businesses from many different sectors ranging from Hotels to Fashion Retail to Electronics. Peter will explain how your company can increase customer footfall, customer loyalty, customer satisfaction, sales and profits. In today's market it is harder than ever to stand out from the crowd and keep your business pulling the crowds in. Your business needs to have excellent customer service, brilliant facilities and excellent management, but unfortunately these are things your competitors can have also. With Dealtronic software your business will have that extra cutting edge over your competitors, which is needed to be better than the rest.
 
If you would like to book a place at this event then please call Alice in Dundalk Chamber on Tel: 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dundalk Chamber has arranged a further series of upcoming Business After Hours events including briefings on funding for microenterprises hosted by Microfinance.

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in association with Eures Cross Border Partnership & Louth Local Authorities held a major Tourism conference in the Ballymascanlon Hotel with over 200 delegates in attendance from all over Ireland.

The conference was titled “Sustainable Tourism - Practical ideas for your business” and included a full and exciting programme with a line up of high profile national and international expert speakers.  This is the second Tourism conference which the Chamber held and it was covered on Morning Ireland last Friday.

The programme covered a wide agenda of high profile speakers from Tourism Ireland, The Newry Mourne Heritage Trust, Birdwatch Ireland,  Louth County Council, Failte Ireland and International Consultants. The conference  expanded on the key issues and the collaborative actions required to maximise a regions social and investment potential, as a major tourism destination.

Dundalk Chamber is part of a European Commission network called EURES (European Employment Services). EURES advisers are trained specialists who provide information and guidance to jobseekers and employers interested in the European labour market and Cross Border Working.

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Brochure.pdf	284 Kb
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Dundalk Chamber recently hosted a very successful Business After Hours event in association with Correlate.

Work and Well-being : Maximise Organisational Performance was the title given to this one hour information session to address a current issue in the workplace that has a significant impact on organisational performance.
Michelle MacMahon introduced the large attendance of local businesses to an agile, continuous, and individualistic approach to managing employee performance. Maeve Caraher, lecturer in human resource management and industrial relations, followed by giving an overview on ‘the world of work’ and an introduction to organisational justice as context to work and well-being and the impact on organizational performance. The session was concluded with Pamela Gilpin, performance management consultant, who shared her experience in maximizing the performance of professional athletes.
Dundalk Chamber President, Mr Paddy Malone stated that a good employer looks after the businesses main asset, its staff. A properly motivated and focused staff will both embrace and initiate change for the good of the organisation. Employees are not just motivated by pay but also need the correct physical and friendly environment.
Due to the great success of this event, Dundalk Chamber have arranged a further series of upcoming Business After Hours events including briefings on how to obtain fundings for microenterprises hosted by Microfinance. One of our summer Business After Hours events will see Dealtronic briefing clients on innovative software for businesses who want to increase sales and customer footfall.
If you would like to book a place at these free events then please call Kathleen in Dundalk Chamber on Tel: 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Continuing with our series of visits from various Embassies, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce has invited the Economic Attaché from The Belgian Embassy to come to Dundalk on Thursday 16th May 2013 to meet companies to discuss the potential of doing business with their country. 

The meetings will commence at 10am and conclude at 4.00 pm in the Oriel Shared Services, Finnabair Business Park, Coe's Road, Dundalk, Co Louth.  

The meetings are on a one-to-one basis and will last 30 minutes each.
 
If you would like to book a slot for a meeting with a representative from your company and the Economic Attaché of The Belgian Embassy in the hope of meeting new suppliers or getting your product into Belgium, then please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tel: 042 9336343 .  

There is no charge for this event and slots are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Dundalk Chamber will host their monthly Business After Hours Event on Thursday 18th April 2013 in association with Correlate. The venue is Xerox Technology park and time will be 6 – 7.30pm.

Work and Well-being is the title given to this one hour information session to address a current issue in the workplace that has a significant impact on organisational performance.
Michelle MacMahon will introduce you to an agile, continuous, and individualistic approach to managing employee performance. Maeve Caraher will open the session with an overview on ‘the world of work’ and an introduction to organisational justice as context to work and well-being and the impact on organisational performance. Pamela Gilpin will share with you her experience in maximizing the performance of professional athletes. 
Who should attend? This session is an opportunity for anyone working in the areas of :
Learning and Development, Human Resource Management, Leadership or anyone directly associated with improving the overall performance of the organisation.
Dundalk Chamber have arranged a further series of upcoming Business After Hours events including briefings on funding for microenterprises hosted by Microfinance. 

If you would like to book a place at these free events then please call Kathleen in Dundalk Chamber on Tel: 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

In October 2011 the Department of Finance commissioned consult-ants Mazars to carry out a comprehensive survey of the levels of demand for credit amongst small and medium-sized businesses. On completion of the survey, a series of seven regional meetings were hosted by the Minister for Small Business, Mr John Perry T.D. supported by the Secretary General of the Department of Finance, Mr John Moran. The aim of these meetings was to examine further the actions which might be taken to improve access to credit for SMEs.

Participating business students from Dundalk Institute of Technology pictured at the EURES conference
on cross-border taxation hosted by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce

The first regional meeting took place in Dundalk on the 3 February 2012. One of the key findings of the Mazars survey was the need to increase the number of small and medium enterprises who prepare and maintain business and budget plans, making use of these plans as vital aids to business. Well prepared business and budget plans can add substantial weight to loan applications, increasing the probability of a successful application. During a discussion of this issue at the Dundalk meeting, it was suggested that final-year business students at the local Institute of Technology be given the opportunity to engage with local SMEs in an effort to expand and improve the business and budget planning practices of those businesses.

This suggestion led to eight member firms of Dundalk Chamber availing of the services of business students from Dundalk Institute of Technology. The students spent one week each with the local businesses in January 2013, imparting their knowledge of the most up-to-date business planning methods.

The firms were asked to report back and in all cases were extremely positive. Both students and businesses found it to be a productive experience. The students, it is hoped, benefited from practical experience while the businesses will obtain real benefits from the expertise provided by the students in the years to come.

Solution
Paddy Malone suggested engaging with accountancy/business students at the DKIT who would work under the supervision of an accountant in practice with one of their  small businesses.

Eight member firms of Dundalk Chamber took on 9 business students which include
TJ Briody, Connolly Kelly, CMF, Eddie Kirk, Farrelly Daw White, FMW, Frank Lynch, Malone

The firms were asked to report back and in all cases were positive.  Part of the week was spent in orientating and part on general accountancy work.  The students found it productive and did change their perspective of accountancy from theoretical to practical.  The ultimate targeted beneficiary, the SME owner will it is hoped  obtain benefit after the second week.
A common reaction from both students and firms was that the time allocation was not enough.
It is hoped that some of the firms might be in a position to offer contracts to the students following graduation.

See PDF for Newsletter

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SME Credit and Funding Newsletter Issue 1 Spring 2013.pdf

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Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in association with Peninsula will host a FREE of charge Business After Hours Event on Wednesday 13th March. This fast paced seminar, specifically designed for Business Owners, Directors and business decision makers, is full of useful information, tips and advice on how to assist you in understanding your obligations as an employer. Kevin Callan will be the speaker on the night and he will cover topics such as managing redundancy, necessary documentation for NERA inspections, how to avoid expensive employment litigation, Health & Safety duties and responsibilities explained, the rights of your employees and how to avoid infringing them.
This will be followed by a Questions and Answers session and is also an excellent learning and networking opportunity for members and non-members of Dundalk Chamber.
This event will take place on Wednesday 13th March 2013, 6 – 7.30pm, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk.
Due to the great success of this event, Dundalk Chamber have arranged a further series of upcoming Business After Hours events including briefings on Doing Business in China hosted by BusinessInChina. 
If you would like to book a place at these free events then please call Kathleen in Dundalk Chamber on Tel: 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dundalk Chamber hosted another very successful Embassy visit when The Portuguese Embassy came to Dundalk to meet local companies in order to forge business links.

Mr Jose Ramos, Economic Attaché of The Portuguese Embassy visited Dundalk recently for a series of one-to-one meetings with various companies from around the North-East. This is just one in a series of many visits which Dundalk Chamber has organized. The meetings took place in Oriel Shared Services in the Finnabair Business Park.

Mr Ramos was delighted with the number and variety of contacts and was sure that the visit would enhance trade in both directions.

Mr Ramos stated ‘..that although Portugal is suffering economically in the same way Ireland is there is signs of growth in the Portuguese economy creating many opportunities for foreign investment. The cost of doing business is still cheaper in Portugal and they have a highly skilled workforce ...like Ireland’.

This is just another example of the Chamber creating new links for local companies. Due to the success of the meetings, Dundalk Chamber will play host to more Embassies in the near future, including both The Spanish and U.S. Embassy details of which can be found on www.dundalk.ie

If your company would like to attend one of these free meetings please call Kathleen in Dundalk Chamber on 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a very successful Business After Hours in association with Fastcom, one of Ireland’s fastest growing Internet Service Providers.  Fastcom have grown into a strong and respected Internet Service Provider (ISP) and are continually evolving their services to enable businesses to benefit from high capacity fibre optic bandwidth and infrastructure services. The event entitled “Why Connect Your Business To The Cloud?” outlined the key objectives of Cloud Computing and how your business can benefit, Next Generation Fibre Optic Broadband Networks and the value it can bring to your business. The presentations involved a multiagency group including Fastcom and e|net, led by Dundalk Chamber in association with Dundalk Enterprise Europe Network.

Fastcom CTO, Conor Toomey spoke about why you should connect your business to The Cloud and gave a case study of a local company that is using dedicated fibre optic broadband & Cloud services. This was followed by e-net’s CEO, Conal Henry speaking about the Metropolitan Area Network in Co. Louth and dispelling certain myths that the MANs throughout the country are underutilised.  Conal’s presentation highlighted the many customers using the MANs and the many applications they are using it for.  This was followed by a lively questions & answers session.

Due to the great success of this event, Dundalk Chamber have arranged a further series of upcoming Business After Hours events including briefings on Employment Law and Health & Safety and Doing Business in China hosted by BusinessInChina.  If you would like to book a place at these free events then please call Kathleen in Dundalk Chamber on Tel: 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you would like to book a place at these free events then please call Kathleen in Dundalk Chamber on Tel: 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Continuing with our series of visits from various Embassies, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce has invited the Economic Attaché from The Portuguese Embassy to come to Dundalk on Wednesday 13th February 2013 to meet companies to discuss the potential of doing business with their country. 

The meetings will commence at 10am and conclude at 4.00 pm in the Oriel Shared Services, Finnabair Business Park, Coe's Road, Dundalk, Co Louth.  

The meetings are on a one-to-one basis and will last 30 minutes each.
 
If you would like to book a slot for a meeting with a representative from your company and the Economic Attaché of The Portuguese Embassy in the hope of meeting new suppliers or getting your product into the United Kingdom, then please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tel: 042 9336343 .  

There is no charge for this event and slots are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in association with Fastcom will host an evening event on Tuesday 5th February. This will be a non-technical business briefing entitled “Why Connect Your Business To The Cloud?”   This is a multiagency group initiative led by Dundalk Chamber in association with Dundalk Enterprise Europe Network and Fastcom, one of Irelands fastest growing internet service providers.
The key objectives of this event are to present Cloud Computing and how your business can benefit, Next Generation Fibre Optic Broadband Networks and the value it can bring to your business.

Fastcom CTO, Conor Toomey will speak about why you should connect your business to The Cloud and give a case study of a local company that is using Dedicated Firbre Optic Broadband & Cloud Services. This will be followed by e¦net CEO, Conal Henry speaking about Metropolitan Area Network in Co.Louth and then Questions & Answers session.

This event will take place on Tuesday 5th February 2013, 6 – 7.30pm, Tallon Suite B, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk.
If you would like to book a place at this FREE event then call Kathleen or Alice in Dundalk Chamber on Tel: 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

International Employment Services/EURES (EURopean Employment Services) have held a number of very successful Recruitment Fairs in Ireland over the last few years in various Regions around the country.  Employers have found these a valuable source for recruiting clients, providing information and networking with other employers and Service Providers. 

We are holding an International Employment Services/North East Region Employment and Advice Fair in Marshes Shopping Centre, Dundalk, Co. Louth on Friday, 22nd February and Saturday, 23rd February 2013.

We would like to invite you to attend this event to help you source suitable candidates.

We will pay for exhibition stands and interview facilities (if required) for your company. We will also include your vacancies in the promotion/ advertising for the event.

If you are interested in participating in this event I would be grateful if you would complete the attached Registration Form and return it by e-mail to Brenda or Kathleen in Dundalk Chamber on Tel: 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

On receipt of your completed Registration Form we will send you all the relevant information for the event.

If you require any further information or clarification please do not hesitate to contact me on the above number or email.
We look forward to your positive response and to working with you in the future. Please note there is no charge for your stand or refreshments.

See PDF for the registration form

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Registration Form for Employers final.pdf

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Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in association with iON will host an evening event on Thursday 29th
November briefing business owners on an Introduction to analyzing web statistics, Irish Company case studies illustration, how companies planned their digital strategy based upon evidence, how companies increased their sales due to evidence based decision making, why some companies win and others fail online because they ignore the evidence, how to create digital key performance indicators.
Who should attend ? - CEO’s, Marketing Directors, Web Managers, Communications Directors, PR Professionals, Web Agencies and Business Owners.
The case studies used in the presentation include a hotel group, a pharmaceutical company, a start-up manufacturer, and a charity. Niall McKeown, the speaker on the night concludes by discussing the importance of the emerging marketing modelling techniques of Attribution Modelling and how that links with Google Analytics and the other big data tools that can be used by businesses today.  He distils it down into some very simple metrics that businesses should use to evaluate their performance.
There will also be a questions and answer session at this event
This event will take place on Thursday 29th November 6 – 7pm, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk.
If you would like to book a place at this free event then call Kathleen in Dundalk Chamber on Tel: 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Fairways Hotel was the place to be last Saturday night when Dundalk Chamber of Commerce hosted the Louth Business Awards 2012.  The glittering, Black tie event is now the event of the year and a highlight in the social calendar in Dundalk. A sell out crowd compromising of business leaders, local politicians and dignitaries suggested this really was the event to be with just under 500 guests on the night. Tickets are always at a premium for this occasion.

Patrons were treated to a fantastic champagne reception, followed by a five course meal. Marshes Shopping Centre sponsored Best Dressed Lady and Tony McDonnells’ Menswear sponsored the Best Dressed Gent. It really was a glamorous occasion with beautiful dresses and accessories. The staff of the Fairways Hotel pulled out all the stops to make it a night to be remembered.

MC for the night was Michael Duffy who provided the rapport with the audience and the finalists. The band on the night was “Sugartown Rd.” and they got all the audience up from the very first number and made sure the crowd were entertained until the early hours with a brilliant selection of songs. Local businesses donated fantastic spot prizes also which really added to the occasion.

The results for the Louth Business Awards 2012 were as follows:

• Best Customer Service Award Independent Retailer sponsored by the Argus was won by Tony Kieran Ltd.
• Best Retail premises for both exterior and interior visual impact sponsored by Dedco was won by McArdle Meats.
• Special Community Group Award sponsored by Dundalk Credit Union was won by St. Vincent De Paul.
• Age Friendly award sponsored by myhomecare.ie was won by The Carrickdale Hotel & Spa.
• Business Growth Award sponsored by Vhi Healthcare was won by Slender Choice Ltd.
• Best Exporter of the year award sponsored by Enterprise Ireland was Duffy Chartered Engineers.
• Best Training Initiative sponsored by FAS was won by Servisource Recruitment.
• Best Business Compliance Award sponsored by Peninsula Business Services was won by Intact Software.
• Best Pub/Bar Award sponsored by Diageo (Great Northern Brewery) was won by The Jockeys.
• Best Hair Salon Award sponsored by L’Oreal Professional Products Division was won by Peter Mark.
• Dundalk’s Best High Growth SME sponsored by Louth County Enterprise Board was won by Dunraven Systems.
• Environment Excellence Award sponsored by Tesco was won by Aura Dundalk Leisure.
• Corporate Social Responsibility Award sponsored by Prometric was won by Talk to Me Mobile Phones.

The sun shone for Ireland’s first ever Age-Friendly Business Consumer Fair held in Darver Castle on Sunday last (Oct 7) as thousands descended on the Louth venue to take part in talks, view the many trade stands and enjoy the entertainment - all focussed on Ireland’s growing older population.

The event, the brainchild of the Louth Economic Forum’s Age Friendly Business Forum led by Gavin Duffy, saw over 60 trade exhibitors taking part along with numerous talks on health, wellbeing and financial and legal matters and entertainment from Paddy Cole and Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

Along with the bonus of the event being free to attend, there were also a number of prizes up for grabs including a wireless door entry system worth €400 supplied by MellifontTrading and a €210 voucher for ten treatments at the Omeath Salt Clinic.

Members of the Louth Age Friendly Business Forum and Traders pictured at the first ever Louth Age Friendly Consumer Fair held at Darver Castle on Sunday last (Oct 7)

Speaking on the success of the event, Chairman of the Louth Age Friendly Business Forum, Gavin Duffy, said: "We always knew we had a vibrant age-friendly population and there are a growing number of Age-Friendly business initiatives establishing themselves in Co Louth with tremendous success”.

“Bringing the two together was the next natural step in our work on the Age Friendly Business Forum. We are absolutely delighted with the success of Sunday’s event and the feedback to date has been tremendous”.

“It is obviously something we will be discussing as having great potential as an annual event but, in the meantime, I would like to thank everyone involved in organising this event and also to the thousands who turned out to support our Age Friendly Consumer Fair.”

Dundalk Chamber hosted another very successful Embassy visit when The British Embassy came to Dundalk to meet local companies in order to forge business links.

In the photo's from left to right :
Mr Michael McCable Louth County Council,  Mr Paul Caplis UK Trade & Investment, British Embassy and Mr Paddy Malone, President Dundalk Chamber.

Mr Paul Caplis, Inward Investment Advisor UK Trade & Investment, British Embassy visited Dundalk recently for a series of one-to-one meetings with various companies from around the North-East. This is just one in a series of many visits which Dundalk Chamber has organized. The meetings took place in Oriel Shared Services in the Finabair Business Park.

Mr Caplis was delighted with the number and variety of contacts and was sure that the visit would enhance trade in both directions.
Michael McCabe outlined the work of the Louth Economic Forum and the fact that one report would address the M1 corridor and not just Louth. Paddy Malone outlined the practical levels of cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that were being achieved. The Chamber and their counterparts in Newry, Warrenpoint etc., plus the Local Authorities were working well together. It was hoped that this plus EU funding that has already been secured and was potentially available would develop the relationship further and enhance economic and social development on the ground.

This is just another example of the Chamber creating new links for local companies. Due to the success of the meetings, Dundalk Chamber will play host to more Embassies in the near future, details of which can be found on www.dundalk.ie

If your company would like to attend one of these free meetings please call Kathleen in Dundalk Chamber on 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Social media marketing is a rapidly changing environment.  Nearly 4 in 5 active internet users are visiting social networks and blogs.  With 53% of active internet users following a brand, businesses have an incredible opportunity to reach customers that are embracing social media as a normal part of their lives.

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, hosted “The Power & Potential of Social Media Marketing” at the Crowne Plaza in Dundalk town on Wednesday the 5th of September, 2012.  The seminar was being offered by the Chamber to help local business gain a greater understanding of Social Media Marketing. It was specifically designed to help business professionals learn social media best practices that will quickly build buzz for their organization and expand their audience.

Pictured: Deirdre Ryan Worklink, Paddy Malone Dundalk chamber
 and Billy Mahon superior Internet Marketing. 

The morning seminar ran from 9:00am – 1:00pm, and was very well attended by the local business community.

“More and more businesses want to get started with social media but are get overwhelmed with all the options when they first try and end up sitting on the sidelines,” says Billy Mahon, CEO of Superior Internet Marketing who presented the seminar. “Most businesses don’t need to be convinced that they need to use social media, but need help in with getting started and building their presence. We were very happy to have been asked to present this morning seminar on behalf of the Dundalk Chanmber of Commerce.”

“We were delighted to host this event for our business community here in Dundalk to learn social media best practices that will lead to more business and growth,” says Brenda McGeeny of the chamber.

Event speaker, Billy Mahon is the CEO of Superior Internet Marketing. With over 17 years of experience working in this fast paced industry. His company helps in developing and implementing digital marketing strategies for businesses and organizations spanning a variety of industries, for small businesses and organizations on best practices of digital marketing.

Continuing with our series of visits from various Embassies, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce has invited the Head of UK Trade & Investment from The British Embassy to come to Dundalk on Thursday 13th September 2012 to meet companies to discuss the potential of doing business with their country. 

The meetings will commence at 10am and conclude at 4.00 pm in the Oriel Shared Services, Finnabair Business Park, Coe's Road, Dundalk, Co Louth.  

The meetings are on a one-to-one basis and will last 30 minutes each.
 
If you would like to book a slot for a meeting with a representative from your company and the Head of UK Trade & Investment of The British Embassy in the hope of meeting new suppliers or getting your product into the United Kingdom, then please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tel: 042 9336343.  

There is no charge for this event and slots are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
  

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in association with Irish Life Assurance PLC recently hosted an evening event briefing business owners and directors on tax issues for companies and individuals.

Peter McKeon & Sean Haverty from Irish Life gave presentations and examples advising on tax and legal issues for business owners and their families.  The advice ranged from Tax planning for your business, Passing wealth to the next generation, past shares performance, tax efficiency with liquidity and understanding and compare the mechanics of all options open to you.

Pictured:Sean Haverty and Derek Tiernan, Irish Life, Paddy Malone, President Dundalk Chamber and Peter McKeon Irish Life.

Paddy Malone, President Dundalk Chamber of Commerce outlined the need for people to have both a long term strategy and short term goals. In his experience as an accountant business owners spend too much time addressing today’s problems rather than the long term.

Dundalk Chamber will host more Business After Hours in the coming months including a Brazilian Embassy / Enterprise Ireland seminar. If you wish to find out more information in relation to any upcoming events please contact Kathleen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 042 9336343.

Dundalk Chamber hosted another very successful Embassy visit when The Canadian Embassy came to Dundalk recently to meet local companies in order to forge business links.

Ms. Caroline Bolduc, Trade Commissioner, Canadian Embassy, visited Dundalk for a full quota of informative one-to-one meetings with various companies from around the North-East. The feedback from each company was tremendous. Due to the success of these meetings, Dundalk Chamber hopes to host a Canadian Embassy / Enterprise Ireland Business After Hours Event in the coming months.

Caroline emphasised the fact that due to Canada’s strict banking rules the country’s economy was strong and should be targeted by exporters. She was interested in and aware of the Darcy Magee initiatives. Darcy Magee, a native of Carlingford is one of the founding fathers of the Canadian Confederacy.         

The meetings took place in Oriel Shared Services in the Finnabair Business Park. This is just another example of the Chamber creating new links for local companies. 

Pictured:Michael McCabe,Louth County Council,Caroline Bolduc,Trade Commissioner,Canadian Embassy
and Paddy Malone,President Dundalk Chamber of Commerce.

If your company would like to attend one of these free meetings please call Kathleen in Dundalk Chamber on 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in association with Irish Life Assurance PLC invite you to an evening seminar on Thursday 31st May briefing business owners and directors advising on tax issues for companies and individuals. The speakers on the night have a wide range of experience in advising on tax and legal issues for business owners and their families.  The advice ranges from Tax planning for your business, Passing wealth to the next generation, tax efficiency with liquidity and understanding and compare the mechanics of all options open to you.
If you are interested in booking a place at this free event please contact Kathleen at Dundalk Chamber by Email : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Telephone : 042 93 36343.

Dundalk Chamber recently hosted a very successful Business After Hours event at Oriel Shared Services, Finnabair Park, Dundalk. Solicitor & Employment Law Specialist Dorothy Walsh was guest speaker on the topic of “Understanding Your Employer Obligations” and Avril Donnelly from Peninsula Business Services (Ireland) Ltd also briefed on Employment Law issues.

The large attendance of local businesses were briefed on issues relating to Employment Law and Health and Safety legislation. In these uncertain times, it has never been more important to ensure your business stays legally compliant. The seminar covered Employment Law aspects such as, Changing contracts of employment, managing redundancy, dealing with a tribunal claim and protecting your business from litigation.

In addition to these speakers, Deirdre Ryan, Worklink North East Regional Coordinator gave an introduction to a new initiative "Worklink" which is a volunteer led employment support network formed as a response to the unemployment crisis in Ireland. Worklink provides an innovative mechanism for employers, service providers and qualified volunteers to actively assist in the effort to help unemployed jobseekers to gain valuable work experience and to transition into meaningful employment."

Pictured:Deirdre Ryan Worklink, Paddy Malone President Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Avril Donnelly Peninsula Business Services (Ireland) Ltd, Dorothy Walsh Solicitor & Employment Law Specialist, Peninsula Business Services (Ireland) Ltd and Declan Murphy Dundalk Chamber of Commerce.
 
 
The Business After Hours series will continue over the coming months with topics including a seminar presented by Irish Life and presentations by the Commercial Sections of a number of Embassies.If your company would like to attend one of these free seminars please call Kathleen in Dundalk Chamber on 042 9336343 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it