James Smyth of Smyth Steel Ltd was re-elected as President of Causeway Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting which was held Tuesday 12^th June 2012.

James commenced his second term as President by thanking Chamber members for placing their trust in him to lead the Chamber for another year and to members of Chamber Council for their hard work and support over the past year. James extended a warm welcome to the new members who were elected to Chamber Council, Trevor Kane (Bayview Hotel) and Paul McAteer (Harbour Studio), bringing considerable experience in the tourism and construction sectors respectively. James also welcomed Ian Donaghey of Irwin Donaghey Stockman to his new role as Vice President.

James stated that although the business community has experienced tough times economically, and in many sectors may continue to do so, nevertheless the Coleraine area has an obvious vibrancy which is not so evident in other areas of the province. He congratulated member companies for seeing it through this far and encouraged them to hold their heads high, still keeping the doors open and the lights on. Unlike other regions we do have opportunities for growth most notably in the Tourism sector and through Digital Causeway. James said, “We do need to continue to engage and lobby locally and nationally to express the private sector’s view of how the future should look. Collectively we need to make sure the right questions are being asked and the right decisions are being taken to enable real and sustainable growth for all businesses.”

Annette Deighan, Operations Manager provided those present with an overview of the year June 2011 to May 2012. At present Causeway Chamber represents 166 members from across the Borough and further afield. Over the last year the Chamber has held 19 events, providing members with extensive networking opportunities with other local, regional and cross-border businesses. Events included speed networking, business lunches, business support seminars and the annual dinner to name but a few. The Chamber has worked closely and collaborated with various organisations including Causeway Enterprise Agency, Coleraine Borough Council, Invest NI and University of Ulster to ensure that our members have the opportunity to meet new contacts, to profile their business and to network.

Chamber Council and the Strategy Group alongside the Chamber staff have revised the Chamber’s Strategic Plan and established 5 Key Areas of Focus for the year ahead. These areas are:

1.       Economic Growth: Drive economic and business growth for the benefit of our members

2.       Membership Engagement: Facilitate member engagement

3.       Proactive Partnerships: Work in partnership with local, regional, national and international organisations and stakeholders

4.       Influence and Policy: Influence policy in our region for the benefit of members’ commercial interests

5.       Sustainability: Access funds to secure the financial future of Causeway Chamber

For more information about the Chamber please contact Annette Deighan, Operations Manager on 028 7034 3111 or log on to www.causewaychamber.com