Sustainable Cork Programme Wins

Conor Healy, CEO and Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber as they launched the Sustainable Cork Programme. Picture Darragh Kane

Cork Chamber was named the winner of the Most Successful Policy Campaign Award at the Chamber Awards 2021.

The awards, hosted by Chambers Ireland and sponsored by Zurich, recognise the outstanding work of chambers of commerce throughout the country in supporting local, regional and national business. They also provide an opportunity to share successful event ideas, campaigns and policies that have contributed to the development of chambers and business more broadly.

Cork Chamber was named the leading chamber in its category for its Sustainable Cork Programme – Building Economic Resilience. This programme designed a vision for a more sustainable and resilient Cork which encompassed the UN Sustainable Development Goals and mobilised the business community. It included an inspiring webinar series, SDG-focused advocacy, circular education programmes and a significant SME energy pilot with Energy Cork.

Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland Ian Talbot said, “Chambers have been incredibly active over the last year adapting to change, overcoming challenges and, most importantly, supporting their members. While it has been a year like no other, our judging panel was hugely impressed with the quality of work that was delivered throughout this period.

“Cork Chamber’s victory in the Most Successful Policy Campaign category is richly deserved and I’m very pleased to congratulate them on their success. There were many close contests at the awards this year and Cork Chamber has demonstrated just how important fine margins can be.”

On receiving the award, Conor Healy CEO of Cork Chamber said, “We are delighted to receive this award for our Sustainable Cork Programme. The recognition is testament to the work and dedication of the Cork Chamber team, the commitment of our board of directors and the engagement and foresight shown by our motivated and active members.”

“The Sustainable Cork Programme sets out a vision for a more resilient future for our region, brought into focus through the lens of the United Nations SDGs. The determination of our community to work together and use current challenges to energise and motivate change for the better is a powerful and inimitable trait. We at the Chamber are very passionate about our city region and are proud to champion Cork as a great place to live, work and invest.”

Director of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich Ireland, Joe Creegan commented, “Zurich is delighted to once again support the annual Chamber Awards. It is more important than ever to acknowledge the excellence of the Chamber network and the resilience of their members as they continue to support local economic development. We are proud to be associated with these awards and to support the important work Chambers undertake in fostering a vibrant business community of all sizes and sectors across Ireland.”