Message from the President

It’s time to support the Chamber

As one of Ireland’s longest established Chambers it has been a genuine privilege for me to serve you as President of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, in what was its two hundredth and thirty-second year.

It’s been the best of times and the worst of times; I think during this uncertainty, personally and professionally, it is important to remember that while our lives have been turned upside down, there’s been good to be taken from the experience too.

We’ve worked from our kitchen tables, we’ve worked online, and those have been the lucky ones, those who have still had an income. Plenty have not, plenty have lost their customers, lost their livelihood and have had to shut their doors.

Though at the same time, we’ve developed a stronger sense of community, of a shared struggle, we’ve been more aware of the value of our front line workers, the importance of our neighbours and those in the community who need our support, the most vulnerable in our society. The ‘busy’ generation has been forced to step back and spend time with those closest to it.

I have been involved in the Chamber since I joined the retail committee in 1996. In the 25 years I’ve worked in Waterford I have witnessed significant changes in our City and county. Waterford emerged from being an industrial City to a post-industrial climate with the evolution of our tourism offering, service industry and the growth of our tech, pharma and life-science sectors. That work has not ended, nor is it diminished by recent events.

But we all have our roles to play, the Chamber, Skillnet, the Council, businesses, home grown or foreign direct. We have all chosen to live, work and do business here. I firmly believe the Chamber has stood out as a leader in business over the past twelve months, particularly since March. While we have not been able to see or meet as many people as we have wished to — our customers, friends and colleagues — we have kept that important relationship between the Chamber and its members as strong as ever.

Through vital and informative webinars, helping business through this pandemic, partnering with the Local Enterprise Office, endeavouring to keep some continuity of business activity, reopening at the right pace and with the correct measures taken. The Chamber has been a voice and support for Waterford business.

That is why I call for businesses in Waterford to support their Chamber over the next 12 months. That is when it will need you the most.

Gerald, his team and Danette, your incoming President will make sure the Chamber plays its part. Now more important than ever is time for this ancient organisation to fulfil its promise if we are going to ‘Winter this one out’.

But thoughts only become actions through people. The management, staff, board and executive of the Chamber have made these aspirations a reality but can only continue to do so with the support of the business community.

If any organisation is placed and primed to chart us safely through the next few years, it is the Chamber.

Only as President have I had the opportunity to witness the breadth of the Chamber’s reach. From lobbying Finance Ministers before a budget to creating new international opportunities with ambassadors, promoting mental health in business through exercise, learning how Skillnet enhances our labour force, charting a path for a new University, finding ways to boast retail, tourism, the arts, and everything in between. It has been an education and challenge.

I always said I’d be glad I did it, and I am.

Jonathan Earl President