Chamber - Cork Chamber of Commerce

COVER storyNew President Elected at Cork Chamber Annual General MeetingHe went on to say that, “It is also important that CorkBusinesses emphasise our Community Spirit by supportingvoluntary causes. There are many examples of ourmembers supporting these causes and the Chamber willnominate charities to be supported at our events duringmy Presidency.”6CHAMBERlinkNewly elected President Cork Chamber John Mullins making his inaugural addressto attendees at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting.New President Calls for New EconomicVision for CorkCork Chamber elected Mr John Mullins as President atthe Chamber’s 192nd Annual General Meeting. Speakingat the AGM Mr Mullins said that, “It is vitally importantfor all businesses and citizens of Cork to be led by aNew Economic Vision for the Region. We have had as acommunity enough negativity over the last number ofyears and we must engage with all stakeholders includingin particular the New Government to emphasise the greateconomic potential present in the Cork Region which isready to be unlocked.”He went on to say that his focus during his Presidencywould be on:• The continued promotion of the Cork Region as aninvestment location• Engaging with Government and all stakeholders tosupport economic development• Ensuring the Chamber continued to support all itsmembers with an emphasis on small business whichrequire significant support at this time• Developing a New Economic Vision for Cork with localCouncils and AgenciesHe particularly highlighted the importance of thedevelopment of The North and South Docklands, theconstruction of a Convention Centre and the establishmentof the Cork Science, Innovation and Technology Park as keyeconomic anchors to recovery and growth.He stated, “The Cork Chamber is one of the oldest andbest established chambers in the country and it is a veryproud honour for me to be elected President at this time.I hope that I can provide strong leadership at a time wheneconomic vision and more importantly its implementationwill be important for the shopkeeper and the CEO.” “It isvitally important also that during my term in office thatthe Chamber develops a renewed focus on employmentby supporting internships and temporary/permanentplacements amongst our members. The development ofa Skills Register as part of our online service will assist thisprocess”.He concluded by saying that, “I wish to congratulate GerO’Mahoney for his excellent leadership as President overthe last two years and I look forward to his continuedsupport. I also would like to thank the outgoing Board fortheir hard work and voluntary support for Cork businesses.I look forward to working with our New Board, CEO ConorHealy and the excellent staff at the Chamber in generatinga new found optimism for our region, a region with realpotential”.John Mullins was appointed Chief Executive of Bord Gáis inDecember 2007 and was also appointed to the company’sBoard in December 2007 where he sits on the Investment/Infrastructure Committee. He has held senior managementpositions with Greenstar, ESB, ESB International andPricewaterhouseCoopers and was Chief Executive ofBioverda, part of the NTR plc. Group prior to joining BordGáis.John was educated at the Gaelscoil of the now 200 yearold North Monastery. He is a Fellow of Engineers Irelandand is a member of the UCC Governing Body. He holds aBachelor and Masters Degree in Engineering from UCC andholds an MBA from the Michael Smurfit Business School,UCD. He was Graduate of the Year in UCC in 1989. He is alsoChairman of Anamcara Charity and a Director of the COPEFoundation.Election ResultsThe 192nd Annual General Meeting of the Cork Chamberwas held on 9th May 2011 in the Imperial Hotel and theelection results were announced as followsPresident:John Mullins, Bord GaisHonorary Secretary: David A. Power, McCarthyInsurance GroupHonorary Treasurer: Barrie O’Connell, KPMGBoard of Directors:Noel Keeley, Musgrave GroupMichael Loftus, Cork Institute of TechnologyKevin Mills, Casey CommunicationsKevin Murray, Kevin J. Murray & CoWilliam O’Brien, William O’Brien (Plant Hire)Michael O’Connor, Cork BICAnthony O’Mara, Trend Micro (EMEA) LtdAnn-Marie O’Sullivan, H+A Marketing + PRThe Chamber would like to thank Tony Barry, Frank O’Mahonyand Robin O’Sullivan as they retire from the Board forcontribution to the Board during their term of office.