'Think Tullamore First' Advises New Chamber Chief

24th February 2015

Article by Ger Scully, Tullamore Tribune

TTF - think Tullamore first!
That will be the guiding principle of the new Tullamore and District Chamber of Commerce President, Joe Fennell who took the reins of power at the body's AGM on Monday night last.

Mr Fennell, who is Manager of the local branch of the Bank of Ireland, succeeds Anne Starling, the Chamber's first woman President, who filled the position for the past two and a half years.
The new President said he will prioritise job creation during his term and will extend an invitation to Minister Richard Bruton to visit the town and meet with the Chamber. He said he also planned to set up a unit at the Chamber office to provide advice to new business start-ups and encouraged members to help with their expertise. Mr Fennell praised Tullamore as a vibrant and friendly town and stressed; 'Tullamore has everything but we just don't think that way.'

The Chamber recorded a healthy income over expenditure surplus of €18,800 in 2014 thanks partly to the highly successful Strictly Come Dancing fund-raiser. In her end of term address, the outgoing President, Anne Starling said she had thoroughly enjoyed my term of office even though there were many hurdles to overcome during that period. 'When I assumed the position, the country, the region and the town were in the throes on a deep economic recession, a recession which is still continuing to bite even though there has been a gradual turnaround in fortunes,' she added.
Continued Ms Starling: 'Over my term I introduced new structures and was happy to welcome new faces to the Chamber which brought a welcome new perspective. We also introduced a system of street representatives from the town centre which has proven very successful. 'My biggest problem at the outset was to let business people know the Chamber was there and was active on their behalf.
'As such one of the first tasks was to approach local businesses and find out what their needs and concerns were. From this a database of businesses in Tullamore and its environs was established and this resource continues to be updated.

'Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Christy Maye, the Chamber now has an office in the Bridge Centre where support is provided to the organisation and business in general by the team of Erin McRedmond and Helena Dunne.'

Ms Starling said she had been encouraged by the gradual improvement in Tullamore's business fortunes over the past 12 months and have been delighted to see new businesses opening and existing retailers either renovating their premises or moving to more specious, central outlets.
Businesses which have renovated their premises include Dezynamite, Fix My I, Guy Clothing, Galvin For Men and Hair By Design.

New premises to come on the scene include Bola Fashions, K+G Kids, Siobhan's Nail and Beauty, Evolution Gym, Clinical fitness, Herra Hair Extensions, Galvin Hair Design, the Tullamore DEW Distillery, Galvin Physio Pilates Studio, Bake, Eddie Rockets and JK Travel.

'The Chamber has now also developed a great working relationship with Offaly County Council as has been evidenced by our joint venture to improve the appearance of the town,' she outlined.
Continued Ms Staring; 'I have to pay tribute to the local Tidy Towns committee for their trojan work which had seen Tullamore progress very well in the competition and in the Irish Business Against Litter league.

'The Chamber, in co-operation with the County Council and town centre retailers, introduced very attractive tree planters to William St and Patrick St.'

She also also welcomed the taking in charge of Main St by the County Council and the installation of new LED lighting as well as the plans to erect a bridge linking the thoroughfare to the Bridge Centre.
Continued Ms Starling; 'I took a personal interest regarding the Christmas lights and established a hard working committee to which I am very grateful. Thanks must be extended to all the businesses and the council for their financial support . This year new centre pieces were installed on the town's main streets. Tullamore's festive lights are now regarded as the best by a distance in the Midlands.
'Looking to the future, it is obvious that Tullamore is crying out for new industries and more employment and I hope that the long awaited retail development promised for the old Texas site will take shape in the coming year.'

Concluding she thanked all the Chamber officers and members for their help over the past two and a half years and wished every success to the new President and the incoming officers.