Reflecting the mood of its members, Mallow Chamber has undergone a structural and financial review to ensure that it is operating on a cost effective level as it prepares for 2013. Chamber President Mary Kelly says, “There is a perception that the Chamber is a lofty organisation that is out of touch with the day to day challenges faced by its members, when nothing could be further from the truth.”
Mary adds, “The concept behind having a Chamber is to push Mallow at every opportunity, locally, regionally and nationally. In fact, one of our Directors, Maura Hunter, is currently the Regional President and we are also fully paid-up members of the national Chambers Ireland organisation.
“We know how difficult it is for our members to keep their doors open and the tough choices they have to make to ensure their survival. The Chamber is no different. Following a detailed examination of the Chamber’s day to day operations, we have implemented some cost-saving measures designed to ensure the Chamber’s continued presence in the town.”
While the Chamber has only one employee, this, along with other office costs and overheads, and with subscriptions slowing in 2012, trying to maintain a 5-day-a-week Mallow Chamber operation became a major challenge.
In the past 12 months, Taoiseach Enda Kenny was directly addressed by the Chamber on a number of issues, infrastructural and otherwise, during a visit to the town. The Chamber can provide a credible, constant link between business and Government to lobby on members behalf.
Mary Kelly says the Chamber board was informed of the financial challenges facing them and all options were explored. “To ensure the financial viability of the Chamber, we have availed of a very generous offer made by Moylan’s Solicitors, who have offered to house the Chamber office in their premises for 2013. Our administrator has been moved to a two-day week and we have a Tús worker also based in the office working on the Racing Home for Easter Festival.”
The Chamber is now based at Moylan’s Solicitors, on Shortcastle Street and its phone number remains 022 55660. John Moylan says, “Providing office space seemed like a simple yet very effective way to immediately assist the Chamber. We are delighted to welcome them to Shortcastle.”
Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive, paid a visit to Mallow this week. He was pleased to see how the Chamber adapted to changing circumstances. “I was delighted to be at the opening of the Chamber’s new offices and wish the Mallow Chamber every success as they adapt their services for members to reflect the new realities of Ireland in 2013. We encourage all local businesses to engage with the Chamber to make it even stronger here in Mallow,” he said.