County Mayor Gillian Coughlan pictured with Minister Heather Humphreys and Chamber President Sharon Cregg at the opening of a pedestrain footbridge on Mallow Castle River Walk. Photo, S. Murphy.
After four years, Sharon Cregg will be stepping down as President of Mallow Chamber. With Covid putting a stay on the office, Sharon has been the longest serving Chamber President since its establishment. In this time, Sharon has become a well-known figure as she has supported businesses and the Mallow community at large. She admits that volunteering her time has been a significant commitment, but states that “seeing our business community grow and flourish, has been equally rewarding”.
Information Workshops, both in association with organisations such as the Local Enterprise Office; IRD Duhallow Skill net; Cork ETB and members of Mallow Chamber, as well as independently organised by Mallow Chamber, have become a regular feature. These workshops, along with a monthly newsletter, have given local business owners an opportunity to stay up to date with the latest courses and supports available to optimise local enterprise.
Mallow Chamber’s social media platform has also grown significantly in this period, allowing local businesses an ever-wider reach in promoting their own news and services while also building the Chamber’s online presence.
Building on the past, Mallow Chamber has continued to strengthen relationships with key role players. Working with Cork County Council and the elected local representatives, much effort has gone into the continued improvement of the town. Sharon notes as an example that, “Mallow is known to have the most spectacular Christmas lights in the region, with new energy-saving lights installed all along Main Street, as well as some side streets, over the last three years”.
One-hour free daily parking and all-day free parking over the Christmas period have also been introduced, encouraging the community to shop local.
Mallow Chamber, along with Mallow Development Partnership, has actively advocated for the much-needed relief road, and will continue to do so until this is delivered. We have worked with different bodies to reduce the dereliction on our Main Street and improving the appearance and supported the petition to have the Central Hotel delisted.
With Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, Mallow Chamber has engaged in community programmes, supporting employment and further training. “We are also one of only two Chambers of Commerce in Cork County that have maintained membership of Chambers Ireland.”
A notable feature in the last four years has been Chamber’s involvement in community events. The annual Light Up Mallow Festival in particular – funded by donations from local businesses – is a highlight on the social calendar.
Reflecting on her tenure, Sharon states that, “I have always strongly believed that if we engage with the wider community, you bring people into town, which benefits local business.”
Sharon would like to thank all who have supported her in her role as Chamber President.