Inaugural Meeting of Dungannon and South Tyrone Chamber of Commerce Sets Ambitious Agenda
The newly formed Dungannon and South Tyrone Chamber of Commerce held its inaugural meeting last night (19th June), electing a president and board members to spearhead exciting initiatives over the next year. This development promises to significantly bolster confidence across all business sectors in the area.
The meeting took place at the Donnelly Brothers Land Rover showroom in Dungannon, with over fifty attendees.
Local estate agent Niall Maneely was elected as president. Mr. Maneely previously chaired the steering committee that laid the groundwork for the formal establishment of the Chamber, with significant assistance from the Dungannon Enterprise Centre.
In his acceptance speech, Niall Maneely expressed pride in his many years of professional service within the Dungannon and South Tyrone district. He emphasised the vital role of a local Chamber of Commerce in fostering networking opportunities and driving business growth through member recruitment and engagement with key influencers.
“This Chamber of Commerce and Industry will represent Dungannon and its surrounding towns and villages. This area has a unique entrepreneurial spirit, nurturing and developing numerous businesses, many of which have gained international recognition while contributing significantly to the local economy and business community,” said Mr. Maneely.
He pledged that the new Chamber would help local businesses build relationships at local, national, and international levels, connecting them with other businesses and decision-makers.
Brian MacAuley, CEO of Dungannon Enterprise Centre, also spoke at the event. He outlined the new organisation’s initial plans, which include:
- Publishing a monthly news column to share views and opinions on pressing issues.
- Actively engaging on LinkedIn and the Chamber’s website to keep the community informed.
- Lobbying the Mid Ulster Council to publish the Area Plan and adopt a planning policy that restricts the change of use of commercial properties in Dungannon town centre.
- Advocating for a town bypass by lobbying the Department for Infrastructure.
Concluding on an optimistic note, Mr. MacAuley stated, “The Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be dedicated to advocating for members’ interests, fostering collaboration, providing essential resources, promoting economic development, engaging with our community, and facilitating valuable networking opportunities. Together, we can build a vibrant and prosperous business environment in Dungannon.”
Membership applications for the new Chamber of Commerce are now open through the dedicated website www.dungannonchamber.com, offering three different levels of membership based on business size. The first board meeting of the new group is scheduled for early July, where further plans will be unveiled.
