Allen Flynn Elected Ennis Chamber President
Ennis Chamber elects Allen Flynn as its new president
Reflective of the times we live in, Ennis Chamber held its AGM in the virtual world of video conferencing.
The business of the day saw the election of Allen Flynn, The Old Ground Hotel and Flynn Hotel Group, to the role of President of Ennis Chamber. The newly elected Vice-President is Darragh McAllister of Lucas’s Bar and Considine’s, both located in Ennis. Tony Barrett of AIB Shannon Branch was re-elected to the role of Treasurer, while Ennis Chamber CEO Margaret O’Brien, was elected to the role of Company Secretary.
Four new members were elected to the much strengthened board, they are: Dr Marian Duggan, Dean of Flexible Learning, LIT, Nandi O’Sullivan, Head of Communications at Shannon Group (including Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage), Siobhan Bermingham, HR Manager with Essilor and Sheila O’Connor, proprietor, O’Connor’s Newsagents, Ennis.
Outgoing President Gwen Culligan, in congratulating her successor said, “Allen Flynn is the right man for the right job at the right time. I can’t think of anyone better to help lead our business community through this unprecedented crisis.”
Allen Flynn thanked Gwen Culligan for her commitment and consummate professionalism over the past year. Of the task ahead, he said, “This is a time for community groups to shine and to lead, and that includes Ennis Chamber. The Ennis business community needs to come together, to work as a team, to support one another and to plan for our collective recovery. Failure is not an option. We will get through this. We have to because so many livelihoods and futures rest on the business community’s shoulders.”
Ennis Chamber CEO Margaret O’Brien also thanked Gwen Culligan for her positive and selfless contribution as President, “Gwen focussed on improvements to the organisations structures and governance, and as it has transpired, that hard work couldn’t have happened at a better time as it leaves us in a far stronger position to deal with the current crisis. On a personal level, it was a pleasure to work with Gwen, she is an excellent ambassador for Ennis Chamber, who took her role seriously and was always fully committed to Ennis Chamber and its membership.
Margaret added, “I very much look forward working with Allen Flynn in the year ahead. These are hugely challenging times, but I am confident Allen will rise to the challenge. His vast experience and acknowledged business acumen are exactly what’s required. Ennis Chamber will continue to focus on both mitigation and recovery strategies to support and help navigate our local business community through this crisis and beyond.”
CSO Live Register Stats published this week, underpin the overwhelming fallout caused by the Covidc-19 situation. Allen Flynn said, “In keeping with the direction taken by Chambers Ireland, our strategy is to advocate for more relief to those who need it most and for Government to put a creative stimulus package in place to help businesses get back on their feet as quickly as possible when the time comes to re-open our doors.”
He called on businesses who have had to close, to take this opportunity to engage in online learning and training for themselves and their staff. “There are many free online opportunities available to allow you up-skill. It’s a very positive way to keep your brain active and stimulated, while helping you prepare for a new and challenging future.”
On a local level, Ennis Chamber continues to support those businesses still able to operate under current guidelines. Ennis Chamber has within its membership some of the leading pharmacies and dynamic neighbourhood supermarkets in Ennis and its environs.
Regular up-dates, news and details about interactive remote learning and webinar opportunities, business grants, loans and other supports can be found on social channels @EnnisChamber, please check Ennis Chamber website https://www.ennischamber.ie/news/ for the latest information and resources.
This is our time to support our business and wider community and we will do so by showing strength through unity
Ends.
Press Release Issued: April 03, 2020
Executive Board of Ennis Chamber
Allen Flynn: President (Old Ground Hotel /Flynn Hotel Group)
Darragh McAllister: Vice President (Lucas’s Bar & Considine’s)
Tony Barrett: Treasurer (AIB, Shannon Branch)
Margaret O’Brien: CEO Ennis Chamber and Company Secretary
Gwen Culligan: Ex-officio President (County Boutique}
Pat Morris: Honorary Lifelong Member (in recognition of work on industry and policy including Atlantic Economic Corridor)
Diarmuid McMahon: Sherry FitzGerald McMahon
William Cahir: Cahir & Co. Solicitors
Michele Madden: Madden Furniture
Michael Earley: AIB Branch Manager, Ennis
Sean Lally: Hotel Woodstock
Oliver Moylan: Ennis Cash Company
Dr. Marian Duggan: Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT)
Nandi O’Sullivan: Shannon Group
Siobhan Bermingham: Essilor
Sheila O’Connor: O’Connor’s Newsagents
