Nominations have now closed, and application forms are being sent out with closing date for their return being Monday 8th October.     Criteria and Guidelines  and Definition of Categories should be downloaded and used when completing the application form.   Successful shortlisted entrants will be notified after 8th October, and will be invited to attend for interview on 24th October 2018. The winners of each category will be announced at the Gala Awards Night on 17th November 2018 in the Lyrath Estate Hotel.

CHALLENGES AND PROGRESS FOR THE SOUTHEAST REGION MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED IN EQUAL MEASURE 

The challenges outlined in the recent South East Economic Monitor report must be acknowledged but equal attention has to be paid to progress which is occurring in the region, says Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce.

Representing over 250 member businesses across Kilkenny City and County, the organisation believes that the report is counter-productive in its claim that the South East’s “recovery is running out of steam”.

With Chambers from across the region working hard to keep the South East front of mind where decisions are being made about jobs, investment and new initiatives involving infrastructural plans and strategies, Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce say the report must be grasped as a positive opportunity to challenge key decision makers to step up and support the South East region.

Issues linked to the relationship between the South East and Government were cited as a reoccurring factor preventing key economic drivers from taking place in the region. The time has now come for stronger and more robust relationships to be built with the various agencies who are also charged with a similar task.

“It is no secret that Kilkenny and the South East region face very significant challenges when accessing investment and funding at a national level. Historically, this has been an issue and we must ensure that the region is represented strongly and consistently at local, regional and national levels as a great place to do business so that it gets its fair share of the action.” says John Hurley, Chief Executive of Kilkenny Chamber.

Whilst the report contains analyses of data such as car sales, income tax and VAT returns, housing and workers on minimum wage, the most significant critiques throughout the report related to the labour market.

“We know that the South East is not only a great place to do business in, but a great place to live in. While the attraction and retention of talent in high-skilled roles is a concern for companies in the South East, it is also one which is shared right across Ireland. The vision of the region as a whole is one which has to be promoted and encouraged to ensure that we continue attracting highly skilled workers here. The South East must now step up and set itself apart as a great location to do business.” says Marion Acreman, President of Kilkenny Chamber.

A survey which was undertaken by National Recruitment & HR Services Group Collins McNicholas in conjunction with IDA Ireland found that growing numbers of highly-skilled professionals from across the world are choosing the South East as it offers a better work/life balance, lower living costs and career opportunities when compared with other regions.

95 per cent of respondents from 20 different countries said that they now have a better balance between their working and home lives.

Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce is now calling for:

1. Support for the creation of the Technical University for the South East without delay.
2. The N24 be upgraded to motorway standard as soon as possible
3. Increased positive collaboration between stakeholders in the South East such as Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, Colleges, ETBs, Chambers, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, etc. 

Vote for Kilkenny as this year’s Foodie Destination – we came third last year, and we’re looking for the top spot this year. Judges will be visiting Kilkenny on Friday 3rd August, but the online voting represents 25% of the final scoring, so all votes are important!  Click here to vote.    

Let your company be ahead of the curve in implementing an “employee wellness” programme. Taking part in Core 2018 will give your senior management team an understanding of the benefits of team building as an integral part of developing a culture that supports employee wellness.    Contact John on 086 2740581 (email  )  or Róisín on 056 7752767 (email) to find out how you can take part!!

IBEC’s research “HR Update Survey 2017” based on over 400 responses from Irish companies, identified attracting and retaining talent as a key priority for 2018 (63% in 2017 and 64% in 2018).

It’s not simply a question of providing good renumeration packages but looking holistically at what makes an employee engaged with an employer, the most popular initiatives identified to attract and retain staff are investing in new learning and development opportunities for employees (63%) and investing in employee wellbeing initiatives (55%).

Team Building is a cornerstone of a robust employee wellbeing programme, and an integral part of developing a culture of wellbeing in the workplace.

This new initiative, CORE 2018, in collaboration with Castlecomer Discovery Park, Carlow Chamber of Commerce and KCLR96fm is designed for Department Heads, HR Managers, Team Leaders and will provide those people with the tools and encouragement to engage in team building with their own teams.  It’s also guaranteed to be a fun day out with 10 different SMART challenges for each team.

The Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Challenge took place on Thursday 24^th May in the beautiful surroundings of Mount Juliet.  This is always a popular event, and this year over 20 teams were fielded from the businesses of Kilkenny City and County.

A shotgun start at 2pm saw all teams off, the weather was perfect, the course was in top shape and all were safely back home by 6.30 pm.  The business groups were then invited to a gourmet meal in the Stables after which the prizes were announced and presented.

A team of Past Presidents of the Chamber included: Donie Butler, John Ryan, Tom O’Connor and David Culliton.

Eddie Carter, with the Ecclesiastical Insurance team, took a hole in one on the 11^th hole, and was presented with a beautiful piece of Jerpoint Glass by President Marion Acreman.

Ladies’ longest drive went to Ella Dunphy (DNG Ella Dunphy) (a meal in the Rivercourt Hotel) and Men’s longest drive went to Colm Gaffney (State Street International) (Jerpoint Glass).

Chamber of Commerce President Marion Acreman presented the winners’ prizes to:  Connolly’s Redmills (1^st), O’Neill Foley (2^nd) and PRL (3^rd).

Last spot prize of the night went to Mark Kennedy of Reddy Architecture who won a meal in Zuni Restaurant.

The annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Challenge is one of the many corporate events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce in Kilkenny.  This June 28^th, Kilkenny Chamber and County Carlow Chamber, together with KCLR96fm and Castlecomer Discovery Park, are inviting companies to take part in a team challenge event (CORE), which will comprise of teams engaging in a series of energy filled challenges that enhance communication, coordination and problem solving.