Shannon Chamber shortlisted for 2024 Chamber Awards

Shannon Chamber is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted in three categories in the 2024 Chamber Awards, sponsored by Zurich.

Having submitted entries into the Sustainability and Biodiversity, Event of the Year and Local Authority Engagement categories, Chamber CEO Helen Downes said that she is honoured that all three entries were deemed worthy of being shortlisted.

The Chamber’s entries included the hosting of an inaugural Sustainability Week in September 2023, via its member-led Mid-West Sustainability Network; the Mid-West Lean Network conference 2023, themed ‘Maintaining Lean Momentum’; and its expanded engagement with Clare County Council.

Commenting on this success, Ms Downes added: “It is very rewarding when the work that goes into organising initiatives of this nature is recognised. It’s not about us as Chamber executives; it’s about what we do, why we do it and the results we achieve.

“The decision to host a week focused on sustainability was described by our members as a brave and progressive step as it has helped to place sustainability and the four key themes (waste, water, energy, and biodiversity) the Mid-West Sustainability Network is concentrating on to the fore.

“The Mid-West Lean Network conference provided a unique platform for like-minded lean practitioners to discuss challenges and opportunities emanating from lean deployment. It was described by attendees as ‘exceptional’, ‘highly engaging’, ‘presented enthusiastically’, ‘great range of sectors’ covered, and a ‘great networking opportunity’.

“Our engagement with Clare County Council has resulted in an inclusive, cohesive approach to meeting the objectives of both organisations – the betterment of Shannon. It has enabled us, and our members, to proactively contribute to the planning and delivery of key infrastructural projects for Shannon.

“Our team works tirelessly to ensure that our activities deliver value and remain relevant to our membership, and we are now looking forward to attending The Chamber Awards on Thursday, 6 June in the Killashee Hotel, Co. Kildare,” Ms Downes added.

The Chamber Awards is an annual celebration recognising the hard work and dedication of Chambers across the country in representing their members, engaging stakeholders and fostering vibrant and thriving local communities.

This year there has been 44 projects shortlisted across eight award categories, which showcase innovative communications campaigns, successful events, sustainable development initiatives, and creative collaborations between companies, local authorities and wider communities.

ENDS

The full Chambers Awards’ shortlist is as follows:

Best International Project

  • County Carlow Chamber – “International Carlow”
  • Dublin Chamber – ESG-UP: Strategic partnership to up-skill European SMEs in the development of Environmental, Social and Governance strategies
  • Dundalk Chamber – Embassy visits to Dundalk
  • Galway Chamber – Galway Scaling Internationally

Community Support Initiatives

  • Ballina Chamber – RISE: A Ballina 2023 Legacy Programme
  • Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber – Dementia Inclusive Dungarvan
  • Ennis Chamber – Schools Engagement – Climate Action /Offshore Energy
  • Galway Chamber – Galway Pride Campaign
  • Tralee Chamber – Collaborative Tralee Heritage Trails
  • Waterford Chamber – Waterford Rising GAA Dinner

Digital Campaigns

  • Ballina Chamber – Empower Your Business in 2024
  • Drogheda & District Chamber – “Shop, snap and tag”
  • Dublin Chamber – The Dublin Business Collective Podcast
  • Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber – Beyond A Million
  • Letterkenny Chamber – Letterkenny Chamber Communicating with Excellence
  • Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Growing Membership through HubSpot: One system for multiple member needs
  • Sligo Chamber – “Sligo, Find your Place”

Sustainability & Biodiversity

  • Ballina Chamber – “Communities Creating Change” & “Ballina Climate Action Weekend”
  • Cobh & Harbour Chamber – No Time to Waste
  • Dundalk Chamber – Park n Stride Scheme in association with Louth County Council
  • Shannon Chamber – Mid-West Sustainability Week 2023
  • Tralee Chamber – Tralee Chamber Working with Businesses to Deliver Meaningful Biodiversity and Climate Action

Event of the Year

  • Ballina Chamber – Ballina 2023 – A year of celebration, a lifelong connection
  • County Carlow Chamber – Creating Inclusive Employment
  • County Meath Chamber – The Apprenticeship Expo – Meath
  • Dublin Chamber – Dublin Chamber Annual Dinner
  • Shannon Chamber – Maintaining Lean Momentum: Mid-West Lean Network Conference 2023
  • Waterford Chamber – Dublin Diaspora Dinner

Lobbying & Policy Campaign

  • Cork Chamber – Cork Chamber of Commerce Housing Advocacy
  • Letterkenny Chamber – North West City Region Value Proposition
  • Limerick Chamber – Better Regions Initiative (BRI)
  • Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Transformation of the Northern Ireland Planning System
  • Sligo Chamber – Fund the N17 Upgrade Now

Local Authority Engagement

  • Ballina Chamber – International Women’s Day Gathering
  • Cork Chamber – Car Free Day
  • County Tipperary Chamber – Leveraging Local Supports
  • Shannon Chamber – An Expanded Engagement with Clare County Council

Supporting Business

  • Arklow & District Chamber – Empowering Arklow’s Workforce: A Collaborative Training Initiative
  • Ballina Chamber – A Taste of Ballina Christmas Hamper
  • Cork Chamber – Connecting Cork
  • County Tipperary Chamber – Clonmel Community Conversations on Substance Use – Commercial Interests Workshop
  • Galway Chamber – Culture Connects Series
  • Kilkenny Chamber – The power of Kilkenny Chamber networking!
  • Letterkenny Chamber – ShopLK – Leading the way in Town Gifting