This article is from page 25 of the 2008-01-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 25 JPG
THE new Kilrush Chamber of Com- merce president Paul J Coady has one over ridding ambition for the coming year – to make the local chamber big- ger and better.
Like his predecessor – Karen Whe- lan – the Limerick born Munster Group Director wants to increase membership of the busy chamber and get people more involved.
Last year was one of the most suc- cessful to date to encourage people to join the chamber.
Although attendance at the month- ly meetings was low the chamber came out in support of the numerous projects in the town.
The busy chamber has led the way with the St Patrick’s Day Parade,
Santa’s Den, chamber dinner dance, Spirit of Kilrush Christmas lighting project, parking refund initiative, Law and Order Committee and the pre-Christmas shopping promotion.
Mr Coady said he is determined to follow on the good work of his predecessors and build on the strong foundations already in place.
Paul Coady is no stranger to organ- isations in Kilrush.
Although a relatively new face to the chamber in recent years, he was secretary of the Kilrush Chamber of Commerce in the 1980s.
Not one to shy away from com- munity involvement Paul has been involved with organisations and groups in his adopted home of Kiul- rush for years.
He was president of the Kilrush L1-
ons Club, captain of the Kilrush Golf Club and has just finished a two-year stint as president of the golf club.
“IT thought this year I would have a free year but I got nabbed for this,” he said.
Although the year as president is very busy Paul is looking forward to it and is happy to be part of a vibrant chamber.
“I work in the business community. I felt a need to continue the develop- ment of Kilrush as a vibrant business town and continue on with the work of the previous presidents.”
The president realises that 2008 is likely to be one of the busiest ever for the chamber. Added to the busy schedule is further development in the town, including the planned de- velopment of the marina.
‘“Shannonside building supplies is one of the fastest growing businesses in Ireland,” he added.
A feasibility study is also taking place for more advance or warehouse units on the Cooraclare road point- ing to a developing economy for the west Clare capital.
‘There seems to be a lot of interest in Kilrush,” said Mr Coady.
The new president has split most of his working life between Ennis and Kilrush, firstly as a director of Shannonside Insurance and now as a director of the Munster Group.
He lives in Kilrush with his wife and three children.