New Chamber president vows to protect business

Ennis Chamber has a new president and in her new role, businesswoman Michelle Madden is ready for the challenge and is looking forward to helping work towards boosting the local economy.
At the 2013 AGM of Ennis Chamber, outgoing president Brian O’Neill spoke about the progress of Promote Ennis projects such as the town successfully attaining the Purple Flag, the publication of the Visit Ennis brochure and website as well as the creation of the Ennis App.
Mr O’Neill also spoke about Ennis Chamber’s support for the independence of Shannon Airport and working with other chambers in the region to ensure the development and growth of this vital asset for our economic future.
At the AGM, vice-president Ms Madden was elected to the role of president.  Ms Madden operates the family business of Madden Furniture on Station Road. In taking on the role, she committed herself to supporting the business community, particularly the traders, through focusing on the strengthening of the town centre. 
Speaking following her election, Ms Madden said she hopes that in the new position, she can help protect the retail economy in Ennis. She said the sector has taken a huge hit and everyone is suffering, no matter what business it is.
“The role of the chamber in any town is very relevant to the town’s economy. There is great awareness among fellow traders that there wouldn’t have been but for the chamber. We offer each other support. When the recession struck first, we thought we were all on our own but being members of the chamber and being involved and speaking to others, we are not on our own. We all understand each other’s problems and through it we all become linked. As chamber members, we should all support members when we are purchasing anything,” she said.
Ms Madden added that she hoped to build on the success already achieved to date and while it is early days yet for her, she believes the launch of the Purple Flag will be very important to Ennis.
“When you look around Ennis compared to other towns, we have a great offering here, it is very unique because most of our shops are individual shops and it’s unique to have that in this day and age in a town of Ennis’s size. Out of the 80% that are individual shops, 50% are owner-led, which is good as well, people do want to see the owner when they come in.
“A goal of mine is to bring the All-Ireland Fleadh to Ennis and whatever I can do to help I will, it will help the economy of the whole county. I’m very happy with the new role. I’m looking forward to the challenge and there will be challenges, no doubt,” she concluded.