President's welcome
I am delighted to have been appointed as your Chamber President for the next two years.
As vice president I grew to appreciate just how important the France Ireland Chamber has become in developing business links between Ireland and France but also how important a role it plays in nurturing business relations amongst its members, from SME's to Corporate companies to the large global operators on both sides, relationships and associations that we must continue to grow and expand. As President I will strive to make the FICC a Bigger and Louder Chamber.
There are many challenges facing us here in Ireland and indeed in Europe with ever evolving Global Economic, Political and Commercial environments.
Our strengths lie in our collective efforts and our past liaisons within the Franco -Irish business community, which we must exploit.
As the new President I will utilise my experiences as a business owner and CEO steeped in bilateral trade with France and look forward to working with all members to consolidate and build on the sterling work done by my predecessors, our Chamber Director Cliona McGowan and her staff.
A bigger chamber is vital to future success and to delivering its aims and objectives. To this end we must strive to expand our membership in the months ahead and we can all help and support this initiative, so let’s spread the word.
We have a new President, a new Ambassador, welcome H.E. Céline Place and a new Government in Leinster House.
I look forward to forging new and long lasting relationships with all stake holders concerned and to play a leading role in future business and cultural associations at ministerial and diplomatic levels.
Within our organisation we rely on member participation to promote the services we provide.
Our working groups provide an unrivalled opportunity for members to shape and support these services as we move forward.
Our webinars and online meetings such as the fireside chats have been highly successful and indeed very beneficial to those who have attended, I encourage all members to keep up the momentum.
On an annual basis our live events offer fantastic value for money, provide excellent networking opportunities, raise expectations and essentially deliver much needed funding, the life blood of any collective such as a Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to your continued support and to meeting you in person at some of these marquee events.
In conclusion, I wish to personally thank Áine Murray for her exceptional leadership over the past two years and pledge my unwavering efforts to continue and build upon Aine's industry.
I am confident we can grow bigger and louder and innovate, inspire and influence both from within the chamber and to those outside looking in.
Best regards.
Chris Smyth – President France Ireland Chamber of Commerce