Tullamore consultant takes gateway chamber chair

Tullamore consultant John O'Donovan was elected President of the Midlands Gateway Chamber at the AGM of the association which was recently held in The Wineport Lodge Hotel. The Midlands Gateway Chamber was set up in 2007 to act as one voice for the midlands, representing business interests in the Gateway towns of Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore. The position of President rotates between the three towns and 2012 is the turn of a Tullamore representative to lead the organisation. John takes over from Ray Byrne of the Wineport. The highlights of the past year were the launch of the MidlandsIreland.ie brand into the midlands counties of Laois and Longford and the recent MidlandsIreland.ie Best in Business Awards. Outgoing President Ray Byrne said: "The last year has been very rewarding for me and I am heartened by the many business successes there are in the region. The support we received from the local authorities and state agencies has been the cornerstone that will be developed in years to come to further the economic development of the gateway towns." The Board of the Midlands Gateway Chamber is drawn primarily from the towns of Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore. The Midlands Gateway Chamber works closely with the Chambers of Commerce in each of the towns to raise awareness and help promote the Midlands Gateway region. John O'Donovan stated "It is a great honour and a privilege to lead the Midlands Gateway Chamber for the next year. Government economic development policy continues to be driven by the Gateway designations. As one of nine identified Gateways in the country, the business community in Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore must continue to promote the Midland Gateway as a key location for economic development."