Established in 1968, the Chamber fostered business links in a town where the tradition of industry such as Bord Na Mona and Newbridge Cutlery was steeped. Over the years, Newbridge has grown in prosperity and size to a current population in excess of 20,000, with a large catchment area of business and residential development surrounding the town itself. It boasts pharmaceutical, medical, bloodstock, IT and manufacturing among its business community, in addition to a wide variety of service and retail outlets. Companies range in staff size from 1 to 1,000! The issues affecting Newbridge, a strong rural town with its own unique heritage, and its Chamber members today reflect national and local issues. It provides a strong voice to articulate the economic needs for all concerned. By representing commercial interests at local and national level it aims to champion Newbridge and environs as a manufacturing and services hub, a bustling business community, and a centre for retail excellence. What is a Chamber of Commerce? A Chamber of Commerce is a private, not-for-profit business organisation that provides services, promotes members’ businesses by offering networking opportunities and represents the collective voice of its members to both local and national state bodies. What is Newbridge Chamber? Newbridge Chamber is designed to be of benefit to business of any size by offering a wide range of opportunities to accommodate different needs. It is run by a voluntary committee of local business people, headed by a President. This office, plus that of Vice-President, Treasurer and various sub-groups are democratically elected by the committee members of the day. Any member is welcome, and encouraged, to go forward for election at the AGM. Simply send in a nomination to the Chamber office prior to AGM, it will then be proposed, seconded and elected under 'Elections' at the AGM. The committee is supported by two permanent office staff based in the Chamber Office in Newbridge, who concentrate on providing services and support to members. The Chamber’s two office staff are Celia Quinn and Breda McHale. Celia has been taking care of administrative duties for many years, including the all important issue of both EU and Arab Irish Certificates of Origin for exporting businesses. Breda came on board in June 2005 to focus on membership needs and events. You can contact the Chamber Office at The Avenue, Whitewater Shopping Centre, Newbridge on 045 438296 or email at office@newbridgechamber.ie. Who can join this Chamber? Those who derive most benefit from membership are usually the businesses that operate in Newbridge and surrounding areas and those who, although based elsewhere, actually do business with customers in the region. Any business, from sole trader to multinational, is welcome to join Newbridge Chamber as many of the issues will be relevant, regardless of organisation size.
