Tralee Chamber welcomed over 220 attendees to its Annual President’s Lunch on Friday November 22nd at The Rose Hotel, Tralee. Among the distinguished guests was Taoiseach Simon Harris, who emphasised Tralee’s growing prominence as a vibrant hub for business and community development.
He was joined by Adam Harris, founder and CEO of ASIAM, Ireland’s national autism charity, whose insights further underscored the Chamber’s commitment to inclusivity, community engagement, and economic growth.
The sold-out event was opened by Tralee Chamber President Stephen Stack, who called for greater collaboration and optimism about the town’s future. He praised the significant strides made by Tralee Chamber in 2024 and highlighted the essential role of the local community in advancing Tralee’s vision as a thriving university town and economic hub.
Speaking at the lunch, President of Tralee Chamber Stephen Stack reflected on the town’s achievements:
"This has been a remarkable year for Tralee, marked by milestones that showcase the strength of our business network, the resilience of our community, and our boundless potential for innovation. We are delighted to welcome Taoiseach Simon Harris today, whose leadership exemplifies the vision we strive to bring to Tralee. Our growth as a Chamber is about more than just numbers—it’s about fostering a united community working towards a shared goal: making Tralee a great place to live, work, visit, and do business."
Tralee Chamber CEO Colette O’Connor added:
"In 2024, Tralee Chamber has expanded its impact by welcoming new members and partners such as Astellas and Kelliher’s Toyota. We’ve also solidified our standing as Kerry’s largest business network.”
She continued by saying
“The launch of our 3-Year Strategic Plan today underscores the dedication of our members and volunteers. This plan focuses on four key pillars: Membership Impact, Vibrant Tralee, Communications, and A University Town. These priorities will guide us as we continue to enhance Tralee’s appeal as a destination for business, education, and community life."
The event also highlighted Tralee’s emergence as a premier conference destination, with the successful hosting of events like the Fuel and Fire Conference, which drew international delegates to the town earlier this year.
Adam Harris of ASIAM delivered a compelling keynote address on fostering inclusivity in the workplace and society. He emphasised the critical role of leadership and awareness in creating communities that are accessible to all.
In his remarks, Taoiseach Simon Harris commended Tralee’s spirit of innovation and inclusivity, calling the town a
“shining example of what can be achieved when government, businesses, and communities work hand in hand.”
President Stack also took the opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing success of Tralee Tidy Towns, whose 2024 achievements have brought the community closer to earning a national title. He stated:
"What makes Tralee unique is our ability to come together as a community—whether by enhancing our town, growing our Chamber, or hosting world-class events. I encourage all our members and stakeholders to remain engaged, as their efforts are key to making these successes possible."
The President’s Lunch reaffirmed Tralee Chamber’s dedication to advancing the town’s development and strengthening connections between local businesses and the wider Kerry community.