Successful first AGM of re-born Chamber of Commerce

Paul Cochrane remains as Chairman and the rest of the main post-holders are: Vice-Chair - Brian McLister; Treasurer -Richard Dickson and Secretary - Peter McCaughan.

Paul Cochrane said: "After nominations for these posts I opened the floor for volunteers for a committee and we got 13. This is a great credit to them all and I see this as a great step forward."

Heather Major from Business in the Community spoke about employment law

The meeting also heard that BCW Training will be working with Chamber to develop courses and help with staff development.

Paul added: "Support was given to the Town Partnership, and congratulations to their new Chairman, Bryan Hume. We hope to develop a good working relationship this year with the Partnership.

"We would like to thank Councillors Madeline Black, Paudie McShane and Chairperson Cara McShane for their attendance at the meeting.

"This has been a very successful first year for the Chamber and we hope to continue the good work."

Paul added: "The Chamber was reformed in January 2009. The Chamber had been dormant for 10 years, and was reborn due to the poor commercial conditions, poor relations with Council and no Christmas lights!

"Over the year after many meetings, phone calls, and emails the Chamber has bonded many businesses together and helped everyone get through a very hard trading year. We as a group have caught up the lost 10 years and will push on to get stronger.

"The most important achievements are I think, as follows: Working relationship with Council and meeting with senior officers; Christmas; Toilets and Tackling Antisocial Behaviour.

Projects for this year include extending membership and working on town centre development and tourism and setting up a Chamber webpage.

Paul added: "I would like to thank my committee for all their hard work last year.

"Finally I would like to say what a great honour it has been as Chair of Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce. It has been a great challenge but the progress has been worth it. I hope that this year will be as progressive, and hope that we can build a working example for others to follow."