No market gloom for chamber event

THE economic downturn had no effect on bookings for the largest corporate event in Cork, which is completely sold out.

More than 900 members, who paid €160 each, will descend upon City Hall on Friday night for the Cork Chamber Annual Dinner.

Tickets for the black-tie event sold out within weeks of going on sale.

Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy said despite the tough times it is good to see businesses are still interested in networking and making contacts.

Mr Healy said the guest speaker, who is kept a secret until the night, is an Irish businessman and a major player on the international stage.

“This is the key business event in the region and is a great opportunity for members to get out and meet fellow businesspeople in Cork,” said Mr Healy.

Annamarie Fagan of Excellent Choice Caterers said 50 staff will be on-hand on the day to set up in three kitchens at City Hall and take delivery of 900 chairs.

On the shopping list was 2,000 bread rolls, 20kg of butter, 200kg of potatoes and 200kg of vegetables.

There are also 2,500 bottles of wine and 4,000 bottles of water for the dinner with over 100 staff to serve it all.

Cork Chamber president Joe Gantly will give his keynote speech and present the Cork Chamber/ BT Company of the Year Awards.

The three awards this year are: the Cork Company of the Year, Cork SME Company of the Year and the Emerging Cork Company of the Year Award.