Supermarket chain owner takes over as chamber chief

A SUPERMARKET group owner has taken over as president of Waterford Chamber of Commerce and vowed to forge closer links with other bodies in the south-east.

Anne Marie Caulfield is director of the Caulfield McCarthy Group, one of the largest SuperValu chains in the country, and has succeeded Tom Murran at the helm of the Waterford Chamber.

At the chamber’s 224th AGM in the Granville Hotel, Ms Caulfield paid tribute to her predecessor and said that, although the business community was struggling with the economic downturn, member-to-member business should be encouraged and mutual support is vital in these times.

“There is no doubt that these are challenging times, but this economic downturn has highlighted that the south east and Waterford must be resolute in striving to achieve our goals in order to move forward. I will be looking to forge closer links with the various other bodies throughout the south east and look forward to the challenges ahead.”

She said she has three key items on her agenda for 2011-2012: to continue the campaign for the University of the south east; unemployment in the south east which now runs at 18.1% compared to the national figure of 14.1%; and using tourism to generate jobs, income and tax revenue.

The Waterford Chamber new deputy president is Orm Kenny and the new vice-president is Nora Widger, treasurer is Michael O’Mahony and directors are Graham Doyle, Ian Fewer, Kathleen Fitzgerald, Jill Hincks, Rob Landers, Jim McCleane, Paul McDaid, Colin McGookin, Michael O’Dwyer, Tom O’Toole, Terry Power, David Thomas, Brian Tynan, Kieran Walsh and Ria White.