Cantec's Éadaoin Carrick elected President of Waterford Chamber
Éadaoin Carrick, Executive Chairperson of the Cantec Group, was elected President of Waterford Chamber at the 238th AGM, which took place today (Monday, September 29th) in the Granville Hotel.
Ms Carrick has been involved with Waterford Chamber for a number of years and is an active voice in terms of lobbying, particularly around support for SMEs. Addressing Waterford Chamber members, Ms Carrick said: “It is a great honour for me to be nominated by the board and endorsed by the members to serve as Chamber President. "My vision for Waterford as Chamber President is clear: to champion this city as the regional capital it is destined to be. To strengthen its role as an economic driver, a national strategic hub, a counter-balance to Dublin, and a leader in sustainable growth. To support our SMEs, empower female entrepreneurs, and create an environment where innovation and ambition are matched with opportunity and success.”
Following a career as a Civil Servant, Éadaoin joined the family business at Cantec in 2000. Cantec's journey began as a photocopier dealership in Waterford in 1994 and has evolved with time and technology, now offering managed print services and business automation solutions, currently employing more than 60 people across Ireland. Éadaoin is also a director of Buíon Phort Láirge (formerly Waterford Area Partnership), a mentor on the Regional Leaders Programme and is past President of Network Ireland Waterford Branch.
Reporting on Chamber activity, Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley remarked: "When I look back over the past 12 months, one thing is clear: Waterford Chamber has remained absolutely committed to its mission, championing the business community, shaping policy, and supporting economic growth across our city and region. At the same time, we’ve kept our sights firmly set on advancing Waterford as a true City of Innovation, in line with President Kevin Doolin’s vision.
"A big part of our work this year has been making sure the voice of business is heard, and heard loudly, at the highest levels of government. And these efforts are paying off. Waterford Airport has been reaffirmed in the Programme for Government, there’s recognition of SETU’s potential to grow into new faculties like Veterinary and Pharmacy, and we’ve had constructive engagement on retail, housing, and infrastructure. Not every battle is won overnight, of course, but the momentum is building and we’re building strong coalitions that will benefit the region for decades to come."
Outlining the various events and initiatives throughout the year, Mr Hurley mentioned flagship events including the Waterford City Region Advantage Dinner, Toys4Engineers, the President's Summer Gala and the Waterford Business Awards, among others, all if which proved hugely successful in terms of engagement and networking. He added: "Think Waterford First initiatives have also gained real momentum. Between the Gift Card programme and the new Accreditation Scheme, we’re finding ways to keep money circulating in the local economy. And this year we’ve made a very specific appeal to employers: when rewarding staff under the Small Benefit Exemption Scheme, consider directing at least a third of it, that’s €500 per employee, through Think Waterford First gift cards. If just half of Waterford’s employees took part, that would mean over €7.5 million flowing directly back into our local economy."
Looking ahead, Mr Hurley committed to continuing to delivering high-impact events and programmes, pushing forward with Waterford 2075 and other strategic projects, strengthening international links and supporting members with practical programmes and advocacy. "We’ll remain a strong, united voice for business, ensuring balanced regional development and securing the critical capital investment this region deserves."
He also thanks outgoing President Kevin Doolin for his vision and leadership while welcoming the new Board, under the direction of President Eadaoin Carrick and Deputy President Marian Walsh of Carron + Walsh.
