Castlebar Chamber of Commerce has been selected to co-ordinate the Vodafone Passion for the World Around Us Awards for the Western region.

The chamber announced details of the awards, which will be take place on a quarterly basis at an Information Evening held last week in the Welcome Inn Hotel.

The Information evening was addressed by Michelle Hallinan, Business Area Manager for Vodafone who informed the meeting that the aim of the awards is to recognise those individuals who have made a positive difference to their community in any one of a number of ways such as

• Those who have made an effort to improve their local environment.
• Those who have introduced or supported an educational or safety initiative in their local area.
• Those who have set up groups or participate in organisations that benefit members of the community.
• Those who volunteer their time to help others in the community.

Each award winner will be presented with a specially commissioned silver sculpture, exclusively designed by renowned Irish artist, Seamus Gill and a Vodafone Passion for the World Around Us Awards certificate at a ceremony to be held in Castlebar

Spokesperson for the Chamber Carmel Dooley outlined the Chamber’s role in the awards. This involves creating an awareness of the awards scheme among the general public and ensuring that the nomination forms are widely available .The Chamber will also convene the selection committee and organise the presentations of the awards.

After the launch of the awards the meeting proceeded with its main business, which was to give members an update on the activities of the Chamber since the last information evening in February. Presentations were given by members of the six working groups central to the chamber’s organisation- Retail and Services, Industrial and Commercial, Infrastructure and Town Development, Environmental, Information technology and Membership/Social. Speaking on these key areas were Richard Wynne, Peter Glynn, Sinead Graham and Chamber President, Oliver Kelleher.

In his closing address Oliver Kelleher thanked the business people of the town for their support saying, "that the chamber can only be effective given the continued support of the people it represents."

New members of Castlebar chamber are always welcome. If you would like to get involved in one of the West’s most progressive chambers, please contact Teresa Staunton in the Chamber Offices, Spencer St., Castlebar Tel No. 094-24845

Castlebar Chamber of Commerce announces details of

Castlebar Chamber of Commerce has announced details of

 The Black and White Ball

to be held in the Welcome Inn Hotel on Friday 10^th October.

The Black and White Ball is being held in support of a local charity Cancer Action Mhaigh Eo which aims to raise funds for a Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping Device-a vital piece of equipment used in the treatment of Breast Cancer in Mayo General Hospital.

The Ball itself will start at 8pm with an Irish Coffee Reception followed by a four-course meal with dancing to well known band Ice on Fire and Late Disco.

The after dinner address will be given by the Guest of Honour - Mr. Liam Scollon, CEO of Knock International airport.

As the name suggests the ball is themed on Black and White, which means Black Tie for the gentlemen and black and/or white evening wear for the ladies.

Speaking at a Press Reception held to publicise the event, Chamber Social Committee chairperson Sinead Graham said "the Ball was an opportunity for business people in Castlebar to get to know each other in an informal environment while raising funds for local charities." She thanked all the businesses who have given their support to date. These include ACC Bank, Bank of Ireland, C&C Cellular, Chadwicks, Coillte, Creans Tiles and Bathrooms, FBD Insurance, Helenas Chocolates, Heiton Buckley Builders Merchants and M&C Financial Services.

Tickets for the ball priced at 50 euro each and are available from Gifts Supreme, Linenhall St., or the Chamber Offices, Spencer St. Castlebar. Tel No. 086 8090296