RTÉ broadcaster and journalist, Miriam O’Callaghan has been confirmed as the key speaker for next month’s Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Expo.
No stranger to Castleisland, Ms. O’Callaghan has extensive family connections in the Currans and Farranfore areas and has been down here several times recently on family occasions. She visited Castleisland Day Care Centre to meet her uncle Jack O’Callaghan in 2012. All who met her then were charmed by her warmth and lack or fuss or hurry. She also spend time down here as a child.
The Enterprise Town Expo is a follow-up to last year’s outstandingly successful first attempt at such a venture here.
It will be held at Castleisland Community Centre on Friday night, November 4th from 5pm to 8.45pm – local Bank of Ireland manager Paddy Garvey confirmed this morning.
Short, Sharp Focus
Planning is well advanced by now for the event and the thinking is that the one short, sharp night’s focus on the trade of the area will suit exhibitors better than the two-day approach of last year.
Nationally, Bank of Ireland is investing in excess of €1 million in its Enterprise Town initiative in 2016.
Economic Activity
Following the success of the Enterprise Town Programme in 2015, which involved 50 communities across the country, Bank of Ireland has confirmed that 100 Enterprise Town events will take place nationwide this year.
The programme aims to bring local businesses, education, sports and cultural organisations together, boosting the participating town’s economic activity.
Over 600 Bank of Ireland staff are involved in supporting the initiative, with 7,000 businesses, almost 4,000 sports and community groups, and some 200 first and second level schools expected to participate.
Bespoke Schedule of Events
Over the course of the year it is estimated over 56,000 ‘connections’ will be facilitated through the Enterprise Town initiative, with the aim that as many of these connections as possible will lead to increased business activity for the towns taking part.
For each Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town a bespoke schedule of events is developed by a local committee including residents, local businesses and local organisations.
Fundraising Drive
Each Enterprise Town will also undertake a fundraising drive for a local cause with donations up to €1,000 being matched by Bank of Ireland through its ‘Give Together’ charity initiative.
In addition to supporting each town with funding, charitable donations, event organisation, business mentoring and supporting each local Enterprise Town Organising Committee, Bank of Ireland also provides high profile guest speakers. These speakers address topics such as business success, teamwork, motivation and leadership.
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