Letterkenny Chamber has elected John Watson of Watson Hire as its new President. On taking over the role from outgoing President Patrick McGinley, Mr. Watson said he was very much looking forward to his role in representing the business community of Letterkenny in 2012. “It is an honour to be nominated and elected as Chamber President by my colleagues in the Chamber Council. Over the last number of years all businesses have had to diversify in order to survive the many challenges we have faced. The Chamber has been there supporting it’s members and we hope this year to become even more relevant to the Letterkenny business community. I view this role as a challenging one but also an excellent opportunity to work on behalf of Letterkenny businesses to ensure that we all get a better deal for Letterkenny and the North West and improve the business environment for all.” John continued, “As President of Letterkenny Chamber I will commit to keeping pressure on our TDs and local government to create the best environment for business here in the North West. We will continue to urge the national Government at every opportunity to support the entrepreneurial spirit that is the lifeblood of our economy. We will all face more challenges in 2012 and I will commit to working hard during my year of office to deliver practical support for our new and existing members.” John Watson established Watson Hire in 2005. The business originally supplied the construction trade and was primarily a Hire Business but it has now developed into a general hardware store. With two outlets, one in Letterkenny and the other in Donegal Town, the company now employs 17 people and is continuing to succeed and grow. Apart from a new President the Chamber has a new Council. The Chamber Council is made up of 17 members, from a wide variety of business sectors, who meet on a monthly basis and who are responsible for steering the policies, activities and initiatives of the Chamber. Seven new Chamber Council members were elected for the 2011/2012 period. Chamber Council 2011/2012: President – John Watson (Watson Hire); Patrick McGinley,(McGinley Sofas); Jason Black (Voodoo & Ink); Seamus Browne (Browne Printers); Paddy Delap (Clarkes Newsagents); Bernard Dillon (Honorary Member); Hugh Downey (Sharp Design); Gerard Grant (Pramerica);Brian Mc McCormick (Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure)Gerard McMcCormick (Magees Pharmacy); Eamonn Stevenson (Eamonn Stevenson Financial Services Ltd.; Jim McLaughlin (AIB); John O’Connell, (UHC); David McGeough (McGeough Financial Consultants); Philip Ward (Voodoo & Ink); Clare McNickle (Clare Clothing); Sheila O’Donnell (M&S); - ends – For further information contact: Letterkenny Chamber CEO, Toni Forrester, 074-9124866 / 0872130495, toni@letterkennychamber.com

The first day back from work is always difficult especially for us who weren't open over the holidays but here in the Chamber we remain in a positive mood. Before Christmas, ShopLK vouchers were selling very well and they are being spent as we can see by the amounts being redeemed just today. Last year until November 2011 we had sold €260k worth and we are well on the way to reaching the €1m mark. This Christmas we saw many more people stay local to shop as the exchange rates have once again moved in our favour but most importantly consumers this Christmas recognised the value and convenience that is available right here in Letterkenny. We have no doubt that 2012 will again be a challenge for businesses and individuals however we still believe that the Donegal and Letterkenny business community will remain resolute and positive and face up to those things they can control and we in turn will endeavour to lobby on behalf of and support our members in whatever way we can.