In this issue
Policy
Cork City Centre Strategy
Subsidised Training
It’s here, it’s here, it’s here!!
Events
March Business After Hours at Noel Deasy Cars
April Business Breakfast in association with the Irish Examiner
Chamber Supported Events
CORKMEET 2013 - Three Day Event
Chamber Supported Projects
Cork innovates is delighted to announce its’ association with the first Start-up Weekend for the Cork region
International
Enterprise Europe Network At Cork Chamber - update
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Policy
Cork City Centre Strategy

The Policy Department would like to thank those members who provided feedback and comments on the draft City Centre Movement Strategy.  This week’s issue provides details on our submission to Cork City Council and information on the development of a new City Centre Strategy. 

In other news, the Policy Department prepared its first submission on the County Development Plan 2015 – 2021.  There are two further consultation phases in the development of the Plan and we will continue to update and invite member input for both of these.      

 


Cork City Centre Movement Strategy:

Cork Chamber prepared a joint submission with the CBA and VFI (Southern Branch) which identified a number of concerns and made specific recommendations based on feedback from our members regarding the key issues that need to be addressed to increase support from the business community and key stakeholders in the city centre.  Key recommendations in our submission include:

  • A comprehensive communication strategy which outlines the benefits that the CCMS will bring to business
  • A clear outline of all traffic movement changes
  • User friendly summaries which clearly outline all of the changes accompanied by maps and traffic flow diagrams which clearly present and highlight the differences before and after the proposed CCMS.
  • Clear timeframes for the implementation of all phases of the Strategy
  • Adequate planning to ensure  efficient, effective and reliable implementation strategies that minimise disruptions for businesses and retailers
  • Consideration be given to the implications of any traffic movement changes for business/retailers
  • Provisions be put in place to ensure accessibility to/from commercial premises

For more information and to view all of our recommendations for the CCMS click here

Cork City Centre Strategy

Cork City Council has recently appointed Colliers International to develop a strategy for reviving and regenerating Cork City Centre.  The Strategy will develop a vision for the future role of the city centre, set out objectives for the future health, vitality and development of the city centre and identify short, medium and long term actions to achieve these objectives.

As part of the process, Colliers International are required to assess the current situation in Cork City Centre and devise a strategy taking account of best practice in similar cities/towns internationally, based on their previous experience and knowledge.

The Policy Department recently held an introductory meeting with Colliers International regarding the development of the City Centre Strategy and is planning to engage further and provide input at key stages as the Strategy develops.  We will provide further updates to our members as more information becomes available.


Subsidised Training
It’s here, it’s here, it’s here!!
 

It’s finally arrived, it’s the eve of our new Chinese Language, Culture & Etiquette for Business course and we at the Business School are very excited. There has been enormous interest in the course and many thanks to the ‘pioneers’ who will be venturing into Chinese territory tomorrow!

So now, with that out of the way, we can’t forget about everything else coming up in the next couple of weeks. First up, Finance for Non-Financial Managers followed closely by MS PowerPoint and then Introduction to Technical Writing.


Why train with us?
We have small class sizes of an average of 10 persons per class (individual attention guaranteed) Top Trainers (all are leaders within their respective fields), locally delivered and exceptionally good value for money.

 

 

 


Finance for Non-Financial Managers

Course Date: 20th March

Member Rate: €250.00

This is a highly participative two day workshop providing practical and enduring knowledge of financial statements, how they are used to assess business performance and how they are shaped by everyday business decisions and events. Put simply, participants will understand “accountant-speak”. If you understand the language, you can provide an input to the process. If you don’t – you may find yourself outside the decision-making system. This course is ideal for anyone working in business who wishes to gain a sound overall understanding of finance, owner managers and people thinking about setting up a business who have limited existing financial skills and advisers and managers in specialist disciplines who want to understand how business and finance works.

This 2 day programme will cover:

  •  Why it is important that everyone in business should understand finance
  • The purpose and content of Financial Statements
  • How business activities and decisions determine the values shown in the financial statements– and how they are not divorced from reality
  • The core elements that determine business performance
  • The main techniques used to assess business performance
  • Cost behaviour and Break even
  • Budgeting and Financial Modelling
  • Business and International Finance

To book a place on this course, please CLICK HERE!

“Beyond the Basics” – MS Powerpoint 2007/2010

Course Date: 22nd March

Member Rate: €100.00

This one day programme will teach you how to produce and run professional looking slide shows. The course reviews the basics of PowerPoint to quickly run through shortcuts and speed keys, working through from text based slide content through to alternative options - inserting ClipArt, pictures, photos, diagrams, movie clips etc.

Our “Beyond the Basics” Course, costing only €100.00 includes:

  •  Looking at formatting a slide show, including applying PowerPoint design templates and creating your own design templates for future use;
  • Learning how to run the slide show in the most professional way possible through the use of some simple keys;
  • Learning the Dos and Don’ts of PowerPoint

This course is suitable for those who are already familiar with the basics of MS PowerPoint and would now like to build on that knowledge. BOOK NOW.

 

Introduction to Technical Writing

Course Date: 28th March  

Member Rate: €130.00

Great technical writing can make a poor product usable - poor technical writing can make a great product useless. Our Introduction to Technical Writing Course is designed to help you become that great technical writer! This one day course aims to ensure that participants can make their technical documentation accurate, brief, clear, complete and, above all, useful. The emphasis is on writing to impart complex technical information to a specific target audience. Participants should be committed to delivering reports, manuals and routine communications that are accurate, concise, clear and focussed on the needs of the target audience.

The course will include:

  • How to structure reports
  • Basic sentence rules
  • Technical writing for software
  • Working with words
  • Brushing up on grammar and punctuation

This new one-day course will be running on the 7th March next and is only €130.00 for Chamber members - BOOK NOW!

 See our full range of courses at www.corkchamber.ie/training

Bookings can be completed through the website and enquiries should be directed to Aoife@corkchamber.ie  (Training Services Administrator)

 


Events
March Business After Hours at Noel Deasy Cars
 
Date: 27th March
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Venue: Noel Deasy Cars, New Mallow Road, Cork.
Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members
To Book:  visit our website HERE 

Join with your fellow Cork Chamber members for this “dedicated” networking event at Noel Deasy Cars, where there will be a 30 minute formal networking piece, giving Cork Chamber members plenty of opportunity to meet new business contacts and strengthen established connections.

Noel Deasy Cars has been in business for nearly 33 years and are a wholly owned and family run operation. In March of this year they will launch the all new Skoda Octavia in their showroom on the Mallow Road Blackpool. The new Skoda Octavia, a simple clean-lined design of the current Octavia has stood the test of time and is being used by Skoda to represent unrivalled packaging at the price point.



April Business Breakfast in association with the Irish Examiner
 

Date: 9th April
Time: 07:30am
Venue: Imperial Hotel
Cost: €20 members / €35 non members
To Book: visit our website HERE

Cork Chamber is delighted to announce John Dolan, Senior Director Global Support Services (EMEA, Japan and China) for VMware in Cork and winner of the Cork Chamber Company of the Year 2013 in association with Vodafone.  John was the first employee for VMware in Cork in 2005 and has seen the company grow to a 700 person operation since then (13,000+ employees and 50+ locations worldwide).

VMware’s people orientated culture, driving high performance in a collaborative environment, is what motivates John every day.  Make the most of this unique opportunity to hear about VMware in Cork and network with your fellow Cork Chamber members. 



Chamber Supported Events
CORKMEET 2013 - Three Day Event
 
Date:10th - 12th April
Time: Starts at 12pm on Wed 10th April and ends at 1pm on Fri 12th April
Venue: Rochestown Park Hotel
Cost:  €330.00

To Book:  visit our website HERE

Ireland’s largest business networking forum will take place in Cork from 10-12 April 2013, arranging approximately 10,000 one-to-one, pre-scheduled meetings for up to 600 Irish and International small to medium-sized businesses. CorkMeet 2013 presents local, national and international businesses from all sectors with a fantastic opportunity to unlock new business with potential clients and suppliers.

Date:10th - 12th April
Time: Starts at 12pm on Wed 10th April and ends at 1pm on Fri 12th April
Venue: Rochestown Park Hotel
Cost:  €330.00

To Book: HERE


In association with Cork Chamber, Enterprise Europe Network, Cork City and County Enterprise Boards, Cork City Council and Cork County Council.
Ireland’s largest business networking forum will take place in Cork from 10-12 April 2013, arranging approximately 10,000 one-to-one, pre-scheduled meetings for up to 600 Irish and International small to medium-sized businesses.

CorkMeet 2013, to be held at the Rochestown Park Hotel, presents local, national and international businesses from all sectors with a fantastic opportunity to unlock new business with potential clients and suppliers. The three day event offers companies a range of business focused activities, including a welcome reception, pre-arranged meetings, an afternoon business conference, a Gourmet Picnic in the hotel grounds with all food and drink sourced locally, an networking dinner at Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium and a Closing Address by a surprise speaker each providing an opportunity to make vital contacts.

Companies registering will be able to avail of up to 16 one-to-one meetings over one and a half days. International delegations are already confirmed from Belgium, Spain, London, France and Wales, including partner organisations of the Enterprise Europe Network who will be participating in the matchmaking event.

Tickets cost €330 (including conference, pre-scheduled business meetings, lunch & dinner for 3 days) or €245 (including conference, pre-scheduled business meetings and lunches only).


Chamber Supported Projects
Cork innovates is delighted to announce its’ association with the first Start-up Weekend for the Cork region
 

Cork innovates is delighted to announce its’ association with the first Start-up Weekend for the Cork region, supported by the Kaufmann Foundation and scheduled to take place on April 5 – 7 in the UCC Western Gateway Building.

The underlying concept of the Startup Weekend is to offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to come together in a focused environment to share ideas, form teams and launch a startup in 54 memorable hours and here in Cork the first Startup Weekend is set to bring together Corks best and brightest, including recently named Forbes most influential ‘30 under 30: Social Entrepreneurs’ James Whelton (20) of Coder Dojo.

 

 



Startup Weekend Cork Committee:  L to R. Tommy Dunton, Donal Cahalane, Jayne Ronayne, Ernest Cantillion and William Martin pictured with Siobhán Finn of Cork Innovates. Absent: Ronan O’Dubhghaill, Barry O’Brien

Cork innovates
is delighted to announce its’ association with the first Start-up Weekend for the Cork region, supported by the Kaufmann Foundation and scheduled to take place on April 5 – 7 in the UCC Western Gateway Building.
The underlying concept of the Startup Weekend is to offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to come together in a focused environment to share ideas, form teams and launch a startup in 54 memorable hours and here in Cork the first Startup Weekend is set to bring together Corks best and brightest, including recently named Forbes most influential ‘30 under 30: Social Entrepreneurs’ James Whelton (20) of Coder Dojo.

Siobhán Finn, Project Coordinator with Cork innovates commented ‘‘Cork innovates is all about supporting regional efforts around the promotion of entrepreneurship.  It is fantastic to see such a group of entrepreneurially minded young people come together to deliver the first Start-up Weekend in Cork’’.

Local and budding entrepreneurs are urged to register early guaranteeing an opportunity to spend the weekend meeting other coders, designers and business minds who are looking to work fast and work hard for a chance to earn ‘Best StartUp’ as determined by local entrepreneurial leaders. Coaches/mentors will be on hand all weekend to provide invaluable assistance and guidance.

www.cork.startupweekend.org is taking registration.


International
Enterprise Europe Network At Cork Chamber - update
 

In this weeks’ International update you will find information on the following:

  • China International Import Expo (CIE 2013) – 15-18 May 2013, being held in Jiangsu Province
  • CORKMEET update – local procurement officers and large industry representatives to participate in CORKMEET this year
  • EU-Japan Bio Cluster Mission for the biotech industry

 

 

 


China International Import Expo (CIE 2013) – 15-18 May 2013

The second China International Import Expo (CIE 2013), hosted by China Chamber of International Commerce and Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, will be held from May 15 – 18, 2013 in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province of China. As China’s first state-level platform for import and trade, CIE 2013 will showcase overseas new technologies and products, the import of which China will expand vigorously during the “12th Five-Year Plan” period.  The exhibition will focus on the following sectors: (1) machinery equipment and technology; (2) environmental protection, new materials and new energy; (3) electronic information technology and products; and (4) brand consumer goods.  Cork is an international partner city of Wuxi (a city close to Kunshan) having signed an MOU in 2011), therefore companies from Cork that wish to exhibit at this exhibition will be eligible for preferential rates.  For more information contact katherine@corkchamber.ie

 

CORKMEET update

The CORKMEET team are pleased to announce that additional funding has been made available and new packages are now available for participants.  The full three night package (conference, meetings, all meals and 3 nights B&B) is now only €660 and there is also a 2 night package available at €550.  Full participation in CORKMEET including 2 evening meals (without hotel accommodation) is €330 and participation in the daytime activities only (conference and meetings) is €245. 

 This year there will be a series of group meetings on offer with procurement officers from the local authorities who will advise companies on how to approach their public procurement strategy.  Furthermore, a number of the local multinationals will also be available for meetings during the course of the event.

 Book now and complete your online profile! For more information see www.corkmeet.ie or contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie.

 

EU-Japan Bio Cluster Mission

As part of its mission to promote and support SME internationalisation through Clusters, the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is organising the EU-Japan Bio Cluster Mission in Japan for EU Cluster managers and their SME members within the Biotechnology Industry. The event is being organised along the fringes of the Bio-Japan 2013 Expo and the targeted sectors include: Drug and Drug Discovery, Drug Discovery Support and Contract Services, Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices; Functional Food and Agriculture; Medical Treatment, Diagnosis and Medical Devices and Equipment, Research Devices, Bioinformatics and Bio-imaging. The application deadline for this mission is 15 April. For further information, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie 

 


Member News
Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) has launched a Big Data course
 

Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) has launched a Big Data course. This new innovative Government-funded programme will complement the excellent Higher Diploma in Cloud Computing already offered by CIT. Both intensive programmes are designed to offer conversion pathways for graduates from cognate disciplines and will start in early March. Graduates will be work ready by January 2014. The programmes have been developed in close collaboration with employers and a cohort of 70 students through similar pathway in 2012 has been very successful in seeking employment.


More details including eligibility and application information can be obtained at:
CIT's Cloud Computing Website: http://cloud.cit.ie

 

 


Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) has launched a Big Data course. This new innovative Government-funded programme will complement the excellent Higher Diploma in Cloud Computing already offered by CIT. Both intensive programmes are designed to offer conversion pathways for graduates from cognate disciplines and will start in early March. Graduates will be work ready by January 2014. The programmes have been developed in close collaboration with employers and a cohort of 70 students through similar pathway in 2012 has been very successful in seeking employment.

With recent reports suggesting that the demand for “cloud-ready” IT workers will grow by 26 percent annually through 2015, with as many as 7 million cloud-related jobs available worldwide the programmes offered by CIT are both timely, visionary and designed to meet the future needs of the IT sector in Cork.

More details including eligibility and application information can be obtained at: CIT's Cloud Computing Website: http://cloud.cit.ie

 


Mix Your Mode - promoting sustainable travel

Monday 18th February saw the launch of the ‘Mix Your Mode’ campaign promoting the use of more sustainable modes of transport in March.  The Project, funded by the European Commission and delivered by Cork Environmental Forum aims to encourage travel by more sustainable and healthier methods such as walking, cycling, using public transport and the use of Go Cars in the city centre.  Cork Chamber is a partner organisation to this initiative alongside other key stakeholders in  Cork including Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Red Fm, UCC, CIT.  Due to take place during the first three weeks of March, the campaign will target different areas as follows:

- Schools & Colleges: 4th – 10th March
- Workplaces: 11th – 17th March
- Shopping & Leisure Activities: 18th – 24th March

It is hoped that by engaging in this initiative people will become more aware of the journeys they make and of the different services available to them e.g. integrated rail and bus ticketing and the tax incentives these provide.  By encouraging a change in behaviour patterns, emissions and traffic congestion can be reduced and improve the environment in the city centre.

Further information is available HERE

 



Member Events
Cork French Film Festival
 

Date: 3rd - 10th March 2013 
Time: daytime and evening events 

Venue: Gate Cinema, English Market, St Fin Barre's Cathedral, River Lee Hotel, Ballymaloe, UCC
To book: All bookings for Gate Cinema - at Gate Cinema or www.corkcinemas.com; for all other bookings contact Festival Office 021 4310677, or go to www.corkfrenchfilmfestival.com 


Alliance Française de Cork is pleased to present the 24th Cork French Film Festival, a unique cinematic experience that will take you to the very essence of cinema itself. Festival curator Paul Callanan takes us on a timeless journey with an evocative noir et blanc themed programme featuring cinema classics and contemporary black and white films. Time and again black and white cinema somehow captures a mood and feeling that colour for all its accuracy simply can’t.... For more information please go to www.corkfrenchfilmfestival.com 



Cork Lions Club Golf Classic 2013
 

Date: 3rd May 2013
Venue: Monkstown Golf Club
Cost: €300 for a team of 3 including lunch


All entries to Paschal Horgan 086-2628722 or Pat Desmond 087-6886150.

All proceeds going to Cork ARC Cancer Support.



The Marketing Institute Ball 2013
 
Date: March 23rd
Venue: Silver Springs Moran Hotel
Cost:  €75 per person for members of the Marketing Institute, Students & Charity  (€100 for non-members). 
Book -  HERE

The Marketing Institute Cork 2013 Ball - Red Carpet Ball, Celebrating the Best, sponsored by Toyota will take place on Saturday 23rd March 2013 at the Silver Springs Moran Hotel.This event will have all the glitz and glamour you expect, with a variety of entertainment and dancing.The Marketing Ball is always a great night for networking with friends, colleagues and fellow professionals.


The Marketing Institute Cork 2013 Ball - Red Carpet Ball, Celebrating the Best, sponsored by Toyota will take place on Saturday 23rd March 2013 at the Silver Springs Moran Hotel.

Toyota  is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Toyota has been the bestselling car brand in Ireland 8 out of the past 11 years. They have a national Dealer Network of 50 outlets and currently employee over 1200 people. There are now 300,000 Toyota cars on the road in Ireland. 
 
Date: Saturday March 23rd 2012
Venue: Silver Springs Moran Hotel
Tickets:  €75 per person for members of the Marketing Institute and their guests, Students and the Charity and €100 for non-members.

This event will have all the glitz and glamour you expect, with a variety of entertainment and dancing. The Marketing Ball is always a great night for networking with friends, colleagues and fellow professionals.

Tickets are now on sale!
 
Dress: Formal / Black Tie
 
Drinks Reception:  at 7pm sponsored by Barry & Fitzwilliams
 
Entertainment:  The beautiful Amanda Neri, a voice to enchant, will entertain during the Drinks Reception and the main band of the night will be the Soul Masters, followed by a DJ.
We are delighted to have Alan Shortt to act as MC and entertain us through out the evening.
 
Best in Class
Best in Class: On the night we will be showing some best in class marketing from Cork companies & agencies – have something to show? Find out more at
To find out more and submit your work visit www.mii.ie/bestinclass

Gifts/Prizes:  The Marketing Ball is famous for its gifts and prizes! Each Couple will receive a beautiful gift kindly provided by Stephen Pearce. There’s a Goody Bag valued at €200, and a Promotional gift from Planet Embroidery
 
Charity Raffle:  The charity raffle is in aid of a very deserving charity Bru Columbanus, (an independent charity that provides “home from home” accommodation for relatives of seriously ill patients in any of the Cork Hospitals and the Hospice)  with over 100 prizes to be won.

Launch of the All New RAV4 at Cogans Carrigaline
 

Date: March 14th
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Cogans Carrigaline

Cogans Carrigaline would like to invite you to join them for their official launch of the all new RAV4 on Thursday, March 14th at 6.30pm. All are welcome to the launch event, which will see international and Munster rugby star Simon Zebo unveil the new model RAV4. The all new RAV4 model is described as having urban style with crossover versatility. On the night the Cogans Sales Team will be available to take bookings for test driving the RAV 4 and answer any questions. We look forward to welcoming you to our exciting event.



Autism Forum 2013
 

Date: April 7th 
Time: 10-4ppm
Venue: Radission Blu Hotel, Little Island
Cost: €15 unwaged, parents, families, students, OAPs, €20 professionals
To Book: call 0214271808 / www.corkautism.ie

  

The Autism Awareness Forum (AAF) hosted by the Cork Association for Autism, will bring together the country’s leading experts to share the latest trends, topics and therapies surrounding the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorder in the country. The conference aims to cover a wide range of topics, including everything from advocacy to cutting-edge research. This will be a one day forum which will aim to meet the needs of professional staff, parents, educators and students that have an interest in adults with ASD.


 Running Order

-          Seamus Feehan, Reg. Psychol., Ps.S.I.

Title of presentation: " I'm 18 and I can do what I like! Or can I?"

-          Dr Steve O’Leary- B.A, M.A, H.Dip (Ed), H.Dip (SEN), M.Ed (SEN), Ed.D (SEN)

Title of presentation: ‘Hidden Voices’; uncovering the inner narrative and exploring the multiplicity of selves in young people on the autism spectrum.       

-          Lunch 1-2pm - Information Suite Open - Sensory Room Open

-          Dr Stuart Neilson

Title of presentation: The spooky powers of normal people

-          Ronan O’Murchu

Title of presentation: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorders

-          Geraldine Graydon – Parents View

Title of presentation: Autism the Journey from Adolescence to Adulthood 

 

WORKSHOPS

Maximum number of participants in each 30 people

Three Breakout Workshop Rooms will run from 11-1pm and again the same workshops from 2-4pm (allowing delegates to pick and choose what to miss according to their choice)

·         Autism and Bereavement and Change

·         Autism and Sexuality

·         Asperger Syndrome – Breaking the Stereotype

 

€15 unwaged, parents, families, students, OAPs

€20 professionals

 

Please note that lunch is not provided.

The hotel will have dining options available for all delegates.