In this issue
Policy
Working Group on Irish Water Services submission to consult on Interim and Enduring Non-Domestic Water Tariff Proposals
Subsidised Training
What’s in a Presentation??
Events
May Business After Hours Networking Event
International
EU SME Centres in Beijing and Tokyo
African Day Conference 2014: Trading and investing in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges
Member Updates
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Policy
Working Group on Irish Water Services submission to consult on Interim and Enduring Non-Domestic Water Tariff Proposals

Cork Chamber in conjunction with Chambers Ireland is drafting a submission to the Commission for Energy Regulation as part of the consultation on Interim and Enduring Non-Domestic Tariff Proposals.  The submission will focus on the need to establish a fair and equitable enduring tariff system and ensure that sufficient time is allocated for the full and proper migration of information to Irish Water.  The Chamber will also focus heavily on ensuring that the business sector is not forced to bear the cost burden as a consequence of the government not introducing a domestic standing charge.  

 The submission will also focus on the need to establish a proper ‘glide path’ for customers in the transition period from the current billing system to the new arrangements that Irish Water will put in place.  Cork Chamber is also engaging directly with Irish Water and a number of meetings are planned over the coming months.



Subsidised Training
What’s in a Presentation??
 

A presentation is one of the most important tools you have in business for getting things done. Perfect your presentation skills with our DALE CARNEGIE Training Course – High Impact Presentations which is running on the 9th & 10th June next.

- Close as you can get to having a Personal Coach
- Class is Small

- Environment is Supportive
- Work is Intense
- RESULTS ARE OUTSTANDING! 


However, places on this course are limited to SIX, so BOOK TODAY to secure your spot!

 

P.S. Our MS PowerPoint courseis running on the 29th May next, last few spaces left!! BOOK NOW!


High Impact Presentations – A Dale Carnegie Programme

Course Dates: 9th & 10th June

Member Rate: €950.00

Trainer: Walter Bradley, Dale Carnegie Ireland

Communicators get ideas across with enthusiasm and poise. A presentation is one of the most important tools you have in business for getting things done.

 

Whether you're persuading colleagues, selling a client, energising a team or showing an idea to senior management, the power of your presentation makes the difference between success and failure. With so much riding on your presentation ability, you won't want to miss this opportunity to sharpen it to perfection.

The experience in this programme is as close as you can get to having a personal coach.

You begin presenting from almost the moment you walk into the class. You present at least seven times over the course of 2 days. Your presentations are videotaped and evaluated. You get expert, one-on-one coaching at the end of each presentation.

The class is small

The environment is supportive

The work is intense

The results are outstanding

 

This programme will illustrate the following:

1) Creating a Positive First Impression

- Identify personal objectives for the training

- Develop rapport with the audience

- Project professionalism and competency

 

2) Increasing Credibility

- Communicate with enhanced credibility

- Project enthusiasm

- Communicate competency with confidence

- Reinforce an informative message

 

3) Presenting Complex Information

- Develop flexibility in making complex material simple and understandable

- Communicate information in an interesting manner

- Relate to the audience at their level

- Follow a logical progression of ideas

 

4) Communicating with Greater Impact

- Develop increased flexibility through the use of expressions, gestures and voice modulation

- Demonstrate ownership of unfamiliar material

- Present written material in a captivating manner

- Overcome barriers that restrict our flexibility

 

5) Motivating Others to Action

- Present in a results-oriented way

- Persuade an audience to take action

- Be motivational, clear and concise

 

6) Responding to Pressure Situations

- Maintain professional composure under pressure

- Communicate clear, concise, positive messages

- Sell strategic ideas, self and organisation

- Communicate leadership ability

7) Inspiring People to Embrace Change

- Logically and emotionally appeal to the audience

- Use structure to gain the confidence of the audience

- Be convincing

 

Presentation skills training through our High-Impact Presentations programme will benefit managers who have some prior public speaking training or experience. It is particularly useful for executives who speak in front of groups, sales people and anyone who meets the press. This is a more advanced presentation skills training seminar and is not recommended for those new to public speaking.

Because of the one-on-one coaching, class size is very limited. BOOK NOW to ensure your place in this great experience.

 


Events
May Business After Hours Networking Event
 

Date:  22nd May
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Venue: Kearys BMW, Little Island
Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members
To Book:  HERE


Cork Chamber is delighted to join forces with Kearys Motor Group for the May Business After Hours at their premises on Little Island.


Keary Motor Group is one of Ireland’s largest motor groups, representing BMW, MINI, Hyundai, Nissan, Renault and Dacia. Operating in Cork for over 30 years Kearys offer quality, value and choice to the Cork market. The modern and spacious showroom at Eastgate, Little Island, stands as one of Europe’s finest dedicated BMW and MINI dealerships.


Kearys and Cork Chamber would be delighted to welcome to you their Little Island premises on Thursday 22nd May to celebrate their recent partnership with LeasePlan Ireland, the world's largest vehicle management and leasing provider.



International
EU SME Centres in Beijing and Tokyo

Looking East? The EU SME Centre in Beijing and the EU Japan Centre in Tokyo offer a comprehensive range of free, hands-on support services to European SMEs who are looking eastward. A snapshot of recent and upcoming webinars can be found within this issue.


Mission for Growth to Israel (24th-26th June 2014)


Director-General of Enterprise and Industry DG Daniel Calleja will lead a technical Mission for Growth in Tel Aviv next month and the scope of this visit is to improve business between Israel and EU countries.


The EU SME Centre is a European Union funded initiative helping SMEs get ready to do business in China. Located in Beijing, the Centre provides practical information, confidential advice, and training in the areas of business development, legal issues, standards and HR to facilitate market access for European SMEs. The Centre also acts as a platform to facilitate coordination amongst Member State and European public and private sector service providers to SMEs.

Below is a sample of some of the recent webinars which took place:


The EU Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is a venture between the European Commission and the Japanese Government. It is a non-profit organisation established as an affiliate of the Institute of International Studies and Training (IIST) and it aims to promote industrial, trade, and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan and at improving EU and Japanese companies’ competitiveness and cooperation; by facilitating exchanges of experience and know-how between EU and Japanese businesses. Forthcoming free webinars include:

  • Nanomedicine Market in Japan, 10 June 2014, 09:30 to 10:30 GMT. What are the legal aspects to consider when selecting the best entry strategy for the Japanese nanomedicine/pharmaceutical market? For more details on the content and registration, click here.
  • ICT Sector in Japan, 13 June 2014, 09:30 to 10:30 GMT. How is ICT changing Japan and how can your company play a role in it? For more details on the content and registration, click here.
  • Investing in Japan, 24 June 2014, 09:30 to 10:30 GMT. Has your company ever considered establishing a corporate entity in Japan? For more details on the content and registration, click here.
  • Other webinars will be organised throughout 2014. Should you be interested in participating in any of them, please keep an eye on this link. 

African Day Conference 2014: Trading and investing in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges
 

Date: Friday 23rd May 

Venue: Clarion Hotel, Lapp’s Quay

Time: 12:00 – 2:30 pm
Cost: Free


The Irish Aid sponsored African Day Celebrations, this year presents, in Cork, a seminar entitled; Trading and investing in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges. 


Foreign direct investment to the continent of Africa is on the rise and overtaking economic and bilateral aid for the first time. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has a projected growth rate of 5-6% this year (IMF, World bank). With the new emerging economic powers of China and India playing very active Foreign Direct Investment roles in Africa, Africa is now asking “where are our European Friends”?


Ireland over the years has been a great friend to Africa and has been very generous in terms of bilateral Aid to the continent, however, the volume of trade between Ireland and Africa is low when compared to trade between for example Africa and China.  

The Trading and Investing in Africa seminar aims to create awareness and explore the vast and abundant opportunities for trade and investment.  


Promotion
Irish Open 2014: Exclusive offer for Chamber members
 

19th - 22nd June, Fota Island Resort, Cork 


Book a table of 10 and only pay for 9 guests (reflecting a minimum saving of €245+ vat). For more inforamtion please contact Joanne Keegan at CSL Hospitality, 01 676 6650 or email HERE 


Official VIP Hospitality Package includes:

• One day course admission ticket
• Reserved VIP Parking (One between two people)
• Exclusive access to The Deerpark Suite located within Fota Island Hotel
•18th Grandstand reserved seat
• Buffet continental breakfast
• Complimentary bar
• 3 course lunch with fine wines
• Afternoon tea
• Official programme
• Daily drawsheet
• Daily player interview

Cost: Thurs 19th June €295pp + vat, Fri 20th June €295pp + vat (Sold Out) , Sat 21st June €245pp + vat ,  Sun 22nd June €295pp + vat


Do you want to ensure that visitors have a memorable experience at the Irish Open in Fota?

Fáilte Ireland together with the Irish Hotels Federation, Councils and locally-based tourism partners have developed an Irish Open Customer Care Charter, to encourage a consistency in the quality of service visitors will experience. We can’t guarantee an Irish win or the weather but we can deliver the famous Irish welcome, excellent value for money and great customer care.


By signing up to The Irish Open Customer Care Charter you will be demonstrating your willingness to welcome visitors to the area and make their visit enjoyable and memorable. Free Irish Open Customer Care training programmes will take place on the following dates:


Mon 26th May – Midleton Park Hotel – 2.30pm – 5pm


Tues 27th May – Hayfield Manor Hotel – 2.30pm – 5pm

 

To sign up for these free training sessions and for more information, contact Oliver Sullivan, National Hospitality Manager. Email HERE 



Is Cork the fittest city?
 

énergie Fitness in Mahon is currently running a survey to find out more about the lifestyles of Cork’s residents. The survey is completely anonymous (unless you choose to enter your name) and participants have the chance to win a month’s free membership to énergie Cork. It would be much appreciated if you could contribute a minute of your time to take the short survey and help énergie determine just how fit the Rebel County is!

 

The survey can be found online HERE 



News Headlines
 

1. Triskel Christchurch Third Birthday Celebrations - Read More HERE 
2. Future is bright for Junior Entrepreneurs - Read More HERE 

3. Aer Lingus Cabin Crew Must Call Off Strike - Read More HERE 
4. Local Elections Candidates Must Commit To Supporting Public Procurement Policies Which Benefit Local Businesses - Read More HERE 
5. Ocean To City, 28th May - 01st June 2014  - Read More HERE 
6. A Great Week For Cork With New Jobs And Investments Announced - Read More HERE 

 





Members Offers
Complimentary Financial Review MyMortgages MyFinances
 
Period of the offer available:  31st December 2014

New Mortgages (92% LTV). Mortgage Protection & Life Assurance – reduce your premium now.

Pension,  Investment, Deposit, Income Protection, Mortgage Arrears Advice, Personal Insolvency – solvency protection, Debt Settlement Arrangement, Personal Insolvency Arrangement, Bankruptcy options – what implications this has on your income and home, Qualified Financial Advisor's, Personal Insolvency Practitioners, Debt Management

Email joey@mymortgages.ie or call 086 8060601 to make an appointment


Member Events
The Three Tenors in Concert at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa
 
Date: 23rd May 
Time: 8pm
Venue: Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa
Cost: €28
To book:  023 8833 1143

Early dinner in the Gulfstream €35.
Enjoy overnight accommodation with breakfast for just €79pps. Special Appearance from St Joseph’s Girls National School Clonakilty.


Energy Cork Breakfast Briefing
 

Date: 29th May
Time: 07:00am - 08:30am
Venue: Gresham Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street, Cork
Cost: Free
To book:  email Kieran Lettice HERE


This Breakfast Briefing will focus on the wind energy project currently being commissioned by the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group and the state of the wind and autoproduction market in Ireland, as seen by the wind turbine manufacturer Enercon.


The two main speakers at the Breakfast Briefing will be:


Dónal Óg will give an overview of the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group’s wind energy project which is undergoing final commissioning at the moment. Physical work on the project began in September 2013 and turbines at DePuy, GSK and Janssen Biologics are currently being completed at their respective Ringaskiddy sites, helping to meet the energy demand and manage the energy costs of these companies.

 

Jochen will discuss Enercon’s role as turbine suppliers to the project and give a broader overview of their work in Ireland and around the world.

 

A light breakfast buffet will be served from 7am and speakers will commence at 7.30 am sharp.

The event is open to both members and non-members of Energy Cork and is a free event. In order to ensure we cater for the correct number of attendees and that you are not disappointed, please confirm your attendance to me at this email address.


Cork Corporate Responsibility Showcase event
 
Date: 30th May
Time: 10am – 11.30 Registration and Coffee 9.30
Venue:  Fota Wildlife Park, Fota, Cork
Cost: Free 
To book: HERE.  For more info Call Julie McCall 08 78288602

Business in the Community Ireland, the country’s leading network for responsible business, is hosting an exclusive event to showcase the positive impact which companies in Cork are having on their local communities and how it benefits their business, their employees and their community relationships. The event is an excellent networking opportunity as representatives from many Cork Businesses will be in attendance.    


Lee Valley Golf Classic for Breakthrough Cancer Research
 

Date: May 30th
Time: All day event – book your Tee time in advance

Venue:  Lee Valley Golf & Country Club
Cost: Teams of three at €250 before 1pm and €300 thereafter*
To book: Contact Dermot Walsh on 021-4870902 or 087-7757632 or Helena in Breakthrough Cancer Research on 1890 998 998


Breakthrough Cancer Research funds research programmes taking place at Cork Cancer Research Centre, whose scientists and clinicians work tirelessly to develop new treatments for those cancers which cannot yet be cured. The event is once again kindly sponsored by The River Lee Hotel and supported by Musgrave Group and Quish’s SuperValu. Tee box sponsorship opportunities are also available for €100.  

*which includes green fees, a meal and a goodie bag. 


Executive Briefing-Drive Your Business Growth with Microsoft Dynamics
 
Date: June 10th 
Time: 08.30 -13.00
Venue: Radisson Blu St. Helen’s, Stillorgan Rd, Blackrock, Co.Dublin
Cost: FREE
To book: HERE


ProStrategy and Microsoft are pleased to announce their upcoming Executive Briefing showcasing Business Management/ERP and CRM solutions which give you control over the visibility into what’s going on in your business, and the ability to make smart decisions that impact your margins and improve your cash flow – ultimately driving your business growth.

Guest speakers, product presentations, customer case studies and networking opportunities will form part of this highly insightful and anticipated Executive Briefing


Cork Association for Autism Golf Classic
 

Date: June 12th
Time: 7am - 6pm.
Venue: Mahon Golf Club
Cost: €150 for a team of 3
To book: Call the CAA Fundraising office on 021 427 1808 or email HERE  


The Cork Association for Autism who provide a range of support services to adults with autism are recruiting teams of three for their Golf Classic. All funds raised will go towards essential building and repair work at the CAA’s service centres. Tee or green sponsorship available for €100.



Mercy Hospital Foundation Ladies Lunch
 
Date: 14th June
Time: 12pm
Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island
Cost: Tickets are €50 each with a maximum of 10 per table
To book: Call (021) 4274076 or book online HERE  


Following on from the success of previous Ladies Lunches, which have raised over €40,000 to support cancer services at the Mercy, The Mercy Ladies Lunch 2014 will raise funds for the development of The Mercy Cancer Support Centre at Sheares Street which will provide a quiet, safe place for patients and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis to receive support. CLICK HERE FOR MORE