Meath Chamber celebrated its first full year with a celebratory lunch in Trim Castle Hotel attended by representatives of small medium and large businesses from across the county. Special guest was Meath trainer Gordon Elliot who chatted with RTEs Brendan McArdle on the highs and lows of the racing world. The event was kindly sponsored by AIB, Navan Racecourse & Fairyhouse Racecourse.
Welcoming the guests Meath Chamber CEO Paula McCaul highlighted the many achievements of the past year. The highlight was the very successful Careers Expo which attracted over 50 companies and some 2,500 job seekers. Many of the employers have booked already for the 2020 event which will be held in Navan in the autumn.
The invite to Gordon Elliot to be the Chambers special guest emphasised two important points. Firstly, the importance of the racehorse industry to the local economy and secondly the business skills needed to be successful in this highly competitive business.
With over €1m in winnings in 2019 200 horses and a staff of 70 Gordon has established himself as one of the country’s leading trainers. From very humble beginnings in a rented yard Gordon described his journey and the challenges of managing the business side of his operation based at Cullentra Longwood. He acknowledged the loyalty and support of family and friends which allowed him buy the 70 acre holding at a time when the banks were not lending.
Despite all his success Gordon emphasised how he is still firmly rooted in his local community and loves to support the Summerhill and Meath football teams.
Chamber Chair John Farrelly wished all Meath businesses a happy Christmas and looked forward to working with them in 2020.