Chamber Regional Leaders Programme goes digital

The fourth Regional Leaders Programme is now open for applications and Waterford Chamber are looking for professionals who have management potential, run their own business or looking to advance their career to join.

While Covid-19 has had a huge impact on Chamber events in recent months, CEO Gerald Hurley says the Regional Leaders Programme is an important part of the business community that must be maintained at all costs.

“The minute Covid-19 hit we moved the programme to a digital setting and we were delighted to be able to facilitate one to one meetings, speaker sessions and group webinars, which ensured everybody could complete the programme and not miss out on anything.

“While Covid-19 has been a tough road for us all, in terms of the Regional Leaders Programme it has allowed us to be innovative and reach out to national and international business professionals who are at the top of their game to come on board.

“This year we are launching with a host of new leaders, along with many familiar faces, so whether you are a senior executive or starting your own business, we have leaders to cater for every sector and experience level.

“Waterford Chamber facilitates a ‘Friends of Waterford’ group in Dublin, made up of high profile business people who have a special connection with Waterford, be it family or business interests and we are delighted a number of them jumped at the chance of joining the programme as leaders, including Lorcan Tiernan, Partner at Dillon Eustace; Jack O’Keeffe, Director, Focus Capital Partners, Eugene O’Callaghan, Director, Ireland Strategic Investment Fund and Damien Gaffney, Principal and Director at Tetrarch Capital.

“Also joining us this year are international coaches Benedek Frank, Hidai Degani, O.H Degani Consultants and known locally we have Shane O’ Sullivan, Inspiring Excellence and Richard Burke, Resilience Matters, among others.

“Our programme is unique in that it is created by the business community for the business community and our leaders are the best in the business, giving of their time voluntarily to ensure we build a strong and vibrant business environment for all.

“Of course the programme wouldn’t be possible without the support of our industry partners Bausch + Lomb and Waterford Chamber Skillnet, who will subsidise the programme by 25% this year. Now at €262.50 for the nine-month programme, it offers incredible value for anyone who wants to do something for themselves professionally in a cost effective way with maximum outcome and on their own schedule.

“Covid-19 has taught us all to work smarter and the Regional Leaders Programme is the perfect next step.”

For more information on the Regional Leaders Programme, please contact anne@waterfordchamber.ie.