Tánaiste Presents South Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Awards

Mary Harney Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Thursday 2nd November, 2000) presented the South Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Awards at a ceremony in Moran’s Red Cow Hotel, Dublin. The overall winner of the awards, presented in association with The Echo, was CR2 Ltd, a software company based in Ballymount. Details of the winner and the finalists are outlined in the Notes for Editors.

Speaking at the awards ceremony the Tánaiste said, "In recent years Ireland has seen the emergence of many successful entrepreneurs who have sought to expand their businesses on the domestic and international markets. A new generation of entrepreneur is at work, encouraged by the favourable business climate in Ireland. This new entrepreneur typically reflects the high levels of education, skill and experience of our modern business community. These qualities are allied to unparalleled determination to succeed."

The Tánaiste continued, "Business Awards such as these encourage a wide range of companies to aim even higher in the targets that they set for themselves. Indeed, it is well recognised that, in order to survive in todays environment businesses must have demanding targets and be prepared to meet the challenges of international competition and technological change."

The awards are divided into 8 categories with one winner from each. The categories are Retail; Human Resources; Environment; Export; Community Involvement; Business Growth, Start Up; and Customer Service. Since last March, the twenty nine weekly winners have been featured in the business section of The Echo. The Awards are aimed at South Dublin Chamber of Commerce members.

Concluding, the Tánaiste congratulated the companies who participated in the competition and wished them continued success in the future. She commended the South Dublin Chamber of Commerce and The Echo, on their efforts in organising the business awards.

The following are the winners in the eight categories of the South Dublin Chamber of Commerce, in association with The Echo, Business Awards:-