Sligo Chamber of Commerce & Industry was founded on 21st September 1923 with the purpose of developing existing business and attracting industry to Sligo. The first President was H. Campbell Perry who served until 1st June 1935 and he was followed by Dudley M.Hanley, who served until 20th January 1946, and by Frank Nally, 21st January 1946 until 7th February 1949.

A strong relationship was established by the next President Thomas P. Toher with the Minister for Industry and Commerce, through the good offices of Alex McCabe, a Ballymote man, who was at that time, Managing Director of the EBS, which refocused the Chamber towards job creation.

Substantial assistance was received from the Department of Industry and Commerce, which led to the Chamber setting up the first post war Tourist Development Association in March 1951, which was followed later that year ( November ) by the creation of the Sligo Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. An Industrial Development Committee had been set up in May 1946 at the suggestion of Fr. Vincent Hanley, Administrator Sligo Cathedral, later Bishop, and it demonstrated the vision and commitment of the Bishop to employment creation. Great success was enjoyed by the Chamber during that time, due largely to the work of the Secretary Tommy Hamilton F.C.A. and the hardworking Chamber Council. Secure foundations were laid for the industrial development of which we are so justly proud today.

In 1962, F.J. Wynne, who was an outstanding President, had the honour of being elected President of the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland.

During the decade of the 80s the ever increasing complexity of the business environment and the ever increasing bureaucratic encroachment on the conduct of business placed an intolerable burden on what was basically an amateur organisation. It was clearly perceived that the only chambers who would survive into the 90s and function effectively, would be those which could afford to appoint a full-time director.

During 1989 research initiated by Council Member Robert Rowlette led to the chamber signing a contract with the European Commission to host a European Business Information Centre. The first meeting of the Council in the new premises at no.16 Quay Street, Sligo was held on 24th of July 1990. The next move was logical and inescapable - the appointment of a full-time Director, and Kevin McGoldrick commenced work on the 2nd April 1991. Bernadette Kilroy was appointed on 6th May 1991 as Secretary to the Director. Lisa McAllister was appointed European Information Officer on 1st December 1992.

As a result of these decisions the Chamber now had the resources, the facilities and the services required by the trading community of the North West to successfully surmount any difficulties which would arise during the 90s and early years of the next century. By the purchase of an office building and the appointment of a full time Director, Sligo Chamber of Commerce and Industry was saying with a strong clear voice "We are ready to meet whatever challenge the future may bring, in particular the challenge presented by our Countries full participation in the new Europe".

As we have seen, three major developments occurred during 1989/1990, the opening of the European Information Office, the purchase of new premises and the appointment of a full time Director.

As a result, the Chamber became involved in a much wider range of activities, with a corresponding increase in its influence and prestige. One of the most welcome achievements was the development of close and cordial relations with Sligo Corporation which was of course linked to the election of Council Member, Gerry McCanny, to Sligo Corporation in 1994. During this period, membership increased from 206 in 1990 to 290 in November 1994 - a fitting monument to the work of Kevin McGoldrick as Director.

The following list illustrates clearly, the depth and extent of the Chamber's involvement and influence over this period:

In January 1996 the President, Gerry Conway, called for a thorough re-appraisal of the objectives of the Chamber. In response, Jim Lawlor submitted an Operational Plan together with objectives for all areas of Chamber activity. Subsequently, during his presidency this operational plan was introduced. By involving a large number of members in committee work substantial progress was achieved.

Lobbying on a broad scale became a core activity of the Chamber. Infrastructure in all its aspects, from broadband communications to sewage disposal, the subject of the submission by Jim Purdy of Abbott Laboratories.

In 1996 cross border activities became a major objective of the Chamber supported by Interreg, Consultative Forum and Chamberlink. These were joint promotions with Enniskillen, Coleraine, Ballymena, Omagh, etc.

Tourism continued to be a top priority. A major co-operative effort between the Chamber, Northwest Tourism and the Local Authorities led to the launch of Sligo Marketing Forum in January 1997.

In 1998 an extra £28 million in funds for the Sligo-Dublin railway line was achieved through a successful lobbying campaign.

The establishment of a strong industrial base in the County has been an objective since 1946 and the IDA continues to be lobbied intensively for more international green field manufacturing and service industry.

In March 1996, Mr. Brian Carty succeeded Kevin McGoldrick as director and Mr. Marcus Hufsky as European Information Officer and National Correspondent for EIC Network of Ireland. In May 2000, Mr. Marc MacSharry succeeded Brian Carty as our Chief Executive Officer and Laura Caslin joined the Chamber team as the new European Information Officer. In January 2006, Ms. Rebecca Stevens became the current CEO of Sligo Chamber.

An extensive Membership Survey was carried out in 1999, the results of which have channelled the Chamber's 'way forward'. The Chamber looks to the future with a strong team and a focus on the development of services that are unique to the Chamber and what the membership need.

Thus we move rapidly into the 21st century, perhaps with baited breath, it is appropriate to place on record a brief resume of the achievements of the men who preceded us. As Newton said "we stand upon the shoulders of giants." Let us hope the next generation will say the same of us!