AIB CEO at Wexford Chamber President’s Lunch
Pictured – Madeleine Quirke – CEO Wexford Chamber, Martin Doyle – President Wexford Chamber, George Lawlor – Mayor, David Duffy – CEO AIB
David Duffy, CEO with AIB, was key speaker at Wexford Chamber’s President’s Lunch which took place in the Talbot Wexford on Friday, 14th January.
The AIB chief spoke without notes and held the audience of over 70 guests captivated. He spoke about Ireland’s economic recovery and said that banks, including AIB, have a key role to play in terms of providing finance for the economy as it recovers.
He confirmed that AIB provided over €3bn in lending approvals in mortgages and to businesses to date this year. AIB’s new simplified loan application process, designed to help boost access to credit for loans under €25,000, has been working ‘extremely well’, he said.
Mr Duffy said AIB is working to find sustainable solutions for those in arrears who have been hit hard by the economic downturn. Since he took on his role at AIB, he said he is now feeling positive – an encouraging thought for all attendees.
Martin Doyle has been involved with Wexford Chamber since 2010 and has held the position of Vice-President for the last 2 years. Martin joined AIB Bank in 1981. In his current role as Assistant Manager with AIB Bank in Wexford, Martin works closely with a portfolio of SME Customers and specialises in SME Lending. Martin referred to the long history of Wexford Chamber going back to 1822 and his wish document its development over the years. He is the 44th recorded President of Wexford Chamber and among his predecessors were many very accomplished and well known Wexford business men and women. The Chamber would welcome any memorabilia, including photographs, letters, etc. that may still be in existence.
Martin referred to his aspiration to be relevant to business and our target market and hopes that during his Presidency the Chamber will continue to be relevant in everything they do. He also invited all business people, all groups and organisations to engage with the Chamber. Only through building close relationships can we work together to ensure that our town gets the recognition and success that it so richly deserves.
“Our present day Chamber I am proud to say is a vibrant organisation” said Martin. “In the last year we have enjoyed a 15% increase in membership with total numbers now standing at 230 and quite a number of prospective members. We have, like all our members, survived the economic maelstrom and are looking forward to a bright future.”
“We have embraced technology on all fronts with profiles on Facebook and Twitter. We have our weekly ezine and, of course, our new pride and joy the Visit Wexford App” he continued.
“A very strong Board from some of the best known businesses in Wexford and a strong and dependable team in the office, all of whom are dedicated to providing a superb customer service to Members, it is an honour to work with them” he concluded.
For further information on Wexford Chamber see www.wexfordchamber.ie or contact the Chamber office on 053 91 22226.