First Minister, the Rt. Hon. Arlene Foster MLA has addressed Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The First Minister was the guest speaker at a lunch in Tullyglass House Hotel at the event organised by Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

L-R: Alderman Robin Cherry MBE, Ronan McCann (Chamber of Commerce President), Anne Donaghy (Chief Executive Mid and East Antrim Borough Council), Alan Stewart (Chamber of Commerce Immediate Past President and Marcon FitOut), First Minister the Rt. Hon. Arlene Foster MLA, Mayor Cllr. Audrey Wales MBE, David Moore (Managing Director Grants Electrical Services Ltd.) and Chris Wales (Chamber of Commerce Business Development Manager).

Addressing the Chamber members the First Minister Arlene Foster said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to address Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

 “Ballymena and North Antrim have much to be proud of and despite setbacks in terms of recent job losses at both Michelin and JTI Gallaher, Ballymena has, quite rightly, pushed the positive message that this vibrant town is still very much open for business and I believe that upbeat mantra will bring long term benefits. 

“Assisted by InvestNI, the creation of an innovative new £23million Anaerobic Digestion plant at Tully Quarry is a tremendous example of good news for the Ballymena area. This, along with the expansion and creation of new jobs at companies such as Smith Engineering Works, Grants Electrical Services and Apeer Windows demonstrates Ballymena’s strong work ethic and ‘can do’ attitude that is certain to pay dividends in terms of new job creation and investment. Of course, it would be impossible to talk about Ballymena without mentioning the success story that is Wrightbus.

“Northern Ireland has a great story to tell and I will continue to tell international investors why I truly believe that it makes good business sense to consider this region as an ideal base to live, invest and grow business.”

Chamber President Ronan McCann said he was delighted to see so many present for this special event. “I would like to thank the First Minister for taking time out of her very busy schedule to be with us today. We are all looking forward to your address. I would also like to thank Tullyglass House Hotel not only for the excellent lunch but also for their assistance in the organisation of today’s event”.