Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its annual Christmassocial/networking event in the Adair Arms Hotel on 8th December. There was an excellent turnout of Chamber members and guests.

This is always an informal evening and Alan Stewart, Chamber President welcomed everyone. He welcomed Grace Carmichael from Ballymena BID and Stephen Reid fromGrafters Design Studio accompanied by a very special guest, Ballymena Bear. He congratulated the BID on commissioning the Ballymena Christmas advert and Stephen on the excellent video which had been produced on a very tight budget.

He then went on to present the trophies and certificates for the 2015 Christmas window dressing competition. The first three prize winners were:

Ballymena Business Centre, Church Street

Leaf Designs, Galgorm

McKillens Footwear, Church Street

Alan then presented a special trophy and certificate for the Outstanding Window to Designer Homes and Interiors, Broughshane. Alan said “Robin and Emma have won trophies for their window the last two years and the judges this year asked that Chamber give special recognition for a truly excellent window display”.

Congratulations to all the winners!

A presentation was also made to the NI Hospice. A raffle was held at the 2015 Business awards and a record £4100 was raised. Chamber would like to thank the following businesses who donated prizes for the raffle: Michelin Tyre PLC, Galgorm Castle Golf Club, Galgorm Resort and Spa, Tullyglass House Hotel, Millside Restaurant (Gracehill), K & G McAtamney Butchers and Deli (Greenvale Street) and Go Sun Chinese Restaurant.

Thank you to the Adair Arms Hotel – the hospitality as always was excellent.