Ardee Community Development Company proudly celebrates 25 years
Ardee Community Development Company Ltd (ACDC), one of the most successful and innovative community initiatives in the country, marked 25 years in business today with a celebratory gala at Ardee Business Park.
Ardee Community Development Company (ACDC) Ltd. is a community owned, not for profit Social Enterprise, which came into being in 1998.
It was the brainchild of a number of local individuals who saw the need for a community response to the high unemployment levels, the low level of inward investment and the lack job creation opportunities in the Ardee region.
From this modest, and idealistic, beginning, Ardee Community Development Company is now regarded as one of the most successful and innovative community initiatives in the country.
Joining staff at the business park, tenants, former tenants, press and local dignitaries at today’s 25-year anniversary celebration, was Mairead McGuinness European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, who planted a tree and dedicated a plaque to commemorate the company’s founding father, Colman O’Flynn.
Mairead McGuinness said:
“Ardee Community Development Company is marking 25 years and I’m delighted to mark this milestone. Over the past 25 years, ACDC has grown - supporting business development, investment and jobs in Ardee.
“Thanks to the success of ACDC, the town of Ardee is a vibrant hub for local companies and new ventures.
“Wishing Ardee Community Development Company continued growth and success over the next 25 years.”
During his opening address, the Chair of Ardee Community Development Company Ltd, Dermot Clarke, gave a brief history of the organisation.
Dermot explained to the audience that ACDC is a community owned, not for profit Social Enterprise, which came into being in 1998.
Over 25 years ACDC has evolved adding new space, training, a food hub and most recently remote working facilities, while keeping the original vision intact, “dedicated to Ardee’s community and economy”.
Jim Malone, former Chair of ACDC said:
“This 25th anniversary celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on all those who contributed to bringing the business park into existence and the success stories that have emanated from here.
“These achievements can be attributed to the actions and support of many individuals and organisations and the continuous growth and expansion of the park in no small way can be credited to the ongoing co-option of new board members and a very small diligent staff.”
ACDC has proudly served the community for 25 years and can boast the creation of over 1100 jobs, 2100 courses facilitated and over 300 businesses supported.
Amongst its many success stories are companies such as Ardee Coach Trim, KTF Housing and Pro Stainless all of which started life in the Ardee Business Park and have gone on to grow their businesses to international recognition.
Some of these companies were represented at a panel discussion at the Gala event hosted by John Kieran, former chair and ACDC board member.
At the event Deirdre MacCormack, Vice Chair of ACDC, also outlined their strategic plans for the future.
With a clear eye on future needs ACDC has identified new areas of focus within the sustainability sector and will be geographically focused beyond Ardee. To that end the business park has already got green credentials including solar panels, EV charging points and LED lighting.
Current tenant, Gerry Scullion, King of Kefir, is also planning to harvest rainwater for use in his fermented drinks company.
Dermot Clarke, current Chair of Ardee Community Development Company said:
“Congratulations to ACDC on this milestone achievement of 25 years nurturing businesses and being at the centre of making business happen here in Ardee.
“As chairperson I wish ACDC the best with implementing their new strategic plan and ultimately empowering green innovation and business start-ups across the North East.”