New Kildare Chamber president looks to the year ahead

Stepping into my role as President of County Kildare Chamber is both a privilege and a personal milestone.

I founded Elevate Marketing in 2019 and like many local business owners, I’ve experienced both the excitement and the challenges of building a business. I joined the Chamber soon after, became a board member a couple of years ago, and have

seen first-hand the power of collaboration among our members.

At its core, County Kildare Chamber exists to represent, support, and connect businesses of all sizes. We have a fantastic network, from sole traders, strong family-run enterprises to global companies, all contributing to a thriving local economy.

One of my main goals as President is to encourage more Kildare businesses to do business with each other. The talent, expertise, and innovation already in this county are remarkable, and by working together we can strengthen the entire business ecosystem.

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County Kildare Chamber marked the 10th year of the annual business awards in 2025 and the saying “your network is your net worth”, couldn’t be truer in Kildare.

Throughout 2026, we’ll deliver an exciting programme of events with some excellent speakers, designed to help members grow, build relationships and explore opportunities both within and beyond the county. There’s a genuine sense of optimism across Kildare’s business community and with good reason. The county is perfectly positioned beside Dublin, offering access to talent, transport, and markets, while maintaining a quality of life that makes it an exceptional place to live and work.

Kildare is ideally suited for foreign direct investment, and FDI already makes up over 16% of the county's jobs and supporting 57% of jobs in FDI-supported companies in the Mid- East region.

Of course, opportunity comes with challenges, from economic uncertainty to infrastructure pressures and workforce needs. The Chamber will continue to support, lobby, and advocate on behalf of our members to ensure their interests are represented at every level.

Kildare’s business community is ambitious, collaborative, and resilient. My aim as President is simple: to make sure every member, regardless of size or sector, feels part of a Chamber that listens, acts, and helps them succeed. Together, we can continue to build a confident and connected future for business in County Kildare.

- Ruth Murphy, President of County Kildare Chamber