3 April 2024
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
Cork Business Association held its 67th Annual General Meeting at the Metropole Hotel Cork, 27th March 2024. The event marked the election of Mr Aaron Mansworth of the Trigon Hotel Group as their new President. Aaron’s term will last until March 2025.
Incoming CBA President Aaron Mansworth, with Outgoing Kevin J Herlihy
Aaron is taking over the reins from Kevin Herlihy, who had a successful two year term as President in what was a challenging time for businesses in Cork City. He will continue to play an active role with the Cork Business Association and will support Aaron in his new role.
Aaron Mansworth, a well-known and well-liked Cork businessman, is Managing Director of Trigon Hotel Group, responsible for the Metropole Hotel, Cork International Hotel, and Cork Airport Hotel. In addition to his voluntary role with Cork Business Association including serving as Vice-President over the past year, Aaron is on the board of Visit Cork and is on the national management and council of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).
His journey to the position of President of the CBA has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to the hospitality industry, spanning from Cork to Switzerland and New York. But also as a product of a family business—a background that he says has instilled in him the values of hard work, dedication, and community spirit.
Addressing assembled members at the AGM, Mr. Mansworth said,
“It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors, some exceptional business leaders, who have been serving this dynamic and vibrant business community for 67 years.
“Our new 5-year strategy paves the way for exciting changes, including the division of our organization into five dynamic working groups. These groups will play a crucial role in enhancing our structure and effectiveness, ensuring that we are better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our members and the wider community.
“As I step into this role, I am mindful of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and I am committed to ensuring Cork Business Association plays a pivotal role in our city’s growth and progress.
Aaron went on to identify a number of priorities that he will concentrate on during his term in office.
“We will continue to advocate for the much-needed events centre, for more housing in the city, and for initiatives that bring more tourists and business to our city. Additionally we will keep the pressure on for more supports to help alleviate the ever increasing financial burdens on businesses so we see growth in the future and no further closures. And collaborating closely with Cork City Council, we will actively contribute to advancing our city’s goals, from achieving climate neutrality and becoming a smart city by 2030, to embracing the 15-minute city concept.”
“Together, we have the power to shape the future, to foster an environment where businesses, both big and small, can flourish. Collaboration will be key as we navigate through ever-evolving economic landscapes, technological advancements, and societal changes.
“Through previous presidents, we have built relationships with key stakeholders in the city such as Ministers, Cork City Council, The Gardai, Tourism bodies such as Failte Ireland, Retail Forums and infrastructure bodies to name but a few. My aim will be to keep and indeed harness these relationships further to create a more vibrant, safer, and welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
Over the coming months, I look forward to engaging with businesses in the city, listening to their insights, and working together. Together, with collective effort, we have the power to shape the future of our city and create a legacy that will endure for years to come.
Chair of the Cork Business Association board, Lawrence Owens said, “Aaron is an astute businessman and I am confident he will bring new progressive and dynamic thinking to the organisation. Under his guidance and direction, CBA will no doubt continue to grow and evolve and make a positive impact for businesses in Cork City.”
Cork Business Association is a voluntary, not-for-profit, organisation for Cork Business by Cork Business. The local voluntary collective of businesspeople provide a support network for members and personal one-to-one advice. They champion a vibrant, safe, clean, welcoming, sustainable and living Cork City. By working together, the organisation believes that businesses in the city will have a stronger voice when dealing with local and national issues. For more see corkbusiness.ie.