McWilliams keynote speaker for annual Chamber Ball

The broadcaster, author and economist, David McWilliams, has been confirmed as guest speaker at this year's Kells and District Chamber President's Ball. This year's glittering event takes place on Saturday 26th February in the Headfort Arms Hotel and once again coincides with the Chamber's 'Oscars' weekend. In keeping with the Oscars theme and the need to recognise talent and achievement, there will be two awards presented at the ball. The Lifetime Achievement Award will reflect the lengthy achievements in business of one local luminary and the Community Spirit Award will recognise the great contribution of local volunteers who give so generously of their time, from sporting clubs to charitable organisations, and from voluntary groups to those who work in the youth/education or elderly sectors. “We all know the people who volunteer selflessly and help drive the organisation or club or society that they're involved in,†said Chamber president, Geraldine Gaughran. “This is our chance, as a community, to recognise and acknowledge their hard work.†All local clubs and societies are asked to nominate one person from their organisation. People can also nominate an individual whom they believe has made a substantial contribution to the local community. Application forms are available now from Kells Chamber of Commerce. The deserving nominees will then be shortlisted to three individuals – all of whom will be honoured on the night of the President's Ball, with one winning the overall award. Both awards will be works of art which have been commissioned from local glass artist and craftsperson, Fiona Murphy. At the Chamber's recent annual meeting, Ms Gaughran quoted David McWilliams's suggestion that recovery would not happen from the trading floors in London, but would be something which would happen much closer to home when communities came together to support their local economy. “This philosophy is in keeping with Kells Chamber's ethos and beliefs, as was seen in our call over the Christmas period to 'Keep it Kells' and shop locally. We were also delighted by the response to the Chamber's Kells Gift Voucher Scheme, which sold almost €30,000 in the run-up to Christmas. We look forward to hearing Mr McWilliams talk positively about the future prognosis for small communities,†said Ms Gaughran. Tickets for the 2011 ball are strictly limited to 200 and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. As well as individual tickets for sale, it is also possible to book a table of 10. The MC on the night will be 2FM DJ Damien Farrelly, with music from The Moog 69s, who kept the dance floor filled for the entire night last year, and DJ until late.