Our Mission & Vision
At the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to champion and support local businesses, helping them thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving economy. We are committed to fostering a strong business community by providing advocacy, networking opportunities, and resources that empower businesses to grow and succeed.
Our vision is to make Bray a premier destination for business, innovation, and community engagement, creating a vibrant, sustainable economy that benefits businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
Through strategic partnerships, active community involvement, and a dedication to business excellence, we aim to shape a prosperous future for Bray.
Meet The Leadership Team
Jonathan Donnelly
President
Michael O’Brien
Vice President
Sarah Finnegan
Honorary Secretary
Ruth Donnelly
Honorary Treasurer
Our dedicated team of professionals and business leaders works tirelessly to support and represent the interests of our members. Each member brings valuable expertise, insight, and passion for fostering business growth in Bray. Together, we drive initiatives that create opportunities for businesses to thrive.
Industry and Special Interest Representation
The members of our executive committee bring a wealth of diverse expertise, representing a broad spectrum of industries and special interests that drive the local economy. Our leadership reflects the multifaceted business landscape of Bray, encompassing key sectors such as transport, tourism, hospitality, information technology (IT), retail, property management, and legal services, alongside manufacturing, the professions, and the arts.
This wide-ranging representation ensures that the executive committee is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges and opportunities across different fields. As a result, the Chamber can effectively advocate for and support businesses of all sizes—from sole traders and independent retailers to SMEs and larger enterprises operating in the region.
Pictured above, from left to right, are Karl Kelly (Vinehall Displays), Matthew Forde Connolly (Nine Restaurant), Kieran Ward (Condor Publishing), Michelle McNerney (Kilcroney Furniture), Michael O’Brien – Vice President (Grace Campbell Wines), Sarah Finnegan (Finnegan Bray), Jonathan Donnelly – President (Alpha CC), Ruth Donnelly (AlphaCC), Patrick George (George Maguire Property), Oliver Mahony (Hygienic Barbers), Mark Maguire (Maguire McNeice Solicitors) and Eugene Finnegan (Finnegan Bray). Emma Messit (PTSB), Aoife Demel (Mermaid Arts Centre), Brendan Duggan (Multilane), Gerry Ginty, and Mick Glynn (Planet Sound) are absent from the photo.
Meet The Executive Team
- Jonathan Donnelly – President
- Michael O’Brien – Vice President
- Sarah Finnegan – Honorary Secretary
- Ruth Donnelly – Honorary Treasurer
- Michele McNerney – Honorary PRO
- Mark Maguire – Honorary Solicitor
- Kieran Ward – Immediate Past President
- Aoife Demel – Executive Council
- Brendan Duggan – Executive Council
- Emma Messitt – Executive Council
- Eugene Finnegan – Executive Council
- Gerry Ginty – Executive Council
- Karl Kelly – Executive Council
- Matthew Forde Connolly – Executive Council
- Mick Glynn – Executive Council
- Oliver Mahony – Executive Council
- Patrick George – Executive Council
- Administrator – Kathy O’Toole
- Auditor – Alan Prendergast
Committees
The committees within the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce are responsible for overseeing various initiatives that promote community engagement and support local businesses. These committees typically focus on areas such as events planning, communications, and asset management, ensuring that the Chamber effectively fosters networking opportunities, disseminates information, and maintains its facilities. By working collaboratively, these committees play a crucial role in advancing the Chamber’s goals and strengthening the economic vitality of the Bray community.
In addition, the Chamber is nominated to serve on several other boards and committees, including the Bray and North Wicklow Area Partnership, Bray Local Drug & Alcohol Task Force, Bray Municipal District/Wicklow County Council Working Groups, Bray Tourism, Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, and Wicklow County Council.
History of the Chamber
Founded in 1956, the Bray Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of business development in the region for over 70 years. Originally established to provide a voice for local businesses, the Chamber has evolved into a powerful advocate for economic growth, policy reform, and community engagement.
Over the years, we have played a key role in:
- Supporting businesses through economic challenges and opportunities.
- Establishing initiatives to promote local trade and tourism.
- Partnering with key stakeholders to enhance Bray’s infrastructure and business environment.
- Hosting prestigious events, including the Bray Business Awards, networking mixers, and industry forums.
Our legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and commitment to ensuring that Bray remains a great place to do business.