With improvements in road infrastructure and gas lighting, local newspapers such as the Cork Constitution, first published in 1823, and the Cork Examiner, in 1841, coincided with the arrival of the railway to the city in 1849, and the opening of what is now University College Cork the same year.

Historian and current Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy’s book, ‘Championing Cork, Cork Chamber of Commerce, 1819-2019’,  traces the organisation’s first meeting on November 8, 1819, where a group of subscribers of the new chamber met at Mr Shinkwin's Rooms — later the site of the Victoria Hotel on St Patrick’s Street — to discuss the rules of governance based on ‘liberal principles’. 

Kieran was commissioned to research the history of the Chamber, and draws on the records in Cork City and County archives, and from its press coverage over 200 years. 

It highlights the big stories of Cork Chamber’s past but also the subtler elements — the conversations, speeches and messages, in addition to the creativity, the elements of empowerment — the intangible pulses, which drive an institution forward. 

That first Chamber meeting was chaired by a Mr Murphy while Alex McCarthy presided at the inaugural general meeting of 13 November. A set of rules for the organisation was drawn up and it is significant the word ‘chamber’ was used in the antique sense — it being the intention of the organisation to literally provide a room where merchants — local and visiting — could assemble to conduct business. 

It was also envisaged that the chamber would act as a repository of commercial intelligence and accordingly, newspapers were provided daily. Many of the members were glass manufacturers, distillers, butter and tallow chandlers, woollen manufacturers and food processors. 

Even today much nineteenth-century architecture is still evident in many areas of the city such as the neo-Georgian and Victorian buildings that now house banks and department stores. 

The Victorian influence is noticeable in place names such as Victoria Cross, after Queen Victoria, Albert Quay, after Prince Albert and the Victoria Hospital on the Old Blackrock Road.

Celebrating Cork's best companies over 25 years   

The decision to launch the Cork Company of the Year awards in 1998 was a natural step for Cork Chamber of Commerce, having played a key supportive role in the success of the companies it was celebrating.

Like many other major cities around the world, the pace of change for business communities really took off from the 1950s onwards, driven by the Industrial Revolution, with the advent of machinery that would accelerate the evolution of everything from manufacturing to rail, road, sea and air transport. 

In 2019, as Cork Chamber took time to reflect upon 200 years of evolution in Cork city and county, it was clear to the then Cork Chamber President, Paula Cogan, also the CEO of Cognate Health, that the city was at another important moment in its development.

“Although much has changed over the course of our history, the core role of the Chamber has remained the same,” she said. “As a business representative organisation, the Chamber has consistently worked for the betterment of trading conditions and the economic development of the region. 

"Cork has faced a number of watershed moments in history, and the Chamber has always done its best to navigate these challenging times and ensure that trade and commerce were given the best possible opportunity to flourish. 

"As we enter our 200th year, we are once again facing a landmark moment in history, as the UK plans its departure from the European Union. 'Brexit' has created huge uncertainties for businesses in Ireland, be they small or large, indigenous or foreign-owned. 

"Our trading history has been intricately linked to the UK, as the early chapters of this book will illustrate. However, Cork is a city that has always been inspired and influenced by other cultures from much further afield than just the UK, and this international perspective has enhanced our city's culture for hundreds of years.” 

As it moves into the next centenary, the Chamber's vision is to make Cork the best place for business and community groups., she added. 

“But this vision does not stop at economics and commerce. Our recent Future Forms project saw 1000 children from our local schools creating their artistic visions of Cork in 200 years, many of which green spaces, climate change and sustainable living and transport, as well as high-rise homes and greater use of our river. 

"Cork Chamber's future activities will drive an agenda that will ensure that sustainability, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we, and our members, do. This includes a strong and collaborative partnership between all stakeholders, from local government and state bodies, to business, cultural and community organisations.” 

Now entering a brand new quarter century, the awards recognise the diversity and vibrancy that exists in the Cork business community. 

The awards are held in association with Vodafone and the Irish Examiner.

“Looking back over the past 25 years, these awards have revealed some outstanding stories of success with winners representing the vast diversity of our Cork business community, from green tech to pharma, from IT to food and beverage,” Cork Chamber's current president Ronan Murray said. 

He added that the first winner crowned in 1998, Musgraves, is one of Europe’s most successful family-owned businesses. Over 184 foreign investors have decided to locate in Cork, building strong industry clusters and employing more than 43,000 people in the region. 

Cork delivers top-class talent with its two regional universities, University College Cork (UCC) and Munster Technological University (MTU), having a combined total over 40,000 students. 

“With our members as our motivation, we champion Cork as a globally recognised place for business, innovation and quality of life. Working together we empower and support a successful and inclusive membership who drive a thriving Cork.” 

As outlined in the Chamber's Strategic Plan: “Our vision is to be a world-leading Chamber of Commerce, delivering on a progressive, economic, social and sustainability agenda at the heart of a vibrant business community. Dynamic, Inspiring, Responsible, and Purposeful are the core values that define operations at Cork Chamber and will enable it to best represent almost 1,200 members and champion Cork.” 

Keeping Cork at the centre of a new industrial revolution  

At the 204th Cork Chamber AGM earlier this year, an era of exciting change ahead for Cork was conveyed to assembled members. 

“It really speaks volumes to the confidence businesses have in both the Irish and indeed Cork’s economy, in its people, its talent and ultimately its business environment that it continues to attract global companies and spurs indigenous entrepreneurs to invest in our city region,” Ronan Murray pointed out. 

A vision for the city’s future depicted Cork as a lighthouse city with sustainability at its core. 

He said advancements needed to progress the city in areas such as infrastructure were a top priority for Chamber: “Cork has the potential to be a global renewable energy hub and the Chamber ensured that at the highest levels of government, the investments needed to develop the port and energy infrastructure to deliver on this promise were prioritised.” 

He pledged that Cork Chamber would continue to work tirelessly to secure the necessary investment needed in housing and infrastructure: “We need to continue to work with Government and our elected representatives to deliver the investments in housing and infrastructure that will make sure our city region is attractive to talent and investment and position ourselves to be at the forefront of a fourth industrial revolution.”