As 2010 really gets going, there is a renewed sense of optimism for business and economic organisations in Cork. This positive attitude has been reflected in reports coming from authorities like the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), which indicated an end to the recession, possibly towards the end of 2010. Speaking in advance of the biggest event in the Cork business calendar, the Cork Chamber Annual Dinner, Chief Executive of the Chamber, Conor Healy outlined his plans for 2010

Two new training programmes are due to commence in the South and East Cork area in early February. South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD) is inviting application from individuals to participate in the SECAD Community Training Programme 2010. Topics covered will include Governance for community groups; roles and responsibilities within your group; financial management of your community group; effective communication within a community group.

LeisureWorld Churchfield are hoping that people of all ages will use 2010 to get out and about more. To encourage this, it has launched an initiative in conjunction with its football pitches. The Sam Allen Football Pitches on Knockfree Avenue boast a wonderful view of Cork City and both the staff and management at the centre wish to mark the occasion of the refurbishment and rebranding of the pitches for 2010.

Name: Margaret Walsh
Appointment: Sales and Marketing
Cork-based company, Neon Solutions, is delighted to announce the appointment of Margaret Walsh, who will have responsibility for Sales and Marketing. Neon designs solutions that allow businesses to interact more effectively with their customers through mobile messaging.

The Next Diploma in Business, Executive and Personal Coaching from the Coach Institute of Ireland will commence in February 2010. This training programme is endorsed by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and is accredited by the Life and Business Coaching Association of Ireland (LBCAI). In addition, the programme is recognised for continuing professional development by Engineers Ireland and accredited for continuing professional development by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).

A unique cooperation between University College Cork (UCC) and the Department of Electronic Engineering in Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) is entering its fourth year as 43 Postgraduate Diploma in Education student teachers have just completed a six week introductory course to electronics. The training programme is based on the 'Exploring Electronics' Transition Year module developed at CIT with significant backing from the industry and is aimed at de-mystifying electronics in the Second Level classroom.

A Cork firm is in line for a prestigious national award. Glanmire based logistics business, O'Connell Group, has been short listed for the Small Firms Association (SFA) National Small Business Award 2010. It is one of six Irish companies in the Environmental Sustainability category. "This award is testimony to all the hard work of our employees and in particular our management team," said Eddie O'Connell, Group Managing Director.

Professional women in Cork are being encouraged to attend an upcoming seminar on how to get the best out of networking. The seminar, being organised by Network Cork, will feature Martin Brennan, Managing Director of Proactive and one of the leading experts in the country on networking, building business relationships and making the most of them.

Sunway, the only travel operator in Ireland that offers a full selection of holiday options such as 'sun holidays', trips to the USA and Canada, escorted tours, weddings and honeymoons and cruises, now offers many holidays flying direct from Cork. The company is a fully licensed and bonded operator. Sunway has selected four- and five-star hotels where idyllic surroundings, highly personalised service and a welcoming atmosphere are the order of the day.

The beginning of a New Year is the perfect time to launch a new training course that helps participants eradicate the age-old problem of procrastination. Aodan Enright, owner of Smarter Egg Training and Consulting, based in Cork is an expert in the area of procrastinating and describes himself as a 'recovering procrastinator'. Aodan has developed a customised programme 'Overcoming Procrastination' that is designed to help us become aware of how and why we tend to put things off, and to arm us with the means to get things done.