Chamber urges public to scratch their heads for 'Ideas Campaign'
WANT to have a word in Brian Cowen's ear about an idea you have to kick-start the economy?
Well Newbridge Chamber has joined the growing number of bodies throwing their weight behind the Ideas Campaign.
The campaign invites people to go to www.ideascampaign.ie and submit ideas which could be used to help stimulate economic growth in Ireland.
And when the campaign ends on March 31, an action plan will be drawn up which will, according to Taoiseach Brian Cowen be "fast-tracked to the cabinet subcommittee on economic renewal for assessment and where appropriate, implementation".
The initiative was set up by independent consultancy firm Amas. It has been supported by most of the political parties.
"This independent voluntary initiative is about focusing on the positive aspects of economic activity that have received little media attention, and concentrates on the solutions rather than the problems," Newbridge Chamber explained.
"The grassroots campaign sets a challenge to people to be innovative and creative.
"It's for people who are tuning out of news bulletins and current affairs programmes, or who historically have little interest in the economy, to directly engage with the serious economic issues this country is facing."
Newbridge Chamber is encouraging its members, as well as members of the public, to contribute their ideas to "preserve and hopefully grow employment, stimulate new economic activity, create business opportunities or bring about policy changes for rebuilding the economy".
The campaign also aims to help people to understand more about the issues facing the economy, in terms and in language they understand.
"It is looking for ideas from business owners/executives, knowledge workers, entrepreneurs, academics etc," Newbridge Chamber explained.
"And it wants ideas from people who have no interest in business but who are concerned about the effects of these economic issues on their lives."
All contributions received by March 31 will be turned into an action plan and presented to government in April.
Meanwhile, the Ideas Campaign is calling on all the people of Kildare to submit their bright ideas for the economy by the closing date at the end of the month.
The Ideas Campaign is a voluntary grassroots campaign "by citizens, for citizens." It was launched on RT's 'Prime Time' on March 5, and has set itself a tight deadline to gather the nation's ideas and focus on practical solutions for the economy.
You can submit your ideas to the campaign's website at www.IdeasCampaign.ie up to and including March 31.
Over 3,000 ideas have been received so far from every corner of Ireland. The campaign has also had an exceptional response from the Irish diaspora. The website has had over 32,000 visits to date, from 99 countries.
The best ideas submitted on the website will be turned into a clear, pragmatic action plan that will be presented to the Government next month. The plan will have the input of an advisory group drawn from business, economic, cultural, community and educational backgrounds.
The advisers include leading entrepreneurs such as Sean Gallagher of Smarthomes (and ‘Dragons’ Den’ judge); Moya Doherty, Producer of Riverdance, the world-acclaimed theatrical phenomenon; and Paul Rellis, Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland.
So if you have a good idea for getting the economy moving again, submit it at www.ideascampaign.ie by March 31.
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Thursday 17 May 2012
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