YES We Did It!

 Well Done to All of Us

"Great news for the City that Derry~Londonderry has been named UK City of Culture 2013 brings with it a great sense of pride that each citizen of this historic city should savour and enjoy", said Chamber President, Jim Sammon.  "Our time has come and this platform will give us the opportunity to broadcast the talent of our people and the beauty of our place. This is a time to celebrate, to create and to attract and captivate visitors and investors.  The challenge now is to do Northern Ireland proud and to take advantage of the win to create a positive and lasting legacy for the region. We've got history and we should be proud of our history - in the past we've been prisoners of our history, following the bloody Sunday announcement and now the announcement of the City of Culture we can now look forward to brand new brighter days to share with the young people of this region - who are our future."

Chief Executive, Sinead McLaughlin echoed the comments made by the President, she said "Derry~Londonderry promoted itself with the slogan "Just say YES".  Well YES it is, and on behalf of the Chamber, I want to congratulate the bid team who worked hard and long hours and the effort has definitely paid off" She continued. "There was a great sense that the whole city was involved in the bid and behind the bid.  The title will bring more tourists, increase investment and create jobs, as well as boost the profile of Derry.  This Chamber looks forward to playing its part in developing and delivering a programme of events that will put our City on the centre stage and ultimately build a lasting legacy for this city.