SMILE Resource Exchange Announces Expansion

SMILE Resource Exchange Announces Expansion

10 October 2011

Minster for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, T.D. was "all smiles" as he joined representatives from SMILE Resource Exchange to announce the initiative's expansion into Limerick, Clare and Kerry. 

SMILE (Saving Money through Industry Links and Exchanges) Resource Exchange is an initiative developed to help create mutually beneficial partnerships between businesses.  Established in 2010, and piloted in Cork, SMILE Resource Exchange encourages the idea that "one person's waste is another's resource" and works with businesses and organisations to foster partnerships that allow them to exchange re-usable resources, and in doing so, save money, reduce waste going to landfill and to develop new business opportunities.

SMILE Resource Exchange is project managed by Macroom E and is supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and Cork County and City Enterprise Boards; Cork County and City Councils; and now Limerick/Clare/Kerry Regional Waste Management Office; Limerick County and City Enterprise Boards; Kerry County Enterprise Board; and Clare County Enterprise Board.

Commenting at the announcement of the expansion of SMILE Resource Exchange, Minister Hogan said "I'm delighted to be here to celebrate the expansion of this project. Since its inception, SMILE Resource Exchange has identified over 1,000 potential matches between businesses as well as identifying thousands of euros of cost savings for businesses.  The expansion into Limerick, Clare and Kerry will drive this even further in the coming months and I'm delighted to lend my support to the project which is both environmentally and economically synergetic." 

Speaking about the initiative and upcoming events, project manager, Michelle Green said: "Based on the principle of building relationships through networking, we are progressing on from our very successful pilot programme in Cork.  Potential exchanges are identified through networking events, an online exchange facility and a support team to assist.  SMILE Resource Exchange is a free initiative that proactively supports businesses, and joins enterprise and environment together in a unique and innovative way; and we look forward to hosting a number events and welcoming new members in our new regions this October and November."

A series of free events take place this autumn in Limerick, Clare and Kerry; and at these exchange events, as well as through the website, businesses can identify resources they would like to exchange such as reusable items, by-products and surplus products.  All resources offered are either free of charge or below market value.  SMILE will host an event on October 26th in The Brehon, Killarney; while a joint Limerick/ Clare event will take place on November 23rd in The Radisson Blu Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick.

Further information on SMILE Resource Exchange and upcoming events can be found at www.smileexchange.ie or by calling (026) 20520.