The Inverell Town Wide Sale starts today and continues until shops close tomorrow. 

“We have nearly 50 shops participating,” Mr Michael said.

“It’s a bit disappointing some others didn’t come on board to promote the day; I just encourage the shoppers to support the businesses that put the money up to put on a sale like this.

“Some are having 50 per cent and more on discount, so it should be a great bargain day. Flyers have gone out to all households, so it’s just a matter of people supporting the businesses on the list.”

Mr Michael agreed that the 50 businesses represented offered a good variety of shopping, and he said the sale had been comprehensively advertised by the chamber.

“We’ve advertised on two TV stations, we’ve advertised in Moree and Glen Innes and a number of areas, so hopefully it will be a great couple of days,” Mr Michael said.

“The chamber will have a substantial loss to the advertising, but we need to keep the CBD alive and buzzing to support the businesses in town.”

Mr Michael has announced he will not recontest the presidency of the chamber at its AGM this year.

“I think it’s time for a change. I’ve been there for four out the last six years, so it’s time that new blood came in,” Mr Michael said.

It is not the first time Mr Michael has stepped down as the president of the chamber. He said he returned to the leadership role last time to build the chamber back up, and make sure the business community was well represented.

“I think that if the business community in a couple of year’s time needed a bit of a boost, and I was around, there is no saying I wouldn’t put my hat in the ring again,” Mr Michael said.

“I’m very passionate about Inverell, and I strive always to do what’s right for Inverell and the local businesses.”