NEWLY elected Chamber of Commerce president Josh McPhee said he was excited about his appointment, and he thought it was a good opportunity to expand on the good work done by the past president, Courtney Pay.
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“Basically we’ll keep building on what we’ve been doing,” he said.
“We had a really good Christmas festival last year, which is what we are going to run with this year and we’re also after more members.”
John McGregor is the chamber’s vice-president, Shayne Bernard is secretary, Tracy Oppy the treasurer and Peter Caddey the publicity officer.
While members get a lot of benefit and should get more benefit from being a chamber member, indirectly that flows on to the wider Inverell
- Josh McPhee
“John and myself were vice-presidents to Courtney for the last 12-months and I think we all did a pretty good job, as far as re-invigorating the chamber and taking on a couple of new projects, and building on what the chamber can be or should be as a tool for businesses,” Josh said.
He said the chamber would run the Christmas Festival again this year and was waiting to receive approvals relating to where it could be held in the streets.
“We want to build a stronger chamber and build a stronger business community in Inverell,” Mr McPhee said.
He said members had spoken about getting a customer service specialist in for members and businesses.
“Or trying to get something together to offer to members and to non-members. While members get a lot of benefits, and should get more benefit from being a chamber member, indirectly that flows on to the wider Inverell,” he said.
Mr McPee said the final details were not finalised yet, but thought something along the lines of customer service sessions would benefit every business in town.
“We’ve identified a need within our chamber for people who want somewhere to able to take their staff, and to get some pointers themselves, in what they could be doing, what they should be doing because it’s always changing,” he said.
“There is always a better way of doing service, or an approach that’s worked better somewhere else.”
“No-one’s perfect so it would be a good chance to relearn or retrain, and sometimes it’s easier for staff and people in business to hear it from someone else, as opposed to from their boss."
He said there was a lot to be gained from such courses.
“I still remember the security guy coming through when I was at the Premier Store. Yes, something like that is definitely on the cards, but it will come down to people’s interests.”
Mr McPhee said he would like to the chamber become more pro-active.
“In an ever evolving business atmosphere, its important that everyone remains relevant,” he said.
Steven Green
Senior Journalist with The Young Witness and The Inverell Times. A married, Blues supporter, I have grandkids who support the Maroons, I drink too much coffee, eat too much sugar and am constantly in search of the perfect pizza.
Senior Journalist with The Young Witness and The Inverell Times. A married, Blues supporter, I have grandkids who support the Maroons, I drink too much coffee, eat too much sugar and am constantly in search of the perfect pizza.
