A wider range of voices, supporting businesses through the drought and reaching out to large employers are all part of the agenda for Inverell’s newest Chamber of Commerce president.
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Working in the local business community for 20 years, Inverell and District Family Services chief executive Nicky Lavender made the move from secretary to president last week after the Chamber’s AGM.
“(It was about) getting really involved in leadership and the goal setting and the direction of the Chamber, with the rest of the executive,” she said.
“Nicky’s amazing. She’s been a great driving force,” former president Josh McPhee said. He admitted he was sad to step down, but trusted Ms Lavender with the reigns. He will remain heavily involved as a member of the promotions committee.
“I’ve worked with Josh for the last 18 months. His enthusiasm and passion for the Inverell community is second to none. I’ve enjoyed working with him and building on his ideas with him as well, and I think we’re going to maintain that momentum and continue to grow,” Ms Lavender said.
Joining Ms Lavender is John McGregor as vice president, Jenny Thomas as secretary, Tracy Oppy as treasurer and Peter Caddey as the publicity officer.
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Growing the Chamber is a key focus for the new executive. “We’re quite strong in the financial stakes, but what we’re lacking is the voices of the businesses within Inverell. So we want to increase our membership base,” Ms Lavender said.
She said the Chamber was keen to give more local businesses a platform to be heard, and to invite a diversity of ideas.
“We absolutely need the voice of the whole business community, and it’s an open door,” she said.
To encourage new businesses to join the local network, the Chamber offers free membership within the first 12 months of setting up. They are also considering a 50 per cent rate for non members to join.
Ms Lavender said the Chamber will strengthen their branding in order to show businesses the value of joining.
The strain of the drought is another issue of interest, and the Chamber is considering applying for federal government funding to run mental health events designed to support businesses and farmers impacted by drought.
Widening the Chamber’s traditional retail-focus is on the agenda. “This year we’ve started making stronger links with the industry groups - so our larger employers in town, and trying to work out how to support them,” Ms Lavender said.
“We’ve been able to assist in lobbying and advocating for payroll tax changes, and now we’ll continue to work with those larger employers. We need to secure that part of our group to make sure the longevity of Inverell’s economy continues.”
The Chamber will be busy October, joining forces with the Inverell Shire Council for Small Business Month. They will engage several leaders in different fields to provide training in a wide range of areas including cash flow, debt collection, marketing and promotion.
“The last thing we want to see is closed shops in our CBD, and lot of the communities around us are experiencing that,” Ms Lavender said.
Naomi Shumack
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
