After six years as an active Inverell Chamber of Commerce and Industry member, Georgina King has taken on the role of president.
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As past vice-president and promotions committee member, Mrs King said she was looking forward to the next 12 months.
The passionate, volunteer-based group are working hard to plan how they will celebrate and promote Small Business Month in October.
"This year more than anything, I think we need to celebrate our retail and small businesses. Eighty-six per cent of our town is employed by small business.
"We've met with council to see what we can do and we are happy to promote any ideas businesses have to celebrate the month. We need to celebrate the fact that we're all still here," she said.
While others may be hesitant taking on a role such as chamber president during a global pandemic, Mrs King was quite the opposite.
"I think it's exciting to see our small businesses growing and adapting to suit the needs of their customers whilst sticking to rules and regulations, whether it's by getting tech savvy, offering new services or changing up menus.
"We also want to do whatever we can to assist our businesses through this time and help bring people to town," she said.
The new president reminded residents that the chamber was not only about promoting retail shops, but the whole town of Inverell and the many things it has to offer.
Mrs King said it was in everyone's best interest to have more shops, services, attractions, entertainment and other staples that attract new people and skilled professionals to town.
She applauded Inverell's "forward-thinking" council for utilising drought and bushfire grant money to benefit the community.
Looking to build on the 'Choose Inverell' campaign, Mrs King reminded local residents that it was not only a slogan for travellers.
"I challenge anybody who says they can't purchase something locally to go into an Inverell business and simply ask the question. One small purchase makes a big difference when it's at a local business.
"Online shops don't support the town's sporting clubs or schools. It's important we reiterate that when you spend money at a local shop, it continues to benefit the town in other ways," she said.
Those who have Sapphire Dollar vouchers have also been encouraged to spend them, especially during COVID-19.
Inverell Chamber of Commerce and Industry is made up of a group of active volunteers who are passionate about the town.
