The GIBC Launch Night
After many months of hard work and planning, on Thursday the 16th of March Glen Innes Business Chamber celebrated their official launch!
Together with some of our prospective members, GIBC committee and special guests we began the evening with a free drink on arrival and a chance to start introducing themselves to one another. A big thanks to the amazing team at the New England Motor Lodge for providing the venue, drinks and food – there was certainly plenty to go around!
Jim Ritchie, former President of Business In Glen (BIG) called the room to attention, and expressed his happiness that a new chapter has started for the business community – passing the baton to GIBC President Cassandra Hill.
Cass opened the formalities speaking of her inspiring business journey and her hopes to motivate and support the businesses of Glen Innes to become the type of business community she has experienced in some of the big cities. Mayor Rob Banham followed, expressing how important it is to have a Business Chamber in a small town.
A few words from new GISC General Manager Bernard Smith on his excitement for a collaborative relationship between Council and the Chamber moving forwards. Bernard also mentioned that Glen Innes LGA has recently been named 4th highest for net Regional Migration with a massive 241% jump in the past 12 months (Regional Australia Institute, 2023). Adam Marshall MP followed up on this, talking about the flip side of issues like rental shortages, meaning there is big potential for Glen Innes and its businesses.
Each of the GIBC committee were introduced, and thanks given to Moira Munro and David Scott for sharing their experience and learnings from sitting on the BIG committee previously. GIBC Secretary Kate Lynn introduced herself, and her story of relocating to Glen Innes. She also shared her passion for helping Glen Innes prosper first through her previous business and now as part of GIBC.
The Annual Business Awards night was announced for the 22nd of September 2023 as well as our first Member Meet up where members will have a chance to network and ask questions to the GISC Executive Committee. Membership applications were officially opened via the GIBC website – www.gleninnesbusinesschamber.com and cost $99/year. As an early-bird offer, new members will receive the remainder of this financial year, as well as the 23-24 financial year included. Once the formalities were closed, attendees continued to mingle until well past 8pm.
We would like to thank all those who attended and spoke on the night and look forward to hosting many more exciting events with our new GIBC members!
Photo Credit - Simon Scott
