Welcome to 2024

In 2014, Jim Ritchie, well known business identity and then president of Business In Glen (BIG), said to me, “The towns growth is the focus — a thriving community is key”.  I’ve never forgotten his words and enthusiasm to lead lead the Glen Innes Business community. As we enter 2024, the Glen Innes Business Chamber is still focusing on growth, connecting our business community, and delivering empowering events and initiatives to engage our business members.

In 2023, we relaunched as the Glen Innes Business Chamber, held member networking events with incredible panellists, we grew our committee, supported local organisations and projects, helped local businesses voice their concerns and collaborated with Council on a number of important initiatives. 

Perhaps one of our biggest highlights for 2023 was in October, with more than 300 business owners, employees and leaders gathering to celebrate excellence in Business at the Glen Innes Business Awards. Special guests, Nathan and Bonnie Hindmarsh stole the show with their charm and authentic outlook on business life. The business awards will be a biannually event and we look forward to running the business awards in 2025. 

As we look ahead for 2024, we will continue to work on our vision and goals to connect, motivate and inspire business owners, leaders, managers and entrepreneurs. Some initiatives we look forward to include:

• International Women’s Day collaboration with the Glen Innes Services Club

• Launching the Glen Innes Highlands Business Collective (GIHBC) - a B2C platform to promote our members business offerings

• Developing the GIHBC Visual Business Directory

• Working with GISC, Business NSW and other local chambers to host events as the “Northern Hub” for the New England North West Region

• Undertaking POC study for new “Why Leave Town” Program

This year we will continue to work closely with the Glen Innes Severn Council to nurture local businesses and developments, and implement innovative ways to meet the Glen Innes regions needs.

Over the last year there has been a noticeable increase in young families and professionals moving to Glen Innes, the flow on effect this has on our business community will help position the local economy to be stronger than ever.

Thank you to our Business Chamber Committee for contributing to our vision, our partners; Business NSW and the Glen Innes Severn Council for working with us to create a thriving Glen Innes, our members for being apart of the movement and the community for supporting our initiatives. 

I am very excited for a prosperous and successful 2024. 

President - Cassandra Hill