The Kiama & District Business Chamber has elected its Board for 2017/8, with Lush Flowers’ Marie Beikmanis being re-elected for a fourth term as President.

She says last year was a great year for the Chamber, with the appointment of an Executive Officer and a successful membership drive.

“We have well over one hundred members now,” Mrs Beikmanis says.

“New members tell us they have joined because they want to be included in our Business Directory and want to have the opportunity to network and learn with other business people.

“We have committed to holding a networking meeting or workshop each month in the coming year to keep the momentum going.

“With business slow, not just here but everywhere, we want to concentrate on what we can do to help local businesses prosper.

“Our focus will be on business, business, business.”

Mrs Beikmanis says the Chamber will be working closely with Council’s Destination Kiama to promote tourism in the area.

“Tourism is Kiama’s lifeblood,” she says.

The Bugle spoke to Mrs Beikmanis as she was heading off to attend the World Conference of Business Chambers in Sydney.

“I’m looking forward to being inspired by other Chambers and coming back with new ideas,” she said