Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry won the Best Local Chamber of Commerce Award on Friday night, with president Stacey Cooke accepting the accolade.

The annual event was held at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour, with businesses from around the state gathering to vie for the awards.

The Best Local Chamber of Commerce Award recognises the achievements of a local chamber of commerce in assisting their members by meeting business needs and advocating to maximise their potential.

Gunnedah’s chamber was recognised for its diversity, growth and pro-active attitude.

“We have experienced a notable growth in membership because we are vocal about our view becoming a respected organisation in the local community and being an effective advocacy group that gets results”, Mrs Cooke said.

Hosting Chinese delegations has led to a domestic juice grower, Gunnible Oranges exporting 20ft containers of fruit every 10 days to China during harvest and opportunities have also been created in the cotton, beef and linseed industries.  A combined delegation of five local businesses from the chamber and Gunnedah Shire Council went to China earlier this year, followed by a fourth trip in August with hopeful investments in the local region in 2017/2018.

NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager, Joe Townsend congratulated the Gunnedah chamber for its energy and determination to support the local business community and noted their export and investment efforts into China.

“Local chambers of commerce play a vital role in representing the interests of business owners and supporting economic growth in their respective regions,” he said.

“It is clear that transparent leadership has been vital in Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry receiving this award in competition with over 10 other entries.

“The Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry should be incredibly proud to be named as the state’s best local chamber for 2017, and we wish the Chamber every success as it continues to serve the local business community.”

Mrs Cooke was not alone in representing Gunnedah at the awards, with Wholegrain Milling Co and Riley’s Furniture and Carpets also amongst the award finalists.