Katrina takes over from Sarah Davies who has recently resigned from the role due to other work commitments and the pending arrival of her third child.

Sarah said she loved her time with the Business Chamber but she now looks forward to having more time for other commitments.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years with the Chamber,” she said.

“I was lucky to come in at a time when a highly qualified and motivated committee was elected – they were a great committee to work with.”

Some of Sarah’s highlights during her time with the Chamber were the 2013 Destination Forbes Promotion which included a Ladies Lunch with Sarah Wilson, the inception of the Why Leave Town promotion which she says has been a fabulous initiative to promote shopping local and the 2014 Boscars event.

“I would like to thank the entire committee, but in particular Marg Duggan who was a mentor during my time at the Chamber,” she said.

“She is a wonderful asset for this town, and works tirelessly on promotions to increase business in Forbes.”

The role has recently been handed over to Forbes local Katrina Ferguson who looks forward to the challenge.

“I am really looking forward to working with local businesses and the Chamber on a number of upcoming promotions and initiatives,” she said.

Katrina has lived in Forbes for over 13 years and has worked for many local businesses including Esme’s, Forbes Inn and Curves.

She comes with a Business Administration Cert IV Traineeship at the Forbes Services Memorial Club and has completed a Financial Services Cert III Traineeship at ANZ.

This has created many opportunities including managing Forbes and Orange ANZ branches and being part of the NSW Central West District Management Team.

Katrina was nominated for Trainee of the Year and has been a guest speaker for TAFE NSW at an Apprentice/Trainee Awards night.

She is currently on maternity leave from ANZ after welcoming baby Harrison John into the world eight weeks ago.

Katrina said there is a lot happening for the Business Chamber, especially as it gets closer to Christmas.

“At the moment we’re busy organising a committee for our Christmas promotion and Why Leave Town cards,” she said.

“We also want to remind people that there’s still a lot of money that hasn’t been spent, so encourage people to shop up at the local businesses.”

Katrina said the biggest thing at the moment is looking for more members to join the Chamber.

“We are currently conducting a membership drive, with 40 local businesses already signing up for the 2014/2015 Business Chamber intake as well as the upcoming Christmas Promotion and Festival,” she said.

Cost to join is just $120, with benefits ranging from automatic membership on the NSW business chamber, 24/7 marketing hotline for all marketing advice, 24/7 legal hotline, plus a range of other advantages.

If businesses would like to join the Forbes Business Chamber they can email forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com or call 0435 963 713.