Connecting businesses, promoting Forbes to the region and running great events ... it's all in a year's work for our Forbes Business Chamber.

The organisation's recent AGM was an opportunity to reflect on the Chamber's year, with outgoing president Aaron Acheson sharing his report on some of the highlights, main events and long-term activities.

The Christmas Carnival and Taste on Templar are just two of the great events our Chamber runs for our community - and they're coming up again fast.

The Club Forbes Taste on Templar is on Saturday, 1 November, at 6.30pm, with tickets to go on sale Thursday, 1 August.

With the festive season comes the Find it in AMAZING Forbes Christmas promotion with an incredible $20,000 in local shopping dollars to be won.

This is all run by our chamber to encourage people from across the region to shop local at Christmas.

Put Friday, 12 December in your diary as well because that's the date of this year's Christmas carnival, for late-night shopping, entertainment, street stalls and much more.

Come early January, they'll be helping welcome Elvis Festival visitors to our town hosting the Friday morning breakfast.

Forbes Business Chamber has 87 members, with new member applications welcome and certainly more people encouraged to become an active part of the executive.

The election of office bearers was held at the AGM and the president's role has not been filled at this time.

Grace Quirk has stepped into the vice president's role with Marg Duggan junior vice president, Emma Gaffney continues as secretary and Sarah Mills as treasurer.

"The Chamber is really hoping to get more young business leaders involved, to continue the strength of longevity of the business chamber because it does offer a lot to business people and the business community," Mrs Duggan said.

The Chamber both offers great benefits to its member businesses and to our community as businesses work together to fly the flag for Forbes as a destination.

Year-round, they're offering programs such as Why Leave Town where gift cards can be purchased for use at 30 local supporting stores, keeping dollars in town.

To date, more than $1.2 million has been loaded onto cars and more than $1 million redeemed in town.

Find out more online at forbesbusinesschamber.com.au or on social media, or email info@forbesbusinesschamber.com.au