The Holiday Coast mobile home loan specialist said the year ahead was a particularly significant one for Kempsey’s business community.

“The biggest challenge for the chamber is improving the business sentiment,” Mr Scott told The Argus.

“It’s vital for a successful Christmas period, with the Smith St development set to begin early in the New Year.”

Feedback on the council’s beautification plans had been positive, he said.

The chamber aims to gather enough sponsorship to light up the Kempsey traffic bridge in time for the Christmas period, and it is hoped this will be a permanent fixture.

Mr Scott said the chamber’s monthly Riverside Markets had been a big success during his first term of office.

“At some stage down the track, I’d like to see some kind of rotunda – or similar – for bands playing at the markets,” he said.

“It could tie in with the Rotary plans for Riverside Park, though at this stage it’s (the rotunda) more of a wishlist thing that has some support in the chamber.”

Mr Scott said he had been encouraged by members to remain as president.

“I’d like to think the chamber’s profile has been raised (in the past year),” he said.

“The chamber still needs voices to be heard more regularly.”

The president praised the work of the executive and members over the past year.

Ray Farrell has assumed the role of chamber vice-president, with Tania Powick remaining as secretary and Liz McPherson as treasurer.

Durri Aboriginal Corp Medical Service CEO Traven Lea has joined the executive.

Mr Scott welcomed contributions from members and non-members to the chamber’s regular newsletter.