Ballina Chamber of Commerce elects new board at AGM

A NEW board has been elected to the Ballina Chamber of Commerce, with a focus on after hours networking events and preparations underway for the annual business awards night in August.

Joeline Paskins, who runs Hartley’s Fresh Market, has taken on the role of president after the chamber held its Annual General Meeting at the Wharf Bar and Restaurant.

Ballina Fair Shopping Centre manager Shaun Haysom will remain vice president. He was previously president of the Lismore Chamber of Commerce.

“Joeline has been a member for the last few years and she put her hand up to be president,” Ballina Chamber of Commerce executive officer Jon Dickson said.

“She really wants to get the business after hours events going and I think she will be really decisive and fast moving.”

“We have a full board of nine people with some new blood in there as well, which is really pleasing.

“We’ve got plenty of things coming up and we just want to keep pushing ahead with a lot of things we’ve already started.”

The chamber recently relaunched its networking after hours events and is busy planning for the Ballina Business Awards.

Finalists will be announced on July 7, with the awards to be held at the Ballina RSL Club on Saturday, August 2.

“We had a record number of entries last year and we’re expecting the same again this year,” Mr Dickson said.

“It’s a big event now and a great opportunity for so many of our businesses to get some recognition.

“Tickets will be on sale by the time we announce the finalists.”