The new Chamber president, Brian Bugenhagen addresses guests at the November 5 networking event which recorded over 100 attendees.
There was plenty of optimism about Nambour's future when local business owners, community leaders and government representatives gathered at the Nambour Showgrounds for the Chamber of Commerce's final Coffee Catch-up of the year on November 5.
With major developments gathering momentum, new businesses opening and community organisations planning for the year ahead, the morning provided plenty of reasons to be positive about the town's direction.
New Chamber President Brian Bugenhagen welcomed the strong turnout and paid tribute to outgoing president Mark Bray for his leadership and contribution.
“Mark has played a very important role and a very important part in getting us to where we are today,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges facing Nambour, Mr Bugenhagen said he was excited about the opportunities ahead and determined to ensure local businesses had a strong voice.
“My commitment as president is simple, to keep our business community connected, informed, supported, and above all moving forward,” he said.
“I want this to be a chamber where everyone feels welcome, everyone has a voice, and everyone feels they're part of something worthwhile.”
He thanked members, sponsors and the Chamber committee for their support and encouraged businesses to continue working together to build a stronger, more vibrant Nambour.
“The strength of this chamber isn't measured simply by the number of members that we have or the events that we hold. It's measured by the people in this room. The relationships we build, the way we support one another,” he said.
“Importantly, our shared commitment to seeing Nambour succeed.”
Guest speakers included Division 10 Councillor David Law, Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society President Rowan O'Hara, Queensland Government small business representative Joe Proctor and Sunshine Coast Council Director of Sustainable Growth and Planning Debra Robinson.
Members heard about more than $300 million in private developments approved or underway in Nambour, progress on the CBD streetscape improvements, plans for the 2027 Sunshine Coast Show and a major new barbecue festival – Smoked Festival – coming to the showgrounds.
The morning also featured presentations from Nambour Rotary, Kairos Community College and representatives from the Nambour Crushers rugby league team.
Local signage business Signtown, operated by Graham Brown and Brett Warren, received the Chamber's Business of the Month award.
The breakfast was co-hosted by the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society and Capricorn Events, with Nambour Rotary volunteers providing breakfast.
• The Chamber's next gathering will be its members-only Christmas party at The Namba on November 27.
