Business Name: Yass Plains and WMDGroup

Number of years in business: 12 years

What led you to join the committee?

1. Getting to know the diverse and talented pool of people involved in the Chamber (both members and previous committee) dedicating their time and energy;
2. Being involved in the positive and collaborative process that led to the development of the Chamber's 2020-2021 Strategy and Strategic Priorities.

What unique skills do you bring to the committee?

Business Administration and Project Management, Web Development, Marketing and Digital Advertising.

What do see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community?

The People. Our community is made up of a diverse range of people and businesses that are striving in a supportive and collaborative manner to deliver a range of opportunities and improvements to the Yass Valley.

Business Name: 1-Life Coaching and “Made from Fallen Wood” 

Number of years in business? Six years running 1 Life Coaching and two years running “made from fallen wood”

 What led you to join the committee? 

I had newly moved to Yass and wanted to join a community of like minded folk and contribute to its development. 

 What unique skills do you bring to the committee? Life skills in leadership and linking people supporting their personal development and helping them to be more effective in what they do. 

 What do you see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community? 

Many businesses demonstrated significant resilience, flexibility and adaptability during COVID proving themselves able and adept. It was tough but they got through it. You can do a lot with such people and the Yass Valley is better as a result. 

Business Name: 

The STEAM Hive

Number of years in business: 

I have had a creative services business and an artistic practice since 2014.The STEAM Hive is relatively new and I chose to run it as a separate identity; it's an idea I only put in practice this year after identifying the need to bring modern STEAM learning to rural NSW.

What led me to join the Committee? 

I was impressed by the warm welcome I received when joining the Business Chamber this year and I wanted to be a part of this vibrant community, working together with so many talented people. 

Unique skills you bring to the committee?

Customer Service, Quality Assurance and Multimedia skills. 

What do see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community?

Unity. I was impressed how in times of hardship great ideas and great collaborations can take flight. For me personally, the success story that impressed me the most was seeing how businesses affected by the Nanima Rd closures found unique ways of collaborating and supporting each other. It is truly amazing what Murrumbateman Chocolate Co and the Wineries achieved in a relatively short time and it paves the way for more future collaborations. 

Business Name:

E2 Bookkeeping and One to 4

Number of years in business:  

I have been in business since 2002, but it's fair to say businesses (and markets) are like people, they grow and change! Therefore, I don't consider myself experienced, but learning.  Can I say 'Newby'?

What led you to join the committee?

The encouragement by committee members at networking events.  They encourage all YVBC members be involved as much as possible.  Seeing what other volunteers are adding, I wanted to be part of it.

What unique skills do you bring to the committee?

My interconnected reasoning - or as Made by Dyslexia would say 'dyslexic thinking'.  I am able to reason with others to show them patterns that they mightn't see, in two or more seemingly unrelated objects. 

I don't know if it's unique, but I am also passionate about strong 'governance' in business - are we doing/saying what we said we would do/say?!

What do you see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community?

Our people, our community! 

If businesses are a group of individuals working towards a common goal, then a community is a group of individuals and businesses working towards the greater good.  I want our future leaders to believe they have real opportunity to succeed in their home town, wherever that is in the Yass Valley!

Business Name

Happy Folk Creations

Number of years in business

Business has been up and running for two years supplying to wholesalers, looking to launch online in the new year for everyone.

What led you to join the committee? 

I have attended the networking events on a regular basis on behalf of my previous employer, where I built fantastic relationships and was encouraged to join the committee. I felt like I really gained value from these networking events and really appreciated the hard work put in by our volunteers and wanted to show my appreciation by offering my time to help our local community and chamber.

What unique skills do you bring to the committee? 

I bring enthusiasm, a commitment to growth and community networks. I come from a strong administration and financial background and have a passion for our local community with experience as a community liaison.

What do see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community? 

Our community is nothing but supportive! We help up lift each other, offer advice, guidance and support with a variety of experience. Yass Valley is a very community-based and inclusive town.

Business Name

Bridget Breen Business Coach

Number of years in business

17 years as a Professional Business Coach

What led you to join the committee? 

I have been a committee member on and off since 2013 for different reasons. This time it’s because I want to support the continued work of the Business Chamber to build a thriving Town. I believe having a business community that communicates, trust and work collaboratively is the key to a flourishing small town.

What unique skills do you bring to the committee? 

Outside of my business, sales and leadership skills, I have a pragmatic approach to helping people stay on purpose, prioritise and make things happen.

What do see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community? 

The people…. It’s all about the people…the more people who get involved, communicate, build trust and collaborate, the stronger we become as a business community.

Business Name: Yass Plains 

Number of years in business?   

My family business has in operation for more than 70 years within the local community. I have been involved in the management of the business for 14 years. 

What led you to join the committee?  

I joined the committee because it was natural extension of the role I was playing as an active member of the Chamber. The Chamber and its committee work with the community to create a stronger, more exciting Yass Valley and I value their comradery and skill driven passion to achieve this. 

What unique skills do you bring to the committee? 

My main role within the committee is to facility collaboration between invested community members and businesses at our monthly breakfasts. Being a director of a small business, I am intimately aware of the needs & challenges presented to small businesses along with actions required to resolve them, particularly in a regional setting such as Yass.  

 What do you see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community? 

Every business community member I meet is excited to share knowledge and resources to help each other build a stronger Yass Valley.  

Business Name: Merchant Campbell

Number of years in business? 

Current retail business since 2017 so 6 years.  Business partner & director of Talmo Pastoral Co for 31 years, a commercial grazing fine wool & sheep meat operation.

What led you to join the committee?

I’ve been a member of the YVBC for quite a few years, and during that time I’ve been impressed by the work of the committee, their breakfasts and what they achieve within the community.  I was honoured to be the recipient of a YVBC Small Business award in 2018 which was the most enormous thrill and to be honest the most wonderful confidence boost.  When I was invited to join, I felt it was time to contribute.

What unique skills do you bring to the committee?

 I love a party, dealing with people and I enjoy organising events. I’d attend the opening of an envelope and have a deep sense of community.  I’m not afraid to voice my opinion when I think it’s necessary.  I have a raft of experience across both government and small business and am a long term resident of the Yass Valley.

What do you see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community? 

We’re a growing town with fabulous proximity to Canberra and the Hume Highway.  Our Chamber is positioned to be the leading force to drive and grow business within our community

Business Name: Thyme to Taste Beer and Wine Emporium

Number of years in business? 11

What led you to join the committee?

I have a bit of time now that I no longer run a cafe and thought it would be a good opportunity to join a committee that I have an invested interest in.  I also want to promote the Yass Valley to tourists and locals alike so I would like to get to know more people and have more face to face conversations rather then just on social media.

What unique skills do you bring to the committee? 

I love promoting Yass and the food and wine options. I have a vast knowledge on wine and food matching and the unique offerings in Yass.  I have been promoting Yass local produce for many years and what we don't produce directly I manage to put a local spin on it or link it back to Yass somehow.

What do you see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community? 

The businesses in the area are supportive and promote each others businesses. Referrals and acknowledgements from other business gives great positive vibes and makes having a business and working here enjoyable. You really do feel you are part of a community. 

Business Name: 

Murrumbateman Chocolate Co and Sweet Pea & Poppy 

Number of years in business? 

7 years with my original artisan chocolate business Sweet Pea & Poppy 

2 years in Yass Valley at Murrumbateman Chocolate Co

What led you to join the committee?

Since moving to the Yass Valley with my young family I’ve felt very well supported by the business community. I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the YVBC for the benefit of members and our broader community.

What unique skills do you bring to the committee? 

Product development, workplace culture and customer service are areas I’m passionate about. I’m also a CPA qualified accountant and greatly value the skills and experiences gained through that designation. 

What do you see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community? 

The people, along with the high quality products and services on offer as part of a collaborative and innovative region. Yass Valley is quickly becoming a dream food and wine destination and rightly so. Our beautiful region punches well above its weight when it comes to world class food and wine experiences. 

Business Name: Yass Valley Property

Number of years in business: 23 years

What led you to join the committee?

The main street strategy was the main one

What unique skills do you bring to the committee?

I am well connected in the local community

What do see as a strength in our Yass Valley Business community?

We have a diverse range of skills and ideas and work collaboratively towards a common goal