Travis Crowther said in the chamber’s recent annual general meeting that the decision for the chamber to organise the region’s mining expo every two years instead of annually placed a financial strain on wages.

The absence of MINEX at Buchanan Park this year meant that the administration officer position, and that of the manager, had to be made redundant. 

“Our manager, Sue Wicks, resigned early in 2016, which made a difficult call from the board a lot easier,” Mr Crowther said. 

“In saying that, even though Sue resigned in February, she was still in the office doing a lot of work without charge until she found full-time employment in Cairns, leaving the Isa in July.” 

The chamber’s vice-president Richard Harvey resigned in March shortly after the manager’s resignation. 

“Richard had brought a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to the board, as well as high level of expertise, and we appreciate his contribution to Commerce North West,” Mr Crowther said. 

The absence of paid positions meant the Commerce North West Board members needed to increase their workload. 

Mr Crowther said they sought other ways of supporting members, such as the night markets established by city development officer Sheridan Ward. The Christmas markets are to be held December 10. 

The chamber worked with the Department of State Development to keep members information of opportunities that would stem from the Northern Gas Pipeline to be built between Tennant Creek and Mount Isa. 

Members were able to learn of work packages and progress of the project made by Jemena. 

Mining company MMG also joined the chamber as a gold partner, while Nautilus Aviation came on board as commercial partner. 

“We were also fortunate to receive continued support from Glencore has exclusive platinum partner.and Incitec Pivot as continuing gold partner,” Mr Crowther said. 

“Our partnerships are vital to our ongoing success, and we value their support.” 

Other events included the budget update from the State Treasurer Curtis Pitt, a ‘meet the candidate session’ with mayoral candidates before the local government election, and the re-establishment of the Mount Isa Tourism Association. 

The next main focus for the new Commerce North West board will be MINEX 2017, to be held across three days in May. The social media site already promises more than 100 exhibition booths. 

“We have received reinforcement that moving to a biennial event was the right decision with sponsors and exhibitors,” Mr Crowther said. 

“We are looking forward to a wide variety of functions, exhibitors and an action packed program of events.” 

Mr Crowther said that new members taking positions on the board would likely inject enthusiasm, and new ideas.