A PHILOSOPHY of regeneration and sustainability instilled over more than 30 years in the native plant industry will play a key role for new Maleny Chamber of Commerce president Spencer Shaw.
Spencer is returning to the chair after a few year’s hiatus and as the local business community picks up the pieces from the Covid pandemic.
The co-owner of Forest Heart Nursery and BrushTurkey Enterprises with wife Karen, said he will be focused on developing ideas and relationships that he hopes will ultimately create positive outcomes for both business and community.
But Spencer said he was acutely aware of the challenges facing the business community.
“I think it’s very important now to be strengthening these community ties and associations especially off the back of Covid,” he said.
“A concern has been the division of the community through the pandemic.”
He said the opportunities to invite community and business groups together were exciting.
“If we’re going to have a vibrant democracy anywhere it’s up here,” he said.
The town’s main street might also be in the spotlight.
“One of the things I’ve been looking at is the streetscape and whether there’s the opportunity to expand the offering in the main street,” he said.
For anyone interested in joining the chamber go to malenycommerce.org.au.
The first AGM will be held on March 8.