Ellen Kronen was elected by the Board of Directors of Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry last week to take up the reigns for outgoing President Sarah Smith.

The LCCI said via social media ‘What has been an emotional and transitional time for us here at LCCI, the decision was in line with our constitution and our Board of Directors have unanimously elected to choose a new President’.

Ms Smith said that after much soul searching, she has made the tough decision to resign from the board of LCCI.

“I have just received the news that I have a large intracranial tumour that needs urgent intervention so for the next little while I will be focusing on my health and my family.

“I have a great team of medical experts looking after me so I will be back in action in no time. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Emma and the board members for the amazing support they have given me and for the great work they do for the business community.

“I know I am leaving the board in good hands,” Ms Smith said.

Ms Kronen takes the helm again after previously leading the LCCI in 2015. 

“It’s been a pretty full-on kind of week as we have had Emma step down also.

“It’s fortunate I’ve had experience and a background in how things work, how to improve things, and being able to get out and connect with local people,” Ms Kronen said.

“I have a bit of longevity with the organization and I want the chamber to be a really good advocate for local businesses.”

Ms Kronen has her own established businesses in Lismore, most notably ‘Made in Lismore’, located in the Strand Arcade.

“Last year I started this before the pandemic – because I make things.

“Later in the year I knew there were lots of creative crafters in Lismore that had essentially lost their outlet to sell so the goals of this business

are to let locally made handcrafts and homewares have a place they can sell from.”

Ms Kronen added that the LCCI doesn’t want businesses to close or people to steer clear of the CBD.

“We’re trying to keep on top of all the changes the government are implementing and to get this information out to our members as quickly as we can. 

“Resources too, to help navigate through grants and eligibility requirements and the like.”

Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry current board now stands as:

President – Ellen Kronen

Secretary - Art Beavis Silvertemp

Treasurer - Sharnette Josephs Biztax

Scott Jones Lismore Turf Club 

Tracy Dwyer 

Ryan McCann Lion & Lamb

Petar Illic Busy Ability 

Ned Cain Nedlands Studio

Take away food is the winner in Dine & Discover voucher changes