Mrs Mitchell will finish as executive administrator on Friday after eight years in the role.

Business Horsham was formed 10 years ago. Mrs Mitchell and her husband Geoff owned the businesses Dags Quality Screen Printing and Hip Pocket Workwear when they became members of the group.

“Our businesses were financial members from the very start. As a business, I initially didn’t realise what we should be getting from our membership, so I decided to be pro-active and get on board by becoming a member of the committee,” she said.

“That allowed me to get a much better understanding of what the group provide and what our businesses could get out of it. After a year, our businesses were for sale and this position became available, so I took on the role.

“The committee started to look at what Business Horsham need to offer to the businesses. We implemented some networking and promotion opportunities, and looked at getting motivational speakers.”

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Eight years ago the membership base was 86 businesses. There are now more than 170 members of Business Horsham.

“It’s a high majority of businesses who are members which we are very proud of. On average you would expect about 10 per cent of the community in the membership base, and we are at 18 to 20 per cent,” she said.

“We’ve been able to grow through what we offer to our members. Advocacy is obviously one of the big things. We’re our own independent organisation which allows us to represent our members.”

One of the most recent advocacy changes the organisation was able to implement was changing the Horsham Cup day from Friday to Sunday this year.

“It was an example of how effective an organisation like us can be, and that’s because of our strength in numbers,” she said.

Mrs Mitchell also helped initiate the WOW Customer Service Reward Program and develop the Shop Horsham Gift Card, which help keep spending in Horsham.

“The thing I’m most proud of is growing the membership base. The gift card program is something I’m also really proud of. Then the advocacy is also something that we do all the time,” she said.

“We also helped raised $47,000 for the homeless (through the Target 365 campaign) during my time, which we have handed over to Uniting Wimmera. I’m really proud that we were able to exceed our target of $36,000. We’re really grateful to the community and organisations who put money and time into that program.”

Related: Horsham business leaders begin homeless campaign

Mrs Mitchell’s replacement Sarah Kelm will start in her new role as executive assistant on Monday.

“I’m really excited to have Sarah start in her role. She will bring a range of new and fresh ideas to the organisation. I’m a real believer in change. There is always a time for a new person with new ideas to come into a space – that’s important for any organisation, including this one,” she said.

“I have just loved being in this role and I want to thank everyone who put their hand up to be on the committee. Volunteers are few and far between, and business people are so busy, so the support they have given me is unbelievable. I’ve made so many friends in business and I’m so thankful to the members who continue to support the organisation.”

Wendy and her husband Geoff will spend the next year travelling around the country in a caravan.

“We had planned to have a long holiday when we sold the businesses, but we both got busy with new roles and our children. I’ve really enjoyed my role here and growing it. We just decided that we’re not getting any younger, and while we’re both fit and healthy, we want to travel,” she said.

“We were both born and bred in Horsham, and we love it here. We’re really excited to come back and see what’s happened during the time we’re away. We’ll also be able to use our travel time to see what other communities do well and what peals of wisdom we can bring home.”

For more information about Business Horsham, head to its website.