The Orange Business Chamber president Ash Brown has called election candidates' criticism of the volunteer organisation "disappointing."
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Brown responded to a claim made by four Chamber hopefuls that the Orange branch was not proactive and in need of new leadership by encouraging them to join, not form a mutiny.
Jack Evans, Amanda Spalding, Richard Hattersley and Daniel McGregor sent out a release ahead of the Chamber's September 18 election stating they would like to overhaul the business awards and provide better advocacy for the community.
The group said it had met with stakeholders in Orange to "gauge the mood around town".
Mr Evans said "constant feedback" is Orange lacks a business chamber as proactive as Dubbo and Cowra.
"Many voices have said that they would like to see a chamber that has more events, communicates more, advocates effectively for the local business community and the community at large," he said.
Mr Brown said the current board and committee put in hundreds of volunteer hours to put on the awards alone, just one part of what they do.
"We're trying to help any business in Orange and the district through education, through access to state chamber and through recognition of their efforts," he said.
"We'd love to have this group come in, but we'd love to have them come in with eyes wide open, rather than critical of what's been done in the past.
"We want new blood, but we don't want a mutiny. It would be a shame for all the work and direction we've put in to be let go to waste."
The business chamber elections will take place at the Orange Ex-Services' Club.
Only members will be eligible to vote.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...