Lynne Mowbray The Grafton Chamber of Commerce has a new President, with Vice-president Justin James being elected for the top job, at the Grafton Chambers annual general meeting, which was held last week. Mr James [who is a graphic designer], took over the reins from past President Katie Kelemec, said he was saddened to hear that Ms Kelemec was stepping down from the Chamber. “I am honoured to be stepping up to President this year,” Mr James said. “I hope to maintain the momentum that Katie and I have generated this year (2017) and move it up into the coming year,” he said. Mr James said that his main objectives as new President includes the completion of the CCTV project instigated by Executive Members Mark Butler and Phil Bellety, along with other projects. “I’m keen to continue to work with and support Clarence Valley Council’s Economic Development officer Liz Fairweather, with a focus on tourism and beginning to make Grafton a ‘destination’ after the highway bypass, rather than just a fast food and petrol stop,” Mr James said. “We also need to safeguard one of our only headline acts, our Jacaranda trees; maintaining our ‘Jacaranda City’ status by implementing the renewal and creation of Jacaranda Avenues. “I look forward to creating a Chamber that works for both the community in general and our hard working business men and women.” he said.