It's been almost two years since Macksville was bypassed.
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The difference it's made to the town has been great enough to warrant a new method to mark time - pre and post-bypass.
Local businesses are currently being called upon to reinvent the Macksville and District Chamber of Commerce for this new era.
"We need a vibrant Chamber to design how the Chamber can take us forward to the 2020s and beyond. We need to hear your ideas. We need to clarify what we stand for and what we want to achieve," Chamber president Barry Reed said.
A recent video commissioned by the Chamber to advertise the area:
The Chamber has played an important part in the recent and emerging developments in the local area through its advocacy role.
"It's now almost two years since Macksville was bypassed and you only have to observe those using the on and off ramps to see how important that campaign was," Barry said.
"When the conversations first began by a group of local business people for a new hospital, there was no greenfield site available. Fortunately, the Pacifico site was created, and it must have been most opportune that there was access to this site because of the substantial work carried out to create the ramps. And now we have a $73m development rising on the horizon."
And they've also historically had many milestones to celebrate.
After the Second World War, the Chamber, in conjunction with the Ex-Services Club, raised fund for the Macksville Memorial Aquatic Pool.
Businesses also contributed to replacing the town clock with some help from the Bananacoast Community Credit Union.
Traditionally the Chamber has had a role in supporting the many volunteer organisations which make Macksville such a special and close-knit community.
And Macksville has a history of unique working relationships between business and community.
The Nambucca River Co-operative Society was the trend-setter in community-owned organisations, but others have followed in their footsteps - in 1970, 49 Years ago, locals formed the Banana Coast Community Credit Union, Nambucca Valley Care (now NVC group) was formed in 1974 and now is the largest employer in the Shire, and Lifetime Connect Inc (Previously Nambucca Valley Community Services Council Inc) was also formed by the community.
But the time has come for the business community to talk about the future.
"What do we want for our town. What do we want for the young, new families, the not-so-young and the elderly?" Barry said.
On Wednesday the business community is invited to gather at the Macksville Hotel (Bonsers) from 5.30pm to address these questions and many more.
Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan will be guest speaker and there will also be some presentations in recognition of recent achievements.
Light refreshments will be provided. For catering purposes, an RSVP to 0429 938 954 or by email at macksvillechamberofcommerce@gmail.com would be appreciated.
"Come along - network and celebrate!" Barry said.
