The triumph was down to hard work and having a good story to tell, according to chamber president Brendan Goddard.

“It wasn’t at all expected. It was a big surprise,” Mr Goddard said.

“When I looked at the 15 entrants in the category, I could see a lot of good work being done by chambers around the state.”

Mr Goddard said the chamber’s good story was the turnaround since 2015, when it was having difficulties.

“To be able to turn around not just the membership but also the finances was a big achievement by the entire committee.”

He said the chamber’s diversified and updated events had made it clear to members they were getting a lot out of their involvement.

“We have a vibrant and committed committee,” he said.

“Once you get that you attract more people. We’re delivering good value to the members.”

Stronger relationships with Shoalhaven City Council and state and federal MPs had given the chamber greater lobbying power.

It had involved itself in lobbying for the completion of the highway upgrade from Berry to Bomaderry and the replacement of the Shoalhaven River bridge. The chamber had also thrown weight into the argument against the Shoalhaven-Kiama council merger.    

Mr Goddard was buoyant about the future of local business. “Generally from the people we speak to it is strong. Larger businesses have had record growth.” 

He said Shoalhaven growth rates were about 5.5 per cent, better than the 3.3 per cent national average.