After a four-month hiatus, the organisation hosted its first breakfast since March at the Muswellbrook RSL Club on Tuesday, August 4.

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, the number of attendees had to be restricted to 60 and these were filled within 48 hours of being released with a further 20, who wished to be there, unfortunately missing out.

The function also coincided with the MCCI's annual general meeting and those who attended were given an update on the chamber's financial position, activities and plans for the year ahead.

As part of the AGM, a new board of directors was elected for 2020-21.

The committee consists of eight positions - and all were filled.

These included: president - Mike Kelly (Wear Parts Services); vice-president - Ross Peasley (RAP Surveying); secretary - Genelle Scotts (Bengalla); treasurer - Lorraine Skinner (Melanies Jewellers); directors - Jennifer Lecky (Jennifer Lecky & Associates), Michael Carey (Muswellbrook Motors), Amber Wright (Equilaw Solicitors) and Phil Farquharson (Hunter Plant Mechanics).

MCCI's member services manager Wayne Toms outlined to the breakfast some of the initiatives and events that the chamber will be focusing on, too.

"We've got several things going on, including our Member Support, Making Muswellbrook and Locals Supporting Locals programs," he said.

"We also provided an update on The Great Cattle Dog Muster.

"The event was due to take place next month but was forced to be postponed due to COVID-19.

"A new date has been set for the three-day extravaganza - September 10, 11 and 12 in 2021.

"The chamber also announced another exiting event to the coming year's calendar, the 2021 Upper Hunter Inspiration Conference, to be held in May."