NIGEL Reed was re-elected as president of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism for a second term.

Mr Reed, who is manager of the Weymouth Basepoint centre on Jubilee Close, was elected at the organisation’s annual meeting.

He told members it had been an interesting year and that he felt good progress was being made.

He welcomed new members on to the executive committee and thanked business breakfast organiser Anna-Maria Geare.

Mr Reed also spoke of his disappointment that plans to organise a Christmas event in the town had fallen through but said that it was intended to do more this Christmas.

The chamber’s 83rd annual meeting at the Banus club began with a minute’s silence in memory of past president and chief executive Joan Bliss, who died last year.

Chamber secretary Michel Hooper-Immins thanked Linda Cleary of Cleary Creative for designing the membership certificates and the new membership leaflet.

He told members that agreement had been reached with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to hold bi-monthly meetings with council officers on topics of the chamber’s choice.

The first topic to be discussed is how the council can encourage and promote business in the town.

Members will be asked to suggest topics for future discussions.

Mr Hooper-Immins added: “Finally, in an age where organisations generally are falling apart with apathy, I am delighted to see the chamber is still the premier business organisation in the borough.

“It is 82 years old this year and we all need to work hard to ensure the chamber stays vibrant and active – and we need to work together to achieve that.”

Social organiser Trevor Matthews spoke of the successful President’s Dinner at the Prince Regent Hotel in early February and announced the 2011 dinner would be held there again.

* ELECTIONS were held for officers and executive committee members at the annual meeting.

Andy Cooke, who is managing director of Getaway Digital Ltd, was elected senior vice-president.

Anna-Maria Geare, who is business manager at Lloyds TSB Bank at Weymouth and Portland, became junior vice-president.

Stephanie Pettitt. of Equation Accounting, was re-elected treasurer.

Journalist Michel Hooper-Immins is the chamber’s secretary.

Two new members were elected to the executive committee. They were Alan Cheesman, of Cockings Electrical in Weymouth and Julie Cleaver of Popcorn Marketing at Chickerell.

George Afedakis, of the Ta Dyo Adelphia Restaurant, June Chorley, of Newberry Associates, Alison Cocks, of the Beach Cafe, Trevor Matthews, of Wessex Film and TV, Fiona Penny, of Sunflowers Floral Design Ltd and Matthew Pye, of Bartle Pye Commercial Ltd were elected to the executive committee.