Outgoing chamber president Catherine Fitzsimons said she had been surprised to see so many new faces at Tuesday's meeting, along with an unusually large number of proxy votes for the AGM.

Ms Fitzsimons said more than 30 proxies had been lodged on the evening while in previous years there had been only three. However, some of the proxies had to be declined as they were for new chamber members who had not yet been ratified.

Ms Fitzsimmons said most of the proxy votes came from members who were new to the chamber.

"On one hand, having so many new members is very positive and shows the increasing relevance of the chamber within the local business community," she said.

"That should be seen as a good thing."

Ms Fitzsimmons said that Tuesday's AGM was the first time in her many years on the chamber - including three years as vice president and two years as president - that there had been more nominations than positions to be filled.

However, a number of roles remain vacant following the AGM pending further scrutiny of the proxies.

"We need to ensure due diligence has been observed," Ms Fitzsimmons said.

"Our returning officer, who was not able to attend, will validate the count and once that's done final result will be declared."

Ms Fitzsimons said the new board would have some work to do.

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"A number of new people will have to step up into new positions," she said.

Given the manner in which the change happened, she said she "just hopes everyone will continue to support the chamber".

"With more than 50 per cent of the board's experience gone, I'm not sure businesses appreciate what has happened or were aware that would happen," she said.

However, she was "all for new people standing up".

Ms Fitzsimons, who announced she would step down from her role as president, thanked all the board members.

"They always jumped in and helped out when I was off flying ... they have been fantastic," she said.

Ms Fitzsimmons said one of the reasons she was happy to hold the role of president for the past two years was the collegial spirit of the board.

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