Miriam Rees who runs the Best of Monmouth, which covers Usk and Raglan, decided to throw a party to celebrate the local businesses of Usk. The party was attended by Mayor of Usk, Tony Kear, Dylan Matthews, Chief Executive of Celtic Manor, Usk Town Councillors and local business owners.
"The aim of the evening was to show people our plans for the area, which include promoting the website, networking events, monthly business awards and the 'best of' bus," said Miriam.
"We are working on a variety of marketing tools to bring local businesses together and to attract more people into the town."
The attendees enjoyed wonderful Italian food from Marianos in Usk, Italian champagne and homemade cakes.
Miriam Rees made a speech to the guests explaining how "we should stop and think about what shops are on our doorstep before driving away into the bigger areas to shop; how the local businesses should work together to build a powerful, strong force within the town and how we should stay positive and focus on the great things instead of thinking about the doom and gloom."
Members of the public can register for free on the website to find out about local events and business offers. You can also add reviews about your local businesses to have your say.