Export powerhouse Geraldine Doumany has died in Toowoomba, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the Darling Downs community.
Ms Doumany spent her career assisting businesses experience international trade success.
Raised on a farm near Cunnamulla, she had held senior roles with government agencies Austrade and Trade and Investment Queensland and most recently led Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise's (TSBE) export initiatives.
TSBE CEO Ali Davenport said she was honoured to have worked with Ms Doumany.
"I remember many times hearing phone calls from panicked local exporters with Gerry calmly stepping in to locate products stuck on a wharf in China or fixing export documentation or using her many international contacts to smooth the way for Darling Downs products to reach overseas markets," she said.
"Export is incredibly complicated, but Gerry was brilliant and could solve just about any export problem."
Last year, the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce's Business Excellence Awards introduced the Gerry Doumany Export Award.
"We're so grateful for the recognition of this amazing person," Ms Davenport said.
"Despite her significant health problems, Gerry attended the awards and celebrated with her close family and friends and received a standing ovation from the crowd for her contribution to the region."
General manager of TSBE Food Leaders Australia Bruce McConnel said she was a much-loved member of the community.
"She was a friend to all who knew her and always had a big smile on her face," he said.
"We have been inundated with messages from businesses that Gerry has supported through the years, who have acknowledged her skill and expertise, and will miss her humour, grace and infectious laugh."
"Gerry was only just five foot tall, but she had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known."
She passed away on April 1 at the Toowoomba Hospice surrounded by her family.