Faced with a year of challenges, the National Cleaning Suppliers Association of Australia’s (NCSA) national board came together for its annual general meeting to reflect on its growth initiatives and national expansion plans for the coming year ahead.
The NCSA AGM was held on 19 August 2014 in the president’s suite at ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, where more than 20 board and committee members met for lunch. Current president, Stuart Nicol of Central Cleaning Supplies, chaired the meeting and before starting proceedings, offered the board’s recognition and condolences for the passing of former president, Gerry Goldberg. “I personally gained much insight on many topics from Gerry over the years and he is sadly missed,” he said.
Nicol went on to give his president’s report saying that the last year was one that challenged the association, but he believes will in the long term, deliver structural change that will allow the NCSA to move into the digital age. “With the full support of the executive, we have re- developed our website and we aim for it to become the go-to site for the cleaning industry offering a platform for communication in the form of newsletters and blogs, and helping to link our members,” shared Nicol.
In addition to digital advances, the NCSA also reviewed its marketing strategy by employing Bruce Stewart to assist working on press releases and the CleanScene trade shows. Further initiatives include a demo day to be hosted by the NCSA’s Victoria branch in October, originally managed by current president Geoff Shearer of Apex Cleaning Services – soon to be passed onto Greg Pobjoy of Whiteley Corporation.
“Geoff has stood down after the recent Victoria state election after serving
tirelessly in his role and I would like to formally thank Geoff for all his effort and support to the association and its members,” announced Nicol. “And we welcome Greg to the new role.”
The Queensland branch was also mentioned as president Craig Jones of White Magic has been driving the initiation of a partnership with the Building Services Contractors Association of Australia (BSCAA) Qld branch. “Craig has been working to have both associations work together on joint functions to benefit each other and each association’s members,” Nicol explained. “We are also looking to do this on a national basis by recognising each other’s strengths and unifying our approach.”
A final mention was given to the South Australian and Western Australian branches, both of which are on the agenda for next year to build up a committee and member base. “Bruce Stewart has been working closely with the Cleaning Council of Western Australia and we are poised for a start up before the end of the year,” noted Nicol.
The meeting ended with the election of the NCSA national board, with all members re-elected to their current positions – Stuart Nicol as president, Sue Wilton of Oates as vice president, Ivan Immerman of International Building Supply as treasurer and Kristine Collins of Nayla as national executive committee member.