2010 AGM - looking back and the year ahead
The fourth AGM of the IABC Wellington Chapter took place on Wednesday 24 February at the Wellesley Club and resulted in the election of Michael Mead as President for the 2010. As immediate Past President, Shona Brown becomes Senior Delegate. The new Board for 2010 (roles are yet to be formally agreed) now comprises:
- Bridget Latter
- Iain McLean
- Brad Tattersfield
- Debbie Gee
- Amanda Woodbridge
- Emma McCleary
- Christine Langdon
- Paul Giles.
IABC Wellington President for 2009, Shona Brown’s overview of her full report follows:
I would like to welcome you to the fourth AGM (we established in 2007) of the IABC Wellington Chapter. This includes a separate financial report for the financial year ended 30 December 2009.
The 2009 year was undoubtedly a challenging year for the Chapter. The year kicked off with some intense discussions by the new Board about how to respond to not only the economic crisis and how this might impact upon our membership and event planning, but how (if at all) to respond to the Government’s announcement that it was targeting communications professionals in the Public Service for reduction.
In 2009, we embarked upon a demanding event schedule comprising 12 diverse events. Highlights included (and there’s much more a page on):
- Wayne Eagleson providing insights into the decision-making processes of the Key Government here at the Wellesley Club to a large audience
- the award winning public sector Gold Quill case studies
- the day-long masterclass led by Australian Lorri Lennon
- our Christmas party at the Backbenchers with the very entertaining Sean Plunkett!
And our response to the Government? On behalf of the Board, I wrote and invited State Services Minister Tony Ryall to either meet with the Board or our members to discuss our concerns. We received acknowledgement and reiteration of the Government’s commitment to seeing resources shifted to the frontline.
The Board has worked tirelessly in the last year – and it does take considerable effort (in one’s spare time) to plan and promote a programme of events that will meet different member and non-members’ needs with the right speakers, at the right venue, at the right time and at the right price. And we win – most of the time!
I personally remain committed to the belief that IABC Wellington has a role in the lives of senior communications professionals in Wellington, and that we can provide ‘an edge’ with our access to global contacts, resources, conferences, awards (such as the Gold Quills) and recognition such as ABC accreditation. Having attended the IABC World Conference in San Francisco last year and attended the Gold Quill ceremony, I would encourage each and everyone of you to think about how you can ‘max’ your IABC membership in 2010.
In short, I commend the work of the Board and trust that our members will be pleased with our efforts. I am confident that the new people who will join the Board will bring renewed energy, enthusiasm and excitement to the year ahead!
agm-president-feb-2010-report [full report]