Another Christmas approaches with Suppliers and Retailers looking forward to a profitable Summer Season.
This year we tried something different by holding the 'State of Industry' reports at our first Breakfast meeting. The survey results proved that the timing was appreciated by all. Many Thanks to our presenters, Davin Singer (Coalface Consulting) and Lance Dobson (Neilsen).
The Peter Jowett awards were well supported by members with an excellent turn out on the night. This year the Judges received 10 very good submissions from candidates of which the top three Suppliers and three Retailers were chosen to present to members.
Members voted and chose Fran Drager (Z Energy) and Rachel Williams (British American Tobacco) to represent New Zealand at NACS in Las Vegas. I accompanied the candidates and we joined the Australian Group that had been on a Study Tour of Convenience stores in the USA. The absolute highlight of the trip was when both Rachel and Fran won the competitions taking out the World Titles. I have never been so proud of our contestants than when I had the pleasure of presenting them with their trophies - a great moment and a first for New Zealand taking both the Supplier and Retailer titles against stiff competition from both Australia and Canada. Well done Rachel and Fran, we look forward to following your careers!
Thanks also goes to Peter Mitchell from Supermarket News, who not only takes photos, but also made sure that the NACS win was well publicised.
We have a great list of events coming up for 2016. Make sure you put them
on your calendar.
- Charity Golf Day - 17th March 2016 at Maungakiekie Golf Course
supporting the Foundation for Youth Development - NZACS Business Breakfast Presentation - 28th July 2016
- NZACS Peter Jowett Scholarship & Industry Awards Event - 25th August 2016
- NZACS Convenience Leaders Summit - 10th November 2016
Best wishes to you and your staff and families for the Festive season.
Roger Bull
Chairman