By CASEY NEILL
THE South East’s manufacturing voice is looking to boost its membership and sponsor base over the coming financial year.
South East Melbourne Manufacturer’s Alliance (SEMMA) held its annual general meeting at Dandenong’s Drum Theatre on 7 August.
Outgoing treasurer Tom Flintoff said the group had seen a busy year, with progress in the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Future of Manufacturing Project and a SEMMA stand at the Austech trade show.
The group’s income was above budget, but its expenditure also exceeded expectations, leaving a $26,000 operating loss.
“It continues a trend over the past three years of income not covering expenditure, as SEMMA has increased its level of activity and influence,” Mr Flintoff said.
“There is a continuing need to correct this situation and the board is seeking in the coming year to increase membership fees and to seek a greater level of corporate sponsorship.
“Sponsorship income from commercial sponsors fell away.”
SEMMA also had to absorb unbudgeted costs from executive officer Paul Dowling handing over to replacement Adrian Boden, “when SEMMA effectively funded two officers in this position for a month while the transition was effected”.
Outgoing president Lyndon Joss said the financial year had been a difficult time for the manufacturing industry with high exchange rates, uncertain political climate and easing demand for manufactured goods.
“Our traditional member benefits – power and gas deals, Workcover insurance and publishing of employment vacancies – have all been well-received by members,” he said.
“A new initiative, the placement of key personnel in temporary positions in times of downturn, provides bridging employment while ensuring that the skill is retained for future growth.”
Mr Joss announced he was stepping down from the board after serving since SEMMA began 10 years ago.
“SEMMA will continue to grow and to be a powerbase for further change, both in government policy decisions and the way we, as manufacturers, do business,” he said.
Mr Boden announced a new commercial sponsorship agreement with JB Hi-Fi Commercial, which will sponsor SEMMA events over the coming year and make SEMMA-specific deals available to member companies and their employees.
Simon Whiteley from Corex Plastics takes over as board president for the coming year alongside vice president Greg Northrop from Tycab Australia, treasurer Todd Hartley from Hilton Manufacturing and secretary Sandra George from South East Business Networks (SEBN).
