AMCC Newsletter 23rd March 2010
Networking Night
After a seven-month sojourn ‘The AMCC Newsletter’ is back.
A rejuvenated editor and some newly hired field reporters will ensure this publication will stay on track from here on in.
Before my self induced tail spin, I had started writing / reporting on the successful networking night which was held at UBEECO headquarters in the middle of 2009. I therefore thought it appropriate that this is exactly where I would pick up again.
The second AMCC networking night for 2009 was held at the head quarters of Chamber member, Chev Joe Borg’s family business, UBEECO Packaging Solutions.
For those who thought UBEECO’s Smithfield operation was impressive, the new Erskine Park facility redefined the meaning of the word. The place is massive and the pride exuded from the faces of Joe, Bill and Tony Borg as they took the attendees on a tour of the premises. UBEECO prides itself on its high level of customer service which was evidenced by the number of custom styled projects that inhabited the factory floor. One included a wooden base that was engineered to suit a vintage car, the owner of which obviously wanted something sturdy and long term to transport his vehicle to various shows and exhibitions.
UBEECO’s 40th Anniversary
On the 1st March 2010 Joe, Bill and Tony Borg, the owners of UBEECO Packaging Solutions achieved a rare milestone: they celebrated 40 years in business From humble beginnings making lettuce boxes for local market gardeners to manufacturing all manner of industrial packaging products, UBEECO today stands as a leader in national industrial packaging solutions employing in excess of 100 people at its latest premises in Erskine Park. In his impromptu speech at the 40th celebration, Joe Borg remarked that whilst the material benefits of such a long business relationship can be quantified, the lasting relationships developed with em ployees and other stakeholders over the 40 years are priceless. To illustrate the Borg Bros profound commitment to building these relationships, one of their employees (with 40 years service!!) presented the brothers with a commemorative plaque for their Boardroom .
Another Successful Christmas as Lunch
On the 20th Decem ber 2009, the membership of both the AMCC and the Knights of St John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta, held what has become, a traditional and annual Christmas lunch. The event was held at IL PIATTO Restaurant in Horsley Park. Nearly 100 people attended this “non-profit” event and to say that everyone truly enjoyed themselves would be a major understatement. It was pleasurable to see members and their families partake in a generous 4 course Italian lunch with beverages to suit everyone’s palate. The President of the AMCC Sydney Borg welcom ed all and was moved to remark that ”despite the hardships we as business people have endured over the past year during this m ajor recession, it was satisfying to witness that the most precious of all commodities: spending time with family and friends, was still the only priority in one’s life that really mattered”. After that moving welcome, Santa Claus made his customary appearance and child and adult alike delighted in the Christmas cheer he brought about. Without a doubt, the result of this Christmas lunch was a benchmark for future ones. For those of you who couldn’t make, take a note of the event for 2010 and diarize it early so as not to miss out.
Focus on AMCC Member Maria Selleck
A Personal Touch W ith Exceptional Results
Maria Selleck Properties, the brainchild of business partners Dame Maria and Gordon Selleck, is a relatively new arrival on the thriving real estate scene in Canberra. With barely seven years in the industry, they launched their standalone company on 31st January 2009 and have already consolidated their market position well inside the top ten established players.
October 2009 provided ultimate recognition in the industry when the company won the coveted Real Estate Institute capital Territory Small Agency Award for 2009 and reached finalist status in two other categories. Not a bad outcome for a nine-month operation, “With a total focus on customer service and value for money. “I try to provide clients with a more sophisticated, better managed, and more professional real estate experience. It’s a winning formula”, says Maria.
Maria Selleck Properties is a boutique company boasting a strong and loyal client base. Prior to starting up the business, Maria was already a formidable presence in the local business world and has become one of Canberra’s most recognisable and successful faces in real estate. “Our strength comes from our knowledge and experience”. explains Gordon. Maria, who had already achieved multiple achievement awards in the local and national Real Estate Industry as a sales agent, has earned her reputation as one of Canberra’s leading professional agents achieving great sales for clients with an unrivalled 60 record price and million dollar sales to her credit during this period. “I like to think that my style and eagerness to go the extra mile is what leads to top results”, she says., adding that a minimum of fuss for clients is also very important.
Maria explains that Selleck Properties enjoys a very high level of repeat and referral business, a true testament to the quality of sales results. Of course, these qualities have transferred readily into the new business and Maria and Gordon have and continue to set the standard for exceptional real estate service and results in Canberra with more than 95 per cent of total business coming through direct referral and reappointment by former clients.
“Our aims are simple– providing advice and solutions on all aspects of property without compromising our integrity and in the best interests of our clients and to develop and build the business within a dynamic structure that constantly challenges itself to make improvements”, states Gordon.
As part of their vision, Gordon explains that their commitment is to client relationship. “It’s all a matter of trust, knowing that a task will be achieved in a thoroughly professional and satisfactory way; of being able to count on that extra care, service and effort and of making and keeping friends while you do business”, he says. Lorrieanne Vella, The Commercial Courier, Malta
Announcements
Joseph & Mary Borg have become grandparents for the fourth time. Their daughter Joselle Attieh, who is also The AMCC Secretary, gave birth to her second child. Anthony George came into the world at 9.38 pm on the 16th March. Both mum and bub are doing well.
Steve Vella of Statewide Industrial Property reports an increase of 28% in profits in industrial property in the first quarter of 2010. It’s with great pleasure that we invite you to the Annual General Meeting of the Australia Maltese Chamber of Commerce Inc. to be held on Wednesday 28th April 2010.
This year, your National Committee has decided to hold the AGM at: IL PIATTO Restaurant, Wallgrove Road Horsley Park, commencing at 6.00 p.m . SHARP …….. AND free dinner will be served to attending PAID UP members (alcohol at own cost). Observers and partners will be required to make a contribution of $50 each towards dinner costs.
Membership Renewal fees due now. Voting at AGM will only be applicable to financial members. Strict application of The AMCC constitution will be applied here on in.
Focus on AMCC Member, The Yaffa Group
Founded by David Yaffer senior, the main aim was always to create a quality publication in Newspaper News. “Make this the finest trade paper in the world”, he is reported to have said. “Spend what you like on illustrations”, This was the kind of free hand he gave to his editors.
A single edition of the paper cost four pence and an annual subscription was four shillings. A one inch, one column ad cost 14 shillings casual. The paper’s parent company, The Yaffa Group, is older than Newspaper News, having established itself as a news, features, comics strip and photographic syndication Company.
The founder’s son, also called David, now runs the Yaffa Group. In turn, his children are also involved in the company. Tracy is publisher of Yaffa’s consumer divisions. His son’s, max and Guy sell advertising for the business and consumer magazines respectively while James is group sales manager with main responsibilities on AD News.
David Yaffa senior died in August 1947, at the age of 54, and after his memorial ceremony, there was a cortege one mile long with flowers of friendship over flowing from three trailers.
Through the years, Ad News has developed with the introduction of new types of media into the market. In its second year of operation, Yaffa bought Advertising In Australia, a three month old Melbourne monthly, and rolled it into Newspaper News. One year later, Yaffa bought the 18 month old Advertisers Monthly.
In 1957, Newspaper News increased its frequency, becoming fortnightly. In may 1957. Radio Television News, which was later rolled into Newspaper News, was launched reflecting the changing media environment. The paper changed its name to Advertising & Newspaper News in 1969, dropping the word Newspaper in 1971. In 1984, the word advertising was abbreviated to Ad and the title became the AD News that is known today.
As the close of the millennium draws near, Ad News has become growing its circulation. The magazine’s first Audit Bureau of Circulations audit in 1976 was 2,721. Since the Ad News has developed as a product and has increased its circulation in its last 12 consecutive audits. The magazine now leads its nearest competitor by 29% with a circulation in excess of 7,300.