AACCI’s Board of Directors met in Melbourne on 2 and 3 June 2010 for its mid-year meeting.  Chaired by Ray Najar, the meeting afforded Directors an opportunity to discuss a range of matters, including a number of issues affecting the finances of the organization and ways in which the Chamber could respond more directly to the requirements of its members.  Directors were particularly concerned to ensure that AACCI continued to attract the larger corporations as members, while remaining relevant to the interests of the small and medium enterprises that comprise the bulk of its membership.

Directors approved the budget for 2010-2011 and heard a report from CEO Robert Newton on the current financial situation of the Chamber.  They also endorsed the appointment of Robert’s replacement, Ms Cynthia Dearin, who commences work with the Chamber on 15 June.  After a two week handover period, Cynthia will become the new CEO on Thursday 1 July.

Given the location of the Board meeting, Directors were able to visit the chosen venue for the Chamber’s Australia Arab Business Forum and Expo which is to be held at the Sofitel on Collins on 25 and 26 October 2010.  Directors agreed that this was an exciting venue for what will be a landmark occasion in the history of Australia’s commercial engagement with the Arab countries. 

Directors heard a briefing on preparations for the Forum and Expo from representatives of Apical, the conference organizer, and from Mike Anderson and Peter Deacon, Directors from Victoria, who have been working tirelessly on the project.  Efforts to build a list of expert speakers, both Australian and Arab, are progressing well.  Directors were also briefed on the identity of those members who have offered to sponsor the event.  Details are to be disclosed shortly in a media release.

On the evening of 2 June Directors gave a dinner for members of the Victorian management committee and friends of the Chamber in Victoria. It was noted that three former National Chairmen were in attendance – Chris Motton, Don Neale and Syd Giller.

Photo Captions
At the Dinner:

National Chairman Ray Najar with the Chamber’s Honorary Solicitor, Ms Jeanette Eid,  of Wainright, Ryan and Eid Lawyers	AACCI’s CEO –designate Cynthia Dearin, with Directors (from left to right) Mike Anderson, Don Neale and Mike Farrar	Dinner guests Charles Jamieson and Roland Jabbour