2009 PRESIDENT'S REPORT TO THE AGM

Welcome

Welcome to the President’s Report for 2009. It has been quiet year for the Chamber.

Membership Status

In contrast to many other European Chambers of Commerce in Sydney, FACC has been able to defy the impact of the global financial crises and maintain its membership base in the past year, although a few long standing members have not yet paid their fees for the current year. We have even gained a few new members.

FACC activities during 2008/2009

On 26 November 2008 the Chamber participated for the second time in the annual Cruise with the Europeans. Members and friends of nine European Chambers came together on the Sydney 2000 to network and enjoy the scenery of Sydney Harbour. About 20 FACC members attended the event which was a fantastic attendance rate given the size of our Chamber. The feedback which we received was that our members very much enjoyed the cruise and the drinks afterwards at the Ueberbar in the Rocks.

On 5 February 2009 FACC participated in the annual Junior Chamber European Drinks event at the Ueberbar in the Rocks, Sydney. Members of the Chamber had the chance to mingle with young professionals from other European Chambers in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

The members enjoyed a drinks and networking opportunity in the informal setting of the Arthouse Hotel on 3 June 2009.

On 26 June 2009 FACC members had the opportunity to attend the Europeans at the Gallery event hosted by a number of European Chambers, including FACC, at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.

FACC activities planned for the remainder of 2009 and 2010

Following the AGM on 26 October 2009, the members of the Chamber are invited to attend a business seminar which the Chamber has organized for its members and friends. The seminar will include a presentation by one of our members on the significant changes to the sub-class 457 business visas which came into effect on 14 September 2009 as well as a presentation the recent changes in Australian workplace laws, including changes to minimum entitlements, the awards system and collective agreement making. The members of the Swedish Chamber and some Danish companies have also been invited to this event.

On 25 November 2009 the Chamber will again participate in the annual Cruise with the Europeans. This event is hosted on the MV Sydney 2000 and will allow FACC members to enjoy a 2 hour harbour cruise which offers not only good food and great views, but also unique networking opportunities with members of a total of 9 European Chambers and trade representations. The cruise will be followed by an after-party which starts after the ship has docked at the end of the cruise.

Other events which are planned for the coming year include further “at home” functions at the premises of some of our members, our traditional drinks’ night at the Arthouse Hotel and we are considering co-hosting another event with the other Nordic trade representations following the success of the earlier Nordic Business Seminar in 2006. We are currently in the process of confirming the details for the events in 2010 and a calendar of events will be distributed to members as soon as the details have been finalised.

Participation by Members

While the Committee members meet monthly to organise events throughout the year, it is the members of the Chamber who really represent what the Chamber is today and into the future. Without its members the Chamber would not exist.

We therefore seek your continuous involvement through your attendance at events, comments, suggestions for future events and nominations for the Chamber’s Committee. In this regard we warmly welcome Riku Laanti of Pamir Consulting in Adelaide who joins the Committee for the first time from today’s AGM. We also welcome back Tim Purcell who rejoins the Committee after a couple of years of absence. Welcome to both Riku and Tim! We look forward to working with you.

Your feedback and suggestions are appreciated and always welcome!

Silke Koernicke
President FACC
Sydney, October 2009