What an amazing National Conference! What a pleasure to meet so many members – old and new – and to have the chance to learn more about you as individuals and your businesses. From the brochure and the planning, I could not have imagined what a wonderful experience this conference would be in actuality.

For me, one of the highlights was the presentation by Kristen Grant Meilke from Glenfiddich. To hear the story of those families, how they started the business and the challenges they faced, really gave a personal perspective to one of the best known drinks in the world. I will always think of that story and the love, care and length of time that goes into each sip!

I learned how much family businesses value their staff and how devoted the staff are to their family employers – very moving. But the best moment of all was when our very own Hall of Fame inductee from last year – Charles Parsons – was named Distinguished Family Business of the Year! So justly deserved, Vicki and her son Charles were there to accept the prize which paid homage to their centenary year in an iconic family business – our heart-felt congratulations to them!

With the warm weather approaching, Sydney moves into fun and fitness mode. The fun takes the form of the Sydney Fringe Comedy Festival  while the Sydney Running Festival takes care of the fitness. If any members are into these activities let us know – maybe we could go as an FBA group/team?
Meanwhile, there is a lot happening within FBA in the Western Sydney region – have you seen how that area is growing? My Dad lives in that area and each time I visit I am amazed at the continuous growth. Wide roads going in, enormous residential developments, huge shopping and business precincts – and many of our members’ names all over the infrastructure! If family businesses are in Western Sydney, then FBA will be there to provide services. We are currently working on a program of activities especially for Western Sydney so stand by for updates. If you have ideas and would like to be involved, please let me know, as I would like to work with existing members in the area.

And some or our members in Western Sydney have been attracting a lot of media attention in the Western Sydney Business Access  check out Scenic World on front page and page 18, then Burton Contractors on pages 8 and 17!

I am pleased to announce that the 2015 Gala Dinner and Hall of Fame Awards night will be held on Thursday 26 November at the Kirribilli Club. Expressions of interest for sponsorship of this event – including door prizes and gifts – are now open, so please let Lorena or me know if you would like to participate.

Wendy Foster
0418 901 521
wfoster@fambiz.org.au