An increased membership, greater participation by women, and a number of headline events, have contributed to a ‘boomer year' for the Gay Auckland Business Association (GABA). New projects are on the horizon, GABA has consolidated its membership in a new database, and the new GABA Online Directory is proving a big success, reports Johnny Givins, GABA President. “At 1 August 2006 I am proud to tell you we now have a total of 346 members. 92 members have joined us [in the last year]… 26 of those since April this year,” Givins said at his address to GABA's Annual General Meetings, held last week. GABA now has “14 complimentary members such as MPs and officials, 6 corporate members, 40 business members, 4 life members, 9 group members and 273 individual members, said Givins. GABA has cleared out its membership database, dumping 58 lapsed members, and a new GABA Online Directory has been launched. “Launched in February this year [the Directory] has proved a wonderful resource and is being used widely to find goods and services able to be supplied by other members.” Givins gave particular thanks to Karen Knight for organising special events for women. “She has ignited the women's membership as well as providing us with accurate and perceptive counsel,” said Givins. A new special member was announced at the AGM – the NBR New Zealand Opera, and a new patron was added – the Hon Chris Carter, Labour MP for Te Atatu. The AGM provided an opportunity to meet this year's new Executive Committee. Givins, a television producer with Livingstone Productions, was re-elected as president, as was GABA's secretary, Neville Creighton of the Auckland Gay and Lesbian Welfare Group. Alison Griffiths, an accountant with Mortgage People, begins her tenure as treasurer. Other re-elected board members were: Vic de Bettencor (Quinovic Property Management) Gresham Bradley (e-net/e-cast) Russell Finnemore (Recherche Records) Karen Knight (Crash Brokers) John Preston (Antique Fabric and Lace) Newly elected members were: Anthony Booth (Centurion Sauna) Peter Gordon (ex-president of the Wellington's Gay Association of Professionals – GAP) Lara McKittrick (NZ Guardian Trust) Murray Smallfield (Beca International engineers) GABA holds a monthly ‘Fruits in Suits' gathering, recently moved to the Aucklander Bar at the Carlton Hotel. “Our new home is stylish, professional, comfortable and appropriate,” said Givins. “What I would call a good move!” “Everyone feels rewarded due to our growth,” says Givins. “At 21 years old, GABA is in good shape heading into the future.” The next gathering will be on September 5. Bookings can be made online, using the link to GABA's website, below. Ref: GayNZ.com (d)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 10th August 2006 - 12:00pm