Johnny Givins handed over his Presidency of the Gay Auckland Business Association at their 2007 Annual General Meeting tonight, to Civil Union celebrant and gay ‘Speed Dating' organiser Mark Thomas. Givins ended his two-year tenure at the top of GABA is his usual chatty but authoritative hosting style, saying the organisation has had another very successful year of fulfilling goals to build, interact and promote Auckland's LGBT community. “GABA events have continued to be successful, entertaining and many times surprising,” Givins told the crowd in central Auckland's Rendezvous Hotel this evening. “It has been a great two years seeing GABA grow and prosper with new members and great events which I have enjoyed with you all. Thanks for the opportunity to be your President – it has allowed me to meet a wonderful array of gay men and women and be part of a vibrant and confident queer community. “GABA makes a difference,” the outgoing President concluded. “Let's keep it moving by being out, proud and active.” Mark Thomas became the new President tonight, with Kerry Swan continuing as Vice-President, Neville Creighton as Secretary, and Gavin Hyde as Treasurer. Evan Donnelly, Russell Finnemore, Johnny Givins, Peter Gordon, Larry Jenkins, Lindsey Rea, Liam Slater and Scott Tynan make up the rest of the 2007-2008 GABA Board. Ref: GayNZ.com (m)