The Gay Auckland Business Association has begun 2009 with a number of changes which sees long-time members in new roles on its executive committee. Regrouping for new year: New GABA President Gav Hyde New GABA President Gav Hyde reveals: "Philip Pridmore has regretfully resigned as President as he focuses on his and Ian's increasingly successful business Dragontree Lodge. I have agreed to fill this vacancy until the next AGM in July." Also, past GABA President Mark Thomas is now focusing his considerable energies elsewhere, says Hyde. "His contribution to GABA has been considerable and will have lasting effect, especially with involvement in the recently inaugurated GABA tertiary scholarship." The GABA executive has been renewed with two new faces and the return of another, Hyde adds. "Scott Dunning of Swish Cocktails and Cahill Real Estate has joined us and will be driving forward GABA's business development and support program, and Craig Rodgers of Momentum Consulting and Auckland Music Theatre joins as well and will be straight into the fray taking up the role as Secretary. "And it is with pleasure we welcome back Lindsey Rea from a six month break while she focused her energies on the national elections. Lindsey brings a wealth of networking strength and along with Kerry Swan will insure that the guys play fair." With the economic slowdown, Hyde knows 2009 will bring challenges: "This GABA executive have committed to focusing on three areas: developing and create open environments for you to 'Ask for and do the business'; providing positive, vibrant fun events for business and social networking while incorporating business sponsorship and profiling opportunities; and encouraging and facilitating help for those of our membership that experience financial or business hardship." GABA's first meeting of 2009 will take place in a different venue to the usual Purple bar. This Wednesday 4 February, GABA will be at the Urban Café, 139 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket from 5:30 – 8pm. The change of venue for this month allows members to meet close to the Rialto Cinema for OUTLine NZ's screening of Milk, which as scheduled for the same evening. GABA still requires more people to assist on its executive. Areas where help is needed include website management, accounts and financial reports, event management and more representation across the LGBT spectrum. Interested people can get in touch with GABA via its website, linked below.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Sunday, 1st February 2009 - 9:07am