Wow what a weekend! 

Last Thursday night, a bus load of over 70 enthusiastic PMA members from NZ and
around Australia were transported from The Melbourne Convention Centre to the Pumphouse Hotel, to take part in what turned out to be an informative, fun evening of sharing ideas between like-minded retailers and suppliers. Bill McCurry (as usual) handled the enthusiastic  audience with aplomb and was able to bring out the ideas that flow so well in these sesssions.

The purpose of the night was to keep the best of a typical " PMA Marketing Ideas Exchange" as well as a social evening to allow a "wind down" after a full day of DIMA conference.

The following note from John Swainston at Maxwell International mirrored supporting comments we received following the night.

It looks like it will be a regular part of future PMA Conferences in Aus!

"This is the ultra upbeat positive group of retailers assembled for the bus before going out for the first ever Ideas Exchange Dinner on Thursday night, hosted by PMA Australia and featuring Bill McCurry.

The evening was a huge success, helped by supportive President and Exec Director, local head of PMA Australian operations, Peter Rose and the local and US PMA staff, Kathy W, Suzie B  and John B

As there are so many negative reports from retailers this image deserves pride of place - all happy!  (They did not see my big flash go off 3 times - I didn't need it -ton's of existing light. Amused them though)."

John

PMA, the Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations, has relocated its world headquarters to 2282 Springport Road, Suite F., Jackson, Mi., 49202. Phone numbers and website address remain unchanged.

"This new, more-efficient headquarters will allow PMA to serve our members more effectively," says Jim Esp, executive director, PMA. "PMA is hitting the ground running with exciting upcoming events and programs, including this week's Digital Conference at the Digital Show in Melbourne, NSW, Australia."

"The PMA team is just about to the size it needs to be and with better space our ability to operate more efficiently improves," says Allen Showalter, international president, PMA. "The new space is outstanding and more suitable to the size of our team."

In January, the Jackson Community College Foundation announced it would purchase the 25-acre PMA headquarters site to establish a new North Campus for Jackson Community College.

PMA had occupied its former 42,000-square foot headquarters, at 3000 Picture Place in Blackman Township, since its construction in 1980. Prior to that, PMA was located on Lansing Ave. in Jackson. 

The following note was received from Ormond Williams :

"Yesterday was my final day as National Chair PPFA Australia/New Zealand Chapter and today Bob Smith takes on the position.

I have enjoyed the past three years in the position very much, especially being able to make a small contribution to the industry. Assisting in providing certification and education to framers in Australia has probably been the most important part and I'm sure this will continue into the future.

It's a shame that I am unable to attend the Melbourne conference this time, but it can't be helped. I'm hoping that the education provided will be well attended.

I'm hoping the issues with New Zealand PPFA membership can be changed during the conference or soon after, so that they truly become part of our 'chapter' .

The new committee can also be listed:

Bob Smith - National Chair
Miranda Smith - Vice National Chair
Jared Davis - Committee Member
Jenny Yates - Committee Member
Keith Stewart - Committee Member (NZ)
Tony O'Sullivan - Committee Member
Ormond Williams - Immediate Past Nat Chair

I wish Bob and the new committee well in their endeavours to make a difference to our industry in this part of the world."

Thanks again and best wishes !

Ormond Williams  MCPF®

Immediate Past National Chair, PPFA Australia/New Zealand Chapter

 Ormond has been a joy to work with, and has taken the organisation to another level.I know I speak for all PPFA members in sincerely thanking him for his efforts and enthusiasm over recent years.

Well done Ormond!!

Best wishes

Peter Rose

 

Tue June 12:                  2012 Future Leaders Program - Melbourne

                                       Arrow on Swanston

Fri June 6th:                   PMA SA Lunch Meeting

                                       T- Chow Restaurant, Adelaide

Fri July 20th:                   Info'tography Seminar - Sydney

Sat July 21st                   Info'tography Workshop - Sydney

                                       National Maritime Museum

                                       Darling Harbour

Mon 23rd July                Info'tography Seminar - Brisbane

Tue 24th July                 Info'tography Workshop - Brisbane

                                      Southbank Institute of Technology

                                      South Brisbane

Fri 27th July                   Info'tography Seminar - Melbourne

Sat 28th July                  Info'tography Workshop - Melbourne

                                      State Library of Victoria

Tue Sept 4th:                  PMA NSW Second Industry Quarterly Review

                                       North Ryde RSL Function Centre