2 minute read
CEO’s message
Capricorn works because Members know our whole reason for existing is to help them build stronger businesses. In our cooperative’s 50 years of operation, that vision has never changed. We might have changed the way we say it, we might have expanded our range of Members, but the truth of it hasn’t changed.
It’s something I’m really passionate about, which is why I’ve been personally so heavily involved with Australia’s peak body for organisations like ours, the Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutuals (BCCM), and its predecessor organisations, over the years.
Later this month, Capricorn’s Chief Experience Officer Jacky Mills and I are presenting at the BCCM’s Leader’s Summit, which this year is happening in Perth. It brings together executives and directors from the C-suites of cooperatives and mutuals across Australia, so we can share ideas, network and discuss best practice initiatives and policies. A hugely diverse range of sectors will be in attendance, all of them with a mission just like Capricorn’s. I was present at the founding of the BCCM more than a decade ago, so it will be a nice opportunity for me to say thank you and bid farewell to an organisation that is doing so much to make cooperatives stronger, including being our collective voice to government.
As the end of the year looms, things are very busy. It was wonderful to see so many Members attended the harbour cruise Gala Dinner in Sydney last month, and I’m looking forward to seeing more Members and Preferred Suppliers at the remaining Gala Dinner & Tradeshows across Australia and New Zealand in the coming weeks.
This month is also the Capricorn AGM, so let me share my appreciation here for retiring board members Bruce Rathie and Peter Stewart. Bruce was appointed in 2008 and Petter has been a part of the board since 2015, both have been very active and valued members of the board during that time.
And finally, of course, our 50 Years Strong celebrations continue. In this month’s Ignition you’ll find a great article from Paul Marinelli, of Marinelli PR, reflecting on his 12-year-long relationship with Capricorn. Paul delivered our first structured PR strategy back in 2012 and has been a part of the Capricorn community ever since. I hope you enjoy reading his story, and don’t forget there’s plenty more stories on our 50 Years Strong (capricorn.coop) website.
