By Andy Young
The Liquor Stores Association New South Wales (LSA NSW) has elected five new board members, and also bid farewell to "an industry legend" at its AGM this week.
Michael David from Elizabeth Bay Cellars resigned from his long-standing position on the board and LSA executive director Michael Waters acknowledged the contribution made by David.
“On behalf of my fellow board members, I extend our gratitude to Michael David, who has decided to hang up his boots, after an unprecedented 30+ years of service," Water said.
“There wouldn’t be many in our industry who wouldn’t know Michael David, and it goes without saying that his contribution will be sorely missed at our regular meetings; we wish him all the very best as he embarks on his next chapter."
David has been operating his current store Elizabeth Bay Cellars since the early 1980s, and has been a member of the LSA board since around that time. He served as President from 2004 until 2006 and was inducted as an LSA Life Member in May 2011.
As David stepped down from the board, Waters welcomed the five new retail members who were elected to the board.
“I welcome Carolyn Zhang, David Short, John Wilson, Guy Bredin and Con Stamoulis, who join our board for the first time – we thank you for your eagerness, and look forward to your valuable contribution over the next year and beyond," Waters added.
At the AGM Waters also delivered the association's annual report, which highlighted the year's achievements, as well as acknowledging the work that still needs to be done in the coming year.
“The Association is in the strongest position it has ever been and following five years of consecutive and steady growth, membership numbers consolidated in 2014-15, finishing the year virtually in the same place as we started with around 1,200 members," Waters said.
“In another challenging year for the industry, LSA’s financial performance was solid, and we continued to reinforce our engagement strategy with members and stakeholders, and improve our range of services and benefits for members, including launching the Liquor Retailer Handbook, the ID Compliance Audit and Compliance Health Check services.
“LSA has been extremely proactive in the regulatory environment this past year, and given its limited resources can be very proud of its achievements to date, however we must work harder to demonstrate meaningful and tangible benefits, and more effectively represent the needs and interests of stakeholders”, he added.