We are writing to give you an update on the proposed merger and to ensure all members know about the upcoming voting process.
Please read the sections below which relate to:
1. Industry comments about the proposed merger
2. Working Party merger feasibility reports
3. Next steps in the proposed merger
4. Recap of questions/answers relating to the merger
On behalf of the staff and board members we look forward to furthering this merger process and for members to enjoy a stronger, more broadly representative and sustainable Association with the exciting introduction of a wider range of benefits and services.
Should you have any questions please contact either of the undersigned via email peter.charlesworth@minelab.com.au or phone on 8238 0888 for Peter Charlesworth or Dean.Littlefield@au.fujitsu.com or phone on 8305-8500 for Dean Littlefield.
Yours Sincerely
| Peter |
Dean |
|
Peter Charlesworth
EIA President |
Dean Littlefield
ICT Council Chairman |
1.0 Industry Comments about the Proposed Merger:
“Electronics and ICT are fundamental, strongly linked enabling technologies for a high tech economy. I firmly believe that by working together we will strengthen South Australia's technology base, deliver enhanced value to our customers and generate exciting new business opportunities for our members.”
Mike Heard, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Codan
“It’s good to see these two bodies merge. It is increasingly difficult to separate the two disciplines of information technology and electronics; as a single body representing both we can leverage and learn from each other and our combined force can only benefit the future of both industries in South Australia and beyond.”
Lorraine Mansell, President, Women in Innovation and Technology South Australia
“I commend the proposed merger to members because the merged organisation will be able to more broadly represent the “eTechnology” business sector in South Australia. One of the many positive outcomes of the proposed merger will be to have a larger member base, which will provide a stronger and more unified industry voice, lead to improved sustainability and reduce the Association’s reliance on government funding.”
Peter Charlesworth, General Manager Minelab
“I fully endorse and encourage the merging of the ICT Council and the Electronics Industry Association. SolutionCity members and EIA members must embrace the new organisation and encourage their peers to actively support the organisation by becoming members. The more that we put into it, the more we will collectively and individually gain from it.”
Denis Wall, Vice Chair ICT Council.
“Consolidation of two prominent industry bodies will actually expand the operation of a merged body representing both industries.”
Joanna Puccetti - Education Manager at TAFESA in the Electronics and Computer Systems Engineering department
“The proposed merger reflects the convergence of technologies in the ICT and electronics fields and is a logical move that will create a united representation of these technologies.”
Ian Wallis - SA Branch Manager, Arrow Electronics Australia
“As an EIA member I can see the advantages in accessing a one stop shop with consolidated information for the electronics and ICT industries. I also look forward to the opportunity of networking with the many outstanding South Australian ICT companies.”
Anthony Kittel, Managing Director, Redarc Electronics
2.0 Merger Feasibility Reports:
The Working Party has completed its review of the merger feasibility resulting in two briefing papers, “Electronics and ICT Association: Strategic Plan” and the “Electronics and ICT Association Corporate Plan”. These papers are attached for your information and available at the EIA, SolutionCity – Adelaide Australia and ICT Council websites, at www.eiaa.asn.au, www.solutioncity.com.au and www.itcouncil.asn.au . Note that the reports were generated by Brian Hanisch an independent project officer under the direction of the joint EIA/ICTC Working Party.
3.0 Next Steps in the Proposed Merger:
Members will be involved in the following steps and activities:
· You now have access to a copy of the merger corporate and strategic plans
· You will be invited to an information evening
· You will receive voting papers, a new draft constitution and information about an extraordinary general meeting
· You may attend the extraordinary general meeting where you will be able to vote (or a vote by mail or proxy) on whether to proceed with the merger, new constitution and name change.
Assuming the merger is supported:
· You will receive notification of the formation of an interim Board comprising 4 EIA and 4 ICT Council Members and an independent Director as the Interim Chairman
· You may attend the AGM to vote (or vote by mail or proxy) on the Directors of the newly formed entity
4.0 Recap Of Questions/Answers:
Further to the above points, we wish to recap on previous information:
Q. Why are the EIA and ICT Council planning to join forces?
A. The EIA and ICT Council are planning to join forces to be able to more strongly represent the technology business sector in South Australia. This will enable a pooling of resources in order to provide improved common and specific services to our broader membership base. The merged entity will have more members, less overhead, more member activities, better financial sustainability and a stronger industry voice.
Q. What does this mean to members?
A. Members of either organisation will continue to enjoy current services in addition to an expanded range of services and benefits. For example SolutionCity members will be eligible to receive discounts and special rates from EIA preferred suppliers in the areas of; insurance, fleet pricing, recruitment, business banking, importing and exporting services, IT hardware and software, Management Training, OH&S advice, hire cars, health insurance and vehicle buying services. EIA members will have access to the SolutionCity brand and its associated exporting benefits and will be part of a stronger Association that can deliver better services across the broadened membership base.
Q. Will membership fees change?
A. During the first twelve months following the planned merger, subject to Board approval there will be the normal annual review of fees with a minimal increase in membership fees, even though an expanded range of services and membership benefits will be offered. SolutionCity members will become part of the new Association and through to June 30, 2009 will pay the same SolutionCity rates they currently pay. They will then transition to the common membership fee structure applicable to all members for 09/10 and beyond.
Q. What will the new merged organisation be called and how will it operate?
A. It is planned that the new organisation be called the “Electronics and ICT Association”. It will operate using a new constitution and will be governed by a Board of Directors. It is planned to retain the EIA and SolutionCity brands within the operations of the newly merged entity.
Q. Will members have a chance to have input into the merger process?
A. All members will be invited to an information evening regarding the planned merger. More details about this will be sent to you soon. EIA members will receive a minimum of 21 days notice prior to the extraordinary general meeting being held, and it is anticipated that it will be held towards the end of August.
Click here to view the Corporate Plan
Click here to view the Strategic Plan