The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VECCI) and Food Industry Machinery Manufacturers Australia (FIMMA) have agreed that effective 1 July 2005, FIMMA members will be invited to join a specific "FIMMA" group within the VECCI membership structure, which will operate as a separate business unit.  The current FIMMA Executive Committee will form the initial policy and advisory committee for that group.

 

"The FIMMA Executive sought this alliance to enable FIMMA to continue providing the benefits its members seek, best facilitate the national growth of the Association and keep the issues of the food machinery manufacturing industry at the forefront of the debate", says FIMMA Chair Mr Bryant Ham.

 

"The additional support and services that VECCI provides will expand and enhance all these activities", says Mr Ham.

 

VECCI Chief Executive Officer, Neil Coulson, says that this alliance is proof positive of VECCI's role as Victoria's leading employer peak group.

 

"We look forward to providing excellent levels of service to FIMMA members", says Mr Coulson.

Although the alliance does not come into formal effect until 1 July 2005, VECCI have agreed to provide immediate support to FIMMA.  Chris Gardner will continue to provide administrative support through this transition period.