As we approach the final few weeks of 2020, George Oustayiannis, chairman of balloon and party association NABAS, has issued an end-of-year statement in which he announces his intention to stand down as chair in the new year.
“As we fast approach the end of 2020, who could possibly have envisaged how this year would have panned out? There isn’t one of us that hasn’t experienced challenges both business and personal, as we were forced to come to grips with adapting to our ever-changing world.
It’s been a time where we often found ourselves functioning outside our comfort zone, but if you’ve come this far relatively unscathed, congratulations, you have my utmost respect. And although we look forward to closing the door on 2020, there’s no doubt in my mind that 2021 will challenge and test us to the max. It will take resilience, razor sharp focus and strong leadership, but I’m confident with the right support we can all come through this.
While we talk about leadership, it’s my intention to hand over the baton of NABAS chairperson. My initial three-to-six month brief of turning the fortunes of the association around has become over four years of consistent commitment. It was never supposed to be easy, but nothing worth having and achieving ever is.
As I make way for the next wave of change, I would like to be judged on my results. Cast your minds back four years and remember where we were. Other than an insurance policy, you were getting very little for your 50p a day! If nothing else, please recognise how we forced everyone to up their game and deliver more value to members, for no other reason than to reenergise the industry’s trade association.
Almost 35 years ago NABAS was formed, with the sole intention of supporting its members and being a voice for the industry. It was decided that it would be run for the members, by the members and the committee would be a representation of manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and decorators, with all profits reinvested back into the association. We have remained true to who we are and what we should be.
To better serve you – the members that own NABAS – we employ an award-winning professional trade association management company. We also have an unparalleled insurance policy with exceptional cover, unbiased NABAS-approved trainers, support and access to Pioneer, Amscan, Grabo, BOC, Premium, Oaktree and others, a quarterly magazine that’s the envy of our industry and much more. And don’t ever forget that our now very healthy bank account, is your very healthy bank account! It will be used to support and help you as NABAS continues to evolve.
All this I give you with a feeling of achievement and pride and with huge thanks to those who stepped up and made a noticeable difference with their input, actions and commitment. Don’t ever be afraid to shine and please always remember we have so much to be grateful for.
I envisage carrying on until next year’s AGM, when I will be in a position to introduce and hand over to the next chairperson. Until then, it’s business as usual as we continue to build something you should all be proud of.”
