FEDHASA Cape announces new 2013 segment heads

The new Segment Heads for 2013, as per member vote, were announced as follows:

• Hotel Segment: Jeff Rosenberg was announced as the new Segment Head, to be supported by Chris Godenir.
  
• Allied Segment: Mark Hulley was announced as the new Segment Head, to be supported by Klaus Becker.
  
• Youth Segment: Jamie Pieters was announced at the new Youth Segment Head.

A challenging industry

Members were welcomed by Gary Koetser, general manager of African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa, and the AGM began with the Annual Chairman's Report, delivered by FEDHASA Cape chair Michèle de Witt. In her address, De Witt acknowledged the turbulent times the hospitality industry has faced.

"Operating a successful, sustainable, commercially viable hospitality business today is not without its challenges," she said. "Our businesses are faced with a myriad of rules and regulations within which we are required to operate, and the market place is characterised by increased competition, uncertain levels of demand, persistent price wars and increasing input costs.

"I believe that we need to recognise that together we are able to accomplish more than we can alone. We will only be in a position to put forward new ideas and make meaningful representations if we, as an industry, engage in a more meaningful manner."

Further highlights

The Chairman's Report was followed by the Executive Officer Report from Rema Wiese, and a financial update from the Financial Committee. The nominees were then given the opportunity to introduce themselves before voting commenced.

While the ballots were being counted by the executive officer, guest speaker Alayne Reesberg, CEO of Cape Town Design NPC (implementation agency for World Design Capital 2014) took to the podium to regale the audience with what they could expect from World Design Capital the following year. Reesberg mentioned that a more detailed update would be circulated later in June and would provide further details on some of the event's highlights and initiatives.

Following Reesberg's presentation, the new segment heads were announced, and the AGM concluded with a prize draw and messages of thanks to sponsors, including main sponsor Nederburg.

"We would like to welcome the new board and look forward to your contributions towards growing and sustaining the industry," concluded de Witt. "It is only through your dedication, as well as the commitment of members, that our industry will be able to survive and flourish. Thus my challenge to every FEDHASA Cape member is to actively participate and contribute to our continued growth in strength and character, which will allow us to remain the most relevant voice of the Cape hospitality industry for the next 64 years and beyond."

For more information, go to www.fedhasa.co.za.