
A fresh ODMA board will conduct a full review of past ODMA events and analyse exhibitor and visitor research ahead of ODMA 2017 to determine the show’s future direction, says Richard Grills, who has announced he will step down as Chair at the forthcoming AGM on 11 November.
Mr. Grills has been Chairman of ODMA for 10 years and a director since 1996. He will stand for re-election to the board for a further two year period.
Mr. Grills stated that “three long serving board members Gaye Wymond (Eyes Right Optical), Paul Stacey (Shamir Australia) and John Toouli (Bolle) are moving on and a number of ODMA members are showing a keen interest in submitting themselves for election to the board.”
Incumbent directors Duy Phuong Nguyen (Essilor Australia), Lionel Minter (Mimo Australia), and Robert Sparkes (Optimed) are all re-standing for election. Additionally, Nicole Perry (Safilo Australia), who is returning from maternity leave following the recent birth of her second son, will stand for re-election. According to ODMA, “a number of ODMA members are showing a keen interest in submitting themselves for election to the board”.
At the AGM Richard will be paying a special tribute to the three outgoing directors who he said “have worked tirelessly for the Association. It should be noted that the nine member Executive not only serve unpaid, but the cost to them in business time and incidental expenses should be recognised.” He will also be offering congratulations to Nicole and Grant Chick on the birth of their son “a proud new addition to the Chick dynasty for Safilo Australia founder Roger Chick, a previous long serving ODMA board member,” Mr Grills said.
ODMA’s membership numbers vary between 70 and 80 wholesalers in any given year and are representative of equipment companies, frame companies/ sunglass companies, lens companies and accessory companies. The nine-person board, by virtue of natural democracy, has usually been represented by approximately three frames/sunglasses companies, three lens companies and three equipment companies. All board members are unpaid.