For over 100 years the Nursery and Garden Industry Association has had a male president. However in 2010 this is about to change. Rachel Vogan was the only nomination received for the position of President and I have much pleasure in informing members that commencing at the closing of conference in late July, Rachel will take over the presidency role. This is a two year appointment.

Rachel is known to many of our members as a fun loving lady with an outgoing personality. The Board knows the other side of Rachel, her passion for our industry, her keenness to see the industry grow and her enthusiasm to work with the media and promote our members and their businesses. Rachel currently chairs the Nurserymen's Enterprises Committee which oversees the Gift Card / Voucher sales, promotion and investments, also Go Gardening where the NEL committee has turned this magazine around to now being a viable industry promotion.

Following the restructure of the office late last year and the appointment of John Liddle as our new Administration Manager the Board now has real confidence in their ability to represent members more effectively and provide value to our members and their businesses.

Rachel is fortunate to have a Board who support her fully and have the talent to grow the Association to a new level, in fact with the recently elected new board members, I believe the incoming board is the strongest member representation for many years.

Congratulations Rachel.

The new Board following Conference will be:

Rachel Vogan President, Peter Fraser Past President, Malcolm Woolmore, Peter Worsp, Kate Hillier, Vince Wylaars, Graeme Ross, Don Forgie and Grant Hayman.

Peter Fraser