• Systems and Network...
• Technical Consultant
• Project Manager
• NETWORK PROJECT MANAGER
• Business Program Manager - Large...

The CEO: Achievement in a turbulent year

Dennis Furini, Information Age

30/11/2001 17:12:32

Amid international gloom, the ACS has had a bright yearWelcome to our final issue of Information Age for 2001, and what a turbulent year it's been with the continuing fallout from the dotcom bust and global economic downturn, the tragic events overseas and another Federal election at home.

Despite the turmoil and negative impacts on our industry, it's been another great year for the ACS. We've maintained excellent membership growth, delivered additional benefits to Members (particularly in the area of professional development), strengthened our relationships with government and industry by helping to establish the ICT Industry Alliance, and we launched the ACS Foundation. You can read more about that initiative in John Ridge's last column as ACS President.

It's been very rewarding working with a President who is so dedicated to the objectives and values of the ACS. Although he steps back to become Immediate Past President in January, I'm sure John will continue to make a valuable contribution.

I also look forward to working more closely with Victorian Branch Chair Richard Hogg, who will serve for the next two years as National President.

Richard has made a big contribution to the Victorian Branch as Chair and past Vice Chair and I'm sure he will enjoy the challenge of representing and working for the Society at a more national level.

I was delighted to see former ACS President and industry leader Tony Benson win the highly prestigious Pearcey Medal for 2001. You'll find an interesting article detailing just a few of Tony's many achievements, as well as those of Derek Renouf, winner of the Pearcey Award. I was also pleased when Founding ACS President John Bennett and industry pioneer Frank Hirst were recognised for their contributions with entry to the Pearcey Hall of Fame.

Our main feature in this issue is on Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and I'm sure the detailed overview will provide useful information about the latest developments in this area.

The ACS itself is currently working to fine-tune our own CRM processes and we hope our efforts in this area will deliver some noticeable improvements in the coming months. As always, we welcome your feedback and constructive suggestions about how we can enhance our service to Members.

On the marketing front, there's been a number of exciting developments in recent weeks, with the ACS taking advantage of an opportunity to sponsor the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race this year. Since the race has no major sponsor this year and has been struggling financially, we have been able to negotiate very favourable terms for a supporting sponsorship role that will see our flag flying from the mast of the ACS Race Control Boat.

Not only will this improve our visibility, particularly with senior executives of some large employers of IT professionals and with ACS Members, but it will also provide higher recognition in the wider community.

By the time you read this, the 25th Anniversary SEARCC 2001 Conference will have been held in Auckland with keynote speakers including Arthur C Clarke, Sabeer Bhatia, co-founder of Hotmail Corporation and arzoo.com, Bill French, chief architect, advanced collaboration, StarBase Corporation, and Sir Gil Simpson, chief executive of Aoraki Corporation, among others.

The winners of our SEARCC Competition - Catherine Deacon, Lindsay Doig, Tony Harding, Ken Price and Anita Svehlak - each won free registration, travel and accommodation to attend SEARCC and I'm sure they each found it a valuable opportunity to learn and connect with their peers. Their winning suggestions are detailed in the ACS News section of this issue.

I'd also like to offer my congratulations to Derrick Davey on his extraordinary contribution to the NSW Branch which has been greatly appreciated, and his retirement will leave a large hole.

May I take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very happy Christmas and a rewarding and prosperous New Year in 2002.

Dennis Furini