The news so far!

This is a new section of the SOBA website, designed to let our members know what goes on behind the scenes at the national executive committee meetings. It’s a nice medium between publishing the minutes to all and providing no information.

Why not just publish the minutes? Often, things are discussed in the confidence of a committee meeting which may be sensitive and not really for public consumption. These can include things like disciplinary actions due to misconduct, or legal strategies. We like to minute these in detail, but it would then require a lot of work to “redact” them so that they are suitable for all to read. We decided a better answer was this high level summary of what we’re up to. We hope you agree.

Remember that you can always email any concerns to be taken up with the committee to secretary@soba.org.nz, or to any committee member individually, if you’re more comfortable with that.

OK, so with that, what’s happened since the AGM? Here’s a brief summary:

• The SOBA NHC was delegated to the Christchurch region, who did a great job with it. The committee received some comments that the judging feedback wasn’t up to the quality of previous years, though most members seemed happy with the contest overall. The NHC will be back in Hamilton this year, and feedback will once again be the primary focus.
• The point was taken from the AGM that some regional members feel out in the cold, and so a document was prepared detailing guidelines for the operation of regional groups. This has been sent to the existing regional groups, and is available on request.
• The charter was brought up to date and filed with the companies office.
• The SOBA membership process has been massively overhauled, and with a lot of speedbumps due to poor information management, seems to now be working at a far more efficient level. Greig has handed over the membership role to Jonny Day.
• The Pursuit of Hoppiness newsletter has been taken over by Kate Jordan. Many undocumented processes have now been standardised, and with assistance from Eric Rowe, advertising standards have been implemented, addressing some complaints.
• The SOBA website has had it’s third major revamp. It is now based on the industry standard WordPress platform.
• We are still working on improving our relationship with NZ’s craft brewers and are working on a Brewery Relationship Officer (BRO) system.
• We’ve had a presence at most of the successful beer festivals.
• We’ve appointed a new Treasurer – Tom Coleman.
• We’ve spent $1000 USD sponsoring a film on the life of the late “Beer Hunter” – Michael Jackson. In return, we get logo exposure, and a premier screening when the film is complete.
• An SGM was held to ratify last year’s accounts.
• We’ve designed a system to allow members to sign up and immediately have a “live” temporary membership number, for use at bars and festivals offering discounts. Hashigo Zake and the Great Kiwi Beer Festival in Christchurch have trialled this system, as well as some regional meetings.
• We’ve been keeping an eye on new trademark issues – “Growler” being of key concern.
• We’ve dealt with some abuses of SOBA membership, and false claims of honorary membership.
• We’ve begin work on setting a budget for 2012-2013.
• We’ve delegated looking at some more merchandise options to some keen volunteers.
• Aidan Caig has taken over managing SOBA merchandise, and the committee has asked Colin McCrae to help him out, as he has some creative ideas for new shiny things.
• Beer festival organisation continues, with Rob heading up the Winter Ale Fest in Wellington, and ex-committee member and Auckland regional co-ordinator Martin Bridges leading the City of Ales festival organisation.
• We have purchased draft box beer dispense equipment for use at beer festivals.

So there you have it! Watch this space for updates.