joined CSNA executive in 2015 and it has been a most enjoyable and rewarding experience. I have acquired a greater insight in my own business from the people that I have met within the executive. CSNA has a wonderful office staff led by our CEO Vincent, Laura and Amy, they are passionate about CSNA and always at the end of a phone to help. The executive is made up of 9 members who become great friends, where you share a mutual passion and enjoy lots of hard work, great achievements and great fun.
The CSNA National Executive provide a great opportunity to network with fellow members and meet the companies that influence our business’s and most importantly, you have a say and can fight for direction of your business and your fellow retailers into the future.
CSNA provide an opportunity for personal development, you have to work outside your comfort zone, from presentations, giving speeches and negotiating with companies.
I would highly recommend being a part of the CSNA National Executive to any member, we as retailers are always so busy and we never seem to have enough time, but to be part of the CSNA National Executive should be for you as a person, for self-development, enjoyment and to gain knowledge which can help your business.
The reason I joined in 2019 was to give back a little to retail. Retail has been very good to me over the years, and I’d like to think I have helped somewhat with my small contributions through the CSNA.
Some of the benefits of joining the CSNA National Executive is having access to decision makers in Government, dealing with likeminded people and being able to influence change and policy.
My advice to potential nominees; it isn’t as time consuming as you think!
By joining the National Executive, you will learn something new at every meeting and engagement. Don’t underestimate your own bank of knowledge.
Through my time with the National Executive, I have assisted with lobbying and brought some fresh thinking within CSNA .
The National Executive committee is a well-respected fountain of knowledge and I had hoped my joining it would be mutually beneficial to the Association as well as to my own business.
You get enormous satisfaction from knowing that the work you do, and the progress you make, directly benefits the entire membership. You become more aware of the pitfalls of business, but you also find that solutions and help are close at hand. You have access to contacts in industry with your position as a member of the executive carrying much weight. You also gain so much knowledge as there is not one meeting at which you don’t learn something new.
If you are up for the challenge and can give your time to the Association you will be rewarded in spades. It’s not a stroll in the park and at times you might need reminding that your own family and business come first, but you will enjoy the experience so much you won’t want to step down at the end of your first tenure.
The two years (minimum term) that you serve will be as rewarding to you as it will be beneficial to the membership. CSNA is a transparent, not for profit Association and the sense that you are there for the good of the members never leaves you. You will make great friends amongst your fellow executive members and many contacts within the trade.
Over the years I’ve had the pleasure to serve on a number of sub committees and have been instrumental, with others, in achieving positive change for the direct benefit of all members in the areas of National Lottery, Payzone and Postpoint, News and Magazines and with Membership itself.