January 21, 2014 – The EVA 2013 AGM and Workshop titled, “Shaping the EVA’s goals for the next 3 years” was held on November 28 in Brussels. There was an added significance to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the EVA this year as it was election time for both the EVA Presidency and its Executive Committee. In addition, the General Assembly was asked to decide on whether a proposed new Strategy and amended Statutes should be adopted.
A large attendance of members heard that in order to adapt to current trends, attract more members, grow their business, and to give the EVA more weight and influence to lobby the European Institutions, a wider footprint of the EVA should be sought.
Members were indeed convinced of this need, and duly approved – by over 75% of the votes – a new EVA strategy and amendments to the EVA statutes in order to make this a reality. As a consequence, the EVA has now adopted the wider strapline “EVA: Coffee Service and Vending Solutions.
To take the EVA forward in this new era, the General Assembly unanimously elected Jan-Marck Vrijlandt, Group Sales & Marketing Director Selecta, as its new President to replace Arnaud van Amerongen, Managing Director Aequator AG, who had decided to step down after 6 years of EVA Presidency.
Furthermore, Erwin Wetzel, current Deputy Director General of the EVA, was presented as the new Director General of the association as of January 2014. He replaces Catherine Piana who started in 1996 and managed in the past 16 years to gather the various segments of the vending industry into a well-established and effective trade association.
As a result of the adoption of a new strategy and changes made to the statutes, the Executive Committee (EC) has been expanded to 15 members and is comprised as follows:
Representing National Associations
Gillian White – AVA (UK)
Hubert Boyer – NAVSA (France)
Robert Hausleitner – BDV (Germany)
Lucio Pinetti – CONFIDA (Italy)
Representing National Association Managing Directors
Boris Belotserkovsky – RNVA (Russia)
Representing machine manufacturers (EVMMA)
Paolo Ghidotti – N&W
Representing suppliers
Paul Theobald – MEI (Payment Systems)
Hugh Hose – Nestlé (Ingredients)
Representing Operators
Michal Piotrowiak – Mastercup (Eastern Europe)
Michael Maurer – ASM (Northern Europe)
Xavier Arquerons – Alliance Vending (Southern Europe)
Jan-Marck Vrijlandt – Selecta (International Operators)
Representing Water Technology Suppliers
Dr Hilmar Walde – Brita Group
Representing Office Coffee Service (OCS)
Arnaud van Amerongen – Aequator
Representing Cup Suppliers
Daniele Simonazzi – Flo Spa
The EVA warmly welcomes its new President, Jan-Marck Vrijlandt, and members of the enlarged EC, and wishes them well in their new positions.
Following the elections, the afternoon session was dedicated to the EVA Workshop, titled “Shaping the EVA’s goals for the next 3 years.” This allowed participants to engage with each other in round table format on 8 topical issues including, “Premium Coffee Service: an Opportunity,” “The Future of Payment,” and “Communicate More about Your Industry.”
As a platinum sponsor of the AGM and workshop, Fabrizio del Maffeo from Advantech made a brief presentation to attendees titled,” Intelligent Vending: The New Vending Experience.” Advantech, along with other platinum sponsors Rheavendors Group and Unicum were able to showcase their latest vending machines and products to Members throughout the day.
VeriFone was the exclusive Titanium sponsor of the event, sponsoring the AGM and Workshop, as well as the evening gala dinner. The dinner followed the conclusion of the AGM and workshop, and gave attendees a chance to relax and socialize at the Brasserie du Prince d’Orange, which also included a casino animation.
The EVA thanks all participants and sponsors for ensuring the event was so successful and productive, and looks forward to an exciting new time for the association.
You can read more about the EVA, its organisation and tasks, on their website.