Welcome to our March edition newsletter.
It has been a disruptive period with the evolution of COVID impacts, Ukrainian conflict and natural disasters. The recent flood events in Queensland and New South Wales has had a devastating impact on so many, including a members and suppliers. CCI is in close contact with our members and suppliers to ensure we can minimise disruption and help with the ongoing supply of essential goods and services. We appreciate you patience and support as we continue to tackle the flow on effects of these challenges. The full impact of fuel price increases is yet to be realised in the supply chain, though this is being monitored closely.
The CCI team are ready to support you where we can. Contact us here.
New CEO appointment to drive additional growth and efficiency for the not-for-profit sector.
CCI Group Purchasing has appointed Russell Schrale as CEO in its latest move to drive growth in the offer and value for its not-for-profit members.
CCI Chair, Paul Reynolds, said that Russell had been chosen after an extensive and competitive search process.
“Russell is a great appointment for the organisation, he brings a wealth of experience in both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors,” he said.
Mr Schrale comes to the organisation from Cancer Council SA where he was the General Manager of Marketing and Fundraising and has previously worked for Zoos SA and Oxfam in key leadership roles along with ten years in the corporate sector.
“The appointment is the next step in the strategic plan for CCI Group Purchasing and the Board is looking forward to working with Russell in order to deliver even greater support to the not-for-profit sector across the country,” Mr Reynolds said.
“CCI Group Purchasing has around 600 member sites nationally, and with growth comes additional purchasing power and a wider range of goods and services that will help our members.”
Commenting on the appointment, Mr Schrale said he was excited to start in the role.
“CCI Group Purchasing is a well-established organisation which is poised for further growth. I am keen to join the team, working with members and understand their needs and also build connections with valued suppliers.”
Russell Schrale will commence on the 25th of April 2022.
Stakeholder Engagement Survey
CCI Group Purchasing are currently seeking feedback from our members on our performance and service, as well as identifying opportunities to improve our offerings to you.
If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to participate in the survey that was recently sent to you, we would encourage you to do so through the below link.
CCI Group Purchasing – Member Survey
CCI have always had a clear purpose to help communities help others, and to be recognised as the leading supporter of communities in the not-for-profit sector. Your participation in this survey process will help us to achieve this.
For each survey completed, a charitable donation of $5 will be made to Foodbank, who are providing essential food and grocery relief to more than one million Australians experiencing food insecurity every month.
Suez Agreement Update
In early 2021 Veolia and Suez announced a worldwide merger worth €13 Billion (Euros). The ACCC commenced a public review of this merger in February of 2021 – click here for details.
The ACCC was concerned that the proposed acquisition would likely lead to higher prices or decreased services for national and multi-regional commercial and industrial customers for putrescible waste. Other areas of concern included putrescible waste disposal in Sydney, medical waste in Adelaide, dry waste disposal in Adelaide, and design, construction, operation and maintenance of large, mostly municipal, water and wastewater infrastructure.
On the 21st of December 2021 the ACCC approved the divestment of Suez SA operations to REMONDIS. Remondis is expected to take control of the SA asset within weeks.
What does this mean for the membership? CCI has extended its present contract with Suez to the 30th of June 2022 to enable a vigorous re-appraisal of this category. Pricing, service, and terms will remain the same until our review has been completed. You will be notified of any changes as soon as they come to hand.
CCI Group Purchasing welcomes any feedback on present operations/dealings with Suez and yourselves. Please reach out to any of our team, all feedback is welcome.
“I want everyone to know about CCI!” – Hospitality Manager & CCI Member
We at CCI value the relationships we have with you, our key contacts. In some cases, there will be others within your organisation who are not yet aware of CCI, the categories that we can support across food, non-food consumables and medical products. Soon, we will also be introducing new service categories to members which you have identified as areas that we can support further. Please help us to continue to help your organisation by sharing this newsletter with your colleagues who are involved with other areas of your organisation to whom it may be relevant to their roles. Mark and Georgina, are only too happy to engage with new member contacts to work with them with the goal of continuing to save money for your organisation and other focus projects. They are here to support your procurement activities, please utilise them as a resource available to all members.
Influenza Vaccinations
Influenza vaccinations are being rolled out across Australia. This season it is particularly critical with Covid cases expected to peak in the winter months. All CCI staff, suppliers and contractors that interact with our membership are required to be up to date with influenza and Covid vaccinations.
We encourage you all to stay safe and get vaxed.
Product Spotlight – BEGA
Bega is continuously working to improve its offering to the not-for-profit sector. In conjunction with public health authorities, healthcare dieticians and nutritional experts, Bega has been developing ready-to-eat portion-controlled snacks that fit nutritional guidelines across Australia.
Their first offering, a 110g Dairy Farmers Fresh Custard, goes on sale in early April. It is the only custard that is made from 100% fresh Australian milk that has a level 4 IDDSI rating and smooth texture. Amazing value at just 65 cents each (no gst) for CCI Group Purchasing Members. For dietary and product information please click here or see below graphic.
For a detailed online ordering guide, click here.
PFD Supply Update
CCI is proud to have PFD Food Services as a preferred supplier of groceries, their agility and perseverance in responding to challenges in the Supply Chain has been extraordinary. Please find a supply update from PFD here.
Suez – CCI VegePods
Suez, in conjunction with CCI, have been able to provide a VegePod for interactive use by the residents in several aged care sites, respite houses and childcare centres free of charge.
CCI supply the Vegepod Unit and a starter kit of soil and instruments to encourage and promote the growing of gardens within member’s facilities.
Members can participate either with an edible garden,to encourage and promote fresh fruit and vegetables (and a direct source of fresh produce for you to use), or as a sensory garden, providing overall wellbeing.
There are only a couple of these units left so please reach out to Mark or Georgina to get yours.
Member Spotlight – Volunteering SA
Volunteering SA&NT is a not-for-profit organisation and the peak body for volunteering, leading the sector in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Volunteering SA&NT connects people and organisations to create positive volunteering experiences and works with almost one million volunteers and all volunteer involved organisations.
Since 1982, we have worked with individuals, organisations, businesses and communities to lead, advance, grow, promote and celebrate volunteering.
To find out more about what Volunteering SA please click here.
New Category – Grounds and Garden Maintenance
CCI will be releasing a new category to our stable of contracts in April – Grounds/Garden Maintenance including Landscaping Services. A panel of three best-in-class contractors has been selected after a recent competitive tender process. From weeding a path to preparing a golf course, we have got you covered.
Fruit and Veg Update from Farmhouse Fresh
Farmhouse Fresh brings you the latest ‘fresh news’ in Fruit and Veg. You can find the latest market update here.
Supplier Spotlight & Training – Abbott Nutrition
Proper nutrition is the foundation for living your best life. That’s why Abbott develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages. From helping babies and children grow, to keeping adult bodies strong and active, and supporting the nutrition needs of people with chronic illnesses, Abbott strive to keep you and your family at your healthiest. We believe that, with good nutrition, every stage of life can be a healthy one.
A big part of Abbott’s offering is world class training, please click the following links to find out more about Abbott webinars on Enteral feeding and Malnutrition. Free for all CCI members.
To find out more about the features and benefits of Abbott Nutrition Nepro & Vital brands, click here.
Dominant is big on innovation, service, and best practice. Dominant have just recently introduced an “applications” feature on their new website. The goal is to deliver you the peace of mind in knowing you’re using the right products for each application of your business. The application walks you through 13 unique categories covering everything from Air Deodorisers to Washroom products. Please take some time to explore here.
For more details or to get in contact with Dominant please head to the Members Area on our website.
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