By Staff Writer
The Samoa Manufacturers and Exporters Association, SAME, is standing firm despite the bad times everyone is going through with the election of a new Executive Council of 2022/2023.
Taulapapa Maria Leota is re-elected President following the SAME Annual General Meeting held at Taumeasina Island Resort on the 22nd of June 2022.
. “It has been a challenging year for our Association with the long drawn out election, delayed budget, a yearly hold on all boards and steering meetings, and restrictive SOE rules, however our Association remained focused on developing our Association and making new changes to our administration,” Taulapapa said after her re-election.
“In these unprecedented times SAME has been needed more than ever.
“Our network rose to the challenge and demonstrated unity of purpose and commitment to collaborate and deliver thought leadership that unlocked full benefits for our members. SAME has also provided a stable financial position and has made significant changes with our internal operations.
“Our members depend on SAME to be influential and deliver outcomes at the national level; and to be a powerhouse populating the business policy agenda of our government. From March 2021, we have provided advice and, with our members, practical support for businesses who want to export.”
Taulapapapa thanked the support of former Treasurer and Secretary as well as former council members as well as all members of the Association.
“I’d like to thank my colleagues on our Board and members for their support in my first year as President. While there is still a great deal of work to do, our Board, can be proud of what they have achieved for people in business everywhere.”
The meeting was attended by a good number of dedicated members interested in SAME affairs and performance for the year 2021/2022. The members heard the President’s report and the financial report before the election process.
The President and Executive Council would like to thank all Government Ministries and Organizations as well as the Private Sector partners for their past support and count on your continuous future support.
The Executive Council (EC) was introduced during the SAME Annual General Meeting with Taulapapa uncontested as President as well as Stefan Szegedi who is again returning as the Vice President.
Treasurer, Su’a Louis Schwalger and Secretary Lemauga Robert Pereira although uncontested have bowed out of the EC due to personal commitments.
Taking over from Su’a and Lemauga are, Tom Olaaiga as Treasurer and Kate Payne as Secretary.
The Four Senior Executive members are:
Taulapapa Maria Leota – President, Stefan Szegedi – Vice President, Tom Olaaiga – Treasurer, Kate Payne – Secretary
The eight supporting council members making up the twelve member council are:
Tofilau Raymond Voigt, Leota Alo Leota, Mayday Cai, Donald Narayan, Shiori Va’a, May Keil, Benjamin Harding, Eneleata Samau.