CBH Group’s bosses plan to hit the road and take its member forum and popular cocktail parties to the bush

CBH Group’s biggest bosses are hitting the road and bringing the co-operative’s member forum and popular cocktail party to the regions for the first time, with plans to hold both of the popular events in four towns in July and August. The tour will kick off in Northam on July 21, before heading to Albany on July 29, Geraldton on August 5 and Esperance on August 11. CBH will hold a member forum from 3.30 to 5.30pm and a cocktail party from 6pm to 11pm in each of the towns. The co-operative originally planned to hold the events in February and March but was forced to change its plans due to the “changing risks around the spread of COVID-19” in WA — with Mark McGowan’s snap Level 2 COVID-19 restrictions imposed just weeks later. It pushed on with its annual general meeting at Optus Stadium on February 18, but cancelled the member forum and cocktail event. Traditionally held before the AGM, the member forum gives growers the chance to hear from and ask questions of CBH leaders. The annual cocktail soiree is held after the annual general meeting and member forum each year, and provides an opportunity for farmers from around WA to relax and socialise with CBH directors and staff in the big smoke. This year, CBH grower members will be able to attend the regional events and hear from its “lead team” — which includes nine senior staff ranging from the CEO and COO to the chief marketing and trading officer and chief project delivery officer. According to the CBH website, the events will give growers the chance to hear an update on the co-operative’s “performance, the market, and what is on the horizon for the business, including an overview of the CBH strategy”, as well as information on harvest preparation in each specific area and port zone. A CBH spokeswoman said the group decided to hold the member forums in the regions in response to feedback from growers. “With the success of the member forums in Perth and along with grower requests, CBH had intended to take the forums to the regions in the first part of 2022,” she said. “Due to COVID-19 these were postponed and will now be held in July and August this year. “Our regional member forums are an opportunity for growers to be updated on the latest information on their co-operative and also attend the events in-person in their region. “The event also includes a cocktail party which is an opportunity for growers and the CBH team to catch up over some food and drinks.” The events will be held at Buckland Estate in Northam, the Albany Entertainment Centre, the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre, and Lucky Bay Brewing in Esperance. To RSVP, visit the CBH Group website.