I heard that coteries organised the flash mob.
Make of that what you will.
Can I just point out on page 13 of the 2016 annual report.
Our ‘donations revenue’ dropped from $789,847 (2015) to $288,398 (2016).
Without being able to see the breakdown of these amounts is it all down to the coteries? Is this where all donations are shown? What constitutes a donation? Does the players raffle count?
Again, it’s great that there are people out there who do put lots of $$$ into the club, but to be fair there should be a little bit of disclosure into this. Maybe a donations register like for a political party?
Why doesn’t the club encourage directly then that people should also consider joining a coterie? Does the club accept any money from anyone? How does one even go about donating money to the club? I’ve never seen an email or heard anyone mention this before.
And before anyone goes oh your just picking on the coteries again, well no i’m not. I’m simply asking where I can find this information about what makes them so important to the club.
Lastly, donuts. Jam or cinnamon?
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DONATE TO THE FLIGHT PLAN
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Then you’re reading it wrong.
For the record. I am a huge fan of Coteries. I was a member of one and this year I will join a different one.
My concerns are around the motivation of those running for the Board.
We have record membership √
We have the strongest list we have had for years √
We are a destination club √
We have strong financial results √
We not only retained sponsors but increased them after a saga that would have destroyed many clubs √
So my question is this, if you love the club, as we all do, and you want the best for the club, as we all do, then why replace a board that has been such a spectacular success.
Its important to take into account that Heff will be replaced by an appointed representative. So potentially that’s three new board members. It’s madness.
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Refer to the Panama Papers.
Hey Soulnet,
there are a number of donation programs that the club run. Some of that money would come from coteries, most of it would come from individuals that may be in coteries. Other ways include estates left to the club.
A lot of the donation targeting is data driven - if you are an over 60 member, for instance, someone may call about whether you would like to leave the club something in your will.
Most of the fundraising the club does is through known channels. Most of these known channels like their donations to stay private - they donate for the good of the club, not for the good of the individual.
We absolutely heard the complaints of asking for donations with membership purchase a few years ago, so we bought in an external fundraising specialist who has spent some time delivering our new fundraising strategy that kicked off this year. This fundraising is for the phase 2 of the High Performance Centre, and you should see more of those $s when the 2017 Annual Report is released.
The club doesn’t run the coteries - other than the Chairmans Club, which is great value if you like like a meal at every home game! - and I personally think they should be rather independent of the club, as stated above. They can also be a lot of money for some people to join. Coteries also don’t suit everyone. Some coteries are invite only - Essendon Executive and the ■■■■ Reynolds Club for instance.
Some are supporter groups. These groups are not expected to have a committee or strategy, and are usually groups of people interstate - see WA Bombers, Queensland Bombers etc. Great people.
If you would like to donate money to the club you can do so at any time. You can even discuss how you donate - directly to the club or sometimes it can be done other ways for tax purposes, much like the Flight Plan was all those years ago.
I will say this; not all coteries are the same. Not all coteries give money to the club. Some coteries are quiet and just love giving to the club.
Now, the important question.
I don’t mind a cinnamon donut from coles heated in the microwave for 15 seconds, but lets face it, Choc Jam donuts are the gods of donuts.
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Poor ■■■■ Reynolds…
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I await the day someone on blitz gets that call and makes a thread about it.
Like fathers day.
Noonan would have, but Blitz wasn’t around 40 years ago.
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I don’t answer phone calls any more. My ear trumpet is on the blink and it’s so hard to get parts.
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#DonsAtYourDeathsDoor
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Thanks for this Katie. Again though it would be nice to see them be a but more proactive in showing how they support the club especially if it’s part of their spiel on why they should be part of the board.
Saying I’m a member of xyz as opposed to an Essendon member comes off as a bit, ummm, arrogant is a bit strong a word here, but it’s very much a us and them feel.
Nothing to do with you though!
Got my vote.
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Only if they are fresh.
Our local Donut shop used to make them on site but now ships them from the store in Melton; never fresh enough.
It’s never madness for people to want to be board members - I actually think it’s a positive sign there is such interest - It seems you are selective when people should run for the board - I am certain at the last board election you were supportive of some candidates and the willingness of candidates to run at that election - Let the members decide if they are happy with the current board - I’d be disappointed if no candidates ran in this current election - You will be surprised and delighted by the appointed representative.
Boards like Playing Lists need regular renewal.
No-one should serve long continous terms on Boards and the same goes for the Chairperson. The current EFC Board have done a good job, and Members got it correct with the election of Katie and Paul, and both deserve to be returned for another term.
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Hi Guys, I am Simon Davies and I have nominated for the Bombers board.
I have summarised (ok it is very long - so apologies!) Why I am doing it and what I believe I can bring to the club:
- Youth – Energy, passion. I am a 37 year old father of 3 daughters – I am about the future and helping us get back to being massively success. A new generation with the AFLW and so proud of all at Essendon to rebound so quickly after the challenges faced.
- People who know me generally say I am a good bloke, likes a laugh and a bit of fun. (You guys can be the judge of that - you might think something different and that is ok!)
- I have proven success in business, both in building a business on my own and in helping build other businesses. Working with many global businesses and start ups to grow them. I am not a corporate guy. I started my business from scratch and have built it up with no funding – just hard work.
- An MBA education - I have credentials to help steer the direction of the club
- Proven at the Essendon football club – Started and ran a coterie over 6 years. Raised significant funds and connected a new network of passionate Essendon supporters: The Essendon Executive Coterie group is a mixture of Entrepreneurs and medium - large business in the age group of 35-50 years. We have some incredible members who are involved in the club with events, raising money for sponsorship, connecting players with work experience and post playing opportunities, advice in startups and helped with new events like Young Members Day at The MCG
- Agree the board has done a great job. I support them. I feel I can add a bit extra energy and expertise that will help us go further. We need new ideas to help grow the club.
- I have great relationships with existing board members and can work well with them
Everything I have ever done with the club is to help the club get better. I am really passionate about it like all of you.
My work – What is Bastion Brands
· I do not know and have never met Andrew Demetriou
· I am the sole shareholder of a business called Bastion Brands. www.bastionbrands.com.au. There is no affiliation with any other business
· There is a business called bastion collective. Www.bastioncollective.com. From my understanding Andrew is involved in this business
· 5 years ago I was in business with some partners who are now in business with Andrew
· We have a similar name but no connection on any level with any business dealing.
· There is an old website that is not used now, that is back from when we split the bastion businesses with my old partners. It has logos on it to direct enquiry in case people simply type bastion in. There is nothing else on this website.
These are the facts guys.
I am more than happy to speak with any of you directly and also answer questions.
I want what we all want – our next premiership and I am willing to contribute and try and help achieve this.
I want unity with the club and believe all of us are equal and have an amazing bond together – being passionate Bombers people.
Cheers
Simon
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Thanks for telling us/me a little bit about yourself and background Simon.
Welcome to BomberBlitz.
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Hi Simon,
I’d like to hear a little more about the Essendon Executive.
How many women are members?
How does one become a member?
What do they contribute to the club?
Also it’s impressive you helped with the Young Members Event, that was a fabulous event and a great initiative. Can you elaborate on your part in that?
Thank you Simon and great to see you responding to the board and it’s members
I just wanted to put my 2 cents in, I am a member of the EEC Coterie Group and it is a fantastic group of people that are committed to Essendon that Simon founded. I have made some amazing friends from the group.
I have also been thru the trials and tribulations of the Saga as an anguished onlooker and some great times on Blitz since 2004 when I was up living on the Gold Coast and one of my only trusted mediums for Essendon, Some classics with McPhees Dad, The Rod, Lid Off, Cerberus, Ricky Dyson and a third round pick.
After meeting with Simon recently I can see the passion, experience, he brings and knowing some of the exec committee and board I am excited for the future, where we could have been to where we are now is incredible.
I have recommended that Simon answer any questions and also there may be some other opportunities in the coming weeks.
Go Bombers
JC
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