The very active Automotive Focus Group (AFG) rounded out the 2017 year at its AGM which was held at the Intercontinental Resort.
Outgoing (and incoming) President Frank Holzer (Tinfish) presented the Bank reconciliation which showed a very healthy balance and good financial management by the 2017 president and committee.
Stability was an important part of the AFG with five presidents in 10 years starting with George Strampp, and followed by Mike Diamente, James Beeson, Uli Kaiser and Frank Holzer.
Media representative Dr. Iain Corness gave a run-down on the progression of the AFG, from a splinter group from the Australian Chamber of Commerce to a very vibrant stand-alone organization.
Being made up of people in the automotive industry the AFG has grown and has flourished, with monthly networking events, plant tours and social meetings for dinners and an annual sea cruise.
Being an independent group there has been no political restrictions and the AFG welcomed Voranai Vanijaka as its guest speaker, who was very forthright discussing the Thaksin Shinawatra years and the negative effects on Thailand.
Other interesting speakers included David Nardone, with his enormous portfolio of tenants in Hemaraj Land and Development, and Klaus Steven who had worked for 15 years in China, and Wanchai Meesiri who brought his Vera BEV, an electric vehicle designed in Bangkok.
As a light-hearted item, Dr Iain also spoke on his addiction to motor racing and why he is still continuing after 53 years behind the wheel, making him the oldest race driver in Thailand.
The committee for 2018 has Frank Holzer taking the reins again as President and Treasurer, Cary Peck Secretary, Bryan Bowman Membership/Sponsorship, Dr Iain Corness Media, plus one position in Digital Marketing to be filled.
