3 minute read
Industry News
New SSAA Board Member – Thomas Whalan
The SSAA is delighted to welcome Thomas Whalan to the Board, representing the Large Operator category. Thomas is the CEO of Rent A Space, established in 1979 with 14 facilities currently operating across Sydney and another four in various stages of planning and development. Thomas joined the family-run business in 2013, working across legal, marketing, operations, acquisitions and development and now holds the role of Chief Executive Officer. In addition to his self storage career, Thomas has achieved great success in water polo, competing at Olympic level. He is the former Chair of Water Polo Australia, having served on the board for seven years until 2019. He is now bringing this wealth of knowledge to the Self Storage Association of Australasia. On his appointment to the Board, Thomas said, “Recent history has highlighted the importance of self storage in serving the community’s various needs. I am keen to serve the SSAA in supporting members to thrive in the growing market as we navigate various shared challenges and opportunities.” Thomas sees the future of storage evolving over the years with further consolidation across storage providers and greater investment in technology and the overall customer experience offering.
SSAA has joined the Property Council of Australia
The Property Council of Australia is the leading advocate for Australia’s biggest industry and biggest employer – property. The property industry represents 13% of Australia's GDP, employs 1.4 million Australians (more than mining and manufacturing combined) and secures the future of 14.8 million Australians who have a financial stake in property through their super funds. The Property Council champions the interests of more than 2200 member companies that represent the full spectrum of the industry, including those who invest, own, manage and develop in all sectors of property
StoreLocal and Beyond Blue
Late last year, StoreLocal was delighted to partner with Beyond Blue, which helps many Australians feel supported and encouraged during rough times. With mental health being at the forefront of many conversations, StoreLocal made a generous contribution to help Beyond Blue continue with their incredible work.
FBA/FBNZ Alliance
For 24 years, Family Business Australia and New Zealand have been the Asia Pacific leaders in supporting family businesses, regardless of industry or age. You have the opportunity to talk to, learn from and build rapport with everyone from CEOs to next gens, from manufacturing specialists to retail specialists, from heritage businesses to start-ups. It’s a melting pot of experience and wisdom that enables you to consolidate your skills and those of your family members and employees. For SSAA members, FBA & FBNZ are offering an Emblem Membership with the following additional benefits: l A free discovery session l A free Family Business Essentials workshop l All Education courses at discounted member prices Learn more about SSAA's alliance with FBA and FBNZ in the member portal.
SIP update
SSAA Storage Industry Gauge
The SSAA and Urbis have recently updated SIP. In what will be a very busy year for development in self storage, log in to your member portal and dive into SIP to see what’s happening in your local market. As the voice of industry, the SSAA is committed to measuring and mapping the continued success of the sector.
Phil Davies from Steel Storage retires
Phil Davies has been an integral part of the Steel Storage team for more than 17 years and has had a hand in the design and development of hundreds of self storage facilities. The SSAA congratulates Phil on an exceptional contribution to industry and wishes him well in his retirement. What does the future hold? He is looking forward to spending time with friends and family and going to the gym.
Helping hand
TAXIBOX is very happy to be partnering with the Red Cross by supporting their mission to bring Australians together in times of need. At their Braeside, Melbourne facility, TAXIBOX invited their customers due for a declutter to drop off belongings they no longer need for donation.
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