Family Business Australia SA

FBA (SA) Media Release: 21 July 2010

THE ‘FAMILY’ TREE BEARS FRUIT FOR
2010 FAMILY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

From little things, big things grow – and that’s certainly been the case for Beerenberg Farm, A W Vater & Co and Beaumont Tiles - the three impressive South Australian family businesses inducted tonight (July 21st) into Family Business Australia’s prestigious Family Business Hall of Fame.

The Family Business Hall of Fame celebrates South Australian family businesses that are recognised in their fields of endeavour as state icons and historically reflect positively on South Australian society. Inductions have been made each year since 2002, and previous inductees include prominent local family businesses such as Maggie Beer Products, Trims, Charlesworth Nuts, Coopers Brewery, Nippy’s, Detmold Packaging, CMV Group, Hamilton Labs, Haigh’s Chocolates, Drake Foodmarkets, Yalumba, Robern Menz and Alfred James Funeral Homes.

While representing three different industries – food manufacturing, transport & agricultural supplies and building products - Hall of Fame convenor, Rodney Martin, says this year’s inductees all share one common trait:

“Throughout their history, each of these businesses has drawn on the strength of family ties to see them through the tough times,” says Mr Martin. “They’ve become thriving 21st Century enterprises through invention, innovation, passion and determination. It’s wonderful for the culture of business in South Australia to be able to celebrate the achievements of three local, family-owned companies in this way - and acknowledge their history and the role ‘family’ has played in their growth and success.”

The 2010 inductions were made at a formal dinner held at the Sebel Playford Hotel in Adelaide (Wednesday July 21). The event was attended by around 140 guests – including employees, friends and associates of the new inductees, existing members of the Hall of Fame and others associated with family business.

Recognising the importance of the family business sector to the State economy and business culture, Minister for Industry and Trade, the Hon. Tom Koutsantonis, and Mr Mike Sinkunas, Executive Director - Office of Small Business and Regional Development attended the event, which was proudly sponsored by Westpac.

Guests heard a fascinating presentation by Angus Raine, 4th generation Director and CEO of the national and international Raine & Horne real estate dynasty – exploring the concept of professionalising a family business, using his family company’s 127-year-old heritage as a prime example!

For further information on the three latest inductees, including company history and achievements: visit www.fbasa-hall-of-fame.com.au (available from 22 July)
or see the citation attachment

Brief Overview of 2010 Family Business Hall of Fame Inductees:

Beerenberg Farm: This second generation family business is a testament of how a well run family business can thrive. What was once a humble family farm that made jam to sell on the side of the road, now stands tall as an international and iconic South Australian brand. The Paech family proved that quality and full-flavoured and all natural products sell! They fought the imported jams for market share, and made their first a mark with the release of their single serve jam. The launch of their single serve jam won the Qantas contract, and instant international recognition. Today their products can be found in 24 counties, on major airlines and are served in more than 300 Hotels.

Beerenberg Farm was inherited by Grant and Carol Paech in 1970. They turned it into a thriving business by planting a strawberry crop, which lead to jam, and then a wide variety of jams and sauces. While they are still involved, they have passed the reigns onto their children; eldest son, Anthony Paech, was appointed Managing Director in 1998; second son, Robert, is Farm Manager and daughter, Sally, is Marketing Manager.

AW Vater & Co: Second generation business A W Vater & Co is one of the most successful, respected and diversified agricultural based operations in the state. Allen and Doris set out in 1957 with a humble dream that one day they would be able to provide a future for their children within their own business. They started simply with a Fargo truck, buying and selling chaff, peas and oats, transporting them from Saddleworth to the Riverland. The return trip was made with loads of firewood and mallee stumps. On Allen’s travels, he identified a hole in the market. Isolated farmers needed goods and materials on a regular basis. He expanded the businesses operation to fill this need and set up a merchandising arm in Saddleworth. The company now supplies all major brands and services to the wider rural community in Australia, with separate divisions for farming, grain trading, transport, agricultural machinery, fertilizer and general merchandise.

The company entered the second generation when Allen and Doris’s first son, Roger, came to work in the business in 1974. Kim followed in 1975. Their three other children, Jill, Rick and Tania, joined the team in the 1980s, achieving Allen and Doris’s dream. Today the five siblings run the various arms of this diverse business.

Beaumont Tiles: Second generation family business, Beaumont Tiles, was established with the goal to help builders obtain tiles easily. Responding to this need, Raymond John Beaumont began selling tiles from his Glengowrie home garage in 1960. The business proved to be a huge success, and quickly expanded its operations in spite of recessions, interest rate rises and competition. In 1990 Beaumont Tiles acquired Australia’s largest tile supplier, Crosby Tiles and today Beaumont Tiles is the largest and most successful tile distributor in Australia. They operate in five states and territories, and are supported by 400 franchised stores.

Raymond and Verna’s son Bob is now the Managing Director, and he and his three brothers enjoy a harmonious relationship as board members.

Issued for FBA by Foster Hill PR & Marketing.
For more info, event images - or to arrange interviews with representatives from the three inducted companies – contact Cassie Young on 08 8231 3555 or email cassieyoung@fosterhill.com.au

SA Chapter HALL OF FAME

FBA (SA) Media Release: 21 July 2010