Lessons of the past will help us face the future

VACC President, Perce Makin has urged the Australian Automotive industry to use the challenge of the global economic crisis to “emerge stronger”.

Speaking at the annual President’s Dinner in VACC’s 90th Year, Mr Makin reminded members and guests that since it was formed in 1918, the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce and its members in small business in the motor industry, had shown resilience and flexibility across nine decades of ups and downs.

“VACC and its members survived the Wall Street Crash in 1929 and subsequent Great Depression, the credit squeeze of 1961, the oil shock of the ‘70’s, the recession of the ‘80’s and the stock market crash of ’87,” Mr Makin said.

“Each time, VACC members in small business have toughed it out and emerged stronger. We’ll weather the current difficulties, you can count on it.

“The small business spirit of enterprise will remain unchanged and undiminished. It has served us well for 90 years: it will serve us for 90 years more,” Mr Makin said.