Plumbing Africa June 2019 | Page 18

16 EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS Plumblink celebrates 100th store opening The new store, located at the Bonaero Park Shopping Centre in Benoni, Johannesburg, played host to about 300 guests, in celebration of the momentous occasion for the national merchant. By Benjamin Brits Guests were entertained with music, some light snacks, refreshments and networking while a cheerful atmosphere filled the air of the marquee set up outside the store, before Gauteng Regional Manager Gareth Vermaak kicked off official proceedings of the evening, welcoming guests to the milestone occasion of the store opening for Plumblink. 1 Howard Greenstein, CEO of Bidvest Corporate Products and chairman of the Plumblink Board, was invited to share a few words with guests, who were thanked for their participation in the momentous occasion. Greenstein recalls that when Bidvest bought the Plumblink business approximately four years ago, there were already 55 stores with the intention of reaching 60 throughout the country. The question put to the Plumblink team at the time was how they planned to double the size of the business, and what this store opening shows, is that this has almost been achieved. “It is really all of the people who have been involved that we need to thank. Without our customers we don’t have a business and we hope that we can continue to grow, but we also hope that we can add value to our clients’ businesses as well. To our suppliers we also say thank you very much, although we do need more discounts,” Greenstein joked to a response of loud cheers and applause. “I would also like to offer a special thank you to Seaweed and his team, who have done a sterling job of creating this concept that is the Plumblink brand today, and really growing this business in what is in fact a very difficult business environment, so congratulations!” Greenstein said. 2 In the tradition of Plumblink events, Seaweed McFarlane, CEO of Plumblink took up the mic. Addressing the attendees in both English and Xhosa (to the cheering of the guests), McFarlane thanked everyone for joining in the great celebration on hand. 1. 2. 3. 3 June 2019 Volume 25 I Number 4 4 4. Plumblink’s 100th store – Bonaero Park. Entering the marquee venue was a red carpet bordered with various sponsor flags. Gareth Vermaak and Maritza Maritz selected the prize winners from the box of entries. Seaweed McFarlane delivered his address to guests in both English and Xhosa to the delight of the event participants. www.plumbingafrica.co.za