VCMDWA rated high on
parameters like election, internal meeting frequency, communication
and social activities. What are your observations around these? Do
you think that there is a room for improvement?
We are very prompt over
the elections and our internal meetings. Every month we hold at least
one general body meeting to discuss about the trade, the channel
scenario and address partner's concerns. Also, the executive
committee sits together at least twice each month. I am quite happy
over these activities and we will continue on this line in the coming
years. To my amazement, however,
I wonder how we ranked so low this time. Last year, VCMDWA was on the
second position. I need to know the complete details and the
parameters based on which the ranking was done. However, I think that
there is always a scope to improve things and make them better.
Your association has
scored low on awareness programs and seminars. What were the
challenges, and how do you plan to go forward?
As I mentioned previously
also, I wonder how we ranked so low as far as the seminars are
concerned. This year, we undertook a very big IT seminar over career
development for thee students in association with the government of
Maharashtra. About 10,000 students attended the event and we were
proud to see that. Also, we conduct two expos
every year, in January and in July, we had a footfall of two lakh in
the first expo and about 50,000 in the second one. Logitech has
inaugurated one of their products in our expo which can be considered
as a good response as far as vendor participation is concerned. As
such, in my opinion, we did not face any challenges regarding any of
the events that were undertaken.
What will be your key
initiatives to keep your association members engaged? Please
elaborate.
We will continue with our
initiatives as an IT channel association with IT seminars and the
regular expos that we hold every year. Also, we have successfully
engaged with Microsoft over the anti-piracy drive which has received
a lot of enthusiasm from the channel community.
Do you get cooperation
from your members in getting timely feedback and participation in
regular activities?
There is always an active
level of participation among the members of VCMDWA regarding any
activities. 80 percent of our total members have been proactive in
the association and besides, we have our own office to conduct our
deliberation activities. Besides all this there also exists a healthy
and cooperative environment amidst us to pursue betterment of trade
and best practices.
To be at rank five, do
you feel that your association can fare better? What will be your
roadmap?
We have two office
employees, one each for the executive secretary and for office help.
This is enough for the association and we will not be increasing this
as it is sufficing for the moment. Also, CSR activities have
been very good for us. We have donated a fully operational computer
training center to the kids of the Railway Police Force which has
generated much appreciation from them. VCMDWA will continue with
its regular activities irrespective of ranking and we will not be
undertaking any special projects just for the sake of increasing our
rank.