ETC has enjoyed a long and personal relationship with Australia. Over 25 years ago Australia became their first export market and Jands their first international distributor. Since then both CEO, Fred Foster, and Director of Sales, Mike Griffith, have been regular visitors to these shores along with a host of ETC technical and support staff. ETC control systems and luminaires can now be found in venues large and small throughout the country. Furthermore, a number of ETC staff has family and friends living in Australia. So unsurprisingly the news of the devastating floods and Cyclone Yasi in Australia quickly spread throughout the organisation.
ETC’s response is a clear demonstration of their philanthropic nature. On January 25th ETC’s management announced the establishment of a disaster relief fund to which staff could donate with the company’s owners, Bob Gilson, Gary Bewick, and Fred Foster, personally matching the total of staff contributions dollar for dollar. Large signs in the Town Square styled entrance to their Madison headquarters in Wisconsin, USA, encouraged donations as well.
With major venues throughout Australia purchasing ETC’s new EOS and ION control ranges it’s fair to say Australia has been pretty good to ETC lately. Likewise, it is true to say that ETC continues to be a very good friend to Australia!
