VITALE BARBERIS CANONICO
WOOL EXCELLENCE AWARD
27TH OCTOBER, 2019
WINNER ANNOUNCED
Last night the Barber family of Coliban Park, Victoria celebrated as winners of the annual Vitale Barberis Canonico Wool Excellence Award for 2019.
For four generations the Barber family have been the devoted custodian’s of Coliban Park, where they run over 27,000 saxon sheep with bloodlines linking directly back to John Aitken and Eliza Furlong’s flocks.
“This is our passion, growing saxon wool, as it was my father’s and his father before him. This is an amazing way to have that passion and dedication recognized.” Duncan Barber, Coliban Park
The Award was held at Melbourne’s iconic The Prince Deck where the prestigious event was attended by Vitale Barberis Canonico (VBC) representatives, Wool Excellence Club members from NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, industry representatives and media.
Mr. Alberto Barberis Canonico and Mr. Davide Fontaneto (Raw Procurement Manager), of Vitale Barberis Canonico presented Duncan, Jess and their son Jack with the award, which included a cash prize to the value of $50K along with an all-expenses paid trip to the Biella region of Italy. The trip provides an opportunity for the winners to see firsthand the transformation of their fibre to luxurious fabrics, state of the art technology and meet with Vitale Barberis Canonico representatives.
Davide Fontaneto said of the winning clip, “The clip is among the biggest in terms of quantity and displays those characteristics typical of real saxon wool: high and frequent crimp, full bodied, elastic, reactive, and resistant when squeezed. It is what we’re expecting from a Wool Excellence Club saxon clip, with thick staple and in a certain way noisy, because when held to the ear while unravelling the wool staple, the sound mimics that of shoes walking over fresh snow. It is well classed and with perfect length.
The Barber family has been very enthusiastic about their membership in the WEC since their inclusion. They managed to improve the production of this type of wool, working hard on breeding and endeavouring to get their wool even closer to the high VBC Saxon standards. Not only in terms of quality but also in quantity: they recently purchased a new property (Spring Hill/Z) and seriously took into account the strong animal welfare message coming from the market by pursuing Non-Mulesed status on this new property, which is really important today.”
To be eligible for this significant award growers must be members of the VBC Wool Excellence Club. Members are specially selected by VBC using strict criteria, and must demonstrate sustainable wool production and notably the attributes of superfine saxon Merino wool which is most highly regarded by Vitale Barberis Canonico for their high-end fabric production.
The VBC Wool Excellence Award is just one of an array of initiatives created by the company to encourage saxon wool producers. All members of the Vitale Barberis Canonico Wool Excellence Club need to be accredited under the SustainaWOOL™ Integrity Scheme, managed by the Australian Wool Exchange. This is a scheme promoting ethical, environmental and high-quality wool production. VBC Wool Excellence Club members benefit from special “purchase contracts” at significant premiums to the physical market, and regular Club meetings where information can be shared between members and with Vitale Barberis Canonico.
2019 Winner:
The Barber family, “Coliban Park”, Elphinstone, VIC
Situated 46kms south of Bendigo in Victoria, Coliban Park is approximately 13,000 acres running up to 30,000 sheep and is currently operated by Duncan and Jess Barber, with the help of their four children when they’re home from school – Jack (16), Rosie (15), Maggie (9) and Polly (6).
Coliban Park boasts a long and very interesting history dating back 150 years. Acquired by Anthony Barber in 1917, Coliban Park already had a well-established saxon flock which he continued to manage. The sheep had been purchased in 1859 from John Aitken of Mount Aitken and can be directly traced back to Eliza Furlong and the Elector.
With granitic soils and scattered red gums on undulating hills, Coliban Park provides excellent breeding country for saxon merinos. Duncan is the fourth generation of his family to run the property, and believes strongly in the Saxon breed and maintaining their genetics and the land,
“The sheep have been here since long before we arrived at Coliban Park. We are only custodians of their property”.
Duncan Barber
VBC Awards Photo Gallery 2019
- Simon Cameron, Anrew Blanch, Garry Meek
- Simon & Dani Smith, Jan & Mitchell McRae
- Sharon Gee, Andrew Raeber, Joan and Richard Gee
- Rob McClenaghan and Richard Gee
- Phoebe Croyle, Davide Fontaneto, Jack Barber, Alberto Barberis Canonico, Jess Barber, Duncan Barber
- Phoebe Croyle, Davide Fontaneto, Jack Barber, Alberto Barberis Canonico, Jess & Duncan Barber
- Murray Bragg
- Matt Jensen, Simon & Ann Louise Cameron, Jonathan Lobban
- Matt Jensen, Alberto Barberis Canonico, Simon Cameron
- Les Meek & John Taylor
- Katelyn Milllard, Will Kinghorn, Dianne Kinghorn, Prue Crawford
- Jess Barber, Phoebe Croyle
- Jenny Crawford
- Janet Gall & Ian Meek
- James Manning & Monique Graham
- Jack, Duncan and Jess Barber
- Irene Meek, Vera Taylor & Fiona Meek
- Geoff Wood & Davide
- Garry Meek, Deb & Ted Wilson, Sharon Meek, Allan Phillips
- Everard Linke and Robert Ryan
- Duncan and Jack Barber
- Davide Fontaneto, Irene and Daryl Croak, Tony Gall
- Davide Fontaneto
- David Freney
- Barry Kinghorn, Bill Crawford, Dianne Kinghorn
- Andrew Raeber
- Andrew Blanch, Tim Bower
- Andrew Blanch & Matt Jensen
- Andrew Blanch
- Allan Phillips, Steward Rain, Carol Phillips
- Alberto Barberis Canonico, Bill Crawford
- Alberto Barberis Canonico
Award Archives
“A Recognition of Excellence in Wool”
For nearly 150 years the Crawford family of Sierra Park have shown unwavering dedication to producing the highest quality Saxon merino wool. Last night they were rewarded for this commitment at the annual Vitale Barberis Canonico Wool Excellence Award, where the family were announced as the winners for 2018.
The celebration and award presentation were held at the Calyx located in the heart of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. With stunning contemporary architecture and horticultural displays, it was a fitting backdrop to the prestigious event. In attendance were Vitale Barberis Canonico (VBC) representatives, Wool Excellence Club members from NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, industry representatives and media.
As the winners of the esteemed Award renowned Victorian Saxon breeders, Bill, Jenny, Will and Prue Crawford were ecstatic to receive such an honour. “We thank VBC for continuing to recognise the attributes of Saxon wool, which after all the pressure of technology, will allow us to continue breeding sheep we treasure.” Bill Crawford, Sierra Park.
Mr. Davide Fontaneto (Raw Procurement Manager), of Vitale Barberis Canonico presented Bill, Jenny, Will and Prue with the award, which included a cash prize to the value of $50K along with an all-expenses paid trip to Italy to meet with Vitale Barberis Canonico representatives in the Biella region of Italy. The Award is a coveted honor for Wool Excellence Club members, who all strive to produce the best saxon merino and seek to gain the opportunity to observe the transformation of their wool through to luxurious fabrics.
Davide Fontaneto said of the winning clip, “This year we identified someone within the Club with a long history, someone who could be considered as one of the leaders in Saxon merino production. The Crawford’s utilise the lessons and skills from their past whilst looking forward to the future. They have maintained their Saxon breeding and they are committed to WEC’s aims. The 2018 winning clip presented a thick, dense, resilient and sound staple with a tight but defined crimp. The wool from Sierra Park displays the model characteristics of the Saxon wool which is so valuable and sought after by VBC. The genetics, management and dedication by the Crawford family has elevated Sierra Park to a well-deserved winner.”
To be eligible for the award growers must be members of the VBC Wool Excellence Club. Members are specially selected by VBC using strict criteria and must demonstrate sustainable wool production and notably the attributes of superfine saxon Merino wool which is most highly regarded by Vitale Barberis Canonico for their high-end fabric production.
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The VBC Wool Excellence Award is just one of an array of initiatives created by the company to encourage saxon wool producers. All members of the Vitale Barberis Canonico Wool Excellence Club need to be accredited under the SustainaWOOL™ Integrity Scheme, a scheme sponsored by Vitale Barberis Canonico and managed by New England Wool. This is a scheme promoting ethical, environmental and high-quality wool production. VBC Wool Excellence Club members benefit from special “purchase contracts” at significant premiums to the physical market, and regular Club meetings where information can be shared between members and with Vitale Barberis Canonico.
“We are now a Club with more than 30 members. We have improved quantities and quality. We have succeded in following and advancing our ideas, in producing great wool that in our hearts is the same word as passion. We are a strong group of people looking forward to the future.”
Davide Fontaneto, VBC.
2017/18 Winner:
The Crawford family, “Sierra Park”, Victoria Valley, VIC
Situated in the Victorian fine wool growing region of Victoria Valley in the Western Districts, Sierra Park is approximately 6000 acres running 15,000 sheep and is currently operated by two generations of the Crawford family, Bill and Jenny Crawford and their son Will together with his wife Prue.
The Crawford family arrived in Geelong in 1852, from Dumphries Scotland.
In about 1870, William and his wife Helen took up selection of about 700 acres in Victoria Valley. Together with his brother James they commenced sheep breeding and started a fine wool Saxon sheep stud, purchasing cast for age stock from the Woodhouse stud, south of Dunkeld.
The brothers were exhibiting their sheep as grass fed at local shows with good success. Rams were purchased from Tasmania, including from Belle View.
In 1930 Lin Crawford, aged 13 took over the running of the stud. (After successfully challenging his father to the identity of their stud ram). With keen interest he ran the stud, purchasing many rams from the world renowned Winton stud, from 1946 to the present day.
Lin and Margaret recommenced showing and selling rams, winning many champion prizes at the Melbourne sheep show, and local shows.
Sierra Park held the world record price of 10 shillings a pound for wool in the 1950s.
In 1981 Bill and Jenny took on the management of Sierra Park after Lin’s untimely death. The stud has continued on very much as it always has, breeding the best Saxon sheep it can, exhibiting the best high performance traits Saxon wool is noted for, always bulky high compression wools that perform so well in the finished garment.
Over the 150 years, Sierra Park has grown from about 600 acres to around 6000 acres. Originally running very few sheep to now shearing around 14-15,000 Saxon sheep.
“We are currently running a mixed enterprise, with a small portion of crossbred lambs bred for meat production and cropping for feed grain and canola.
Will has been a vital member of the Sierra Park team for the last 13 years, with his wife Prue joining us a year ago.
Thankfully we all work together cohesively, this serving us well for the future.” Bill Crawford, Sierra Park.
About Vitale Barberis Canonico
- 2018 VBC awards – Walking to the event in the rain
- 2018 VBC awards – Sybilla Bower, Emalene Wood, Cameron Wood, Tim Bower
- 2018 VBC awards – Stewart Raine, Garry Meek, David Boadle
- 2018 VBC awards – Simon & Diana Wood
- 2018 VBC awards – Sharon Meek & Marie Boadle
- 2018 VBC Awards – Rob Calvert & Tony Gall
- 2018 VBC awards – Phoebe & Davide
- 2018 VBC awards – Phillip Meek, Roy & Deb Reeves
- 2018 VBC Awards – Marie and David Boadle
- 2018 VBC awards – John Taylor & Carol Phillips
- 2018 VBC awards – John & Vera Taylor
- 2018 VBC awards – Jenny Crawford, Sharon Meek & Marie Boadle
- 2018 VBC awards – Jan & Mitchell McRae, Cameron & Emalene Wood
- 2018 VBC awards – Irene Croake, Ann Louise Cameron, Daryl Croake
- 2018 VBC awards – Ian & Faye Meek
- 2018 VBC awards – Greg, Mary Ann & Peter Munsie
- 2018 VBC awards – Duncan Barber, Lachie Brown, Will Kinghorn
- 2018 VBC awards – Davide Fontaneto
- 2018 VBC awards – Davide Fontaneto
- 2018 VBC awards – David Reeves, Kristin Frost
- 2018 VBC awards – David Hart, Gerard Morrison, Davide & Adrienne Morrison
- 2018 VBC awards – Dani Smith, Dianne Kinghorn, Lana & Ron Hawksford
- 2018 VBC awards – Cameron Wood
- 2018 VBC awards – Bill Crawford, Davide, Jenny, Will & Prue Crawford
- 2018 VBC awards – Bill Crawford
- 2018 VBC awards
The winners of the esteemed Award were New South Wales saxon breeders, the Wood family of “Dog Trap”, Uralla, in the New England region selling under the brand of JW/URALLA. The 4000 acre property is currently operated by two generations of the Wood family, father Geoff and his two sons Simon and Cameron who are the fifth generation to run sheep at Dog Trap. Dedication to breeding, consistent clip preparation along with an innovative and progressive approach to managing their farm has proved them deserving winners.
Mr. Alberto Barberis Canonico and Mr. Davide Fontaneto (Raw Procurement Manager), of Vitale Barberis Canonico presented Geoff and Cameron with the award, which included a cash prize to the value of $50K along with an all-expenses paid trip to Italy to meet with Vitale Barberis Canonico representatives in the Biella region of Italy. The Award provides a memorable experience for the winners who gain the opportunity to observe the transformation of their superior raw product through to luxurious fabrics.
“For many many years my family have been dedicated to wool, in particular saxon wool. It is wonderful to experience recognition for this great product, and it is a great honour and a priviledge to have won this prestigious award. We now have a real incentive to continue on our path. This club and competition gives us a drive and will to continue to produce this type of wool.” Cameron Wood, JW / Uralla.
Davide Fontaneto said of the winning clip, “The 2016/17 winning clip was very stylish saxon wool with a whiteness and resilience that made it a pleasure to behold. Each line was classed-out to be even in the main characteristics of crimp, length and strength. 30% of the clip we classed into our very best spinner lines and we were able to accept over 80% of the entire clip into the WEC contract. A wonderful effort from obviously very passionate wool producers”.
To be eligible for this significant award growers must be members of the VBC Wool Excellence Club. Members are specially selected by VBC using strict criteria, and must demonstrate sustainable wool production and notably the attributes of superfine saxon Merino wool which is most highly regarded by Vitale Barberis Canonico for their high-end fabric production.
The VBC Wool Excellence Award is just one of an array of initiatives created by the company to encourage saxon wool producers. All members of the Vitale Barberis Canonico Wool Excellence Club need to be accredited under the SustainaWOOL™ Integrity Scheme, a scheme sponsored by Vitale Barberis Canonico and managed by New England Wool. This is a scheme promoting ethical, environmental and high-quality wool production. VBC Wool Excellence Club members benefit from special “purchase contracts” at significant premiums to the physical market, and regular Club meetings where information can be shared between members and with Vitale Barberis Canonico.
“A strong relationship between woolgrowers and those at the other end of the supply chain selling wool fabrics to the world, is our most powerful tool in achieving excellence. With the right wool we make the right fabrics, fabrics matching the requirements of our final consumers. It is a virtuous chain where the first important link benefits from the success of the last.” Davide Fontaneto, VBC.
2016/17 Winner:
The Wood family, “Dog Trap”, Uralla, NSW (Brand: JW/URALLA)
Located in northern New South Wales in the wool growing region of New England, Dog Trap lies about 4 kilometres east of Uralla. With an extensive farming history the Wood family are long-time producers of quality superfine wool and are dedicated to breeding and wool preparation of the highest standard.
Settled in the late 1800s Dog Trap has been in the Wood family for over a century. The property was originally 300 acres, expanding to 900 acres in 1922, and today has grown to almost 4000 acres running 5,500 breeding ewes and 700 cattle.
Sheep have been part of the property’s history since its inception, but the family was originally known as horse breakers and Geoff’s grandfather was considered a well-known water diviner throughout central and southern Queensland.
Up until the mid-1980s a variety of different bloodlines were used when Geoff decided Dog Trap will become predominantly a superfine saxon wool growing enterprise. This breeding continues today, ultimately producing the type of wool that is sought after by the Vitale Barberis Canonico; traditional superfine saxon wool. “In 2000 we were fortunate enough to visit the Barberis factory in Italy. It was a real motivation for us to keep producing the type of wool we do”, Geoff Wood.
“At Dog Trap we are trying to produce a saxon based clip; 75mm, bright, with the majority based on the Hillcreston bloodline. For the past 50 or so years we’ve been trying to produce really bright, really fine crimping wool perfect for the VBC Wool Excellence Club contracts”, Cameron Wood.
Animal welfare and sustainability are paramount for the Woods, who are SustainaWOOL™ accredited, “Our living is our animals, so we make sure they are well looked after. If we don’t have healthy well-fed animals then we’re not doing our job properly and not being professional in what we do”, Simon Wood.
Geoff, Cameron and Simon work closely together and believe team work is imperative both on the farm and in the shed to achieve the best possible results. They employ thorough classing and preparation processes with systematic communication at each step to ensure consistency and the highest possible standards for their clip.
Geoff plans to hand over the reigns to Cameron and Simon, who in turn plan to carry on the tradition of breeding Saxon superfine wool. As Simon commented, “if we aren’t looking after our stock and environment, we are not thinking about the future of our families. We love this land. We need to be thinking 10, 20, 30 years into future and the decisions we make now are so important”.
Vitale Barberis Canonico Wool Excellence Award – Gallery 2017
Elenora rewarded with the VBC Wool Excellence Award for 2016
Garry and Sharon Meek, Elenora, Mininera, have won the Wool Excellence award from 350 year-old Italian luxury textile maker Vitale Barberis Canonico.
Dedication to the Saxon Merino breed has paid off for the Western District’s Meek family.
Garry and Sharon Meek, Elenora, Mininera, Victoria, have won the Wool Excellence award from 350 year-old Italian luxury textile maker Vitale Barberis Canonico. The Award was presented on 8th November at an exclusive function held at “Vue de Monde” in Melbourne attended by VBC Wool Excellence Club members and invited guests and media.
Mr and Mrs Meek are the third generation of woolgrowers on the property and have continued a 50-year tradition of breeding Saxon sheep based exclusively on Sierra Park bloodlines.
Besides the Saxon bloodline and careful breeding, Mr Meek’s skill in traditional classing and exceptional preparation has propelled the Elenora clip into the winner’s circle.
Vitale Barberis Canonico raw wool buyer Davide Fontaneto said the company was proud to award not only the wool but also the passion and the heritage behind the wool.
“The Meek family is committed to these fundamentals and the result of their hard work is fantastic wool,” Mr Fontaneto said.
“We award people, because only people can build the future. And only people who continue to build can have a bright future.”
All members of the Vitale Barberis Canonico Wool Excellence Club need to be accredited under the SustainaWOOL Integrity Scheme, a scheme sponsored by Vitale Barberis Canonico and managed by their agency, New England Wool. This scheme promotes ethical, environmental and high quality wool production and members benefit from “purchase contracts” at significant premiums to the physical market
The award presentation was attended by Alberto Barberis Canonico, Davide Fontaneto from VBC Italy and Phoebe Croyle, who manages the VBC Wool Excellence Club within Australia.
The Meeks’ prize included a cash prize of $50,000 along with an all-expenses paid trip to Italy to meet with Vitale Barberis Canonico representatives in the Biella region of Italy in mid-2017.
The November Award marks the pinnacle of the 2015/16 wool selling season, with the appraisal and judging of the very best wool suitable for Vitale Barberis Canonico from that wool selling season.
The winning wool clip displayed the unique Saxon style and character with a very traditional fine crimp. The staple was very dense and had a superior elasticity (resistance to compression), which is typical of the Saxon breed and passionately desired by Vitale Barberis Canonico.
Vitale Barberis Canonico employs more than 400 employees, has 40 agents throughout the world, and produces fabrics from two state-of-the-art factories in the Biella region of Italy.
It is the largest exporter on a global level in terms of both value and quantity – thanks to its respect for heritage coupled with innovation and elegance.
Vitale Barberis Canonico Wool Excellence Award – Gallery 2016
Vitale Barberis Canonico Wool Excellence Award
2014/15 Finalists:
Daryl & Irene Croake, “Oak Hills”, Pyramul (near Mudgee), NSW;
Everard & Matthew Linke and family, “Glenholme”, Tarrington, Victoria;
Desmond Manning & family, “Miena”, Lemont, Tasmania.
VITALE BARBERIS CANONICO WOOL EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2015 (For full story—Click to download PRESS RELEASE 2015 to the right of this page)
1st Place: Desmond Manning & family, “Miena”, Lemont, Tasmania (Pictured: Marie Boadle)
2nd Place : Daryl & Irene Croake, “Oak Hills”, Pyramul (near Mudgee), NSW
3rd Place: Everard & Matthew Linke and family, “Glenholme”, Tarrington, Victoria
The VBC Wool Excellence Award is just one of an array of initiatives created by the company to encourage saxon wool producers. The Vitale Barberis Canonico Wool Excellence Club members benefit from special purchase contracts at significant premiums to the physical market and regular Club meetings where information can be shared between members and with Vitale Barberis Canonico.
Mr Alberto Barberis Canonico explained the reasoning behind the creation of the Wool Excellence Club, and the financial opportunities it afforded to its members. “We do not see it so much as an obligation. It is not a moral thing. It is thinking to the future, for both our company and for those growers who wish to work with us,” he said.
Mr Davide Fontaneto, who is in charge of all raw material purchasing and processing, made a passionate speech outlining his goals for the VBC Wool Excellence Club and its members.
“VBC believes in the wool you produce. We can now give a better service to our customers by providing them the excellence of our fabrics, through the excellence of your wool. We are creating a direct line between the source and the consumer,” Mr Fontaneto said. “We have made a substantial financial commitment that puts the purchase of these wools at 25-30% more than the market.”
Second place was awarded to Daryl and Irene Croake, “Oak Hills”, Pyramul (via Mudgee NSW). The Croakes run 1,200 sheep on 242ha (615ac). The property is 1,000m above sea level and is covered in predominantly native grasses. The Croakes are no strangers to the podium having received numerous awards for fleece, bale and whole-clip competitions over a number of years.
Third place went to the Linke family, “Glenholme”, Tarrington (near Hamilton VIC). Glenholme is a family affair as well with Everard Linke and his son Matthew working closely together on their 220ha (560ac) block and are assisted by Everard’s wife Marilyn and daughter Olivia, especially at shearing time. Everard does all the shearing whilst Matthew oversees the classing and preparation of the clip. “Shearing can go on for weeks, even months,” said Matthew. “Every fleece here is treated with the utmost care and respect.”
All members of the Vitale Barberis Canonico Wool Excellence Club need to be accredited under the SustainaWOOL™ Integrity Scheme, an initiative developed and managed by New England Wool and strongly supported by Vitale Barberis Canonico This is a scheme promoting ethical, environmental and high quality wool production.
Vitale Barberis Canonico Wool Excellence Award – Gallery 2015
Launch and Presentation of Inaugural Award 2014
1st Place Katrina and Andrew Hawksford and Ronald and Lana
Hawksford – Andrew and Reg Hawksford (TPC/GLENBURNIE)
2nd Place “RON/NEW ENGLAND/WALCHA” Tracey Cameron, Davide Fontaneto (VBC), Fred Cameron
3rd Place “KINGSTON” Davide Fontaneto (VBC), Simon & Ann Louise Cameron (Owners), Lyndel Poole (Manager)
Speech made by Sig. Davide Fontaneto – Vitale Barberis Canonico Raw Material Buying Manager. 9th December, 2014 “THE QUAY”, Circular Quay, Sydney NSW.
We are here to celebrate an important history! The history of the “wool grower. This role was born with Australia and is symbolic of the Australian pride.
This is the story of those who spend their lives in the paddock, taking care of their animals, being deeply touched when a lamb is born or when a sheep has gone astray. It is the story of those who muster the mob for shearing and those who carefully prepare and classify the wool that will travel around the world.
This is the story of those who are ready to dedicate an entire year of their life until the last day when, in just a few minutes, at the fall of the hammer, the auctioneer will reveal the results of their hard work.
This is the story of those who have witnessed the changes in the world of wool, of those who rushed to Newcastle stepping onto the wooden show-floors. The story of those who passionately participated in crowded and busy auctions and of those who compare their own wool samples with their neighbour, secretly hoping to whisper “mine is indeed better!”
This is the story of those who are still in the auctions today where the hall is less full, and where there is less personal interaction but more a flood of numbers, created by a market that is less interested in this wonderful fibre.
This is the story of those who will not give up; refusing to produce numbers, but still devoted to tradition, quality, the merino saxon wool and challenging the market. It is the story of those who cherish their land and its heritage.
This is the story of a Company who believes in what these people do and encourages them to persevere. A Company who wants to walk together with the growers and to create a strong partnership. A Company who sees these people as not just suppliers of raw material, but as crucial members of the family.
This is the story of those who are here tonight.
Tonight we’re here to recognize the history, celebrate a successful future and build a wonderful friendship.