'Dirty Drinking Water' campaign in Hong Kong

Did you know?

• 884 million people lack access to safe drinking water around the world.
• Hundreds and thousands of children in developing countries, such as Ethiopia and India and in some rural areas in China face the problem of dirty drinking water.
• 1.8 million people die every year and 45,000 children die every day across the world due to water borne diseases like Dengue Fever, Malaria, Cholera, Hepatitis A and Typhoid.

This is a serious issue, something that the whole world has to think about and find remedies for. Appco Group Hong Kong recently launched an effort for Save the Children, in the form of campaign named 'Dirty Drinking Water'. The campaign was launched at Times Square in Hong Kong.

A seven foot by four foot vending machine with dirty water running from a tap was displayed in the event booth and Field Representatives approached the general public with a dirty bottle of water to convey the plight of many children across the developing world. They also presented a comparison between a clean bottle of water and dirty drinking water, aiming to make people understand the difficulties faced by children in developing countries as regards obtaining clean water.

Appco Group to Fundraise for American Cancer Society!

Appco Group US country heads have signed up alongside their bravest fundraisers, to abseil down a 32-storey high building in New York city to raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Appco Group US Chief Operating Officer Sarah Cauchi, Vice President Michael Scully and Country Head Will Lyon will climb down Pennsylvania Plaza for the ACS on Saturday, June 23, 2012.

‘This will be a great opportunity for the team at Appco to show our support for what is such a worthwhile cause and one that affects so many lives today,” said Sarah Cauchi. “Cancer can affect everyone, not only the sufferers but also their family and friends – they are the people who we are going over the edge for.”

Mr Scully said fundraising and supporting various projects around the world has always been close to Appco's heart.

“In the US we have been working closely with a number of great organisations and that list is growing month by month and as a company we felt that we wanted to show our support not just by running great fundraising campaigns but also by getting involved in sponsored activities,” he said.

“Over the years I have raised money for the WWF and Quarriers by climbing mountains in the Himalayas, so the thought of spending time coming down the side of a building versus climbing up a mountain was very appealing - much less training involved.”

Appco kicks off lottery campaign

Appco Group Sports Australia has commenced a major lottery campaign for the Fremantle Dockers Football Club in Western Australia.

Appco Group will sell 30,000 lottery tickets, to bring up $300,000 for the Fremantle Dockers’ Community Goals program.

Community Goals encourages participation in sport and boosts young people to develop an understanding of leadership, healthy lifestyle, goal setting, and the effects of bullying and social responsibility.

Every year more than 100,000 children take part in the program’s Freo Skills 4 Schools events. These events comprise a wide range of fun-filled curriculum-based activities to help students to make well-informed decisions for a responsible, healthy and active lifestyle.

Appco Group Sports Australia is proud, to be part of this worthy campaign, and to help the Fremantle Dockers Football Club give back to their community.

Appco Group to expand into Connecticut

Appco Group US is all set to enter its next state with charity partners ChildFund International. Driven by the campaign success, the charity group has agreed to be the first to test the state of Connecticut.

Appco Group US began operations in 2010 in Manhattan, New York, and opened their second office in White Plains, New York state, recently - just one year after its launch in America.

Since its launch, Appco Group US has been laying the foundations for a national expansion across a number of the traditional Appco industry sectors.

Will Lyon, US County Head, said: “We've been eyeing up Connecticut for a while now and we are finally at the stage where we can expand our territory with confidence and really make a difference to the ChildFund campaign.

“We are starting with our White Plains team with plans to expand this to the Manhattan office team in the near future. We are growing fast and strong and there is much more in the pipeline a sign that the US really is the land of opportunity.”

Appco Group Australia Prosales Division and FW1 celebrate Round One!

Appco Group Australia Prosales Division and their waterless car cleaning system, FW1, have begun the year on a positive note.

This is the second year that FW1 has been involved as the major sponsor of the Series. The first round was held at Adelaide from March 1-4 with record crowds thronging the event.

The FW1 stand, which sold merchandise, to eager spectators, proved to be an excellent platform for FW1. The FW1 promo girls proved to be a success spruiking the product through free demonstrations and handing out FW1 lanyards to attendees.

The current year series will witness six rounds. At the end of the first round for 2011, Adrian Cottrell was in the first place followed by Kyle Clews and close behind in third place, Tyler Owen.

This year is set to be a major year for the category, which is continuing to gain momentum in Australia. Appco Prosales Australia Chief Operating Officer Ty Pedersen is delighted with the way the event is tracking.

“It is very electrifying for FW1 to be attached with such a great category. Aussie Racing Cars’ drivers are utilizing the product on their vehicles and urging on behalf of the brand. We have already picked up such great feedback and look ahead to the outcome or result”, says Mr Pedersen.

Appco Group helps homeless children in Chennai, India

Appco Group Nederland has made a contribution of more than €44,000 to a special cause in India to improve the lives of homeless children.

Appco Group Nederland donated the money to charity group Cordaid Kinderstem during 2010 and 2011 enabling almost 1000 homeless children in Chennai to have shelter, medical care, education, and in some cases be reunited with their families.

Cordaid Kinderstorm, which is a branch of Cordaid, is working together with Chennai-based charity organisation, Don Bosco Anbu Illam, towards the betterment of homeless children. Chennai trains and buses bring in many orphans, runaways and homeless children to the city in the hope of security.

“With this year’s gift from Appco Group Nederland, almost 1000 homeless children in Chennai can now look forward to a brighter future. Thank you so much,” said Cordaid Kinderstem Project Leader Hilde Marbus.

Cordaid is actively involved with various philanthropic organisations in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The charity, which operates worldwide through The Hague, in The Netherlands, fights poverty and exclusion in fragile states and areas of conflict and extreme inequality.

“We’ve also been fortunate enough to be able to send some of the team over to Chennai with Cordaid and see the projects in action,” Mr Murphy said. “The stories they came back with were both inspiring and moving. We’re very proud to have been able to support this project with Cordaid.

Appco Group opens second office in the state of New York

After one year of trading, Appco Group US has opened their second office in White Plains, New York.

Since the launch in September 2010, the company had been thinking about national expansion, across the traditional industry sectors.

The Country Head, Appco Group US, Will Lyon said, "It’s great to have a second location in New York as it allows us to cover more territory and help raise funds for our charity partners, WSPA and ChildFund International."

“The opening of the White Plains office is one of many expansion projects in the US with more details of developments expected to be released soon", he added.

Appco Group Thailand powering ahead!

Appco Group, for the first time, was asked to engage in the promotion and sales of cars at a motor expo in Thailand.

Appco Group Thailand recently assisted in the promotion and sales of cars at a motor expo in Bangkok. The Thailand Motor Expo was a 10-day event that was held at Impact Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok. One of the leading premium car importers in Thailand, BRG Ramkamhaeng Group, engaged Appco Group Thailand to assist in the promotion and selling of cars.

The pioneering team of six field representatives from Appco Group Thailand managed to sell eight cars during the expo. This included the latest Mercedes Benz SLK, Nissan Cube, Land Rover, Porsche Panamera and Bentley Continental – an impressive number considering the team only had one day of product and sales training for the expo.

Response from the BRG Ramkamhaeng Group has been positive and the group is keen on working again with Appco Thailand in the future.

Organisational Head and Country Head of Thailand, ‘Wong Chee Wai’ is delighted at the response and the sales numbers from the Motor Show. He looks forward to penetrating the motor vehicle industry and to once again join forces with the BRG Group in the near future.

Appco Group Italia is ready to outmatch 2011!

With a record number of charity donors in 2011 for their principal clients, Appco Group Italia expects to outmatch the numbers in 2012.

The dedication of the field representatives allowed Appco Group Italia to over-deliver to their main client by hitting the 2011 budget in November.

The enthusiastic field representatives of Appco Group Italia managed to hit all the charity client targets by the end of the year, and garnered 50,000 new donors for its clients.

A contest set up in alliance with Appco Group Italia and its leading clients provided some of the field representatives the opportunity to directly witness two charity projects they helped get funding for - one in Thailand and the other in Africa.

The goal for Appco Group Italia in 2012 will be to continue delivering the best quality sales as possible for their current charity clients and start focusing in new divisions while exceeding the 2011 results.

Appco Group Italia conducts its biggest convention ever

Appco Group has managed to run its business successfully for many years now thanks to the numerous conventions and seminars that they host at frequent intervals for their representatives. These conventions greatly help the personnel at the company to formulate strategies and campaigns in the best manner possible.

Appco Group Italia recently held a convention, the largest in its history. An enthusiastic group of Administrators, FRs, Owners and international guests attended the Appco Group Italian Rally 2011 making the latter one of the most memorable events in the company's history. The event was held at Auditorium del Massimo in Rome on Saturday, July 16th.

The event started with the thumping performance of DJ Stretch who flew into Italy all the way from Netherlands to host the event. This was followed by a dance and a presentation about the history of the country.

Country Head David D'Agostino inaugurated the convention by introducing the Vice Presidents James Greaves and Spencer Galbally as well as the international guests Mark Cox and Howie Seymour. The major charity clients of the company who were invited to the convention thanked the representatives of Appco Group who had helped them achieve great results.

Awards were distributed to the top performers of the company and Jonas Calzone, Owner of XXV Marketing srl, winner of Highrolling MC, MC Sales Achievent and Best Company 2011 expressed his gratitude to his team "Without my team, I would have never achieved this success. They have all worked hard proving to be the number one in the Country".

The Convention wrapped up with celebrations in one of the best clubs in Rome. Needless to say, Appco Group does maintain its standard in every small or big activity it does.

Appco Group Australia and New Zealand R&R ends

Appco Group Australia and New Zealand 2011 R&R Conference ends, with lots of vital things being discussed and sorted out.

For the ace direct marketing company, the R&R has always been a vital event, as it motivates and empowers the newest generation of leaders coming through the organisation, by providing them with an opportunity to hear from and network with the senior management team. This year's edition of the R&R conference for the company was held from June 13 to June 19 and concluded in the best of manners. The 250 delegates who took part were inspired by several presentations given by leaders and top performers in the organisation. They were also inspired by the words of Appco Group chairman and founder Chris Niarchos, who said, “In our industry and organisation it is crucial to establish a solid foundation for the future with effective business practices. This will enable you to have long term success for several years to come. Understanding how the business operates and showing dedication to the company and your clients is instrumental to being part of Appco Group”.

The different divisions that work within the Appco Group- Sports, Support, Pay TV, Prosales and Energy - held separate meetings to dicuss points relevant to their particular industry. The Support Division discussed, under the leadership of Vice President Spencer Galbally, ways to approach customers in the field with effective role-playing. Prosales held a Q&A style meeting where Vice President Steve Sapsford covered the benefits of training your sales force in all areas of the business including B2B, residential and events.

The formalities of the Appco Group 2011 Australia and New Zealand R&R concluded on Friday, June 17 afternoon leaving delegates free to enjoy Port Douglas and spend the weekend at the Great Barrier Reef, fishing, relaxing on the beach, or taking part in a competition at the resorts award-winning golf course.

Appco Group Australia-New Zealand R & R Conference update

The Appco Group Australia-New Zealand annual R&R conference was held from June 13th in Port Douglas. Here's the first update:

Appco Group sources say, “The arrival to Port Douglas from interstate was a little shaky as an ominous ash cloud from a Chilean volcano impacted flights creating some delays. However, this was soon forgotten as more than 250 delegates including senior management staff, Country Heads, Vice Presidents, Owners, Assistant Owners, Team Leaders, and Administrators arrived in the sunny surrounds of the Sheraton Mirage Resort for a week of meetings, workshops and networking opportunities.”

There were series of senior management meetings from Monday 13th June to Wednesday the 15th June. These meetings discussed the direction of the business with the purpose to also map out new areas for growth. On Wednesday evening, a welcome reception was held for delegates with an event at the Sheraton Mirage. Thursday June 16th witnessed the main meeting being held, with senior leaders making insightful presentations. The event was opened by Vice President and Country Head of Australia Shane Ward and Company Founder and Chairman Chris Niarchos. They discussed the business growth experienced over the last year and congratulated the top performers who have strengthened the business.

Here's what Chris Niarchos said at the conference, “The growth we’ve seen in Australia and internationally over the last year if very positive. We’re constantly reviewing our business structure to see how we can assist the broader group. This includes developing new support systems and avenues for new business. We’re noticing the increasing cost of energy in Australia, and the world for that matter, and believe there is a real opportunity to assist businesses and home owners in this area with our expertise...We want to empower those who work within Appco Group, and reward those that achieve success and produce great results for clients. The R&R is an opportunity for us to celebrate progress and recognise high achievers”.

Vice Presidents Paul Burkett, Spencer Galbally and Steve Sapsford also made presentations on a range of topics relevant for Marketing Company Owners and Administrators. Product Owners Anthony Tarquini and Bertrand Lesbros focused on running a successful office and having a profitable company. Assistant Owners and Team Leaders attended a separate session introduced by Country Head of NZ Mick Rose. On Thursday there was an impressive Gala dinner set in the tranquil rainforest at award-winning restaurant, ‘Flames of the Forest’.
Keep watching this space for more updates on the Appco Group Australia-New Zealand annual R&R conference, 2011.

Appco Group R&R conference for Australia, New Zealand

The Appco Group 2011 R&R Conference for Australia and New Zealand is all set to take place, this week, in Port Douglas, Queensland. The conference, which is for Marketing Company Owners, Assistant Owners, Team Leaders, Administration support and key head office staff from Australia and New Zealand to take place from 15 – 19 June 2011. More than 250 delegates would attend the conference.

The Appco Group 2011 R&R Conference would provide an opportunity to learn and develop techniques that are crucial to the direct marketing industry, The insightful sessions from senior leaders would prove enlightening and enriching for the delegates, who would also get ample time to network with influential members of the team to gain crucial pointers on how they can progress. The conference will have as part of its events a welcome function with all delegates; informative and educational presentations from VPs and senior management; senior meetings; and a group dinner on the final evening. Those who made the most of the 2010 R&R Conference are looking forward to making it great this time too.

Appco Group never leaves things undone when it comes to enriching the minds of its personnel.

Appco Group UK with ample business opportunities

Appco Group, which has been making it big in all its marketing endeavours, has ample business opportunities for its Field Representatives and for all those who work within its network of Marketing Companies. To those who operate their own business as self-employed Field Representatives, the company provides full assistance.

As we know, the Appco Group works with leading companies in different sectors and Field Representatives promote products and services for these clients. These Field Representatives would be contracted to different Marketing Companies within the Appco network. The company provides them not only with materials and support needed to do such promotions and marketing campaigns, but also offers them client product training as and when required. This helps them a lot. The Appco Group Business Development Programme is a comprehensive programme that helps the Field Representatives a lot and provides them the chance to mentor, guide and product train other FRs; they can aim for moving through the Programme and onward to running one's own Marketing Company.

Appco Group to work in US with an NGO for kids

Appco Group is all set to work in the US in association with an NGO that works for the welfare of children all across the world. This particular NGO was established in the UK in 1919 and works with separate national organisations in more than 28 countries, sharing the aim of improving the lives of children through education, health care, and economic opportunities, as well as emergency aid in natural disasters, wars, and other conflicts.

Appco Group is associated with this NGO in different countries across the world. Now, as business goes expanding for the company in the US, steps have been initiated to extent support to this NGO and its fundraising activities in the US too.

"As an organisation we look forward to contributing to their vital life saving work around the world. We look forward to sharing stories of our successes over the next few months", says Sarah Cauchi, Appco Group US Country Manager.

Appco Group Fundraisers support Earth Hour

Appco Group has always supported with all sincerity causes that affect the whole of humanity.
Thus, it was not news when Appco Group Fundraisers stood firm by those who joined hands to observe Earth Hour. It was but natural for the company to support such a cause. The company's personnel did all they could to raise public support for the event.

Earth Hour, as we know, started in 2007, in Sydney, Australia, and the intention has been to urge global leaders to tackle climate changes. In 2007, when the Earth Hour started, 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses in Australia turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. This year, on March 26, when people all the world over switched off their lights for one hour at 8.30 pm, Appco Group stood with pride as the company's network of Fundraisers have been raising awareness of Earth Hour and encouraging the public to take part.

Such moves from the part of the Appco Group have always been appreciated, all the world over.

Appco Group launched in Belgium

Appco Group has officially been launched in Belgium on April 5, consequent to a successful test of the market, which was done in 2010.

The launch in Belgium is consequent to last year's launch in US, Russia, China and Brazil. Thus the company now gets active in 25 countries worldwide. The operations begin for Appco Group in Belgium with the Energy Division, catering to a prominent client, which is represented in the Netherlands too.

Jess Leeson, the General Manager of Appco Group Belgique says, with utmost confidence, “The tests showed us that Appco can be huge in Belgium. We expect to open a second location with a new client by the end of this year. The growth opportunities are promising”.

“We are incredibly excited about our venture into the first French speaking country within the Group in 2011,”said Appco Group Vice President and Country Head of Belgium, Simon Murphy.

Appco Group personnel have a narrow escape during New Zealand earthquake

It was a lucky day for Appco Group. On February 22, when an earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck Christchurch, New Zealand, Chris Kiely, the Managing Director of a company associated with Appco Group New Zealand, was conducting a Training Day in his office. But by luck Chris and his team of nine managed to exit safely. They watched in horror as an adjacent building collapsed. Exclaimed Chris, “We are all really lucky to be safe”.

Appco Group New Zealand had even put a hold on all client work from February 23-28 to allow Marketing Companies and their teams to overcome the event, and show compassion to fellow New Zealanders.

“We had given full support to the Christchurch team as they tried to overcome this experience.”, said Appco Group VP Stewart Hartley.

Appco Group does great with major partner in Australia

Appco Group has been working wonders in the charities sector, helping clients get donor support in all ways.

The company has had a strong alliance with one of the world's largest development agencies which focuses on assisting children in developing countries. This organisation has been doing great in Australia, thanks to the efforts of Appco Group Support. The organisation this year intends to generate more donations through sign-ups in Australia by way of its tie-up with the company. The thrust will be on driving acquisition of new supporters for its monthly program. This monthly program would provide a vital source of income to fund projects that benefit children spread all across the world.

A spokesman representing the organisation has said, “We’ve seen the positive impact of the company's efforts in other territories that we work in, and were eager to replicate the success in the Australian market place. Appco Group Support was able to provide the professional, reliable and cost effective service that we needed."

Appco Group Support representative visits slums in India

Appco Group Support recently sent its representative, Philip Bresser, to visit slums in Chennai, India. This was to see what difference the company's projects for Street Children, run in lieu of a charity partner, were making.

Philip Bresser was impressed. Says he, “In the Western world we have reached the stage where we are used to the luxuries we have around us or that are so easily accessible. We live in a part of the world where we as individuals are empowered to make choices...I visited the Street Children projects of Anbu Illam in Chennai (Madras) South India. The field visit had a significant impact on me. Probably, because it is as confrontational as it can get.”

He inspected each and every detail of the work done by Appco Group. He adds, about what he has seen and observed, “The things I have heard, seen and smelled in the slums and on the streets are very real. The Street Children projects in Chennai are necessary and really tangible. India is a country with a billion registered people and more than a million children are 'living' in the streets in Chennai. By directly supporting the projects in Chennai, we enable a significant 'extra' amount of children in Chennai to get proper shelter, health care, education and to be treated in a human way. We enable them to get into a position where they can make some choices in life as well, just like we do. The visit to Chennai put things into perspective for me”.

Appco Group is winning appreciation from all quarters for the work that it has been doing to slum children in India.