Newsletter May-July

As we reach the midpoint of 2024, the team at Coast & Country Sales continues to make strides and set new benchmarks. The past few months have been filled with vibrant activities, significant achievements, and impactful initiatives that reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence and community engagement.

From celebrating key milestones to participating in enriching events, our team has been hard at work driving progress and fostering meaningful connections. We’re excited to share the highlights from May through July, showcasing our collective efforts and the dynamic spirit that fuels our success.

Dive into our latest updates and discover how Coast & Country Sales is making a difference in the industry and beyond!

Mandela Day with the HRTPACT Team: Spreading Warmth Amidst Winter Storms

Despite the harsh winter and record-breaking rainfall, the Coast & Country Heart Pact team rose to the occasion for Mandela Day by setting up a soup kitchen. Thanks to a generous donation of vegetables from Jamie Reynolds, a local Fruit and Veg Broker from Retreat, and loaves of bread from our supplier, Freshly’s, courtesy of Junaid and Cruden, we were able to prepare hearty pots of soup.

Our team initially planned to serve at a well-known feeding scheme in Mitchell’s Plain, but the stormy weather kept many of the needy indoors. Recognising the challenge, we called on Sadekar Clark, who volunteered his day off and brought the company bakkie. Adapting quickly, we transformed our initiative into a mobile soup kitchen, #MealsOnWheels, braving the storm to reach the homeless under bridges, in car parks, parks, and other shelters.

We didn’t stop there. We also prepared sweet packets for less-fortunate children, distributing them on the streets and delivering them to Mun Zion Educare. Our day was filled with warmth and smiles, ensuring no one went hungry despite the adverse weather.

Special thanks to our incredible team: Lezil Daniels, Fidelia Freeman, Natalie Roman, Anastasia De Monk, Thabiet Rainers, and Russel Hendricks. Your efforts were key to making this day a success. Additional gratitude to Sadekar Clark for his dedicated time and effort, and to Shaun Henry for his invaluable behind-the-scenes support.

Welcome to the Team

We are thrilled to introduce two new dynamic professionals who have recently joined the Coast & Country Sales family. Welcome to Kirsty Stalmeester, our new Business Support Assistant, and to Ikraam Rusdien, one of our new Field Managers.

At Coast & Country Sales, our people are our greatest asset. We are delighted to welcome Kirsty and Ikraam to our team and look forward to the contributions they will make. Join us in giving them a warm welcome!

Volunteering at Bridges Retreat Centre

Coast & Country Sales continues to volunteer and serve at Bridges Retreat Centre. Wajdi Basadien had some awesome feedback to share after our last visit.

“I had a great time with the school kids… The coaches and leaders at Bridges are well-trained to handle the number of kids. The warm welcome in the morning, with breakfast and lunch, was unexpected but much appreciated.

Despite the cold and wet weather, the team-building activities in the hall were very exciting. The place is very neat and well-maintained, and the surrounding nature and mountains provided a serene escape from my day-to-day job. Thank you once again for the wonderful hospitality.”

CCS Partners with W&RSETA to Develop Future Talent

The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) is dedicated to addressing the skills development needs of the Wholesale and Retail (W&R) Sector. Through innovative learning programs, strategic grant disbursement, and meticulous monitoring of education and training, W&RSETA is paving the way for a skilled and transformed workforce in this vital sector.

Learnerships offer a dual benefit: they empower learners to earn qualifications while working full-time, and they provide employers with access to a pool of skilled workers. This program is a proactive solution to skills shortages within the economy, fostering talent development tailored to industry demands.

At Coast & Country Sales, we proudly support this initiative by facilitating 30 learners in stores across the Western Cape. By participating in the W&RSETA program, we are investing in the future of the W&R Sector, ensuring a continuous pipeline of skilled professionals ready to drive industry success.

Introducing Monster Friday: Elevating Team Spirit and Boosting Success

Get ready for Monster Friday – our brand-new, exhilarating initiative aimed at supercharging team morale and igniting excitement across Coast & Country Sales!

Monster Friday is designed to celebrate and reward outstanding achievements in expanding our product spaces. Whether it’s increasing space in category coolers, cold storage, or secondary locations, this initiative is all about showcasing the impact of our collective efforts.

Exciting Developments in Training at CCS

It’s an exhilarating time for the training team at Coast & Country Sales! We’ve launched several impactful initiatives driven by our Directors and Senior Management teams, all aimed at upskilling and empowering our merchandising and in-store management teams.

High School Expo

On May 4th, we participated in our inaugural High School Expo Day at Crestway Senior Secondary School, engaging Grade 11 and 12 learners with insights into the FMCG sector and showcasing career opportunities at Coast & Country Sales. Our presence alongside industry giants like SAPS, City of Cape Town, and BMW Constantia enriched the event.

Merchandiser Candidate Training

We kicked off our Merchandiser Candidate Training Program with an induction on May 11th and celebrated the graduation of our 10 learners on May 18th. A week of hands-on in-store training by our senior merchandisers resulted in 9 out of 10 graduates securing permanent contracts with us.

On June 24th, we held a Merchandiser Candidate Training program in Paarl, culminating in a graduation on July 3rd. Out of 5 learners, 3 have been placed in stores, with the remaining 2 joining a new store opening in Paarl.

Community Upliftment Programs 

We’re dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities through targeted upliftment programs that enhance skills and provide opportunities for growth.

New Store Opening Training

Our comprehensive in-store training sessions are designed to equip our teams with the latest knowledge and best practices, ensuring they deliver top-notch service and efficiency.

Our team attended a training session for the new Checkers Paarde Vlei store, enhancing our ability to train merchandisers across other Checkers locations.

W&RSETA Program

We launched an exciting new initiative with W&RSETA, hosting 29 young learners for a two-day office-based training session on June 26th and 27th. These learners are now strategically placed in top Checkers stores to complete a 12-month training program.

More Training

Our training program with Micci Clemente, the designated Libstar Unit Manager, commenced, with weekly sessions scheduled for August to guide store visits and operational excellence.

Screening Days

Over the course of May to July, we hosted multiple screening days across the Western Cape, where young adults were invited to attend and complete an application and field test.

We hosted current Grade 11 & 12 learners and presented workplace structures and a detailed pamphlet showcasing the FMCG market within Coast and Country.

CCS Tees Off for a Cause at OK Elto Golf Day

The Coast & Country team recently took part in the OK Elto Golf Day on Thursday, 13 June 2024. This annual event is more than just a day on the greens – it’s a powerful initiative aimed at raising funds for various charities supported by the OK Elto umbrella.

Our team, driven by our core values of community and giving back, eagerly joined fellow participants to make a difference. The day was filled with friendly competition, camaraderie, and the shared goal of supporting those in need. By participating in the OK Elto Golf Day, we reinforced our commitment to social responsibility and community upliftment.

We’re proud to have been part of this fantastic event and look forward to continuing our support for charitable causes that align with our mission and values. Together, we can drive positive change and make a meaningful impact in our communities.

Celebrating World Payroll Day with PayMeNow & CCS

In celebration of World Payroll Day, the PayMeNow team visited Coast & Country Sales to extend their appreciation and present thoughtful gifts to our management team. This special occasion honours the invaluable contributions of payroll professionals who ensure the seamless processing of employee compensation, a critical function that supports both businesses and their workforce.

The meeting between PayMeNow and our management team was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of those who work behind the scenes to keep our operations running smoothly. The gifts were a token of gratitude for the unwavering commitment to accuracy, timeliness, and reliability in payroll management.

At Coast & Country Sales, we understand that a well-functioning payroll system is the backbone of employee satisfaction and trust. We are grateful to the PayMeNow team for their recognition and continued partnership. Together, we strive to uphold the highest standards in payroll management, ensuring our employees receive the support and compensation they deserve.

Celebrating Excellence: Awards at Coast & Country Sales

At Coast & Country Sales, recognising and honouring exceptional contributions is at the heart of our culture. Our awards highlight the dedication, hard work, and excellence of our team members, and we are excited to share the latest recipients:

Director’s Award – Wesley Dawson

Wesley Dawson received a Director’s Award at the May sales meeting for his hard work and dedication since joining the team in March.

Director’s Acknowledgement Award – Gareth Eyberg

Gareth Eyberg received the Director’s Acknowledgement Award for his remarkable efforts in managing his area. Gareth has gone above and beyond by stepping into roles of both Unit Manager and Field Manager, addressing issues and queries with unparalleled dedication. His proactive approach and willingness to tackle challenges head-on have earned him this special recognition.

HRTPACT Acknowledgement Award – Sadekar Clark

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sadekar Clark for his extraordinary dedication and support. Even after moving on from the team, Sadekar selflessly devoted his personal time to assist us, braving inclement weather and sacrificing time with his family to ensure our success. His exceptional commitment and generosity exemplify the spirit of the HRTPACT values.

5 Year Service Award – Clinton Moses (MIT Team)

Clinton Moses was celebrated for his outstanding five-year journey with the Penbev Monster Team. Clinton’s dedication and hard work have significantly contributed to our team’s success. Pieter Jacobs, Head of the Penbev Monster Division, was on hand at our July Sales meeting to present this well-deserved award.

5 Year Service Award – Ethlin Barnard (CCS Unit Manager)

Ethlin Barnard was honoured for her five years of exceptional service as part of the Coast & Country Sales Team. Ethlin’s commitment and leadership as a Unit Manager have been integral to our success, and this award recognizes her valuable contributions over the years.

Long Service Awards

Merchandiser Awards

Well done to all our incredible merchandisers for your continuous effort and hardwork – Coast & Country Sales wouldn’t be the same without you!

Congratulations to all our award winners! Your achievements are a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication within our team. 🎉