May 11, 2022
Veldhoven Verbindt Event Edition 3 - "The Power of Veldhoven"
For the first time after the corona years 2020 and 2021, entrepreneurial Veldhoven could meet again for a varied program under the title The Power of Veldhoven.
Starting at 8 p.m., a beautiful evening unfolded in Theater de Schalm. The theme Next Generation was the focus of the table discussion led by the evening's hostess, Anne-Marie Fokkens. Maartje van Schagen of Simac Techniek and Anke van Diessen of Van Diessen Keukens gave their views on opportunities and pitfalls of succession within a renowned family business. The two new presidents of the business associations, Erik Gilden of VOC and Irene van de Mortel of HOG De Kempen introduced themselves and emphasized the added value of a collective of and for entrepreneurs. Daan de Kort is a former alderman of the municipality of Veldhoven and currently an active member of the House of Representatives. He was succeeded by Vivianne van Wieren-Kraaijvanger. The theme for their table discussion, "governing in dense fog," provided plenty of starting points for an entertaining and interesting conversation.
A prominent place in the program was reserved for the announcement and presentation of Veldhoven business awards.
Geert van Loon and Marly de Crom from Lovano Kitchen & Bar were named Promising Entrepreneur of the Year. They received the accompanying trophy and a voucher with various services from professionals from the Veldhoven Verbindt network. The entrepreneurial duo received 47% percent of the public votes. Moreover, the jury of the Veldhoven Entrepreneur Trophy voted unanimously for the owners of Lovano. Together the couple transformed café restaurant Oers Gezellig into Lovano with a contemporary variant of a sharing dish concept. Where many catering companies struggle with binding and captivating enthusiastic and committed employees, the two always know how to find a solution. The other candidates for this award were Thijs Offermeijer Of Malelions and Meike Daniëls of HOERA Children's Shoes. This year's award for Promising Entrepreneur of the Year was co-sponsored by Avelco ICT & Cloud Services for the second time.
Louis Groenen, owner of Greens Group, has been named Entrepreneur of the Year 2021, he received The Veldhoven Entrepreneur Trophy. This award for the Entrepreneur of the Year was presented for the 25th and last time under the banner of the Veldhoven Entrepreneur Trophy by mayor and jury chairman, Marcel Delhez. Groenen Group operates in earthworks, demolition and road construction. The jury praised the company's founder for his positive attitude and loyal customer and employee relations. Louis Groenen did not have an easy start with his company, but nevertheless turned it into a success. For example, the company has maintained a relationship with ASML and the contractors who work for that company for 35 years. The company is also at the forefront of safety certifications and encourages innovation. According to the jury report, the company's core values are reliability, continuous quality, deal = deal and optimal customer focus. As an entrepreneur, Groenen likes to be ten steps ahead of the competition. The jury further mentioned Groenen's great social commitment. "Saying 'no' to customers is not a negotiable option for Louis and his team; he feels it is a challenge to keep helping his customers," the jury wrote in its report. Ever since his company started, his two children - Esther and Ronnie - have been co-shareholders. They have helped shape the growth and development of the Groenen Group in recent years. That they will succeed their father is by now an open door.
The entire program was musically framed by the four-man band 2000Unplugged. After the official part there was plenty of room for networking, so it became very cozy in the foyer.
We look back on a particularly successful evening! Our thanks go to all speakers, attendees and of course to our wonderful sponsors. Thanks to you, we were able to make it another fantastic event. In addition, we thank again this year L-Mount media For the beautiful photos.
