ORIGINAL projects with strong stories behind them were honoured at the Via Bona 2010 awards ceremony sponsored by the Pontis Foundation to recognise responsible and philanthropic businesses, according to Petra Nagyová, the foundation’s PR manager.
Spišská Nová Ves-based company Embraco Slovakia scored twice: it received the Award for Long-Term Positive Corporate Impact for its project to support the maternity department at the local hospital over 12 years, and an honourable mention for its exemplary approach to citizens during the floods that hit the region last year.
“We cancelled some shifts and let employees go home and stay with their families in the tough situation,” Norbert Brath of Embraco said, adding that employees were still paid their normal wages.
The Main Award for Large Corporations went to Orange Slovakia for its comprehensive approach to responsible business, while the Award for Socially Responsible Market Operations was awarded to Tatra Banka.
The Award for Responsible Approach to Employees was granted to Orion Nova, a company which employs young people who have grown up in orphanages, a project which was started two years ago by the Dutch boss of the company, Iwan Hoffmans.
“I couldn’t get more motivated people, and I’m afraid I wouldn’t find them at the labour office,” Hoffmans said.
