Minister of Economy Juraj Miškov
BUSINESS LEADERS BROUGHT TOGETHER TO NETWORK, RELAX AND HELP A GOOD CAUSE
A selection of distinguished guests will be coming to Bratislava’s River Park Kempinski hotel on 26th February, to attend the first ever Business Leaders Charity Gala Ball 2011. This great event is happening under the auspices of Economy Minister Juraj Miškov. It will bring together leaders of local and foreign businesses in Slovakia with the aim of making them relax in an exquisite and playful “roaring twenties” atmosphere, where ladies can come dressed in the ball gowns inspired by that period.
The main intention of the organizers is to help business leaders to build new professional relationships as well as strengthen those that already exist. On top of that the Gala Ball will also create an opportunity to help professional children’s helpline Linka detskej istoty by organizing a silent auction of selected Shooty cartoons published in the daily newspaper Sme.
“This event generates an international platform in which a variety of businessmen and -women can interact with one another,” says Lívia Eperješiová, Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce, when asked why the Foreign Chambers of Commerce (American, Austrian, British, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Swedish and Swiss) in Slovakia are supporting it. “This opportunity will lead to co-operation and collaboration of various organizations and industries and will strengthen the relationship of Slovakia and other countries,” Eperješiová continues, “in doing so it will help in strengthening the Slovak economy.”
“A friend of mine claims that he has often concluded the best business deals at unofficial meetings with friends and business acquaintances,” says Katarína Strýčková, a consultant in diplomatic protocol and President of the Organizing Committee, when explaining how the idea of organizing this Gala Ball for business leaders came about. “It was then when I realized that creating such a platform could not only help businessmen in their work, but we could use it ourselves for a good cause – to be able to help those in need.”
The intention of getting backing from the Economy Minister was not only focused on giving the event more credibility. In the context of building stronger ties within the business environment in Slovakia, as well as improving it, it seemed a logical step to seek the Minister’s support. “The improvement of the business environment is not only about better legislation,” says Minister Juraj Miškov, “it is also about better communication between the government and businesses. Therefore it was a tremendous honor for me to be asked to open the first Business Leaders Charity Gala Ball under my auspices.”
The organizers aspire to attract a great number of businesspeople. “We would also wish to welcome as many foreign businessmen and investors operating in Slovakia as possible. We would like to prove to them that having their businesses reside in this country was a great decision. And in addition we want to help them to interact with their Slovak partners in a relaxed and joyful manner,” explains Katarína Strýčková. “We strongly believe this is the kind of event from which many can profit, and one with the potential to become a great tradition.”
This year, the Business Leaders Charity Gala will be helping Linka detskej istoty - a professional 24/7 helpline for children worried by experiences, events or people, but who often have no one to talk to. The line celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.
