Entrepreneurial Venlo proudly launches the book 'Working hard, looking ahead and keeping faith. Why entrepreneurial Venlo has so many world market leaders and other champions'. This inspiring book collects the stories of no fewer than 22 Venlo entrepreneurs, each of whom contributed in their own way to the region's flourishing and achieving global successes.
The first copy of this special book was officially handed over on 2 October to Mayor Antoin Scholten and Peter Thissen, former chairman of Ondernemend Venlo and initiator of this book. The handover took place during a festive gathering, at which many of the interviewed entrepreneurs were present to share their experiences and insights.
The book focuses on personal stories of the people behind the companies that put Venlo on the map. These stories offer a unique insight into the hard work, foresight and, despite setbacks, belief in success that characterise the region's entrepreneurial spirit. This volume highlights how Venlo companies, from global market leaders to other champions, have managed to achieve international breakthroughs and sustainable growth. The book will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for both established entrepreneurs and new generations looking to realise their ambitions.
"With this book, we not only want to pay tribute to the entrepreneurs who made Venlo great, but also inspire others to persevere and realise their dreams," said Peter Thissen. "The stories in this book show that success is often the result of determination, vision and confidence in the future."
Mayor Antoin Scholten stressed the importance of entrepreneurship for the city and the region: "Venlo is a city with a long tradition of entrepreneurship, and this book shows how that tradition lives on in contemporary successes. I am proud to receive the first copy."
The red thread of the book shows how many Venlo businesses find their roots in the region's rich horticultural history and the activities of the 'gerdeneers'. These gardeners toiled on the poor sandy soils of northern Limburg to support their large families, constantly looking for new sources of income. Thus, many a market gardener purchased a truck to transport his products to the auction or directly to the customer, laying the foundation for the logistics hotspot that is Venlo today. In the manufacturing industry, mechanical engineering is strongly represented. There is also a link there with horticulture. Machinery was developed to efficiently process horticultural products into the consumer goods we find in supermarkets today.
The book 'Working hard, looking ahead and keeping faith' is For sale at Boekhandel Koops In Venlo.
Pictured from left to right: former chairman Peter Thissen, Mayor Antoin Scholten, Chairman Lizbeth van den Boogaart and Writer Will Gerritsen.
