The Orihuela Chamber of Commerce recognised the great and the good from the city’s business fabric on Friday night with its annual awards ceremony, held in the cloister of the old University, at the Diocesan College of Santo Domingo, a great example of Valencian culture.
Against this backdrop, the Chamber wanted to show off the city as a tourist destination, for the heritage it treasures. In the words of Mario Martínez, president of the Orihuela Chamber of Commerce, “tonight’s venue is a testimony to the immense cultural heritage that places Orihuela as the first city in the province of Alicante. These are the values that remind us of the enormous potential that our city has, and that must be key in our future economic development.”
Martínez highlighted three fundamental themes for the present and future of business in the municipality: innovation, sustainability and politics.
First, he stressed that the new technological tools are key to remaining competitive, as he called for adequate regulation, without being excessive, so as not to slow progress in Europe.
He also stressed that Orihuela, with an average of 250 days of sunshine per year, has the potential to lead the transition to the use of renewable energy, as well as advocating for “a balanced water management system.” “Our agricultural sector shows that it knows how to make the most of every drop of water, but it also requires protection at European level for its products,” he said.
He pointed out that in essential sectors, such as agriculture and services, a workforce is needed that often comes from abroad. For this reason, he argued that “their arrival must be managed in an orderly and clear manner from Europe.”
Finally, he appealed to the government that they must enhance the railway mobility of the municipality and the region, in order to avoid the continuous closure of shops and establishments, as well as the depopulation of areas such as the centre of Orihuela city.
In presenting the evening’s prizes, the Municipal Trade and Industry Awards went to Conservas Hello in the category of Internationalisation, Agriauto for its business career, Colinas Golf in Sustainable Tourism, Joyería Adolfo Valero in Proximity Commerce, Santamar de la Vega in Family Enterprise and Metro Dance Club in Musical Culture.
The winner of the Honorary Juan Cerdán Prize was Mariano Moreno, founder of Mercaluz, “a firm that was established as a family company, and that has been able to continue to evolve to become a reference at both the national and international levels.
The awards were presented by Toni Pérez, president of the Diputación; Senator Teresa Belmonte; Pepe Vegara, mayor of Orihuela; José Vicente Morata, president of the Council of Chambers Valenciana Community; Manuel Ruiz, president of Caja Rural Central; Trino Cárceles, manager of Cupoola by Vegametal; and Nuria Montes, councillor for Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, who was also able to close the night.
