Connect Connection in practice

Members of Voka – Limburg Chamber of Commerce are keen to hear each other’s stories and experiences. This is why Voka – Limburg Chamber of Commerce offers various opportunities for our members to connect through events and networking.

Networking

Entrepreneurs often chart the same course and avoid the same hazards more than once. VokaLimburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry unites them in 54 networks that focus on sharing experience and expertise. These are tailored to your expertise or enterprise. Voka’s networks can be divided into three categories:

• Business leader networks

• Themed networks

• Experience networks

Events

Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet in specific settings. It does so with a range of exceptional events that are unique in Limburg and to which a ‘Vokaward’ is linked.

• 5 major events

› New Year Invitito

› Annual meeting

› Summer castle festival

› Chambers Trophy

› Voka Open Company Day

• 7 themed events

› World for Smarties, with the presentation of the ‘Limburg export prize’ Vokaward

› HR Day, with the presentation of the ‘HR’ Vokaward

› Real Estate Day, with the presentation of the ‘Real estate’ Vokaward

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› MarCom Day, with the presentation of the ‘Limburg press award’ Vokaward

› Dig-In, with the presentation of the ‘Innovation’ Vokaward

› Management Assistant Day, with the presentation of the ‘Management assistant’ Vokaward

› Family Business Happening, with the presentation of ‘The torch’ Vokaward

Missions and foreign delegations

Not only do we talk about opportunities abroad, we also effectively scout abroad to learn from global frontrunners. The focus lies on interesting regions with potential, or those that could be inspiring for our economy.

Conversely, we are happy to welcome foreign delegations to our Huis van de Limburgse Ondernemer (House of Limburg Entrepreneurs) to introduce them to our province, knowledge, unique incubator network, and the largest professional network in Limburg.

International cooperation and diplomacy

• We regularly invite diplomats to our governor’s office to discuss bilateral

• collaboration at various levels over VIP lunches or during meetings.

• We also have an International Corner every year when we bring international Ambassadors together at our New Year Invitito.

• Lastly, we have various international cooperation agreements with chambers of commerce in the EU, as well as with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Global ambassadors

Mercurio Global Ambassadors is an exclusive network of entrepreneurs or management team members who have a good foreign network and/or experience, and thus form a sounding board for other entrepreneurs. The Global Ambassadors can offer a route to promoting the internationalisation of our Flemish companies by forming a bridge between the local and international network. They are committed to helping other Limburgers expand internationally.

36 Global ambassadors

For more than 50 years, the Bree-based Veldeman Group has been the go-to company for the development, production, rental, and sale of temporary (tarpaulin) structures. With international offices in North and South America, the company is also a leading international player. Veldeman is particularly active in Chile. For Ludo Ost, Commercial Director within the group, doing business with this South American country holds few secrets. As the Global Ambassador to Chile, what tips does he have for colleagues from other sectors?

• Chile is the most democratic country in South America, with a stable political and economic environment and little corruption.

• It is crucial to make substantial investments in personal interactions with partners and customers. In Chile, building a relationship of trust is an essential part of a business relationship.

EU countries 16 Non-EU countries

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Eric Gijsen – ViskoTeepak, Global Ambassador to Ukraine

ViskoTeepak, with a site in Lommel, is a manufacturer of artificial casings for the meat industry and is at home in many markets, from Mexico to Russia. As a global player, the company also exports to Ukraine. Eric Gijsen, EMEA/APAC Senior Sales Director, is well versed in doing business in this country as the Global Ambassador to Ukraine.

• You can gain access to a significant potential market for your products, provided you have clear agreements and instructions. The younger generations are open to modern entrepreneurship.

• Getting out and about regularly, visiting companies and trade shows, and expanding your local network is the key to success.