On September 26-27, a nationwide industry/thematic networking meeting for business advisors, employees monitoring social security and social welfare programs, and regional public procurement consultants was held in Bałtów. It was organized as part of the partnership project “Activity Forum for Social Economy Support Centers” implemented by the Partnership consisting of: the Polish Foundation for Economic Development Support Centers “OIC Poland” based in Lublin (Project Leader), the Cooperation Fund Foundation, and the Rural Areas Activation Forum. Over 70 representatives of Social Economy Support Centers from across Poland, involved in supporting existing social enterprises, registered to participate in the industry networking meeting. They participated in lectures and workshops over two days. The meeting aimed to strengthen the support system for social economy entities, primarily through networking activities aimed at building and strengthening networks between OWES, as well as between OWES and other networks with similar activities.
The meeting was opened by the Mayor of Bałtów, Mr. Andrzej Jabłoński, who delivered a lecture on the socio-economic development of Bałtów based on the concept of the social economy and tri-sector partnership. The Mayor of Starachowice, Mr. Marek Materek, also spoke and spoke about the newly established social cooperative – Starachowiczanka, the first in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. It launched its operations on August 1st and will be responsible for, among other things, managing the social economy. Maintaining cleanliness and order at public transport bus stops, including emptying waste bins and maintaining the aesthetic appearance of bus shelters.
In addition, participants participated in two workshops: how to work with difficult customers and the work path of a business advisor. During the networking event, a study visit to the Bałtów Tourist Complex also took place, during which participants could learn firsthand about examples of good practices in social enterprise operations, including the example of the social enterprise “Allozaur.”
This is the first of four meetings planned for OWES representatives this year, which will be held in Bałtów as part of an agreement signed with the DELTA Association.
