The 4th Masovian Social Economy Meetings took place on June 8, 2018, at the Blue City Shopping Center in Warsaw, under the slogan “In the social economy, people matter.” The conference was accompanied by the Social Economy Entities Fair and the 2018 Masovian Social Economy Brand awards ceremony. The choice of venue was not accidental; it stemmed from the desire to popularize the idea of the social economy among Warsaw residents. Approximately 30 entities participated in the Social Economy Entities Fair: social cooperatives, social integration centers, non-profit companies, occupational therapy workshops, and business associations. The stands were located centrally on level 1 of Blue City, visible from a great height, and the social economy “spilled” around the fountain. Artistic handicrafts, cosmetics, honey, and other gastronomic products were presented, along with tastings.
The focal point of the 4th Masovian Social Economy Encounters was the awarding of the Masovian Social Economy Brand distinctions. In several rounds, decorative plaques authorizing the use of the brand’s logo and commemorative plane tree seedlings were presented, symbolizing both stability and rapid growth.
Among the winners were three members of the Masovian Social Economy Support Center (mOWES): the “Amelia” Social Cooperative from Ostrów Mazowiecka, the “Gospoda Jaskółeczka” Social Enterprise from Radom, and the AS Association for Supporting Senior Activity from Mława.
The awards were dominated by Tłuszcz (three entities) and Siedlce (three entities). Earlier, a film showcasing last year’s winners was also presented at the conference. This section also recognized more than a dozen partners from the social economy sector, including representatives of businesses, social welfare centers, labor market institutions, NGOs, and local governments. Among the award recipients were also employees of OWES, with the Masovian Social Economy Support Center triumphing: Daniel Prędkopowicz, director of mOWES, Wioletta Borys-Kierszniewska, business advisor to mOWES, and Wojciech Waluk, business advisor and key general advisor to mOWES, accepted the award on behalf of the team (the awards were presented as part of the conference).
The next social economy festival in Masovia will take place next year.
