More than 500 guests gathered last night at the Macael Awards 2024 gala, an event that for the marble and natural stone industry represents much more than a recognition: it is a platform that exalts the excellence and creativity of those who drive the development of the sector. This gala is a reflection of the fundamental values -technology, innovation, internationalization, sustainability and commitment-, and in this edition, tribute has been paid to the “art of know-how”, a celebration of the culture and tradition that define this land.
The awards, now in their thirty-seventh year, were attended by twelve award winners from the world of architecture, design, construction and communication, seven of whom were international. “Your projects and achievements demonstrate that, by collaborating together, we can continue to grow and generate, equally, a positive impact on our communities and the entire sector,” expressed Jesús Posadas, president of the Andalusian Marble Businessmen’s Association, organizer of the event, in his traditional closing speech. “Thank you for trusting our companies and materializing that it is possible to build a sector guided by the adoption of ESG principles, integrating environmental, social and corporate governance factors into our identity. You are proof that our work has a purpose that goes beyond the transformation of spaces: that of creating a sustainable future, with the generation of quality, responsible and transparent employment, which promotes opportunities and well-being for all,” he added.
During his speech, the President addressed current challenges and defended the figure of the entrepreneur as an engine of progress and welfare: “There is nothing more progressive than being an entrepreneur, because business is transformative. It is the result of turning a personal project into a reality called a company, which contributes a lot to society, generates employment, provides wealth to the territory, boosts the economy and increases welfare”.
Mr. Posadas also launched a petition to the national authorities, requesting that the business organizations not be excluded from the Social Pact, since “the labor reform that is to be carried out would have very serious consequences for our companies, and if we are talking about productivity, of course, our employers’ representatives can contribute a great deal”. He also acknowledged the successful management of the ICO loans after the pandemic, but urged the Government to move forward with the second phase of the Recovery Plan, which should materialize in five lines of ICO loans in the new approved framework, endowed with forty billion Euros, as a key counter-cyclical measure to maintain growth and employment.
The President announced “two pieces of news that will mean a before and after in our companies”. The approval of the Call for Incentives of the Plan of Action Crece Industria, with an amount of 18,800,000 Euros, higher than the 15,000,000 Euros initially planned, and another big step regarding the Order of Financial Guarantees to establish the restoration criteria. After meeting with the Councilor of Industry, Energy and Mines, Jorge Paradela, “its content has already been closed and it will be processed taking into account the allegations presented by AEMA”, he informed.
At the gala, it was also an occasion to mention the recent Dana that has left, mainly in the Valencian community, numerous families in an emergency situation. From the organization of the Macael Awards, support is going to be shown in a tangible way, making an economic contribution of 10 euros for each of the attendees. “But I would not want this help to stay here,” added Posadas. “I would like to invite all of us who are part of this gala to add their personal support to this cause.” To this end, from that moment on, a channel has been open through Caritas Almeria for those who wish to contribute to the reconstruction, -as far as possible-, of these lives. How to participate can be found in the event profiles @premiosmacaelmarmol.
The event was attended by the participants of the International Stone Encounter, the internationalization action organized by TRADE, which brings together international stone prescribers and distributors, in this edition from the United Arab Emirates, the United States and the United Kingdom. Also in attendance were the participants of the “Program for the promotion of the natural stone industry and innovative surfaces, focused on architecture students”, an important project aimed at future architects, which is funded by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines of the Andalusian Regional Government, co-organized with the collaboration of the Ministry of University, Research and Innovation and the Association of Marble Entrepreneurs of Andalusia, with the participation of 45 postgraduate and master students from the universities of Seville, Granada and Malaga.
“To our sponsors, thank you, thank you again for your backing, your loyalty and support, year after year. You are a great value tonight and in the day to day of our industry”. COSENTINO, TORRECID, DIPUTACIÓN DE ALMERÍA, CONSEJERÍA DE TURISMO Y ANDALUCÍA EXTERIOR, CAJAMAR, OMAR COATINGS, BBVA, COLOROBBIA, UNICAJA, SACMI, BANCO SANTANDER, ESMALGLASS-ITACA, HSBC CONTINENTAL EUROPE, SMALTICERAM, BANCO SABADELL, TENAX, NICOLAI NEST, CAIXABANK, GMM, BANCA MARCH, ITALDIAMANT, BRETON, COMANDULLI, BANKINTER, VINCENT, PROMETEC, EUROARCE, SUIMASA, TBM, ABANCA, FOCUSPIEDRA, PEDRINI, OLUCARPA, UNIVERSIDAD DE ALMERÍA, AUTORIDAD PORTUARIA DE ALMERÍA, PROSEGUR AND JAMONES TIO EMILIO.
