structural development

UFO lands again in Upper Lusatia 

A UFO coming from space. So far a well-known picture. But what does it have to do with structural change in Lusatia? At the Entrepreneur Forum Oberlausitz, UFO for short , met on 13.10. over 90 entrepreneurs in a place that is itself a symbol of this structural change. The Kulturfabrik Schönbach , once a textile factory for the traditional blue print in the southern district of Görlitz, was the scene and meeting place of the 10th UFO this year.

As soon as we were greeted by District Administrator Dr. Stephan Meyer should make it clear in which direction this year's business forum is heading. The perspectives of Lusatia are shaped by changes and new challenges, but also by the commitment of the people in the region. After host Torsten Starke gave impressive words about his company and project models with a lot of creativity and inclusion, the numerous guests were amazed at the big future topic of the region. The DZA .

dr Christian Stegmann from the German Center for Astrophysics reported in detail on the large-scale research project, which is set to become another driving force in the region over the next few years.

"It was nice so many entrepreneurs in person at
the 10th UFO who people from Upper Lusatia, all feel like exchanging ideas and gaining experience," say Annabell Krause and Philipp Lehmann, both of whom are not just highly valued ENO colleagues and project managers , but also committed supporters or even business juniors like Philipp . Annabell was the coordinator of the Lausitz Vital network at the UFO. The aim was, on the one hand, to discuss the potential of the healthcare industry in Lusatia in talks with companies - but also to find new contacts and network partners from the economy.

ENO project manager Annabell Krause and Philipp Lehmann - in his function as business junior and host

After a forced two-year break, the motto was obvious: "Restart: We're leaving." Because of course a world that is changing rapidly in all areas also has a major impact on companies and the self-employed in Upper Lusatia. There were many questions on the Agenda:

"What is my reboot?"

"How did I manage to lead my company through crises?"

"What innovations have we developed?"

"How do I personally and my company prepare for permanent changes?"

"How do we progress as a team on our journey of stormy winds?"

"What can I do today to be successful in the future?"

But many other considerations and impulses were also the focus of the dialogue-based conference program. 

And, particularly gratifying: despite the currently tense situation in the companies, you could feel a certain confidence in seeing the future with optimism. Interesting conversations and many lasting impressions characterized the Upper Lusatia Entrepreneur Forum again this year.

ENO Managing Director Sven Mimus (second from right) was also pleased about the numerous opportunities for direct contact

true could be answered by and for each participant, but the impulses given are of importance. In any case, Philipp Lehmann is very pleased with the popularity of the UFO and the dynamics: "The UFO is a networking event and a platform for mutual exchange and the gaining of experience. The fact that we are now returning with 90 guests after the long Corona break is for A nice confirmation for us, as well as the positive feedback from many participants."
Also District Administrator Dr. Stephan Meyer was pleased that the "attractive program" of the business juniors had attracted numerous entrepreneurs.

Exchange with each other, learn from each other and form stable networks - that's what the Wirtschaftsjunioren stand for.
The exchange was also a goal of the event. "The fact that we were all able to see each other again - some of them in person for the first time - and talk to one another in dialogue or in larger discussion groups is something that many see as a great gain," explains Philipp. After the years of the pandemic, video conferences and isolation, many felt how important interesting and innovative forums for exchange like the UFO were.

Committed Upper Lusatia:

Above: Alexander Jakschik ( ULT AG ), Philipp Lehmann ( ENO mbH ), Bettina Richter-Kästern ( Gray Communication ), Saskia Stiller (iQnis Marketing), Anja Ahlheit (WBS Training AG), Nico Damaschun ( DVAG ). Bottom: Peter Stange ( AGORA Lausitz ), Maria Kirchner (MK-Design), David Sauer ( Sire AG ), Mike Altmann ( Lausitz Matrix eV ), Martin Schulz ( S‐Versicherungsservice Neisseland GmbH )

 

"With the venue, the Kulturfabrik Schönbach, we seem to have set the right signal," explains Philipp, who, in addition to his full-time job at the ENO, is also a treasurer on the board of the Wirtschaftsjunioren and is involved in the organization team at the UFO . also emphasizes the importance of the " landing site" of the UFO and is pleased that District Administrator Dr. Meyer showed enthusiastically: "The Schönbach culture factory is a perfect place to show how visions become reality. The Starke family business (operator of the culture factory) stands for many medium-sized companies that make up our region and also in cooperation with science, such as advance our homeland with the DZA. " Dr. Meyer also paid tribute to the brave individuals who had dared to take the step into self-employment (or still want to dare it) and encouraged them: "Our district of Görlitz has many innovative and creative young entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs who want to put their ideas and life experience into practice and find the best conditions here."
he stressed.

Finally and appreciatively, Dr. Meyer finds that Torsten Starke's statement, "I can't think backwards - I'm looking ahead." a good motto for the design " our " Upper Lusatia. " That was exactly the spirit that you felt at the latest after the presentation of the DZA in the UFO," reports Annabell enthusiastically. that the Upper Lusatia entrepreneurs appreciate
(and also many other projects that may not have received so much attention) And also: that exchange, mutual gain of experience and making personal contacts are invaluable and can hardly be replaced by a video conference.

Philipp and Annabell are already looking forward to the 11th UFO - and perhaps to your participation?

Photos: Philipp Lehmann, Marcel Schroeder

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