2024-01-11 08:22:46
LH deputy Pernkopf: “The best way to predict the future is to shape it”
St. Pölten (OTS) – Yesterday, Wednesday evening, the traditional New Year’s reception of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce took place in the Palais Lower Austria under the motto “Thinking regarding the future. Setting an example.” Numerous high-ranking guests from business, politics and the media were represented in Vienna’s Herrengasse, led by LH deputy Stephan Pernkopf and the President of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce, Wolfgang Ecker.
“We should look into the new year and the future with optimism and energy,” said Pernkopf, even if global crises such as wars, inflation and the lack of employees still pose major challenges for our compatriots and the economy. Nevertheless, one should not let oneself be deprived of the joy of creating, “because the best way to predict the future is to shape it.” Here the LH deputy also emphasized: “Our prosperity was created by our entrepreneurs who are hard-working and take a risk, as well as from capable employees whose services should also be worth it. “Personally, for example, I don’t understand why overtime is taxed when working full-time,” said Pernkopf, who explained that appropriate incentives should be set such as “completely tax-free overtime, because we have to reward people who want to achieve something.”
In his statement, the LH deputy also emphasized that a general rethinking of industry, economy and production is needed, because “if we continue to drive them out of Austria and Europe, it will not only destroy jobs and added value, but also harm the environment. “Everything must be done to ensure that production remains in Europe, and Lower Austria in particular has a double role model function here: “We support the economy and protect the environment. We are the country with the most green electricity and with the greatest CO2 savings: Since 2005, emissions have fallen by 25 percent and the economy has grown by 25 percent.” One thing must be clear, says Pernkopf: “Every product that is made in Europe, Produced in Austria, in Lower Austria, is one hundred percent environmentally friendly.”
Finally, the LH deputy thanked for the good cooperation between the state of Lower Austria, the Chamber of Commerce and all social partners, because “we can only make progress if we work well together.”
The President of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce, Wolfgang Ecker, also placed confidence and optimism despite challenging times for Lower Austria’s companies and Lower Austria as a business location at the center of his remarks and, like Pernkopf, emphasized the unity and good cooperation.
Ecker also explained the Chamber of Commerce’s priorities as part of the Lower Austrian economic strategy “Zukunft.Wirtschaft.Niederösterreich”. The WKNÖ’s offerings in the area of digitalization will be further expanded. “Especially with the recently established dedicated office for sustainability, we are highlighting opportunities for our companies that lie in future technologies,” says Ecker. When it came to the topic of work, it was a personal concern for the President to show its value, because: “Work ensures our prosperity, social security, it is a part of our lives that brings joy and meaning.”
The state guild master of chimney sweeps, Matthias Vetiska, also had his say, who conveyed New Year’s wishes to the guests at the reception.
Questions & Contact:
Office of the Lower Austrian State Government
State Office Directorate/Public Relations
Doris Zöger
02742/9005-13314
presse@noel.gv.at
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