On 4 June the TRIGOS gala took place for the 11th time and awarded companies with an approach towards CSR as well as social and environmental awareness. About 400 visitors, among them politicians, economists and entrepreneurship-enthusiasts, gathered at the Studio 44 in Vienna to engage in the event’s networking opportunities and enjoy the thrill of the award ceremony.
“Trigos is an engine for providing new workspaces and enhancing motivation,” host Gerald Fleischhacker introduced the gala. From about 160 companies that submitted their CSR projects this year, 27 were nominated for the TRIGOS award. The competitors could apply in the categories CSR Engagement, Social Entrepreneurship and Best Partnership beforehand.
Moreover, the immediate audience could vote for their favourite company to receive yet another prize. Even though all nominees were rewarded with a certificate and can be considered winners thanks to their responsible business philosophy, only six were honoured and went home with the coveted trophy designed by gabarage upcycling design.
The winning teams
The Corinthian insulating and building material company STO convinced the jury with their holistic approach towards corporate social responsibility and sustainability. Also the Tyrol-based tractor plant Lindner and Sonnenerde from Burgenland were named exemplary in this respects. “Sonnenerde has convinced the jury […] with their innovative method of organic soil production”, Ursula Simacek (respACT) explained the jury’s choice.
Due to their constant development and their social impact the Styrian non-profit organisation atempo won in the category Social Entrepreneurship. Atempo is independent from parties and church, provides services for people with special needs and aims at equality in education, work and other domains.
Best Partnership was awarded Croma Pharma with Licht für die Welt as well as Microsoft Austria and the Fundraising Verband Austria. While the latter work together to provide software for non-profit organisations, the medical company Croma Pharma and Licht für die Welt aim at improving the situation of visually impaired people around the globe.
A project for children
The announcement of the audience award was saved until last. In addition to the six winners of the evening the project Teach For Austria was chosen by the public to receive another award. Their concept stands for equality in education for all children regardless of social or cultural background. “Children shouldget inspired and motivated teachers in order to gain new perspectives,” founder Walter Emberger explained and was happy to receive the unexpected award.
Among the many well-wishers of the evening were Rudolf Hundstorfer (BMASK), Günter Liebel (BMLFUW), Michael Landau (Caritas Austria), Ursula Simacek (respACT), René Fischer, (GLOBAL 2000), Anna Maria Hochhauser (WKO), Herta Stockbauer (BKS), Bernadette Gierlinger (BMWFW).
About TRIGOS
“It is all about motivation and how CSR this is integrated in the company structure. What is more, CSR is not only about large firms but also concerns small and medium sized businesses,” Fleischhacker said.
The TRIGOS award was founded in 2003 and honoured over 220 companies for their CSR activities in the past. The gala is organised as a green event and aims to support innovative projects with an approach towards corporate social and environmental responsibility in Austria.
