PROFESSIONALS ‘ ASSOCIATION OF THESSALONIKI HISTORICAL CENTER focuses on upgrading traditional markets and supporting interests of the professionals – traders of the Historical Center of Thessaloniki.
Among others its duties include:
The chamber operates as State’s Advisor, and is responsible to process and promote to the government institutions the needs of the professionals, on issues such as:
The association’s efforts are aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and private initiative of different sized enterprises in the region, providing information, marketing and other services, consulting, training and provision of innovative products. As a low developed economic area, which is dominated by micro and small enterprises, AEGDR actions are aimed primarily at them as units of the economy that often experience a deficit of support by institutions and funds.
In its work the Association always strives to improve the implementation of policies and regional development programs, especially programs related to the Investment for growth and jobs and, where appropriate, regional development programs assisting MSEs in all stages of their life cycle to develop and achieve growth and their inclusion in innovations. The challenges to their members such as ensuring access to finance, recruitment of skilled labor and retention of longstanding and trained workers, improving their qualifications, introduction of innovative methods and product diversification are standing in front of the association.
Some initiatives:
Cooperation with Professional High School “Dimitar Talev” in Gotse Delchev. The association is a mediator between new graduates and regional business. Its representatives take part in the Advisory Board of the School, participate in decisions, visit open lessons and support their initiatives for development and applying for European funds.
Conducting of study to identify the needs of qualified personnel in the field of technical professions.
This study was realized in period of 3 months during 2017 and covered about 80-90 industrial factories in the region and the results were presented at the Regional Education Inspectorate. After that many meetings with local schools, the mayor and representatives of the business were conducted. On the subject were organized seminars and the dual system of education was presented to various employers. As a result new classes were formed in a local vocational school.
Municipality Gotse Delchev initiatives – participation in creation of Integrated plan for urban regeneration and development of Gotse Delchev as well as developing a strategy for Local action group. This includes various studies on the economic situation of the region, surveys among local companies, participation in round tables and meetings with proposals. The initiatives cover the whole community of 75 – 80 000 people.
The main goals of the association are to mobilize resources and experience, and to work independently and jointly with civic associations, NGOs, state institutions and local authorities in the following areas:
Means to achieve objectives:
application and participation in national and international projects and programs in the arts, culture, education, science, sport, tourism, agriculture, environment, regional development and urbanization, economics, humanities and social sciences; support and expert assistance to government and other NGOs working on the same topics to achieve their goals; development programs and projects to promote or organize local events to promote local business, organization of practical workshops, networking and interactions with companies and individuals in Bulgaria and abroad to achieve sustainable economic growth.
