2019

The Employers' Confederation of Latvia Awards Its Recognition to LVM

For the sixteenth time, at the beginning of December, the forest industry's annual awards “Zelta čiekurs” (Golden Cone) ceremony was held to congratulate the most skilled foresters, the most successful woodworkers and the smartest forest scientists. Recognizing the importance of fair, sustainable and responsible business today, representatives of the Employers' Confederation of Latvia (Latvijas Darba devēju konfederācija - LDDK) also expressed their appreciation to JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” (LVM).

During the ceremony, LDDK President Vitālijs Gavrilovs presented a special prize to LVM President Roberts Strīpnieks.  Līga Meņģelsone, Director General of LDDK, presented a symbolic glass mug appreciating the company's ability to make understandable, planned and innovative decisions, which have a positive effect both on the forest sector and the Latvian economy as a whole, as well as valuing the company’s contribution to promoting a fair business environment.

“A leader without a knowledgeable team is a loner. Making a profit is not an end in itself; it is the result of honest work with the hope that foresters can help make Latvia a place where people can live and feel well. There is a clearly defined environment that we want to see in the future, in which we want to live today and see our children and grandchildren grow up. In the forest industry these values exist, they are based on ethics, business, relationships. It is an honour to be part of such a company and such an industry,” says LVM President Robert Strīpnieks.

Minister for Agriculture Kaspars Gerhards once again emphasized that the forest sector is the backbone of Latvia's economy, accounting for more than 20 % of Latvia's total exports and providing employment for more than 100 000 people.

Andrejs Dreimanis from Jelgava, Jānis Iesalnieks from Kuldīga Municipality, Egons Garklāvs from Amata Municipality and Ignats Grugulis from Babīte received the Golden Cone Award in the nomination “Lifetime Achievement” and a Certificate of Recognition of the Cabinet of Ministers, which is awarded for significant lifelong investment in the development of the sector.

The Award for Innovative Entrepreneurship was presented to SIA “Venta-1” from Ventspils Municipality, whereas SIA “Shaman Inventions” from Cēsis received the Little Golden Cone Award.

The Golden Cone for Investment in Public Education was awarded to Dagnija Lazdiņa, Senior Researcher at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, whereas the Little Golden Cone in this nomination was granted to Jersika Elementary School teacher Anna Greidāne and Member of the Board of the Confederation of Latvian Forest Owners and Managers Māris Liopa.

The Award for Sustainable Entrepreneurship was awarded to Aivars Vanags from Viļaka Municipality, whereas Staņislavs Salmanis from Limbaži Municipality and Ilga Sedliņa from Kuldīga Municipality received the Little Golden Cone in this nomination.

The forest industry annual award “Zelta čiekurs” is among the most significant events in the forest industry. It was established and is organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with LVM, as well as other forest sector companies and public organisations.

The Golden Cone Award embodies simplicity, openness and beauty of the Latvian forests. There is no better way how to express love for the forest, just as there is no better prize to reward the work done for the Latvian forests.