Willem4 Foundation warming up meeting
The Nederlands, 16 Augustus 2010
The Curaçao-based Willem4 Foundation held its first informal W4 warm-up meeting on Monday 16 August 2010. This networking reception was attended by more than 60 people from a wide range of backgrounds, including investors, business people and representatives of the university, education, healthcare, agricultural, media, sport, renewable energy, government, logistics, transport and maritime sectors.
What these people have in common is that they endorse the foundation's goals and are keen to start working to promote sustainable economic and social development.
Last year, the first networking reception was organised in Curaçao for contacts of Willem4 with ties to Suriname and Curaçao. This year's reception was held in the Netherlands and covered all the territories where the foundation is active (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, the Netherlands, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten and Suriname). The foundation now has more than 12 strategic partners associated with liaison centres in Bonaire, Curaçao, the Netherlands and Suriname. Preparations are under way for liaison centres in Aruba, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten.
"We are very pleased that the goals of Willem4 have already gained the support of many people who are willing to look within their networks to garner further support where this is necessary or beneficial. The board is convinced that the foundation and its liaison centres can significantly benefit the territories and their residents. Willem4 is different because we want to create a link between social goals and profitable programmes and projects," said Bob Verburg, chairman. "Many people haven't heard a great deal about the Willem4 Foundation, but some kind of involvement could still help them come closer to achieving their ambitions. We truly believe that Willem4, with its network of expertise, experience and inspiration, can support economic, social and educational development."