The regional forum «Més que empreses» (More than Businesses), organized by Levante-EMV, took place this Thursday at the Cullera Municipal Auditorium. The event was supported by Veolia, the Business Confederation of the Valencian Community (CEV), Caixa Popular, and Cámara Valencia, with collaboration from Cruz Roja, Ivace, and the Cullera City Council.
Participants highlighted the economic strength of La Ribera due to its diverse business fabric, which has allowed it to emerge stronger from critical moments. However, they also pointed out significant obstacles, such as labor shortages, excessive administrative bureaucracy, and sick leaves, which particularly affect SMEs.
A representative from Veolia emphasized the importance of La Ribera's industrial sector, led by automotive, which must undergo an energy transition towards electric vehicles. He also noted that agriculture has the opportunity to leverage technology for an Agriculture 4.0 model, while tourism, with Cullera at the forefront, faces the challenge of de-seasonalization.
A representative from Caixa Popular stated that the region is at a moment of opportunities in various fields. In industry, he advocated for a transformation towards a more international, sustainable, and digital model to enhance competitiveness. He also stressed the importance of public-private alliances, noting that the reconstruction after the DANA storm has generated significant funds for investment.
The municipal leader of Cullera reviewed the investments secured by the city council, including DANA funds and other programs such as the Generalitat's Pla Edificant and beach regeneration projects by the Central Government. He highlighted that never before had so many millions been invested in the city, with tender offers for works totaling 34 million euros and an investment of 23 million in beach regeneration, including the upcoming renovation of the promenade, considered a key axis for the tourism sector.
Representatives from Cullera's business associations acknowledged the city council's work in promoting the city and fostering de-seasonalization. A spokesperson for the hospitality sector noted that the sector's turnover has multiplied thanks to municipal initiatives, emphasizing that gastronomy has become a major attraction. A representative of the merchants added that Cullera is in a moment of evolution and that businesses must seize opportunities to create stable year-round employment.
A representative from the CEV stated that, thanks to the diversity of the business fabric, the region is in a good moment, but warned of the need to use market tools and for public authorities to support this situation with appropriate policies. He called for necessary flood prevention works, preferring an economy without catastrophes. He also warned that labor shortages hinder the growth of many companies and stressed the need to adapt to the changes imposed by Artificial Intelligence.
A representative from Caixa Popular outlined the entity's support for businesses through project financing and raised the issue of the housing market, with soaring prices also in La Ribera. A representative from Veolia detailed advances in the digitalization of the integrated water cycle, with an investment of 1.5 million euros in the «Cullera, tourist and sustainable» project, which allows for leak detection and simulation of the collector network's operation for effective discharge control.
The forum also featured a colloquium on corporate social responsibility, with participation from a representative of Cruz Roja and a representative of Grefusa. The Cruz Roja representative highlighted the collaboration with Grefusa since 2015 in programs supporting children at risk of social exclusion, training workshops, and job placement. The Grefusa representative emphasized that this collaboration is part of the company's values and its goal of leaving a positive mark on society, reinforcing company values and helping to attract talent.
