Language
Please choose your Language!
 
Address
IGA Association
International Institute of Alpine Cooperative Research
Contact:
DI Hans Partl
General Manager
Commerce Councillor
Afling 12
6175 Kematen
Mobil:+43(0)650-5071942
Fax: +43(0)5232-2297
Email
Banking Connection
Account Holder: Internationales Institut für Genossenschaftsforschung im Alpenraum (IGA)
Account Number: 650.333
Credit bank in charge of the account: Raiffeisen-Landesbank Tirol AG
Bank code: 36000
IBAN: AT553600000000650333
BIC: RZTIAT22
|
13th Annual IGA Convention 2008
The 13th IGA Convention took place on November 14th 2008 in Innsbruck
The 13th conference of the International Research Institute for the Cooperative System in the Alps took place in 2008 in Innsbruck. Its general issue was “The responsibility of cooperatives for economics and society”. Three initial presentations constituted the basis for the following discussion respective this theme whereas this issue – due to the latest developments in the financial markets - gained in unexpected relevance.
In his presentation “Single economic aims in challenge with social responsibility”
a.o. Univ.Prof. Dr. Dietmar Rößl of the Vienna University of Economics and Business analysed the different initial positions and demonstrated convincingly that single economic aims do not have to be contrary to social responsibility. The long term orientation of the pursuit of advantages – generally pronounced strongly by cooperatives - is also of particular importance from responsibility perspective.
A particular aspect of responsibility of cooperatives was demonstrated by Dr. Rudi Rienzer, executive of the Raiffeisenenergieverband in South Tyrol, in his explanations about “Protection of the environment – also an order for cooperatives” when highlightening the efforts in South Tyrol for reaching entire independence of fossil energy by creating regenerative energy systems. These attempts constitute not only an economic worthwile alternative respective increasing prices for oil; they also help in keeping added value in particular regions.
After a short introduction of his bank - the Raiffeisenbank Pfaffenhausen – and with help of concrete examples board member Hermann Kerler pointed out possible important impulses of a cooperative bank for the economic in the own region. These examples showed clearly that the point is much more than only offering several common banking services. Of course, the profitability should not be disregarded.
In the following discussion moderated by advocate Regina Wenninger, Board of Director’s staff and communication in the Genossenschaftsverband Bayern, further aspects have been illuminated and explanations of the impulse presentations have been engrossed. After the meeting each participant was able to take along a huge amount of food for thought and also to gain the conviction that the purpose of responsibility of cooperatives for economy and society is not only empty words but it’s a matter in actual practice.
In the name of the IGA I want to thank the speakers for their willingness to provide their presentations to the general public by printing this volume 14 of the cooperative series.
Arnulf Perkounigg
|