Manfred Denk is the new chairman: Future of the trade in focus!

Manfred Denk is the new chairman: Future of the trade in focus!

Etsdorf-Grafenegg, Österreich - History was written on Tuesday when Manfred Denk unanimously elected the new chairman of the federal division trade and craft of the WKO. He follows Renate Scheichelbauer-Schuster, who has held this position since 2014. Denk, who is also a managing partner of Denk GmbH, a sanitary and heating installation company in Etsdorf-Grafenegg, has 15 years of experience in the industry. He has also been mayor of Grafenegg since the beginning of 2022 and has already made a name for himself.

Think emphasizes that an economic upswing, competitive qualifications and innovations are urgently needed. These are central topics that he wants to advance in his new role. In Austria there are almost 297,715 active division members who act as innovation charms for the economy. Measures to boost consumption and the creation of affordable construction activities are at the top of the agenda. He also demands that companies push back the bureaucracy to create more flexibility and motivation. Another concern is the strengthening of professional qualifications and dual training to improve the training conditions in Austria. The implementation of apprenticeships without restrictions is essential for him.

a strong team at the top

On Dink's side, Manuela Kuterer was elected deputy. In addition, the division expects constructive cooperation with Kr Ing. Bernhard Feigl, managing partner of Glas Marte GmbH in Bregenz, who will also act as a deputy. Reinhard Kainz remains the managing director of the federal division and will thus secure continuity in the leadership. Together they have the goal of emphasizing the visibility and strengths of the trade and craft in Austria.

a challenging economic situation

However, Denk and his team faces some challenges. According to the preliminary estimates of SME research Austria, the trade and craft in 2024 experienced a real sales with -4.5 percent, which is the fifth year in a row with such a decline. The causes are diverse: from corona pandemic to supply chain problems to the effects of the Ukraine war, the energy crisis, inflation, interest-bearing and a noticeable shortage of skilled workers.

The former chairwoman Scheikelbauer-Schuster was concerned about these developments and warned a government capable of acting in order to create the necessary turning points for the business location. Manfred Denk will now have to face the task of addressing these pressing problems and finding innovative solutions. The challenges must be met with a strong team.

How will the turn of fate in the trade and craft? Stay tuned, we will continue to report!

More information can be found at Elektro.at , wko and tga .