Innovative practices in Bulgaria
Sharing innovations for improving local self-government
Presentations of the Municipality at Business Venues
Troyan Municipality
Background
More than sixty five years ago, confident in their skills, the Troyan craftsmen traveled the world in search of markets for the products of their deft hands. As far back as 1933, the craftsmen of this town tucked in the Balkan Range, participated in the Munich Fair. Then came Hamburg, Vienna, Milan
As a result of political and economic changes, Troyan Municipality, similar to most municipalities in Bulgaria, faced the problem of a small town with a sound industrial base but declining production and growing unemployment. This led to the redesigning of the somewhat forgotten 1930s scheme in a new environment. Thus an initiative was launched with the prospect of becoming a tradition - presentations of the industries, culture and traditions of the Troyan Municipality at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia.
More than sixty five years ago, confident in their skills, the Troyan craftsmen traveled the world in search of markets for the products of their deft hands. As far back as 1933, the craftsmen of this town tucked in the Balkan Range, participated in the Munich Fair. Then came Hamburg, Vienna, Milan
As a result of political and economic changes, Troyan Municipality, similar to most municipalities in Bulgaria, faced the problem of a small town with a sound industrial base but declining production and growing unemployment. This led to the redesigning of the somewhat forgotten 1930s scheme in a new environment. Thus an initiative was launched with the prospect of becoming a tradition - presentations of the industries, culture and traditions of the Troyan Municipality at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia.
Practice
The Days of Troyan (June 4-6, 1998), organized with the support and assistance of Troyan Municipality Mayor, Eng. Dilyan Enkin, to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the town, featured the produce of both the large and established companies and the produce of enterprising Troyan citizens who had started their own businesses. The aim of the new initiative is to promote the Municipality of Troyan in Bulgaria and, if tenable in other countries, as a promising region for investment, with prospering businesses and natural settings favorable to tourism and recreation. During the Days of Troyan in Sofia, the town famous for its unrivaled grape rakiya, showed itself to advantage as an impressive industrial and business heartland and a town with ample cultural traditions, unique talent and renowned professional artists.
One of the main objectives of this exposition is to promote a broad range of producers, to open up new markets, to expand production and provide additional jobs. Other no less important objectives were the generation of interest among the government and business community in the culture, traditions and natural beauty of the Troyan region and the possibilities to utilize them; making an informed effort to persuade of the educated young people of Troyan of the opportunities and prospects to find fulfillment in their native land; motivating Troyan citizens, resident in other towns, to contribute to solving the problems of the municipality.
The Bazaar-Exposition provoked exceptionally high attendance rates, due both to the diversity and high quality of the exhibited goods (some stocks were depleted at the close of the very first day) and to the timely advertising of the exposition at the Sofia Press press conference and TV and radio commercials.
The Days of Troyan (June 4-6, 1998), organized with the support and assistance of Troyan Municipality Mayor, Eng. Dilyan Enkin, to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the town, featured the produce of both the large and established companies and the produce of enterprising Troyan citizens who had started their own businesses. The aim of the new initiative is to promote the Municipality of Troyan in Bulgaria and, if tenable in other countries, as a promising region for investment, with prospering businesses and natural settings favorable to tourism and recreation. During the Days of Troyan in Sofia, the town famous for its unrivaled grape rakiya, showed itself to advantage as an impressive industrial and business heartland and a town with ample cultural traditions, unique talent and renowned professional artists.
One of the main objectives of this exposition is to promote a broad range of producers, to open up new markets, to expand production and provide additional jobs. Other no less important objectives were the generation of interest among the government and business community in the culture, traditions and natural beauty of the Troyan region and the possibilities to utilize them; making an informed effort to persuade of the educated young people of Troyan of the opportunities and prospects to find fulfillment in their native land; motivating Troyan citizens, resident in other towns, to contribute to solving the problems of the municipality.
The Bazaar-Exposition provoked exceptionally high attendance rates, due both to the diversity and high quality of the exhibited goods (some stocks were depleted at the close of the very first day) and to the timely advertising of the exposition at the Sofia Press press conference and TV and radio commercials.
Results
The total sell-out of the exhibits of many companies was one of the credible indicators of the desired success of the undertaking. Information provided and collected determined future contacts and new relationships, it ushered in international negotiations and contacts between Bulgarian producers. The Sofia exposition gave Troyan craftsmen and producers the opportunity to learn more about themselves. The Days of Troyan boosted existing partnerships with twinned towns in other countries. The first joint project that has already been completed is the presentation of Troyan Municipality in the twin city of Ostermundigen in Switzerland in the fall of 1998, in the course of which a number of contracts were negotiated and orders were placed with individuals. The exhibit in Switzerland resulted in a number of invitations to participate in other international expositions in Germany, France, and Switzerland. The balance of the Troyan presentation in Sofia and Ostermundigen is that the initiative of Troyan Municipality has been confirmed as a successful investment in the future. The initial results are full of promise.
The total sell-out of the exhibits of many companies was one of the credible indicators of the desired success of the undertaking. Information provided and collected determined future contacts and new relationships, it ushered in international negotiations and contacts between Bulgarian producers. The Sofia exposition gave Troyan craftsmen and producers the opportunity to learn more about themselves. The Days of Troyan boosted existing partnerships with twinned towns in other countries. The first joint project that has already been completed is the presentation of Troyan Municipality in the twin city of Ostermundigen in Switzerland in the fall of 1998, in the course of which a number of contracts were negotiated and orders were placed with individuals. The exhibit in Switzerland resulted in a number of invitations to participate in other international expositions in Germany, France, and Switzerland. The balance of the Troyan presentation in Sofia and Ostermundigen is that the initiative of Troyan Municipality has been confirmed as a successful investment in the future. The initial results are full of promise.
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