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120 years of the Raiffeisen Association Salzburg: A celebration for the region!
The Raiffeisen Association Salzburg celebrated 120 years with a ceremony that emphasized cooperative values and regional importance.
120 years of the Raiffeisen Association Salzburg: A celebration for the region!
Yesterday a very special occasion was celebrated in the Mozarteum Salzburg: The Raiffeisen Association Salzburg (RVS) celebrated its 120th anniversary. Around 300 guests from politics, business and society came to properly honor this anniversary. In his speech, chairman Erich Zauner traced the development of the RVS from its founding in 1905 to the modern corporate group.
With over 370,000 customers, RVS enjoys great trust in the region. Together with Raiffeisen Lagerhaus Salzburg GmbH, the association employs around 1,700 people. The balance sheet total for the 2024 financial year was an impressive 10.8 billion euros. In his speech, General Director Heinz Konrad emphasized the fundamental values of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen's cooperative model: solidarity, self-help and responsibility. These principles are particularly important in times of individualization and global challenges, he emphasized.
The diversity of Raiffeisenbank
How important the RVS is for Salzburg's economy was also shown in the words of State Governor Karoline Edtstadler, who described the institution as a regional anchor of stability. Raiffeisen Attorney General Erwin Hameseder also highlighted the historical stability of the RVS. The association is not only active in the financial sector, but also market leader in the areas of tourism, energy and real estate. Its role as the largest lift operator in Austria and the biomass plants that supply many communities with heat are further evidence of the RVS's versatility.
A special highlight of the ceremony was the speech by former Federal Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel, who underlined the importance of the cooperative model for democracy. To demonstrate the RVS's social commitment, a donation of 10,000 euros was made to the Sonneninsel Seekirchen, an important facility for children with cancer and their families.
Looking to the future
Heinz Konrad expressed optimism about future challenges and opportunities. He sees digitalization, artificial intelligence and sustainability as key topics that will significantly influence the development of the RVS. The broad portfolio of investments, including the Techno-Z Group, which provides infrastructure for around 400 technology-related companies, as well as the 33 independent Raiffeisen banks, which together form the largest regional banking group in Salzburg, show the willingness to adapt and further develop.
The Raiffeisen banks are independent cooperative banks that rely on mutual support. This model, developed by Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen over 150 years ago, has proven itself to this day. It not only promotes the economic situation of people and businesses in Austria, but also offers tailor-made financing options for small and medium-sized businesses and farmers. The personal advice in the bank branches and the initiative for sustainable projects are part of the philosophy that combines tradition with innovation. Here too, the RVS is no exception.
The gable cross, a symbol of Raiffeisen's identity, will continue to stand for trust and stability in the region. Not only the anniversary, but also the RVS's campaigns ensure proximity to the people and companies in the communities of Salzburg and beyond, so that they can always do good business.