EU PROGRES

Over 50 representatives of small and medium enterprises from Leskovac, Vranje, Vladičin Han and Novi Pazar were trained to improve corporate social responsibility in the area of environmental protection, at trainings held on 28 November in Leskovac and 29 November in Novi Pazar.

The trainings were part of the eco-campaign “Where is Your Threshold of Responsibility?“ financed by the European Union and the Government of Switzerland through European Partnership with Municipalities Programme - EU PROGRES aimed at raising citizen awareness on environmental protection in South and Southwest Serbia.

“In this way we wanted to motivate small and medium enterprises to be more considerate of the community and environment in the municipalities in which they operate in order to truly become the drivers of their social and economic development. The trainings were an opportunity to present to the entrepreneurs the essence of the concept of corporate social responsibility and stimulate them to adopt this way of operation that will surely contribute to their businesses and wellbeing of the entire community. Apart from taking care of one’s employees and conserving nature and resources, corporate social responsibility contributes to efficient work and reputation of every company,” said Dejan Drobnjak, EU PROGRES` Communications Manager.

The entrepreneurs from Novi Pazar and districts of Jablanica and Pčinja found out, among other things, that corporate social responsibility may increase their sales by attracting the clients that recognize the advantages of this concept.

“The representatives of local enterprises also realized that this way of operation may improve the quality of products and services, facilitate access to financing from European development funds, create new business opportunities and better company reputation,” emphasized consultant Maja Dželatović who was lecturing on the concept and importance of corporate social responsibility.

With financial support of the European Union and the Government of Switzerland the campaign “Where is Your Threshold of Responsibility?“ is implemented in 25 municipalities of South and South West Serbia through European Partnership with Municipalities Programme - EU PROGRES, in cooperation with the Executive Group Consulting and citizen association Generator from Vranje.