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“Latgale Day 2024” – Honoring Top Entrepreneurs and Highlighting Youth Talent

On December 4, 2024, the House of Blackheads in Riga hosted the major annual event of the Latgale Planning Region (LPR) – “Latgale Day 2024.” The event brought together over 150 participants, including local and international partners, entrepreneurs, and talented youth from across Latgale. It was broadcast live on LPR’s Facebook page and was also aired on the ReTV television channel on December 7, 8, and 14.

Honoring the Winners of the “Latgale Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024”

During the evening’s formal segment, 12 awards were presented to winners in 11 categories of the “Latgale Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024” competition. This year’s contest attracted significant interest, with 55 applications submitted from various industries. These applications highlighted the creativity, innovation, and important contributions of Latgale’s entrepreneurs to the region’s development. The winners were:

  • Craftsperson of the Year: Zelma Pīgožne (SIA “Zel&K”) – Handmade leather goods, a brand active for 10 years. A graduate of Rezekne Academy of Technologies, Zelma promotes Latgale. The award was presented by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa.
  • Special Economic Zone Company of the Year in Latgale: SIA “Reclame Fabriek” – A producer of high-quality signs, exporting 99% of its products. The winner was congratulated by Norwegian Ambassador to Latvia Īne Morenga.
  • New Tourism Service of the Year: Camping “Sunset Village,” featuring modernized cabins and a beach area on the shores of Lake Cirīša. The award was presented by European Commission representative Andrea von Busch.
  • Educational Institution of the Year for the Labor Market: Latgale Industrial Technical School, a leader in vocational education with over 1,300 students. The award was presented by Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Inga Bērziņa.
  • Farmer of the Year: Z/S “Liepziedi” of Stoļerova parish, managing 2,200 hectares of organic farmland and employing local residents. The winner was congratulated by former Minister of Agriculture Kaspars Gerhards.
  • Gastronomy Company of the Year: SIA “ENERGO HELP,” managing three dining establishments in Daugavpils. The winner was congratulated by 14th Saeima deputy Ilze Stobova.
  • Home Producer of the Year: Ludmila Peculēviča from Krāslava, who operates a cheese production workshop funded by the LEADER program. The award was presented by Minister of Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis.
  • Digital Leader of the Year – Entrepreneur: Kristina Andža, creator of the “ONE:ZERO” brand and a digital branding expert. The winner was congratulated by European Parliament Member Inese Vaidere.
  • Returnee of the Year – Entrepreneur: Kristīne Lipkova, founder of the “Red Stone” association, promoting creative industries. The award was presented by Minister of Transport Kaspars Briškens.
  • Innovation of the Year: SIA “Pulsar Optics” and SIA “Lūsēni,” companies investing in the modernization of production technologies. The awards were presented by Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis and LPR Development Council Chairman Sergejs Maksimovs.
  • Manufacturing Company of the Year: SIA “Axon Cable,” an international cable manufacturer and the largest employer in Daugavpils. The winner was congratulated by former President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis.

Musical Performances and Young Talent

The event featured the “Skills Market” project, showcasing the talents of Latgale’s youth, with an emphasis on modern technology, tradition preservation, and innovation. During the formal part of the event, musical performances were delivered by the Daugavpils Unity House orchestra “Daugavpils Sinfonietta,” conducted by Renāts Cvečkovskis, the youth choir “Daugava,” and soloists Ilona Bagele, Dainis Skutelis, Maksis Krilovs, and Kristīna Zaharova. Thanks to long-term partners from the Agder Regional Municipality, Norwegian musicians Kims Rīstads and Knuts Ingolfs Brenna also participated in the event. Hosts of the evening were Sarmīte Teivāne, Artis Robežnieks, Ieva Johansone, and Oskars Bērziņš.

International Collaboration – Strengthening Education and Entrepreneurship

Special attention was given to the cooperation between Latgale and Norway. From December 2–5, the Latgale Planning Region hosted Norwegian partners as part of a bilateral cooperation initiative to strengthen ties between educational institutions and businesses. Visitors from the Municipality of Hamar toured several educational institutions to evaluate the impact of the extracurricular program “I am an Entrepreneur!” This initiative emphasizes the role of education in promoting entrepreneurship skills among youth, fostering regional development. This was highlighted also on online meeting between Agder, Hamara municipalities and Latgale region. The Norwegian delegation also attended the “Latgale Day 2024” event.

Latgale – Always a Good Idea!

Organized for the fourth year by the LPR, this event highlights the excellence and creative potential of the Latgale region. It inspires local entrepreneurs and youth while enhancing the region’s international competitiveness.

The event was organized by the Latgale Planning Region, supported by European Economic Area financial instrument Programme “Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Cultural Cooperation” for the period 2014-2021, under the bilateral cooperation initiative “Collaboration between Norwegian Municipalities and the Latgale Planning Region for Promoting Local Development.”

Working Together for a Competitive Europe!

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