Sounding of the gong marks start of Hortus Festival 2014

The sounding of the gong marks the start of the eleventh edition of the Hortus Festival, the Dutch greenest summer festival of chamber music that begins on July 23. Chairman, Willem Korthals Altes, sounds the gong.

The Hortus Festival program consists of 28 concerts to be held from 23 July to 31 August in the wonderful gardens Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam, the Oude Hortus in Utrecht, Hortus Botanicus in Leiden and Hortus Haren. This edition of Hortus Festival pays tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven. Nature was his biggest inspiration, he composed numerous works in nature. The festival theme this year is therefore Naturally Beethoven. Besides Beethoven, there are also natural Scandinavian work on the program include Grieg, Sten Hammer and the German-Danish composer Kuhlau.

Master pianist Ronald Brautigam opens Hortus Festival on Wednesday, July 23. Brautigam plays include Beethoven's Sonata No. 15, also known as the Pastoral, a work that is entirely inspired by nature.

For more information: www.hortusfestival.nl

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ING Commercial Banking celebrates winning Extel Award Best Broker Benelux

ING Commercial Banking was awarded the title of best stockbroker in the Benelux by market players for the fifth consecutive time. ING visits Beursplein 5 to celebrate winning the Extel Award.

The bank was deemed to be best in class in equity research, by combining solid research with a fundamental and medium term horizon without foregoing opportunities for the short term for investors both in regular updates of our vision and by in-depth company reports. The award is based on the assessments made by international professional investors of their brokers’ services. The award reflects the success of ING’s strategy to offer Benelux-based companies the best possible access to international capital markets, and allowing international investors to benefit from our easy access to the management of these companies. Head of Benelux Equity Research, Marco Gulpers, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.ingcommercialbanking.com

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Amsterdam Small Business Network sounds gong for local entrepreneurship

Amsterdam Small Business Network is a platform that promotes and supports small and local businesses, ultimately turning them into thriving success stories. Founders Sharon Tainsh and Marjolijn Hendriksen sound the gong.
Amsterdam Small Business Network, 020SBN in short, was founded at the end of 2012 and currently holds over 1800 members, offering them a business environment where collaborations can be formed and knowledge can be shared. The network organizes monthly informal networking events, lectures and brainstorm sessions to help (starting) entrepreneurs. The platform aims to promote and support local businesses for example by a website with business profiles to highlight the person behind a business, organizing regular 'pop-up' events for consumers, and very soon the launch of the online webshop Locally Yours.

For more information: www.020sbn.nl

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Gong marks Zomercompetitie 2014

The Zomercompetitie (Summer Competition) is a football and hockey tournament for companies in the Amsterdam area and is being held for the 8th time this summer. Head of Athletics & Operations, Astrid Emons, sounds the gong and marks the start of the Summer competition 2014.
Between June 3 and July 25 over 80 companies participate in the tournament. Teams compete during over 20 playing days for the 2014 football and hockey title. The league has a unique character; both football and hockey take place in one location, and is played in a format of six against six. In addition to the sporting aspect, the Summer Competition provides a networking platform where both participating companies and sponsors can meet young professionals. Summer Competition supports charity organisation Sunday Foundation.

For more information: www.zomercompetitie.com

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Gong marks Zomercompetitie 2014

The Zomercompetitie (Summer Competition) is a football and hockey tournament for companies in the Amsterdam area and is being held for the 8th time this summer. Head of Athletics & Operations, Astrid Emons, sounds the gong and marks the start of the Summer competition 2014.

Between June 3 and July 25 over 80 companies participate in the tournament. Teams compete during over 20 playing days for the 2014 football and hockey title. The league has a unique character; both football and hockey take place in one location, and is played in a format of six against six. In addition to the sporting aspect, the Summer Competition provides a networking platform where both participating companies and sponsors can meet young professionals. Summer Competition supports charity organisation Sunday Foundation.

For more information: www.zomercompetitie.com

Transavia sounds gong voor Transavia Grand Slam Beach Volleyball 2014

Transavia.com visit Beursplein 5 and sounds the gong for the Transavia Beach Volleyball Grand Slam 2014. After the European Beach Volleyball Championships in 2012, transavia.com is title sponsor of the Beach Volleyball Grand Slam for the second consecutive year. Next year transavia.com occurs at the World Beach Volleyball Championships as the presenting partner. Transavia is a part of Air France-KLM, listed on Euronext (ticker symbol: AF).

The Transavia Grand Slam will be held in three of the four cities that are the setting for the beach volleyball World Cup in the Netherlands next year (The Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Apeldoorn). On 16 and 17 July the group matches not only take place in The Hague, but also in Amsterdam and Apeldoorn. As of July 18, all matches are played at The Hague Beach Stadium in The Hague. With teams from over 30 countries, the grand slam is more international than ever. Tournament director Bas van de Goor sounds the gong

For more information: www.transaviagrandslam.nl

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Gong marks start 98th Four Days Marches Nijmegen

To celebrate the start of the 98^th Four Days Marches Nijmegen, Jan Los, member of the board of the Dutch walking association KNBLO-NL, sounds the gong.

KNBLO Wandelsportorganisatie Nederland(KNBLO-NL) is the parent organization of Foundation DE 4DAAGSE (who organizes the Four Days Marches). The first Four Days Marches took place in 1909. Starting with 309 participants in 1909, the event has grown into the world’s largest multi-day walking event counting 46,000 participants. Together with the festivities held in the city of Nijmegen during the Four Days Marches, the ‘Vierdaagsefeesten’, the walking event has been the biggest free event of the Netherlands for years. Besides the Four Days Marches, KNBLO-NL is also known from its local multi-day walking events, the ‘Avond4daagse’, which gets over half a million children to start moving every year.

For more information: www.wandel.nl and www.knblo.nl

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Gong marks 1 year anniversary EnterNext

By sounding the gong Euronext celebrates the one year anniversary of EnterNext, an initiative for small and medium-sized companies.

EnterNext provides financing solutions which are geared to the financing needs of local SMEs that are active regionally, nationally and internationally and make every effort to offer companies optimal visibility and access to investors, and to get businesses to use the stock exchange more once listed. Where the really big companies naturally are of interest, the medium-sized and smaller sometimes need extra attention because it is the liquidity benefits. EnterNext focuses on companies which are listed on its European market and which have a market capitalisation of less than €1 billion. The one year anniversary is also celebrated at the other Euronext locations Brussels, Paris and Lisbon with the ringing of the bell.

For more information: www.enternext.biz

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ABN AMRO sounds gong for Amsterdam Fashion Week

ABN AMRO has strong ties with the fashion and textile industry. That’s why ABN AMRO has been a partner and sponsor of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Amsterdam since 2004. In January and July every year, professionals from all across the Netherlands travel to the capital to attend the fashion week.

ABN AMRO is the exclusive partner of the important networking event ‘Keys to Success’ where entrepreneurs from both inside and outside the fashion industry connect. Keys to Success highlights the business aspect of fashion, and challenges fashion professionals to team up to make the most of opportunities. The first edition was held in the summer of 2012. Every year, inspiring speakers take the stage to share their insights on interesting fashion-related topics. During drinks there’s plenty of opportunity to network, gather new ideas and hear inspiring stories. Afterwards, participants move to the catwalk, where every edition features the work of a different Dutch designer.Head of ABN AMRO Fashion Desk, Manolo Marquez, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.mbfashionweek.com

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Euronext launches Spotlight Options

Euronext launches new ‘Spotlight Options’ on six companies listed on its Amsterdam market: Telegraaf Media Groep NV, Sligro Food Group NV, Exact Holding NV, Accell Group NV, Altice SA and BE Semiconductor Industries NV. 

Spotlight Options, a segment dedicated to the development of new option classes requested by market participants, on its Amsterdam and Brussels derivatives markets. Through a unique combination of Liquidity Provider support and dedicated promotion by Sponsoring Brokers, underlying assets with notable market events or activity will be put in the spotlight.

Spotlight Options will create additional investment and trading opportunities in SMEs and newly listed stocks. The added liquidity and visibility will allow the classes to grow to become mature option classes. The Spotlight Options have short-term maturities of 1, 2 and 3 months. In a second phase Euronext will expand the segment via the introduction of Spotlight Options on other geographies and asset classes, responding to market demand. On Euronext Brussels, five  Spotlight option classes will be introduced on July 15th.

The launch is celebrated with a special gong ceremony in attendance of prominent representatives of the companies. Rene Takens, CEO of Accell Group, sounds the gong together with CFO of BE Semiconductor, Cor te Hennepe, CFO of Sligro Food Group, Huub van Rozendaal, CFO of TMG, Fred Arp, the CFO of Accell Group, Hielke Sybesma and Head of IR at Exact, Michel Hülters.

For more information: https://www.euronext.com/en

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Gong ceremony marks listing of Delta Lloyd Corporate Bond Fund

Delta Lloyd sounds the gong to celebrate the listing of the Delta Lloyd Corporate Bond Fund. The move means that Delta Lloyd’s investment strategy for corporate bonds is now also available to retail investors.

The fund has a competitive price structure, and a favourable tax regime for Dutch investors. The gong ceremony will be followed by a presentation by the head of credit at Delta Lloyd, Arnold Gast. According to Gast, “The Delta Lloyd Corporate Bond Fund was originally set up for institutional investors, and it has an excellent performance record. Exchange listing makes it easy for our distribution partners to include the fund in their investor giro.”

Corporate bonds have become increasingly popular in recent years. Companies often offer good returns, and many have now substantially improved their financial position. The Delta Lloyd Corporate Bond Fund aims to improve yield and decrease risk. Delta Lloyd Asset management is the independent asset management division of the Delta Lloyd Group.

For more information: www.deltalloydassetmanagement.nl

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Gong marks start of North Sea Jazz festival

By sounding the gong the North Sea Jazz festival and sponsor BNP Paribas mark the start of the music spectacle that begins on July 11^th. Festival director Jan Willem Luyken sounds the gong.

North Sea Jazz is the largest indoor music festival in the world, known globally as the event where the past, present and future of jazz are featured within three days. Next to a firm base of jazz many genres will pass by, such as blues, soul, funk, hip hop, world, pop and much more. This year, real jazz lovers can look forward to performances by Artist In Residence Christian McBride, the Metropole Orkest playing jazz compositions by Quincy Jones and also collaborating with Joshua Redman and Robert Glasper, and Dave Holland, who will perform with his project PRISM. Fans of different musical genres are able to enjoy performances by Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, Mavis Staples and Outkast, among others.

For more information: www.northseajazz.com

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Gong marks new National Museum of World Cultures

In April 2014 the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam, the National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden and the Africa Museum in Berg en Dal merged to form the National Museum of World Cultures. This momentous event is emphasized by sounding the gong by Stijn Schoonderwoerd, CEO of the new museum.

The three current visitor sites and brands will continue to exist. The three museums complement each other in terms of audience reach, education, academic research, international collaboration and entrepreneurship. The new museum will manage a collection consisting of more than 425,000 items, which ranks among the best in the world. The museums’ already extensive international network will be further consolidated by the merger. Academic activities will be brought together in a new research centre.The new museum’s mission will remain completely up to date: to help create and maintain an open-minded view of the world.

For more information: www.tropenmuseum.nl

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240 years of investment funds celebrated at Euronext Amsterdam

Euronext, the investment fund industry, and Stichting Capital Amsterdam join in celebrating the 240^th anniversary of the investment fund. Toine van der Stee and Hans Janssen Daalen, chairman and managing director of the Dutch Fund and Asset Management Association (DUFAS), sound the gong.

Abraham van Ketwich introduced the world’s first investment fund in 1774. On 7 July of that year he placed an advertisement announcing the creation of the first fund, Eendragt maakt Magt. The name of the fund, which can be translated as “strength through unity”, says a lot about the fund’s strategy: investment for a common account as a means of sharing risk and improving performance. The assumption was that spreading risk was the best way in which to deal with unexpected price falls. “The creation of the first investment fund was a reaction to the crisis of the preceding year. Even then, an economic crisis provided fertile ground for product innovation. Investment funds did not become really popular in the Netherlands until after the crisis of 1929,” according to Cherelt Kroeze of Stichting Capital Amsterdam.

Now, 240 years after its introduction, the investment fund has become an indispensable part of every investment portfolio.

Hans Janssen Daalen, managing director of DUFAS: “The popularity of investment funds is not surprising. Investment funds offer worldwide unlimited access to the financial markets by collectively managed assets.  A strong concept, which is proven by its long history.”

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Dutch Central Bank and Tilburg University visit Beursplein 5

The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and Tilburg University visit Beursplein 5 in honor of the visiting scholar at DNB that takes place from 30 June to 4 July. Elsa Fornero, professor of Economics at the University of Turin and former Minister of Labor, Social Policies and Equal Opportunities in the Italian technocratic Government led by Mario Monti (Nov 2011 – April 2013) sounds the gong.

Fornero gives a lecture on the Pension and Labor Market reforms she enacted as a Minister and discuss with researchers and professionals the reforms process and content. She will deal, in particular, with the topic of the importance of financial literacy for the effectiveness of economic reforms. Elsa is doing joint research with Tilburg University Personal Finance Professor Henriette Prast on gender differences in stock market participation and pension portfolio decisions. Both Fornero and Prast are fellows of the Netspar Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging and Retirement.

For more information: www.netspar.nl

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Dutch Central Bank and Tilburg University visit Beursplein 5

The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and Tilburg University visit Beursplein 5 in honor of the visiting scholar at DNB that takes place from 30 June to 4 July. Elsa Fornero, professor of Economics at the University of Turin and former Minister of Labor, Social Policies and Equal Opportunities in the Italian technocratic Government led by Mario Monti (Nov 2011 – April 2013) sounds the gong.

Fornero gives a lecture on the Pension and Labor Market reforms she enacted as a Minister and discuss with researchers and professionals the reforms process and content. She will deal, in particular, with the topic of the importance of financial literacy for the effectiveness of economic reforms. Elsa is doing joint research with Tilburg University Personal Finance Professor Henriette Prast on gender differences in stock market participation and pension portfolio decisions. Both Fornero and Prast are fellows of the Netspar Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging and Retirement.

For more information: www.netspar.nl

Prince Bernhard Culture Fund sounds gong for Culture Fund Scholarships

The Prince Bernhard Culture Fund sounds the gong to highlight the presentation on 3 July of this year’s Culture Fund Scholarships during the Young Talent Awards ceremony in Amsterdam’s DeLaMar Theater.

This year the Culture Fund is awarding scholarships (BA and MA) to 151 talented students who wish to continue their education abroad. The scholarships are presented annually. The Prince Bernhard Culture Fund is a dedicated advocate of culture and the natural sciences, providing financial support, commissions, prizes and scholarships in recognition of exception initiatives and talent. The fund supports approximately 3,500 different projects every year. The financial advisor and coordinator of the Culture Fund Scholarships programme, Henriëtte Vluggen, and seven of this year’s winners, sound the gong.

For more information: www.culturfonds.nl

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Gong marks IPO NN Group

By sounding the gong, NN Group celebrates the IPO on Euronext Amsterdam.

CEO of NN Group, Lard Friese celebrates the company’s listing by sounding the gong which denotes the opening of trading on Euronext. He is joined by the Management Board of NN Group, Ralph Hamers, CEO of ING Group and Cees Vermaas, CEO of Euronext Amsterdam.

NN Group is a leading Dutch insurer with a strong European insurance and investment management footprint and an attractive Japanese business, including its main business lines Nationale-Nederlanden, ING Insurance Europe, ING Investment Management and ING Life Japan.

Friese: “Listing on Euronext Amsterdam marks an important milestone for NN. After 23 years we’re back on the stock exchange of Amsterdam. We are excited to start this new phase and we believe our listing on Euronext Amsterdam will further raise NN’s profile. The focus we will have as a standalone company helps us in our dedication to provide our clients with an excellent experience and to deliver on our company´s business objectives.”

For more information: www.nn-group.com

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