The gong: an age-old tradition
The Amsterdam Stock Exchange is the oldest stock exchange in the world and a household name in the Netherlands and abroad. As early as the 17th century, trading was opened and closed by sounding a gong. Today, all securities trading is automated and the opening is a ceremonial act. Directors of listed companies, business people, politicians and charity ambassadors have helped keep this tradition alive in recent years.
Amsterdam Gong Ceremonies
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ABN AMRO redesigned investing website
| Amsterdam
8701b8b267c7-c633-4219-bfea-8a312f80a4a8ABN AMRO redesigned investing website
ABN AMRO sounds gong for redesigned investing website
By sounding the gong Job Mantz, Senior Digital Product Manager ABN AMRO, opens trading day at the Amsterdam exchange. With the opening he and his colleagues celebrate the improved opportunities for investing via the ABN AMRO website.
For the last six months, a team consisting of online marketeers, copywriters and product managers worked hard on these improvements as they mainly focused on the user experience of customers. The overall customer journey was tested and reviewed extensively in customer panels. This modern way of involving customers in the development of new possibilities and working with multi-disciplinary teams enabled them to quickly improve on the feedback of customers.
ABN AMRO (ticker symbol: ABN) serves retail, private and corporate banking clients with a primary focus on the Netherlands and with selective operations internationally. In the Netherlands, clients are offered a comprehensive and full range of products and services through omni-channel distribution including advanced mobile application and internet banking.
For more information: www.abnamro.nl/beleggen
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DAM Award 2016
| Amsterdam
86983a62677e-d5be-48cd-a695-74da59ea9ec8DAM Award 2016
Finalists DAM Award 2016 visit Amsterdam exchange
The finalists of the DAM Award 2016 sound the gong and visit the Amsterdam exchange. The DAM Award is a business award that helps make sustainable entrepreneurs visible in Amsterdam.
By organizing the DAM Award, Amsterdam wants to make sustainability visible and reward it. They are an example to the city and show you how to work with each other to include renewable energy, clean air and a circular economy.
In each district one entrepreneur is nominated: Cartridge Depot (North), Intersafe (West), Moyee Coffee (New West), New Electric (East), Paul de Ruiter Architects (South) and Yoni (Centre). The audiences’ votes count for 40 percent. Inhabitants of Amsterdam have until 30 October to vote for one of the six finalists.
For more information: www.amsterdam.nl/damprijs
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Rabo Museumkidsweek
| Amsterdam
8697a5e135dd-13fc-4bb8-a2e1-523b521c3793Rabo Museumkidsweek
Rabobank sounds gong for Rabo Museumkidsweek
During the autumn holidays the Rabo Museumkidsweek takes place. Rabo Museumkidsweek is a joint initiative of the Museum Association and Rabobank to create nationwide public attention. Together they visit the Amsterdam exchange and open trading by sounding the gong.
Across the Netherlands, over 200 museums organise fun, educational and exciting activities for children up to 12 years. Main goal is to connect children with their cultural heritage and lower the threshold to museums. Children are the museum visitors of tomorrow. Higher valuation for museums and its collection starts at childhood. Therefore Rabo Museumkidsweek is an important tool for museums to connect with new visitors.
For more information: www.museumkidsweek.nl
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FMO visits Beursplein 5
| Amsterdam
86963f7afc30-12b5-484e-ae80-67898e6c4898FMO visits Beursplein 5
FMO visits Beursplein 5
Jurgen Rigterink sounds the gong to celebrate his appointment as new Chief Executive Officer of the Dutch development bank FMO as of 1 October.
He has served there since 2008 as a member of the Management Board, first as Chief Investment Officer, and as of 2014 as Chief Risk & Finance Officer. Rigterink started his career with Bank Brussels Lambert, in Brussels, Chicago and New York, before he joined ABN Amro in 1997. Before his start at FMO he was Chairman of the Board and Country Executive at ABN Amro Bank Kazachstan.
FMO is the Dutch development bank. FMO has invested in the private sector in developing countries and emerging markets for more than 46 years. Their mission is to empower entrepreneurs to build a better world. They invest in sectors where they believe their contribution can have the highest long-term impact: financial institutions, energy and agribusiness. Alongside partners, they invest in the infrastructure, manufacturing and services sectors. With an investment portfolio of EUR 8.9 billion spanning over 85 countries, FMO is one of the larger bilateral private sector development banks globally.
For more information: www.fmo.nl
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ING Starter of the Month
| Amsterdam
8695f8f9f834-6655-46e0-aa4b-824a022b068bING Starter of the Month
ING Starter of the Month October Bellamy Gallery sounds gong
Mireille van der Sprong and Imke Bens are named ING Starter of October with their company Bellamy Gallery. To celebrate this, they open trading on the Amsterdam exchange.
Bellamy Gallery, a striking fashion concept, is an online shop with eye-catching shops in Haarlem, Den Bosch, Maastricht, Rotterdam and Laren. The two businesswomen left the beaten path of the retail landscape.
Mireille and Imke have made their mark in the fashion industry. They noticed that retail didn’t suit the needs of the customer anymore. "No transparency on price and origin of clothing but more and more emphasis on clothing on sale and low-quality", says Mireille. "We think we can make a change by adapting more to the needs of the customer."
ING Netherlands (ticker sybol: INGA) organizes the ING Starter of the Month contest every month. Previous winners this year are Velodrôme Wielersport en Whydonate.
For more information: www.ing.nl
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1st listing anniversary Intertrust
| Amsterdam
8694bfd0ab46-8536-4743-848b-a52f9d7d828d1st listing anniversary Intertrust
Intertrust celebrates one year listed anniversary
Intertrust NV (ticker symbol: INTER) is celebrating its one year anniversary of the listing on Euronext Amsterdam by opening the markets. CFO Ernesto Traulsen sounds the gong to mark the occasion.
Intertrust is the leading global provider of high-value trust and corporate services, with approximately 2,400 employees located throughout a network of 42 offices in 31 jurisdictions across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle-East. The company focuses on delivering high-quality, tailored services to its clients with a view to building long-term relationships. Intertrusts business services offering is comprised of corporate services, fund services, capital market services, and private wealth services.
Intertrust has leading market positions in selected key geographic markets of its industry, including the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the Cayman Islands and Jersey. Intertrust works with global law firms and accountancy firms, multi-national corporations, financial institutions, fund managers, high net worth individuals and family offices.
For more information: www.intertrustgroup.com
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RTL Z Beursspel
| Amsterdam
86919f5d9977-226f-435b-8dfa-f5cad624bbdfRTL Z Beursspel
Sounding of the gong for RTL Z Beursspel
RTL Z presenter Elianne Kuepers sounds the gong ahead of a new round of RTL Z Beursspel (Exchange Game).
A new round of the RTL Z Beursspel starts on Monday 17 October. Beursspel offers people the opportunity, without risk, to invest in stocks, options, ETFs, funds and sprinters with a virtual starting capital of €100,000. The platform approximates reality, so that participants can safely become more familiar with the dynamics of financial markets. RTL Z also broadcasts a weekly TV program on developments in the Beursspel, starting 24 October. The sounding of the gong is done in the presence of ING Sprinters, one of the partners of the Beursspel.
For more information: www.rtlzbeursspel.nl
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Fonds Gehandicaptensport
| Amsterdam
86900c757aba-3ecc-4d49-9bed-836ac3f50227Fonds Gehandicaptensport
Fonds Gehandicaptensport and Paralympics participants open trading
Nike Boor, CEO of Fonds Gehandicaptensport (Disability Sport Foundation), opens trading in the company of several participants in the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Fonds Gehandicaptensport is set out to enable everyone to exercise, no matter the circumstances. It is specifically their mission to help all 1.7 million Dutch people with disabilities to participate in sports.
By creating a suitable infrastructure and through extensive coaching and training, Fonds Gehandicaptensport supports the Dutch disabled athletes and improves the quality and quantity that sports offers them. Amongst others, Fonds Gehandicaptensport finances sport events, grants subsidies to non-profit sport organisations, helps to raise money and means for sports organisations and gives lectures to educate both athletes with disabilities as well as sports organisations.
For more information: www.fondsgehandicaptensport.nl
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ForFarmers completes takeover Vleuten-Steijn
| Amsterdam
86897a33dbc8-6dfa-48bb-b06e-4e54471e213eForFarmers completes takeover Vleuten-Steijn
ForFarmers sounds gong for completion of takeover
Jan Potijk, managing director at ForFarmers Netherlands (ticker symbol: FFARM) , sounds the gong for the recently completed takeover of Vleuten-Steijn. Vleuten-Steijn is a fodder company focused on the pig sector, mainly in the southeast of Netherlands. ForFarmers, market leader in the animal feed sector, is committed to "For the Future of Farming". By working closely with customers, ForFarmers offers them a better return, healthier livestock and increased efficiency.
ForFarmers believes in a profitable pig sector for the long term. The specific knowledge and experience of the employees of Vleuten-Steijn contributes to a further strengthening of the Total Feed approach offered to pig farmers.
For more information: www.forfarmers.nl
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Ordina Open Innovation Days
| Amsterdam
8688afec10ca-5457-4753-824e-a217605d9f4fOrdina Open Innovation Days
Ordina kicks off Open Innovation Days by sounding the gong
With a loud sounding of the gong, the brand new CFO of Ordina (ticker symbol: ORDI) , Annemieke den Otter, opens the Amsterdam exchange. The gong signals the opening of the annual Ordina Open Innovation Days, which this year are being held on 11 and 12 October at Ordina’s head office in Nieuwegein.
In addition to the speakers who tackle the subject of ‘why change is so difficult for so many people’, three environments have been constructed. Ordina presents inspiring business models that it has implemented for its clients. Together with the most recent winners of the Innovation Challenge, they look back at the process from being a start-up to a scale-up. More than 500 clients and contacts are expected to attend the Innovation Days.
For more information: www.ordina.nl
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SnowWorld opens 300 meter track
| Amsterdam
868705ea1017-7801-4490-aee5-73c345dbfe33SnowWorld opens 300 meter track
SnowWorld celebrates opening new 300 meter track
The ski season is opened at SnowWorld (ticker symbol: SNOW). Koos Hendriks, CEO of SnowWorld, sounds the gong to celebrate the occasion.
This week, after a long preparation period, the new 300 meter track will be taken into use. The first slopes at SnowWorld Zoetermeer opened in 1996. In 2001, a third track was inaugurated. This run has been extended over the past six months as far as 300 meters. It has become the steepest indoor ski slope in Europe. This red run is therefore only suitable for advanced skiers. A viewing platform at the top of the slope offers the opportunity to enjoy the widest view over the surroundings.
SnowWorld has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 1996 and is, with its two indoor ski facilities in the Netherlands, one of the leading companies in this industry in the world. In line with the strategy of SnowWorld ,to further roll out the proven successful concept, SnowWorld has made the step to list on Euronext Amsterdam in 2013.
For more information: www.snowworld.com
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10th anniversary online broker LYNX
| Amsterdam
86839828c7ba-b311-4192-9fd2-bd14540f9e2b10th anniversary online broker LYNX
Online broker LYNX celebrates 10th anniversary
From the beginning on, online broker LYNX has facilitated her online trading platform to many active investors. This year, LYNX is celebrating her 10th anniversary. To seal this milestone, the company is opening the Amsterdam exchange by sounding the gong. In 2006, LYNX was established specifically to provide active investors the trading possibilities on stocks all around the world.
Sander Schwanen, branch manager of LYNX Netherlands, is proud of this achievement: “10 years is a real milestone. But that’s not all; we’re still growing in all seven countries in which we operate. Recently we opened an office in Slovakia and the plans to expand to other countries within Europa are in an advanced stage.”
To celebrate her 10 years anniversary, LYNX gives away $250 transaction credits to new customers. Also, the fares of the American products are lowered for all clients and there are great prizes to be won.
For more information: www.lynx.nl
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SmartFunding
| Amsterdam
868251f61c41-f33d-4442-a88c-51257ebc062aSmartFunding
Sounding of the gong for SmartFunding at Beursplein 5
Fred van der Stappen, founder SmartFunding, opens the trading day by sounding the gong at the Amsterdam exchange of Euronext. In doing so, he launches a new initiative that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in their access to finance. SmartFunding will support SMEs with their business case, financial projections and loan application between €250.000 and 5 million euros.
On the basis of independent advice, local insights and personal guidance, supported with an independent balance rating, SmartFunding leads each entrepreneur towards the best fitting financial solution. SmartFunding sets the new standard for SME’s finance in supporting SME’s in their growth plans. SmartFunding opens their first office in Utrecht. This year they will expand with four more offices.
For more information: www.smartfunding.nl
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Top Woman of the Year
| Amsterdam
8681e6f50a25-f44a-4c15-97b3-4e1036154c0cTop Woman of the Year
Top Woman of the Year sounds gong to celebrate election
Ingrid Thijssen, Board Member of Alliander and COO, has been named Top Woman of the Year 2016 and celebrates the title by sounding the gong.
With the election, The Top Woman of the Year Foundation wants to give female talent the attention they deserve. It offers successful women a platform to be visible and to be able to act as role models for other women.
Ingrid Thijssen is praised by the jury because of her choice for challenges, her courage and connective leadership style steered her organization through difficult years. The jury is convinced that she is a role model and inspiring example to young women – and men – and not just within her own organization, says Pamela Boumeester, jury president.
For more information: www.topvrouwvanhetjaar.nl
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Inspiration 360
| Amsterdam
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Inspiration 360 opens trading
During Inspiration360, of which nlgroeit is partner, Richard Branson, Al Gore, Anita Elberse and Bear Grylls talk about ‘’ultimate survival’’. The nlgroeit network is present and will surely inspire each other. Nlgroeit visits Beursplein 5 and sounds the gong to encourage all entrepreneurs to grow even further.
Nlgroeit is the meeting place for entrepreneurs with more than 1 million sales and a healthy dose of ambition who want to excel in their business. It is a network of entrepreneurs, mentors, coaches and trainers who understand what growth entrepreneurs are doing, what motivates them and what challenges they face. With their platform they want to inspire entrepreneurs in the Netherlands and make them dream bigger, think more and become an entrepreneur.
Nlgroeit is an initiative that rose from a public-private partnership between the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Chamber of Commerce and NLevator.
For more information: www.inspiration360.nl
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SME Innovation Top-100
| Amsterdam
86794bd70c5d-833a-4cdb-b720-cb03c8b8361cSME Innovation Top-100
Winner SME Innovation Top-100 opens trading
The winner of the SME Innovation Top-100, Yoni.care, visits Beursplein 5 and opens trading by sounding the gong.
Yoni.care, a company that places organic cotton tampons, sanitary napkins and panty liners on the market, has won the eleventh edition of the SME Innovation Top-100. The independent panel led by Ruud Koornstra recently announced this. The Chamber of Commerce publishes this yearly ranking of 100 innovative companies in Dutch SMEs. The winner can call itself the most innovative SME-company of the Netherlands for one year.
All companies on the Top-100 have implemented successful innovation in the field of a product, service, process or organization. The SME Innovation Top-100 is a non-cash prize. The ranking provides a good image of the innovative power of SMEs at present. The announcement of the eleventh SME Innovation Top-100 recently took place at the Klokgebouw in Eindhoven during the Chamber of Commerce Day of Innovation.
For more information: www.mkbinnovatietop100.nl
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IPO Takeaway.com
| Amsterdam
86766838e208-f42f-4c5b-bc76-fbc9b79eab13IPO Takeaway.com
Euronext welcomes Takeaway.com
Euronext welcomes Takeaway.com (ticker symbol: TKWY), a leading online food delivery marketplace, on Euronext Amsterdam. Jitse Groen, CEO Takeaway.com, sounds the gong to celebrate the listing.
The IPO on Euronext Amsterdam will enable larger institutional investors to invest in the company, further enhance Takeaway.com’s public profile and develop its leading position in the company’s active markets.
Takeaway.com is a leading online food delivery marketplace focused on connecting consumers and restaurants through its platform in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Poland, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, Switzerland and Vietnam. Takeaway.com’s platform across its markets had c. 7.6 million Active Consumers as at 30 June 2016 and c. 40.4 million Orders in the twelve months ending 30 June 2016. With around 500 employees, the Company recorded GMV of €651 million and revenue of €77 million in 2015. As at 30 June 2016, there were 30,486 restaurants on the Company’s platform across its markets.
For more information: www.takeaway.com
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Dress Red Day
| Amsterdam
867502cdcc3b-dac1-4d83-9f1f-f70b5c8bbfefDress Red Day
Dutch Heart Foundation visits Beursplein 5 on Dress Red Day
In celebration of The Dutch Heart Foundation's Dress Red Day, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange colours red today. Every year on September 29, the Heart Foundation calls upon women to dress up in red to raise awareness for heart- and vascular diseases amongst females.
There is a need for further research to better understand specific female symptoms and improve the healthcare regarding this #1 disease amongst women. Every year 20.000 women die to the effects of heart- and vascular diseases. Unfortunately the symptoms are quite often recognized in a later stage of the disease. Most diagnosis- and treatment methods have been tested on man and are not completely compatible for women.
The Dress Red day is the final chapter of the annual Queen of Hearts-campaign. Their overall objective: ‘’We won’t accept the fact that heart-vascular disease is still the #1 cause of death amongst women.’’
For more information: www.hartstichting.nl
Amsterdam
Would you like to sound the gong with your company at Beursplein 5?
Open the trading day at Euronext Amsterdam
Companies or institutions that have a natural connection to the Amsterdam capital market can be invited to take part in a gong ceremony. For example, this might be to mark a special milestone or to raise awareness of a charity.
The ceremony starts with a reception hosted by a senior Euronext Amsterdam representative in the former Board Room at Beursplein 5. Just before 9 am, the participants and their guests take their place on the gong stage to open the trading day, The gong is sounded at 9 am precisely. The group then returns to the Boardroom for a cup of coffee.
Media coverage
The gong strike is broadcast live every morning on RTL Z. A picture of the gong strike illustrates the daily stock market report on the Financiële Telegraaf's website. In addition, Euronext shares the images on its social media channels.
Photos and video footage taken of the gong ceremony are shared with guests, who are free to use them for their own communications and on social media.
Practical information
Programme
Timings for gong ceremonies at Beursplein 5 are as follows:
Reception: 8.30 am
Sounding of the gong: 9.00 am
End: 9.15 - 9.30 am
Group size: minimum 8 people, maximum 15 people.
There is no charge for the gong ceremony.
Additional options
You can combine your gong ceremony with the Amsterdam Exchange Experience: a special tour of the stock exchange building.
Or if you would like to use the gong ceremony to kick off a conference or event, consider organising your event at Beursplein 5. Euronext has several historic rooms where events for 10 to 150 people can be held.
The Euronext Events Team will be happy to give you all the information you need about the options available.