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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Dutch Railways celebrates ‘CSR Manager of the Year 2014’ award
Director CSR at the Dutch Railways (NS), Carola Wijdoogen, has been elected ‘CSR Manager of the Year 2014’ and opens trading to celebrate. Wijdoogen is accompanied by finalists Inka Pieter (KLM) and Koen Eising (Alliander).
The CSR Manager of the Year election is organized by Royal HaskoningDHV together with partners VNO-NCW and Interface. The purpose of the election is to recognize the efforts of dedicated CSR managers. Wijdoogen was elected CSR Manager of the Year 2014 at the Dutch National Sustainability Congress on November 4th.
For more information: www.mvomanagervanhetjaar.nl
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Gong marks launch “HartslagNu” app
| Amsterdam
80117cb23f9a-cfb1-46eb-bd2f-767f332daa74Gong marks launch “HartslagNu” app
Foundation Heartbeat for the Netherlands opens trading to mark the launch of the new Smartphone-App “HartslagNu” (HeartbeatNow), available from March 2015.
The rescue alert system for early resuscitation, HartslagNu, exists for two years now. More than 65,000 volunteer lay rescuers are registered and can be alerted in case of a resuscitation in their direct neighbourhood. These volunteers are able to be at site earlier than the ambulance and therefore can make the difference. By introducing the app, the effectiveness of the resuscitation alert system will be improved. Chairman of the Foundation Heartbeat for the Netherlands, Wim van der Worp, sounds the gong.
For more information: www.hartslagnu.nl
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Gong marks listing of Mota-Engil Africa
| Amsterdam
8010abe827b9-3edc-499e-8103-065089620d06Gong marks listing of Mota-Engil Africa
The sounding of the gong marks the official start of trading in the share Mota-Engil Africa (ISIN NL0010969408, Symbol
MEAFR).Gilberto Rodrigues, CEO Mota-Engil Africa, celebrates the listing by sounding the gong and opening trading. Rodrigues is accompanied by his Mota-Engil Africa colleagues and the advisors that are involved in the listing process.
For more information: www.africa.mota-engil.com
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Gong marks Exchange Meeting Plateau Eindhoven
| Amsterdam
80062d32e0e1-7feb-4469-b65c-299616f13133Gong marks Exchange Meeting Plateau Eindhoven
Plateau Eindhoven visits Euronext Amsterdam to attend an Exchange Meeting. Members of the Plateau, working at amongst others ING Bank, Rabobank, SNS Bank, Loyens & Loef and Brainport Development, attend the Amsterdam Exchange Experience, an interactive tour at Beursplein 5, and sound the closing gong.
Plateau Eindhoven was founded in the early 90s as an association of final deciders and independent account managers in the business services industry in the Eindhoven area. The association serves as an inspiration network and platform where business services providers can meet one another in an informal setting. In addition to providing opportunities to exchange knowledge and improve networks, Plateau represents the interests of regional business services providers.
For more information: www.plateaueindhoven.nl
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Gong marks Get in the Ring Final
| Amsterdam
8005cb854a5c-e3f1-4b86-ac10-016d1fa814e7Gong marks Get in the Ring Final
Friday November 21st marks the day that the winner of The Get in the Ring (GITR) Award is announced. The award for start-ups is a part of The Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Worldwide over 2000 start-ups have competed for a spot in the prestigious final in Rotterdam. Of this group, following wins in both National and Regional competitions, only eight remain to pitch their idea in front of four Champions and an audience of roughly 1000 entrepreneurs, investors, politicians and captains of industry. GITR is the Olympics for start-ups; a worldwide competition where they face off in one-on-one pitching battles. The Dutch company SnappCar represents The Netherlands and is still competing for a place in the finale. Co-founder of Get in the Ring, Martin Luxemburg, sounds the gong.
For more information: www.getinthering.com
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SPDR ETFs celebrates success SPDR Aristocrats Dividend fund
State Street Global Advisor’s (SSGA) ETF provider, SPDR ETFs, sounds the gong to celebrate the success of its SPDR Aristocrats Dividend fund in the Dutch market. The fund was awarded a Gouden Stier in the category Index Investing.
Edwin Mars, Senior Intermediary Sales Benelux, sounds the gong: “The SPDR history is marked by many first of their kind offerings and features some of the most actively traded ETFs in the world. This legacy of success has been driven by a commitment to meeting the needs of clients across the globe through responsible product development that typically leads to better liquidity and through offering excellent service and state-of-the art educational resources. As a testament to this ongoing commitment, in 2014, we have expanded our sales and business strategy professional network across the globe.”
For more information: www.ssga.com
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Winner The Partnership Award 2014, Alliander, sounds gong
The winner of the 'Best New Partnership Award', Alliander,sounds the gong. The Partnership Award 2014challenges young professionals to create a business case in a developing country together with a partner NGO or government.
Participants have developed business cases together with their managers and experts. No less than ten nominated teams from leading companies presented their plans for an investment in a developing country. The participants come from 22 companies, including Ahold and Unilever. The Partnership Election is an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, development bank FMO and Social Enterprise The Punchy Pack. The election was launched by Minister Ploumen and Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever. Matthijs van Rijn, technical trainee, sounds the gong.
For more information: www.departnershipverkiezing.nl
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Winner Accenture Innovation Awards, Fairzekering, visits Euronext Amsterdam
Fairzekering, the winner of the Accenture Innovation Awards 2014, visits Euronext Amsterdam and opens trading.
With the Innovation Awards, Accenture allows companies the opportunity to showcase their innovations so they receive the recognition they deserve, while providing visitors insight into the newest trends and developments within Financial Services. Fairzekering offers a favorable insurance to people who drive responsibly. Distinctive points are the increased security, algorithms that measure the correlation between behavior and damage, and direct damage reported accidents. CEO and co-founder, Hans Gerritsen, sounds the gong.
For more information: www.innovation-awards.nl
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Morningstar celebrates ‘Gouden Stier’ Award
| Amsterdam
80020fabe600-4b99-4768-b431-c242a371158dMorningstar celebrates ‘Gouden Stier’ Award
By sounding the gong, Morningstar celebrates winning the ‘Gouden Stier Award’ in the category ‘Best Educational Investment Institution’.
The jury praised the independent position that Morningstar occupies in the investment landscape and points out the importance of education. Belegger.nl organised the award show ‘Gouden Stier’ for the 8th consecutive year. The awards are also known as "the Oscars of the financial world”. Prizes are for the best consumer focused products, services and experts in the financial world. Head of ResearchMorningstar Benelux, San Lie, sounds the gong.
For more information: www.morningstar.nl
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KPN sounds gong for KPN Finest Contact Foundation
By sounding the gong KPN (listed emblem: KPN) draws attention for The Finest Contact Foundation.
The Finest Contact Foundation was founded seven years ago and is an initiative of KPN. The fund supports initiatives of various social partners, aimed at promoting social contact for vulnerable groups in society. Social contact is important, but not as obvious to everyone. The KPN Finest Contact Foundation brings together people who feel lonely by connecting them with the world around them.
Between 1500 and 2000 KPN volunteers work for the Fund. For example, by explaining people with intellectual disabilities how to use the Internet, but also in projects like KlasseContact where prolonged or chronically ill children stay connected with their classmates and school classes. Brett Koelewijn, one of the young people with a serious disease that is taking classes again with the support of the Foundation, sounds the gong.
For more information: www.kpnmcf.com
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Gong marks ‘Week of the Sustainable and Responsible Investments 2014’
By sounding the gong Executive Director of the Dutch Association of Investors for Sustainable Development (VBDO), Giuseppe van der Helm, marks the start of the ‘Week of the Sustainable and Responsible Investments 2014’ (Dutch SRI Week).
One of the highlights of the Dutch SRI week is the conference that takes place at Euronext Amsterdam after the gong ceremony. The aim of the week is to provide more information and insight to investors and investment advisors about the sustainable investment options they have available to them. All participating organisations are organising events in this week to highlight sustainable and responsible investment. VBDO organises the Dutch SRI Week in partnership with ABN Amro, ASN Bank, Rabobank, Triodos Bank, BNP Paribas, EY and Vigeo.
For more information: www.vbdo.nl
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GreenPeak Technologies, winner of the Deloitte Technology Fast50 election, visits Euronext
| Amsterdam
7997c4a4a181-928b-452c-beaf-9e7290e144baGreenPeak Technologies, winner of the Deloitte Technology Fast50 election, visits Euronext
Deloitte organizes the Technology Fast50 together with sponsoring partners Euronext, ABN AMRO, AKD, Prime Ventures, RVO and Spaces. The Deloitte Technology Fast50 is an election of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in the Netherlands. The programme was established to recognize the exceptional performance of these companies. The Fast50 exists of the top entrepreneurs of the future, who are able to think fast and who play a leading role in their field of expertise.
GreenPeak is the winner of the Deloitte Technology Fast50 2014. GreenPeak is a leader in RF communication technology for wireless connected home applications, offering innovative ultra-low power wireless data communication controller chips for smart home applications. Over the past five years the company has achieved a revenue growth of 8.757 percent. CFO, Paul de Wit, sounds the gong to celebrate.
For more information: www.fast50.nl
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Gong starts 5th International Supply Management Congress
On Tuesday 11 November 2014 the 5th International Supply Management Congress (ISMC) takes place. The ISMC is an international knowledge and networking event that brings together the worlds of purchasing, supply chain management, R&D/ innovation, sustainability and suppliers.
AkzoNobel, DSM, IDH, NEVI, PWC, Rabobank, Shell and Unilever, eight partners who enjoy international recognition in the field of sustainable and innovative enterprise, make the congress possible.
Keynote speakers Paul van Attekum (Executive Vice President Strategic Sourcing & Procurement, ASML), Stephan Tanda (Boardmember for the Life Sciences Cluster, DSM) and Barry Parkin (Chief Sustainability Officer, Mars Inc.) open the congress by sounding the gong at Euronext Amsterdam.
For more information: www.supplymanagementcongress.nl
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Gong ceremony marks National Commemoration of the recent air disaster
On Monday 10 November ceremonies will be held to commemorate the crash of MH17. The purpose of the national commemoration is to demonstrate solidarity with the families of the victims.
A remembrance ceremony will be held in Amsterdam’s RAI conference centre for the families of the victims and for others affected by the air disaster. Minister President Mark Rutte will attend on behalf of the government, and His Majesty King Willem Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Maxima will also be in attendance.
The music is provided by amongst others the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. Members of the Orchestra visit Euronext before the commemoration to play a piece of commemorative music. Vincent Cox wrote a special composition, "Memories 10:11", which includes the sound of the gong. RFO Percussion, Esther Doornink, sounds the gong.
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KNRM celebrates 190th anniversary
| Amsterdam
79944b9d5f5a-6ccb-41be-8d5a-a67b46e3c9faKNRM celebrates 190th anniversary
Voluntary crew member Kees Kuyt sounds the gong to mark the 190th anniversary of the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution‘s (KNRM).
A milestone which has been reached by two centuries of voluntary input, supported and maintained by donations. Starting as a small initiative, the KNRM has grown into a professional organization that can be called upon 24 hours a day. With 1.300 volunteers operating out of 45 lifeguard stations and with 75 lifeboats at its disposal, the KNRM is the prime partner for the Coast Guard in Search and Rescue operations. The KNRM leans on three pillars; the voluntary service-crew, voluntary donations and zero-costs to the people in need of help. Modern facilities and professional education is provided to the volunteers such as Kees Kuyt. The donors are well-informed as to how their donations are used and they are welcomed at the open days organized by the KNRM.
The Amsterdam exchange also contributed to the KNRM. The donation in 1992 resulted in a lifeboat called Beursplein 5. The boat is still in use and is located at the rescue station Texel.
For more information: www.knrm.nl
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Gong marks 1st anniversary AEX Experience
| Amsterdam
799164e92f76-cc09-46dc-a8ab-9aad55676e56Gong marks 1st anniversary AEX Experience
By sounding the gong the 1st anniversary of the ‘Amsterdam Exchange (AEX) Experience’ is celebrated; an interactive exhibition about the importance and role of the exchange for the economy, the listed companies, the history and the traded products.
One year ago, Her Majesty Queen Máxima opened the Experience during the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Amsterdam exchange building at Beursplein 5. During a visit to the Experience visitors learn about the exchange and its social role as a growth engine of the economy. The exhibition also shows its rich history, which goes back to the East India Company (VOC) and the activities of the listed companies. Visitors get the opportunity to determine their investor profile and can test their skills as a trader in the crowd. Visiting the trading floor is also a part of the tour. Coordinator of the Experience, Ton Ruitenburg, sounds the gong together with members of the Experience team.
For more information: www.amsterdam-exchange-experience.nl
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DNB visits Euronext to mark its 200th anniversary
Klaas Knot, President of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), sounds the gong. By opening trading the President marks DNB's bicentenary.
For 200 years DNB has worked on trust. From the very first moment, in 1814, when King William I founded DNB, the institution has guarded over financial stability in the Netherlands. In a complex world. If required, proactively, and always taking a long-term approach.
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Financial stability calls for stable prices, smooth and secure payments, and sound and ethical financial institutions. These are preconditions for a healthy economy and prosperity in the Netherlands. And this is what DNB strives for.
For more information: www.dnb.nl -
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Villa Joep takes research into neuroblastoma public
Villa Joep, the Dutch foundation against neuroblastoma childhood cancer, takes promising research results public. By sounding the gong, Villa Joep draws attention for the further development of scientific breakthroughs into new treatment options.
“Achieving this requires significant amounts of money, also from the corporate world”,says Chairman Jos Huijbregts.“Villa Joep has been highly successful in boosting research. Two years ago, Villa Joep-funded researchers achieved major breakthroughs, which were published in the internationally renowned scientific journal Nature. As a relatively small foundation, this gives us great pride. It is of vital importance that these breakthroughs are now taken further to lead to new, effective treatments. That is why today we bring neuroblastoma research to the attention of the business world.”
Villa Joep organizes ‘The Encounter’ between art and research in the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam on Wednesday November 12th. At this special occasion researchers, volunteers, patients and their parents, professional partners and sponsors will meet. It will be an afternoon with royal allure as Her Majesty Queen Máxima will be present for a part of the program. The Villa Joep Elephant sounds the gong.
For more information: www.villajoep.nl
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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.