All Bell ceremonies

ABN AMRO sounds gong for start Uitmarkt 2014

On Friday 29, Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August you’ll find the Uitmarkt 2014 on and around the Museumplein and Leidseplein in Amsterdam.

The Uitmarkt marks the start of the new cultural season, and with the theme Talent Grows!, this year there’s more room than ever for upcoming young talent. With nearly 500,000 visitors, more than 1,500 artists and some 30 stages, the Uitmarkt has become the largest and best-known freely accessible cultural festival in the Netherlands. Visitors get a taste of everything coming up in the fields of theatre, cabaret, dance, musical theatre, literature, film, opera and music.

On 29 August, the ABN AMRO Uitmarkt Business Day takes place in venues including the Royal Concertgebouw. During the Business Day, Dutch cultural institutions can get free advice on all aspects of cultural entrepreneurship with the purpose of sharing knowledge and encouraging cooperation between large and smaller cultural institutions. In 2014 and 2015, ABN AMRO is the lead partner. CEO of Amsterdam Marketing, Frans van der Avert, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.uitmarkt.nl

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Gong marks 30th anniversary Eye Care Foundation

By sounding the gong the Eye Care Foundation marks its 30^th anniversary. Medical Advisor ECF Nepal and Chairman of the Mechi Eye Hospital in Nepal, Gopal Prasad Pokharel, sounds the gong.

Eye Care Foundation (ECF) helps to prevent and cure blindness and visual impairment in developing countries. During the last three decades the work of ECF has evolved from emergency aid to building sustainable eye care services in developing countries. "The results we have achieved with the aid from our donors in these past 30 years make us feel proud”, Rob van Rooijen, Chairman of the ECF Board states. "In our vision affordable eye care must be available for all. By detecting and treating eye diseases and blindness at an early stage, people are able to greatly improve their quality of life", Rob van Rooijen concludes.

Eye care in most developing countries is still lacking in a lot of areas, compared to the Dutch situation. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 28 million people in developing countries are unnecessarily blind. Their blindness is due to a lack of good medical facilities, poor hygiene or Vitamin A deficiency.

For more information: www.eyecarefoundation.nl

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Euronext launches equity options on Euronext

Euronext sounds the gong to mark the launch of equity options on Euronext.

The trading in equity options on Euronext N.V. shares will start on the Amsterdam derivatives market as of Thursday 28^th August.The new options will be listed in the Spotlight Options section, Euronext’s special segment dedicated to the development of new option classes requested by market participants. Spotlight Options give visibility to underlying assets such as newly listed stocks, SME’s and/or assets with notable market events or activity. Through a unique combination of Liquidity Provider support and dedicated promotion by Sponsoring Brokers, underlying assets are  put in the spotlight with short-term maturities options of one, two and three months.

The options are being listed in the Amsterdam Spotlight options segment following the successful IPO of Euronext N.V. on 20^th  June. The American-style options (ticker symbol: ENX) will expire on the third Friday of the contract month and will have initial maturities of one, two and three months. Each option will represent 100 shares in Euronext and these options will be cleared via LCH.Clearnet SA. The liquidity in the Euronext options will be supported by Susquehanna International Securities Limited. Head of Financial Derivatives at Euronext, Adam Rose, sounds the gong.

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

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Young SME Netherlands visits Beursplein 5 to celebrates 17.5 years anniversary

Young SME Netherlands was founded 17.5 years ago and celebrates this anniversary by sounding the gong.

Young SME Netherlands ensures that entrepreneurs with a passionate spirit are connected with each other and joins the many organizations and initiatives that encourage healthier capitalism. The young entrepreneur is not just for personal gain, but also gets satisfaction from promoting other people's success. Chairman of Young SME Amsterdam, André van der Kruk, sounds the gong. This small but powerful club is aiming for an innovative business climate. They are entrepreneurs with a 'bite' that want to create awareness.

For more information: www.mkb.nl

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Women cycle team Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) opens trading

One week before the start of the Tour for Life 2014, captains Margit van Zon and Nicole de Vries-Noach of the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) cycle team open trading at Euronext Amsterdam.

The Tour for Life is the spectacular cycle tour for MSF: more than 1,200 kilometers and over 20,000 altitude meters in eight classic stages through five countries. The sixth edition starts on 31 August in Italy with an amazing peloton of 36 determined cycling teams. The cyclists had to train hard for the tough challenge ahead, and had to raise a minimum of 15,000 euro for MSF’s medical emergency aid. The cyclists will finish the tour on 7 September in Landgraaf in Limburg.

For more information: www.tourforlife.nl

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ShelterBox The Netherlands sounds gong to kick-off Challenge

ShelterBox The Netherlands sounds the gong to mark the kick-off of the ShelterBox Challenge 2014.

During the weekend of 23 and 24 August, national and international teams will compete at the annual ShelterBox Challenge. This year’s edition is named 24 hour back to basics. In the heart of Amsterdam, the participants have to survive as if they have just been hit by a natural disaster. They follow a route along the highlights of the city to raise awareness for the Challenge and experience the power of ShelterBox.

ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that provides emergency shelter and relief to people worldwide affected by a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis. ShelterBox is a unique concept consisting of an emergency kit with basic materials such as tents, blankets, cooking utensils and tools in order survive the first phase after a disaster. Team member Events, Brenda van Laar, sounds the gong in the presence of the board and a Challenge Team.

For more information: www.shelterboxchallenge.nl

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Bell Ceremony to celebrate the listing of the bond issued by Group Sleuyter

On Wednesday 21 August 2014, Franklin Sleuyter, CEO of Group Sleuyter Real Estate, opened the European stock markets with a Bell Ceremony to celebrate the listing of bonds by Group Sleuyter. Lead Manager and Bookrunner is Merit Capital.

Groep Sleuyter is the best reference on the subject of coast apartment construction : www.sleuyter.be

Aegon sounds gong to mark World Rowing Championships

On Sunday 24 August, the best rowers in the world gather at the Bosbaan Amsterdam for the World Rowing Championships.

For eight days rowers from 60 countries will compete for 27 world titles. This is the first time since 1977 that the Netherlands has hosted the World Rowing Championships. Aegon is the main sponsor of the Royal Dutch Rowing Federation (KNRB) and one of the sponsors of the World Rowing Championships. Visitors from all over the world are expected to come together in the Aegon Fanzone, where daily activities, receptions and live performances take place. On the final days of the competition, medal winners will be honoured in the Aegon Fanzone. The official opening of the World Rowing Championships will take place on Saturday 23 August during a spectacular opening ceremony at the Museumplein. The finals of the competition on 29, 30 and 31 August will be broadcasted live by the NOS.

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Sounding of the gong by nine year old Lotta for the Clean Air Rally

By sounding the gong, nine year old and former asthma patient, Lotta Bakkum calls attention for the Schone Lucht Rally (Clean Air Rally) for electric and plug-in hybrid cars on the 20th of September.

With this event, the organization promotes electric mobility and the importance of clean air for the future of our children. The event consists of ten car rallies in the cities of Amsterdam, Almere, Amersfoort, Den Haag, Eindhoven, Enschede, Helmond, Rotterdam, Tilburg and Utrecht. The Schone Lucht Rally is the largest event for electric mobility with many participating politicians, top managers and celebrities. Lotta calls everyone with an electric or plug-in hybrid car, to participate in one of the rallies.

Main partner of the event is Lung Fund to which a donation will be made. Lung Fund is a Dutch health and patients organization, which provides information about asthma and COPD and finances scientific research. Clean and healthy air is one of the main objectives of the foundation.

For more information: www.schoneluchtrally.nl

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New CEO Dutch Investors’ Association, Paul Koster, visits Euronext

Paul Koster sounds the opening gong at Euronext Amsterdam to celebrate his appointment as the CEO of the Dutch Investors’ Association (VEB).

The new CEO is anxious to start his job representing the interests of investors and standing up for their rights where necessary. “At a time when more and more financial responsibility is being shifted to the individual, I look forward to supporting investors,” Paul Koster said. “The VEB wants to help investors accept their responsibility, for example by encouraging transparency about risks and costs. In addition we will continue to act in the best interest of the investors, as the VEB has so successfully done in recent years.” The Dutch Investors’ Association is celebrating its 90^th anniversary this year.

In 2013 Paul Koster was senior advisor to the Governor of the DiFC. In the period from 2008 – 2012 he was the CEO of Dubai’s financial regulator. Koster, who trained as an accountant, has also served on the managing board of the AFM and as chief compliance officer at the Amsterdam exchange. Paul Koster’s predecessor Jan Maarten Slagter held the position at the VEB for seven years.

For more information: www.veb.net

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National Association De Zonnebloem celebrates 65th anniversary

National Association De Zonnebloem celebrates its 65^th year anniversary by sounding the gong at Euronext Amsterdam.

The mission of the association is to help disabled people to enjoy life as much as possible. Over 40,000 volunteers in The Netherlands help realize this goal. Around 155,000 people with physical disabilities use the services of the association and more than 8,000 of them enjoy a customized holiday every year. Very special is the fact that there are almost as many volunteers to provide the necessary care. De Zonnebloem believes that there are still plenty of opportunities to help people with disabilitiesby providing the needed knowledge and expertise.

For more information: www.zonnebloem.nl

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Grachtenfestival Amsterdam opens trading with clarinetist Bart de Kater

Clarinetist Bart de Kater opens trading at Euronext Amsterdam for the opening of Grachtenfestival Amsterdam.

The festival has alternative ways to introduce classical music to a broad audience and it helps young, talented musicians to shine. The program starts on Friday 15 August with a concert on the pontoon in front the Bellevue theater. Grachtenfestival Amsterdam will be held until 24 August, and this year it boasts 250 concerts on 90 different venues. The venues of this year's concerts are the future subway station Vijzelgracht, the future bicycle tunnel under Amsterdam Central Station, the Hembrug area, several venues at the Zuidas, and more. Clarinetist Bart de Kater performs at the Portuguese Synagoge on Thursday 21 August at 8pm.

For more information: www.grachtenfestival.nl

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AIF and NYU Stern School of Business sound gong for Master in Risk Management

Amsterdam Institute of Finance (AIF) and NYU Stern School of Business sound the gong for the Master of Science in Risk Management for Executives program, a Master’s program for professionals in Risk Management. The program takes place in New York, Amsterdam and Hong Kong in one year.

Amsterdam Institute of Finance (AIF) is a self-supporting, not-for-profit foundation, specialized in providing high-level financial training for finance and other professionals. Participants in AIF programs have the advantage of learning from the world's leading experts who have significant teaching as well as consulting experience. AIF has welcomed participants from more than 1000 organizations representing over 100 countries to its programs. Particular areas of expertise include Risk Management, Corporate Finance, Project Finance, Valuation, Financial Analysis, Investments, and Negotiation Skills. In The Netherlands, AIF worked together with PRMIA (Professional Risk Managers' International Association) to launch PRMIA's first Dutch chapter. AIF is also a PRMIA Partner for seminars and financial training.

For more information: www.aif.nl

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Gong marks 5th World Cinema Amsterdam edition

World Cinema Amsterdam sounds the gong to mark the start of the 5^th edition of the festival.

Twelve days in a row (till August 24) visitors can enjoy the best independently produced films from Latin America, Asia and Africa in Rialto and De Balie. World Cinema Amsterdam Open Air is traditionally a popular feature. As in the previous year, four new films are screened at Marie Heinekenplein in Amsterdam. The films from Brazil, Uruguay and Mexico tell stories about ordinary and quite extraordinary people who try to keep going in their current situation. Tito Rodriguez Torras and Veerle Snijders, responsible for marketing and communications, sound the gong.

For more information:www.worldcinemaamsterdam.nl

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ChildsLife draws attention for International Youth Day

By sounding the gong ChildsLife International draws attention for International Youth Day.

For almost twee decades ChildsLife has provided Chances for Children in Eastern Europe and Africa. ChildsLife provides practical help, using local partners and staff with a tailored-made approach leading towards self-sustainability and has developed an extensive and diverse development program. One aspect of this is the building of schools to provide education and school meals for a better future for children ranging in ages from 4 to 18. The ChildsLife vocational school located in the middle of one of the largest slums in Africa gives youths from the slum an opportunity to learn a profession and take one step further from poverty. Two children of ChildsLife staff, Stefan van Klarenbosch and Lotte Brands sound the gong.

For more information: www.childslife.org

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IMC Weekend School celebrates start alumni Summer Camp

IMC Weekend School celebrates the start of the new academic year for the alumni. The start of the new academic year is marked by two summer camps. On Monday August 11^th the second summer camp starts. These summer camps consist of several workshops and master classes by dedicated guest lecturers.

IMC Weekend school provides supplementary education to young people between the ages of ten and fourteen who come from deprived backgrounds and are anxious to learn. Lessons are given by enthusiastic professionals such as entrepreneurs, nursing professionals, judges and artists. The students come into contact with different professional groups and sectors, and are given a broader view of society so that they can make better, more informed choices about their education and career. IMC Weekend School receives a substantial yearly contribution from ING and is also financed by over one hundred companies and funds.

An important part of the cooperation with ING is that employees participate as volunteers. For example by providing guest lectures about learning how to manage personal finances, workshops for alumni or guidance throughout the school year. Alumni, Candice Lepelblad, sounds the gong together with other alumni and representatives of partner ING.

For more information: www.imcweekendschool.nl

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NederlandSchoon supporters sound the gong

NederlandSchoon (The Netherlands Clean) opens trading at the Amsterdam exchange, together with the cleanest hockey club in the Netherlands, Peel en Maas. This hockey club, based in the town of Panningen, has set an example by creating a sporting environment that is easy to keep clean, as well as helping to encourage good sportsmanship and involvement.

The objective of NederlandSchoon is to reduce the amount of litter in the Netherlands. In order to achieve this goal, the foundation holds anti-litter campaigns, conducts research into the importance of a clean environment, and advises companies on how to process rubbish. People are becoming increasingly aware of the positive effect of a cleaning living environment, and as a result the country is now cleaner.

If everyone picked up their own litter, the government could save approximately 200 million euros a year. In fact, if only one in ten people picked up not only their own litter, but someone else’s litter as well every now and then, the litter problem would be solved. People who volunteer to pick up other people’s litter are known as Schoon Supporters. The director of the NederlandSchoon foundation, Helene van Zutphen, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.NederlandSchoon.nl and www.supportervanschoon.nl

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AFC Ajax celebrates winning KNVB Women’s Cup

By sounding the gong AFC Ajax celebrates winning the KNVB Women’s Cup. On June 9, 2014 the AFC Ajax team won the finals of the KNVB Cup and defeated PSV / FC Eindhoven (2-1). To celebrate this victory, coach Ed Engelkes sounds the gong at Euronext Amsterdam.

On May 18, 2012 the women's team of AFC Ajax was founded, which is now two seasons playing in the Women's League BeNe, an international competition with clubs from the Netherlands and Belgium. The Ajax Women play their home games at Sportpark De Toekomst. The kick-off for the 2014-2015 season is scheduled for Friday, August 29 (Ajax - KAA Gent). It's goodbye to four players, and so far there are three new players added to the selection of coach Ed Engelkes, including Anouk Hoogendijk. The International was already part of the Ajax selection last season but was the first player who made a transfer. After six months in the English Premier League with Arsenal LFC she returns to the selection of Ajax Women. Ajax is listed on Euronext Amsterdam since 1998 (ticker symbol: AJAX).

For more information: www.ajax.nl

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