Voka – KvK Limburg has revealed the nominees for the 30th edition of the Herman Dessers Entrepreneurship Award. Johan Deburchgrave (Vandersanden), Marion Van Zon (Horeca Van Zon) and Paul Cremers (Staf Cars) compete for this prestigious prize, which is awarded annually to a person, company or organization that has made an exceptional contribution to the province of Limburg.

The Herman Dessers Entrepreneurship Award is not only a token of recognition for remarkable achievements, but also an incentive for entrepreneurs and companies to contribute to the positive image of Limburg. Joris Vrancken, chairman of Voka – KvK Limburg, emphasizes the importance of this award as a means to support and encourage entrepreneurship. “The award underlines the strength of our province to continue to grow and prosper, both within and beyond its borders,” he added.

The selection of the nominees is done in two steps. A call via the Voka channels and the Voka magazine Bedrijvig Limburg allows readers to submit nominations. From these nominations, the jury will select three contenders after a financial and media test by KPMG. The jury consists of leading members of the community, including Joris Vrancken himself and Indra Dewitte, editor-in-chief of Het Belang van Limburg.

Johan Deburchgrave from Vandersanden is one of the nominees. Under his leadership, the company recently launched the first CO2-negative facade bricks on the market, a first that underlines Vandersanden's innovative strength.

Marion Van Zon of Horeca Van Zon has transformed the family business, which started in a coal shed, into a leading catering wholesaler. Under her leadership, the company grew significantly and resolutely opted for sustainability, which justifies her nomination.

Paul Cremers of Staf Cars has significantly expanded the coach company and diversified the company through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, such as with the German Flix buses. His efforts have made bus transport more attractive and future-proof.