Although SöDieB is co-financed by the federal employment institute AMS, some 75% of its income is self generated, and the clients include public as well as private organizations. SöDieB operates in the open market, offering services in the above mentioned business areas at competitive prices. “Our prices tend to be slightly lower than our competitor’s, but ours is not always the cheapest offer” – explains Mr. Zollner. In this way initial opposition experienced from competing companies claiming this subsidy an unfair advantage has long since been proved unsubstantiated. A motivated workforce, ranging from 25 to 50 employees is one of the keys to success. A further asset is furnished by Mr. Sepp Horvath, a psychotherapist who deals with the pedagogic aspects of this business.

After a trial period of four weeks, successful candidates are integrated on the staff in one of the business areas and are tutored by technical experts, 12 in total. Weekly meetings with Mr. Horvath ensure the necessary social and psychological support. Employees are given support with job applications, health problems, conflict management and many other areas helping to reintegrate them into everyday society. Formerly unemployed citizens are now able to experience a sense of pride when wandering in the community: “that building was done by us”, or “we renovated the façade of that castle”. As much as possible the company endeavours to reuse old material rescued from dilapidation. SöDieb uses the winter months to attempt pilot activities such as the recycling of certain plastic components from the area.

Mr. Wolfgang Lueger, the coordinator of the area landscape gardening, also joined the Train to LA21 group in this visit and explained that the choice of fertilizers is environmentally sound, but there is room for improvement. The soil used for the landscaping comes from the local producer. As much as possible, in all business areas, materials from the region are preferred due to the obvious environmental and socio-economic reasons. The visit to the premises of SöDieB gave the project team a valuable insight into the workings of small community initiatives which have developed into something worthy of praise through the dedication individuals. German speakers can find out more at www.soedieb.at

Many thanks to our hosts for a warm and highly informative morning.