Thanks, a New Beginning, and a Moving Farewell

VBKI Summer Reception at the Weberbank Villa

Text by Jonas Koch | Junior Communications and Marketing Specialist

Amid peak summer temperatures, more than 150 invited guests from the business community, politics, and local society gathered for this year’s summer reception. The evening was hosted by Weberbank, one of our long-standing premium partners.

The event was kicked off by host Klaus Siegers, Chairman of the Executive Board of Weberbank. In his welcoming remarks, he thanked all the guests for attending and recognized the VBKI’s dedication over the past year. Siegers expressed his pleasure at being able to welcome representatives from the Executive Committee, the political sphere, and the association’s office, as well as numerous friends of the association. At the same time, he assured the VBKI of Weberbank’s continued support, even under the new presidency of Prof. Harald Christ.

Next, the new VBKI president, Prof. Harald Christ, who was elected in early June, took the floor. He once again expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him, the many positive reactions to his election, and the warm welcome he received within the association. He also thanked Weberbank for the invitation and for its long-standing partnership with the VBKI.

In his personal remarks, Christ spoke about his first strategy and executive committee meeting, which took place immediately before the summer reception. He said he was particularly impressed by the high turnout and the strong commitment of the executive committee members. He also took the opportunity to thank his predecessor, Markus Voigt, for his 15-year tenure as president of the VBKI. Voigt had shaped the association over many years and ensured a smooth transition. Christ also emphasized that Markus Voigt will remain associated with the VBKI in the future as honorary president.

This was followed by opening remarks from Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner. He expressed his delight at the invitation and recognized the VBKI’s role as an important partner for the capital. Wegner particularly highlighted the association’s social commitment. Initiatives such as “Sport macht Schule” and the “ BERLINER LESEPATEN ” are close to his heart and make important contributions to social cohesion in Berlin.

In addition, Wegner spoke about the prospects of a Berlin bid for the Olympics. Berlin needs projects and ideas again that the city can rally behind. The Olympics could be such a unifying endeavor if they were embedded in a comprehensive vision for the capital’s future. A bid would send a strong signal, both for Berlin and for the city’s economy.

At the conclusion of his opening remarks, Wegner also addressed Markus Voigt personally. He praised Voigt’s long-standing commitment to the VBKI and recalled the administrative reform that Voigt had championed for years. Wegner jokingly described the fact that the reform had now been set in motion as a special parting gift. At the same time, he emphasized the consistently constructive collaboration with the VBKI on an equal footing among politics, business, and the broader community.

Things finally took an emotional turn when Dr. Sigrid Nikutta invited Markus Voigt onto the stage. On behalf of the Executive Board, she thanked him for his 15 years at the helm of the VBKI and for his tireless dedication to the association. As a token of appreciation, she presented him with a KPM vase featuring a depiction of the VBKI building—the association’s new property—for whose preservation and development Voigt had been particularly dedicated.

Visibly moved, Markus Voigt accepted the honor and once again addressed the guests with a few personal words. In particular, he recalled the general meeting and the trust that the members had placed in him over many years. This trust, he said, had always motivated and guided him. He expressed his gratitude to the members, the executive committee, the staff at the office, and the many colleagues from the worlds of politics and business who had walked alongside him. He particularly valued the constructive and critical dialogue that had shaped the VBKI’s work over the years.

His departure marks the end of a defining era in the history of the VBKI. After 15 years, Markus Voigt handed over the presidency to his successor, Prof. Harald Christ, in early June.

With summery temperatures and plenty of one-on-one conversations, the evening finally came to a close in a relaxed atmosphere. This year’s summer reception not only provided an opportunity for conversation and networking, but also marked a significant generational transition at the helm of the association.

Alternating annually with the summer reception, the VBKI will once again host its traditional summer party for all members next year. We are already looking forward to welcoming the entire VBKI community to a summer evening together.