The statutory general meeting of the ZVO took place on November 5, 2024 at 1 p.m. - again as a video conference with around 40 participants. Votes were conducted using the online tool Votebox.
CEO Jörg Püttbach welcomed the connected members and chaired the meeting. After approving the agenda and the minutes of the 2023 Annual General Meeting, he presented a review of the 2023 financial year and relevant activities from 2024 in his activity report.
One focus of his report was on the ZVO's political initiatives, including topics such as IED/BREF, the conversion of the REACH authorization procedure into a restriction procedure, the REACH revision, energy issues and measures to reduce bureaucracy. The aim of the ZVO is to work more closely with other associations on cross-industry issues, but to represent the specific interests of SMEs independently. "Advising politicians must not be left to corporations and their associations alone," emphasized Püttbach.
In order to further strengthen its political work, the ZVO is planning to create the new position of a permanently employed "Head of Politics". This person will represent the interests of medium-sized surface technology and electroplating companies even more clearly in Berlin and Brussels, expand the existing network and relieve the burden on the Executive Board and departments. In addition, the "Head of Politics" will support and coordinate regional political activities of the member companies. To this end, the ZVO will approach member companies in a targeted manner in order to drive initiatives forward.
In the auditor's report for 2023, Dieter Aichert and Uwe Brinkmann confirmed that the Board of Directors and management had managed the budget carefully. The 2023 annual financial statements were approved unanimously, as was the discharge of the Board of Directors and management.
Another item on the agenda was the Board of Directors' proposal to increase the membership fees, which have remained stable since 2016, by 10%, effective from 1 January 2026. The proposal was explained in detail, including increased costs and the planned further professionalization of the main office. With an approval rate of 90%, the motion achieved the required three-quarters majority.
