Dear THLG Members,
As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, we are delighted to share with you the achievements and significant milestones that have shaped our journey in 2023. Your steady support and active participation have been instrumental in making these accomplishments possible.
ExCom Changes
Throughout the year, we had a few ExCom changes. More specifically, in February, Johann Feltgen resigned, and we welcomed Natalya Kulagina, whereas in June, Murilo Caldana stepped down and Marianne Blechinberg joined the ExCom team. As a result, I had the honor and responsibility of being unanimously elected President by the members of the ExCom, a decision that also addressed the global need for inclusion and diversity by bringing a woman in the leading post for the first time, adding to the strong female presence of having two more women aboard the committee.
Advisory Board
The concept of an Advisory Board was also established for the first time. Its role is to provide the ExCom with advice and personal insight on matters that are crucial to the group. Subsequently, the first people to be invited were Paul Furlonger, Emre Eldener and Johann Feltgen, as all are deeply familiar with the THLG history, and are most capable to provide their valuable feedback when needed.
Friends of THLG
Additionally, “Friends of THLG” was establishedfor those past members that still carry the THLG bond and for those who have had a significant presence or who have made a significant impact in general. Our first members to join are Jos and Marlies Willems, as well as Juergen Osmers.
Conferences & Exhibitions
In March we expanded our presence by participating in one more exhibition, that of Shipping Days in La Rochelle, France, a brand-new Exhibition operating for the first time primarily attracting Europe’s top Maritime associations, which marked another successful venture for us, in addition to the two successful conferences THLG’s 68th Conference in The Hague and THLG’s 69th Conference in Rio de Janeiro. Both conferences were once again available with live streaming for all our members attending from abroad.
Our booth at the Breakbulk Exhibition received a brand new fresh design addressing to all the needs as these were documented by THLG co-exhibitors, bringing more space, more light and better “visibility” while accommodating 22 members with private stands. The Instagram wall and punching machine stole the show, creating memorable experiences for attendees.
Educational Initiatives
THLG also invested in various educational initiatives by always inviting top notch professionals who enlighten us with their expertise. Several Masterclasses were conducted, one focusing on Cybersecurity, another on Key Performance Indicators. Additionally, two more insightful sessions on THLG marketing features and website use were offered.
Finances
To top it, for our Finances and after considerableefforts, we successfully compiled a comprehensive report on overall income and expenses, along with a meticulously planned budget, and our financial records underwent a successful audit, by the appointed Auditing Committee ensuring transparency and accountability.
Admissions
During the year, the Admissions Officer handled over 30 applications from 20 different countries. As a result, the group welcomed 7 new members, reaching a milestone achievement of spreading our presence in all 5 continents, and further enriching our community.
Business Development
On to more practical issues, the decision was made to discontinue the THLG App, while at the same time, looking into tested alternatives such as Microsoft Teams that could cover our needs, in an easier and more efficient way without adding extra software or applications to our internal communication. In an effort to promote the full potential of THLG, two major tools were made available for members to use, the first being a PowerPoint presentation focusing on services offered in the 5 continents which aims to explain the group’s strengths and presence to potential customers. The second tool is an animated video of THLG’s Code of Conduct that provides an easy comprehension of the guiding principals used by members to conduct their business both with one another and with customers and suppliers.
Corporate Responsibility
THLG demonstrated its commitment to Corporate Responsibility by donating €20,000 to the Turkey and Syria earthquake victims. A substantial portion, €13,500, was contributed by our generous members that made it possible to purchase living modules and food supplies for the suffering population.
Sponsorship Packages
THLG’s Sponsorship Packages were formulated and now internal and external customers have the opportunity to select a Sponsorship package that best suits their needs in order to be promoted within, but not limited to, the Group. Said packages are the Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. At this point, I would like to personally thank our sponsor for the Meet & Greet drinks in The Hage, Juan Turner of Rowners, and the entire team at Fox Brazil for sponsoring gifts, the music and the group photos taken during our stay in Rio de Janeiro.
Marketing
On the Marketing front, new features were introduced, providing members with opportunities to express themselves through the “It’s time to Blog”initiative, to promote their expertise through the “Local Expert”, added to the already successful ones such as the “Interview of the Week”, “Sunday Spot”, and our yearly contests “Photo of the Year” and “Project of the Year”. For the year 2023, our winners were, for the former, Total Movements and the later, Holleman Serbia and Barnhart.
Formalizing THLG
Looking ahead, and in an effort to become a professionally structured organization, we are undergoing all necessary formal procedures to set up THLG’s legal business address, as well as to register the legal representatives, Elisabeth Cosmatos, Colin D’Abreo, and Alessio Bianchi at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce and at the ING Bank where THLG holds all official accounts.
Appreciations
I would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every member for your ongoing support, dedication, and enthusiasm. The only way to achieve Power in Unity is through engaging, volunteering and being present in all THLG related events. It is your collective effort that propels us forward, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in 2024.
During our Mid-Year Conference, and after dedicating more than 25 years in the service of THLG holding various roles, we bid a fond farewell to our longtime partners, Jos & Marlies Willems. Them being in the forefront, and leading by example, enhanced the family bond we all cherish and have grown accustomed to throughout the years.
Kudos to the hardworking support team, Andreas Hytas and Julia Konstantinidou, which makes wonders behind the scenes and with their dedication and creativity help us manage the group during its transition from a promising family network to a global leading one. Their contribution helped THLG keep its professional standards high while tirelessly marching towards introducing innovative methods and practices, and all this while maintaining our family spirit and bond.
Last but not least, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the entire ExCom team for their endless hours and strong dedication, whether we had to meet in person or online, late at night or at very early hours. A united Group with a clear vision and ideals, begins at leadership, so I truly value this extraordinary team without which THLG’s ever growing success would not be possible.
As we strive to keep the memory bold, we have created a photo album with the highlights of 2023. Enjoy! https://www.theheavyliftgroup.com/recap-2023
THLG rules! Let’s keep on shining as there is so much more to be achieved and experienced in 2024!
Till we meet again,
My warmest regards to all of you.
Elisabeth Cosmatos
THLG President & Marketing Manager