Editorials 2.1

From the SQ3: "Made in Sitges"

The Editorial 2.1

The crisis. Who hasn’t been affected by the crisis, which continues to have an impact on us professionally, financially and emotionally? Whether we own or manage a business, or work in health, education or government, chances are we have felt or seen a difference in our lives.

Sitges was known as a port town in antiquity, a sleepy fishing village for most of the 20^th century, and now as a popular European resort town. But what else can be found here?   

Our focus this issue is to take a broad look at our local economy and see some of what we offer at large. We thought we’d name this issue, Made in Sitges. Let’s look at the motor of Sitges; in other words, the driving force of business. Sitges has produced shoes, auto parts, local cuisine and services and even created globally recognizable brands.

I hope by demonstrating our history of industrious endeavours, this issue inspires the entrepreneurial spirit.

See Sitges in a different light, see beyond the sun and sand.

The Epilogue

In this issue of the Sitges Quarterly, we wanted to highlight what Sitges has offered commercially over the years in addition to tourism. We thought it was important to showcase examples of varied and sometimes unconventional aspects of business; and we hope it inspires the development of new and different initiatives.

I read the words of a New York Times columnist, Thomas L. Freidman, recently and his words resonated for me. He said, “The combination of digital tools of connectivity and creativity has created a global education, commercial, communication and innovation platforms…. [Technology] empowers individuals to access learning, retrain, engage in commerce, seek or advertise a job, invent, invest and crowd source—all online”.  He believes that, with an individual’s ability to do these things, comes added responsibility.

He says further: “The boundaries are all gone… the walls, ceilings and floors that protected people are also disappearing. Government will do less for you. Companies will do less for you. Unions can do less for you. There will be fewer limits, but also fewer guarantees”; these words I think couldn’t be more true.

In terms of employment, it seems today, when companies hire personnel, the focus is not necessarily on where you’ve obtained your knowledge or experience—it’s what you can do with it. How best can you utilize what you know?

The level of empowerment for individuals has increased exponentially. With new technologies, internet possibilities, ingenuity and creativity, I have no doubt we will get through these difficult times to a brighter future.