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Valais wants to counteract the decline in membership with a club fair. In focus: the newcomers.
In the Lonza Arena in Visp (VS) there is a hustle and bustle of voices, visitors walk from stand to stand. 48 clubs present their activities here: from the karate club to the Guggenmusik to the Association for International Walserism.
Legend:
Foreigners are also welcome at the stand of the International Association for Walserdom.
SRF/Ruth Seeholzer
The latter has many members, but still wanted to present itself. “We have already had numerous conversations with Germans and that is nice because we Walsers originally come from the German country,” says club member Peter Meyer. However, the club is open to everyone, not just the typical Walser. “Eating and drinking something in a peaceful place is what it’s all about,” says Meyer.
More and more newcomers
It is the second time that the pharmaceutical company Lonza is holding a club trade fair. The background: The Lonza location in Visp is growing rapidly – and with it the number of people moving to the Upper Valais. Skilled workers come from far away to work for the large corporation in the Rhone Valley. “We want our new employees to integrate into the region and build a network,” says Michelle Bilgischer, who is responsible for diversity and inclusion at Lonza.
We want our new employees to integrate into the region
The Krone family, for example, moved here from Germany. He works at Lonza, she at the Valais Hospital. When the family moved to Upper Valais four years ago, Corona had just brought public life to a standstill. That wasn’t easy, says Claudia Krone. That’s why she appreciates the club fair even more. “I’m guided by personal interests,” she says, “I really enjoy sewing, for example.”
The trade fair attracts interest
Stroll around, get inspired – there are numerous offers at the club fair. Including from the Natural Research Society of Upper Valais, which offers scientific lectures for a wide audience. “If we gain ten new members, we will be more than happy,” says club president Paul Hanselmann. And in fact: in the evening all the brochures at the Natural Sciences Society stand are gone.
Legend:
The Natural Research Society of Upper Valais is hoping for new members who work for the pharmaceutical company Lonza.
SRF/Ruth Seeholzer
From Chile to Valais – Lonza employee Johann Blanc made this journey eight years ago. He noticed very quickly: In Valais, integration works through the clubs. That’s why he joined a football club in Visperterminen and hasn’t regretted this step to this day. “I was surprised at how well I was received.”
The organizing committee of the club fair drew a positive conclusion the day after. But it is still unclear whether the event will have a permanent place on the Upper Valais agenda. After all, last year the 45 clubs were able to accept around 90 new members following the trade fair; an average of two new members per club.