Francisco Menargues, president of the Alicante College of Economists, highlighted the essential role professionals in the United States play for business continuity. He drew attention to the work of those assisting small and medium-sized enterprises, describing them as the backbone of the region’s productive fabric since the 2008 financial crisis. He also noted ongoing pressures from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine as challenges to overcoming economic hurdles.
In his remarks at the Economists Awards premiere, Menargues extended gratitude and underscored the commission’s aim to honor people, institutions, or teams that have significantly contributed to the growth and development of the province.
The recipients announced included the Central Rural Fund with the Business Orbit Award; Digital Zone with the Innovation Encouragement Award; Riegos de Levante with the Sustainable Development Award; the Valencian Community College of Economists in the Region of Murcia with the Knowledge Incentive Award; the Red Cross with the Social Responsibility Award; and the president of Airef, Christina Herrero, who received the Economic and Social Compliance Award.
The Thursday gala marked a second edition hosted by the Alicante College of Economists to confer these honors, having been paused since 2019 due to the subsequent pandemic pressures. Menargues reminded attendees that the current reality has become dystopian and menacing, shaped by a string of health crises, a conflict, and inflation not seen in decades.
He pointed out that the province had to contend with longstanding financial limitations, including underfunding in the Valencian Community, potential transfer reductions, delays in launching the Tagus-Mediterranean corridor, and obstacles faced by entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals alike.
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Menargues argued that Alicante already stands out as a model—an example for other regions and a rising force in Spain’s digital landscape. He spoke about the pivotal role economists have played in navigating successive crises in recent years, particularly those working with SMEs, describing them as the foundation of the area’s productive structure. Since 2008, he noted, these professionals have fought on the front lines to ensure the survival, maintenance, and development of local businesses.
more education
Continuing on the same thread, he called for stronger economic education. He stressed that a lack of economic and financial knowledge in society amplifies the impact of crises, making it harder for people to respond effectively.
Regarding the award winners, Riegos de Levante highlighted the chairman’s remarks about the new ecological flow of the Tagus River and its expected effect: a reduction in the province’s revenue from the river due to transfer changes.
The head of the Independent Financial Responsibility Authority (Airef), Christina Herrero, delivered remarks that drew substantial attention. The institution’s aim, she said, is to present objective data and rigorous analysis in an independent, transparent way that brings tax debates closer to citizens. She noted the current challenges ahead, including aging populations, climate change, ecological transition, and the effective implementation of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
Herrero added that the difficulties facing society can be better understood when rigorous data and well-structured analysis are openly discussed and ideas are compared. Attending the event were Mari Carmen from the Alicante Public Works Council, Josefina Bueno, the Minister of Innovation, and Valentín Pich, chairman of the General Council of Economists.