This Wednesday, Alicante’s Main Theater hosted the Centennial Companies Gala, recognizing six long-established provincial businesses with more than a century of history behind them. The evening also became a stage for expressed concerns, as business leaders urged politicians to cool political tensions that might dampen economic activity. Carlos Mazón, president of the Generalitat, pressed for better treatment of the province from the central government, pointing to what he called historic challenges tied to the country’s investment agreements with independent groups.
Carmencita from Novelda, founded in 1923; from Santa Pola, Astondoa, established in 1916; Hormas Beneit from Elda, dating back to 1920; Imperial Rugs and Carpets from Crevillent, since 1923; Hilaturas Jordá of Alcoy, in operation since 1896; and Camisería Benavent from Alicante, founded in 1905. These brands have endured a long journey, weathering wars and epidemics alike, and they stand as living testimonies to resilience and steady growth. Their stories reveal how a company can adapt, survive, and even thrive during times of crisis, turning challenges into lasting momentum and notable trajectories of success.
Tribute was paid to these enterprises during the fourth edition of the Centennial Companies Gala, held in a full Main Theater. The event, organized by the Alicante Chamber of Commerce and the Alicante Family Business Association (AEFA), was supported by the Provincial Assembly, Cajamar, and Alicante City Council, with cooperation from KPMG, Padima, the Trade Museum, and BİLGİ. Representatives from involved institutions and the business community attended, and the gathering also became a public forum where key demands were voiced.
Mazón emphasized the importance of the gala for the participating companies, noting that challenging conditions require a focus on issues such as insufficient investment in the province, excessive bureaucracy, and high taxes. Political stability and sound policy are seen as essential to allowing companies to grow and innovate.
Carlos Baño, head of the department, spoke about the need for steadiness in governance. He criticized what he described as political force being used to maintain power and urged a stable environment so firms can carry out their activities without interruption. He also thanked the council for abolishing the Inheritance and Gift Tax, highlighting how such reforms can ease the path for family-owned enterprises.
AEFA president Maite Antón commented on the broader political context, noting that these are difficult times that demand a clear, calm, and determined approach while avoiding tension. Her words underscored the importance of a stable environment for business continuity and long-term planning.
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During the event, Nuria Montes, the Minister of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, highlighted the value of celebrating century-old companies and the talent that sustains longevity. Alicante’s mayor, Luis Barcala, described the gala as a reunion with the productive spirit that defines the city. Deputy State for Economic Development Carlos Pastor spoke about the region’s wealth-creating capacity, while Cajamar’s regional manager Manuel Nieto stressed that the sustained, century-long performance of these firms stems from their ability to reinvent themselves and adapt to changing circumstances.
Awards
In the awards ceremony, Baño, Montes, and Ángel Paredes of KPMG presented honors to Carmencita’s executives Jesús Navarro Navarro and Jesús Navarro Alberola, along with Francisco Escudero. Benavent’s leadership team, including Luis Barcala, Vicente Benavent Pertusa, and Carlos Benavent Pertusa, also received recognition. The awards extended to Salvi Pastor and María del Remedio Magro Pérez-Adsuar of Imperial Rugs and Carpets, and to Ione Astondoa and Jesús Astondoa of Astondoa. Hilaturas Jordá’s José and Miguel Jordá were acknowledged under the governance of Carlos Pastor, while Hormas Beneit was celebrated with Julio Beneit Maestre receiving the distinction on behalf of the firm. The event highlighted how family-owned and long-established businesses crystallize long-term value through continuity, reinvention, and steady leadership, even amid political and economic upheavals.