The Association of Managers of Montenegro (AMM) organized a traditional event for the ninth time in a row, during which annual awards were presented to the most successful managers, entrepreneurs and employers for their business results achieved during 2024.
Awards were given in several categories: manager of the year in large companies, joint-stock companies, medium-sized, small and micro enterprises, in companies that are majority owned by the state, in the field of corporate governance, as well as in the categories entrepreneur of the year, young manager, project manager, best employer tailored to children and families, and education and training institutions.
President of the Association of Managers of Montenegro Budimir Raickovic He said that today, recognition is not given only for success, but for the courage to create while others give up.
"Unfortunately, we still live and work in an environment where it is easier to be noisy than excellent. Where political upheavals are more common than development ideas. Where we talk about the future, but we persistently dwell on the past, fighting the long-overdue battles of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers. We need to stop defending the past, live in the present and start creating the future. While our entrepreneurs, managers and employers are rapidly creating jobs, improving their businesses, and investing in innovation, the system often does not keep up with their pace. As such, it is not lagging behind Europe and the world - but also behind its own economy," said Raičković.
He added that knowledge, integrity and leadership must become the basis for advancement and decision-making, the AMM said.
"We do not have modern roads, nor the key infrastructure necessary for rapid development. While kilometers of highways are being built in our neighborhood, airports are being modernized, and hydroelectric power plants are being built, we are still discussing projects that have not gone beyond the announcement stage for years. We are technologically lagging behind, and the world is changing faster than ever - full of challenges, but also opportunities that we must not miss. If we do not keep up with the times, we will lose much more than the market - we will lose people, ideas, and the future," said Raičković.
Mayor of Podgorica Saša Mujović He said that entrepreneurs are the locomotive of development and the generator of progress.
"The future of this city and country depends on your skill. From your perspective, everything looks beautiful, but I want to emphasize the other side, the burden and pressure you carry. I am with you, and I want to clearly convey that I respect you - because without your support, my capacities would be significantly limited. We need people like you, those who think long-term and motivate those around them. Leaders are characterized by a winning spirit, the spirit that makes you strive for success. I want you to remain that way - to be a model and inspiration for generations to come," said Mujović.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Djelosaj He said that being among the best is an honor and a privilege.
"Entrepreneurship is the engine of development, your participation is crucial for economic growth. Entrepreneurs are the ones who contribute to economic development and create new jobs."
Đeljošaj presented the award to the entrepreneur of the year, the general director of Agromont - Božidar Jokić, who said that despite the fact that Montenegro has enormous potential, our country does not have an established agriculture as the most important branch, the statement says.
"Yet, in such circumstances, thanks to vision, dedication, work and will, we have created the best egg and animal feed industry in the region and we will not stop there," said Jokić. He dedicated the award to his family and employees.
The award was also presented to the entrepreneur of the year, the founder of NTC Logistics - To Ranko Jovović who dedicated the award to his father, who, as he said, was a pioneer in Montenegrin IT who passed on wisdom and experience to him.
"True success requires vision, hard work and overcoming challenges. We want to build a home for employees and society," said Jovović.
The CEO of Okova was named Manager of the Year in Large Companies. Gojko Bajovic.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors (BoD) of Addiko Bank was elected Manager of the Year in Joint Stock Companies - Christoph Shen Nice), who expressed immense pride in the employees.
The Managers of the Year in the field of corporate governance are: President of the Board of Directors of Lovćen Bank - Miloš Miketić, Executive Director of GRAWE Non-Life Insurance - Ivan Lero. Manager of the Year in Mid-Size Businesses Founder and CEO of Castellana Co. Anton Vuljaj, while the Small Business Manager of the Year is the founder and CEO of Milo&Chayse - Bojan Joketic.
Managers of the Year in Micro Enterprises are the founder and CEO - House of Fashion and Beauty - Zoran Vukcevic and founder and CEO of Communication Studio Cassiopeia - Adriana Husic.
The Manager of the Year in companies majority owned by the state is the Director of the Local Public Broadcaster Radio and Television Nikšić - Nikola Markovic. Young Managers of the Year are: founder and CEO of Klikovac - Miloš Klikovac and founder and CEO of Pelenigić Trade - Kristina Pelengic Popovic.
The most child- and family-friendly employer is Nelt MNE, the best institution for education and training is University of MontenegroThe Project Manager of the Year is the founder and CEO of Bixbit doo - Stevan Shandi.
The event took place under the institutional patronage of the Government.
"This award promotes exceptional achievements in the fields of leadership, innovation and corporate social responsibility and represents the most prestigious business recognition at the national level awarded by the profession. The event was marked by an exceptional attendance of nearly 400 guests, representatives of the Government, the Capital City, local governments, the highest representatives of the diplomatic corps, business organizations, companies, media and others," the statement reads.
A stand-up performance was held: “Entrepreneurial Spirit on Crutches.” Actor Branko Ilić showed through a sketch how entrepreneurship works in Montenegro.
The gala ceremony for the AMM annual awards for 2024 was held in Podgorica.
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