Last week I published an article that had a wide impact on the networks, and I think it is necessary to make some clarifications. A modern company of this century is a space in which interests are shared with shareholders, workers, suppliers, customers, social and environmental environment. It is reasonable therefore, that each defend their own, but always without losing sight of shared interests.
To begin, I want to show my utmost respect to both the taxi drivers collective and to the professionals of the Local Police of Dénia. The former contribute decisively with their work to the development and operation of our city, and the latter perform a very important task, guaranteeing the safety and peaceful coexistence of our municipality. In both cases, they are part of our interest groups: some because they provide a fundamental service to our clients, and to others because we share objectives. Their interests are as legitimate as those of any other group or citizen.
I think it's reasonable to ask the same respect for me and the company I chair, as well as hundreds of families who live directly or indirectly from it, our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders benefit from our activities.
With shared interests I mean, for example, the impact of the activity of the port of Dénia (last year 348.892 passengers and 94.459 vehicles passed through it, figures that this year we hope to exceed) for hotels, restaurants, shops, transport and others Dénia services and the Marina Alta. An activity that implies, in turn, a significant number of induced jobs and a promotion for the city, as the port of Dénia is the main sea port for passengers with the Balearic Islands.
Another example of shared interest would be the Panseta, that last year gave free service to 80.829 people (this year we hope to reach the 100.000), both customers of Baleària as citizens The level of user satisfaction with this solar ship, which decongests traffic from the seafront, reduces the CO2 emission rate, and has as its main mission to facilitate the accessibility of passengers to the city center, is very high.
Moreover, Baleària 140 has approved suppliers of Dénia and Marina Alta, which in 2014 invoiced the shipping company worth 11 million euros, with an estimated direct impact on employment of 150 workers. The maintenance or growth of port activity will be good news for these suppliers and their workers.
The contribution to the Public Administration in fees and charges for the concession of public space and for the units transported, in the year 2014 amounted to more than 2,3 million euros, annual contribution that we intend to overcome in successive years. The capacity of the port to generate traffic not only benefits the company, but also the public finances and all the interest groups that depend, totally or partially, on the good progress of passenger and vehicle traffic. We cannot forget that the port of Dénia competes with that of Valencia (where they serve Baleària and other companies) and with air transport, and therefore an adequate and comfortable service for passengers is essential to improve the competitiveness of the port and generate more traffic. For this, Puerto Natura (concessionary company of the commercial docks and participated in the 100% by Baleària) has invested in the last two years 8,5 million euros in the new facilities of the port; an investment that aims to continue in the coming years until reaching the 12 million euros, with the sole objective of improving the competitiveness of our port.
It is recalled that Baleària, faithful to its founding roots, maintains its headquarters in Dénia, 200 maintaining local jobs, between land and sea, many of whom are highly qualified and permanent training update. This represents an annual wage bill of 5 million euros, and involves a significant pay social contributions and taxes on income of individuals. In addition, the most important part of the money generated by these workers consumed in Dénia and surrounding areas, in the form of leisure, housing, food or education.
For these reasons, we will continue working and humbly defending our legitimate interests (which are those of our employees, our suppliers, our customers and those of other stakeholders), without prejudice and with pride.
Finally, I claim my right to defend myself against some furious and inconsistent reactions against me and I intend to defend the interests and sincerely thank the argued and rational opinions. A society, a country, a city, just progresses from reason, respect and democracy; These are the values I stand and I'm sure I share with the vast majority of society in the Marina Alta. If I've overstepped my statements at some point, I take this opportunity to move my sincere apologies to all those who have been offended.
Adolfo Utor
President of Baleària
