Zeeuws-Vlaanderen: a Unique Region to Live and Work!
For over three years, Ellen van Troost has been enthusiastically committed to helping Zeeuws-Vlaanderen grow and put it on the map. She does this as project secretary within OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen.
'OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen (OZVL) is a network organization in which governments, businesses, and social organizations collaborate. We are a sustainable network that has been active since 2008. Our board consists of the mayors of the three Zeeuws-Vlaanderen municipalities, a representative of the housing corporations, and Rabobank Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. In addition, there is a working group that includes organizations active in the fields of living, working, education, and healthcare.
Strengthening Zeeuws-Vlaanderen as a unique region to live and work from various roles
In my role as project secretary, I have several responsibilities. Spotting issues, placing them in the right hands, and initiating actions where necessary. That is what my different roles are all about. First, I lead the OZVL team focused on promotion. I am also involved in steering working groups that take on specific tasks. We also lobby and organize events. For the most part, we work based on an annual and work plan. We do all this with the aim of promoting joint activities that strengthen Zeeuws-Vlaanderen as a unique region to live and work!
From podcast to policy
The experience and expertise I have gained in the past can be put to excellent use in my role within OZVL. I am good at spotting opportunities and possibilities, but also at analyzing what is happening and what is missing, and then taking action to address it. Sometimes this can be very concrete, for example by creating a podcast for young people about living and working in the region. Sometimes it is more policy-oriented, such as engaging with policy officers and lobbying for a more active housing policy that further stimulates our regional economy.
Brainpower and organizational strength
In the three years I have been active for OZVL, we have already achieved a lot. We have managed to create an active network that gives important issues a platform and develops them further. The brainpower and organizational strength of the network stand out to me. We really know how to find each other. The event 'Let’s Go Onbegrensd' is a fitting example. What we are as OZVL was perfectly reflected there. The visitors to the program with speakers and workshops on cross-border cooperation in living, working, and sustainability were 50/50 Flemish and Dutch. I am very proud of everyone who contributed to this.
Proud of Expat Center Zeeland: a warm welcome for internationals
I am also really proud of the Expat Center Zeeland. Under the OZVL banner, the Expat Center was launched in 2019 at the initiative of various companies, and since last year it has become a facility for all of Zeeland. The Expat Center Zeeland provides a warm welcome for internationals and the regional companies where these internationals work. Internationals are very important for maintaining the size of our workforce. They make a significant contribution to our economy and to maintaining our facilities!
Contact with target groups
Many wonderful moments have passed in recent years. But what I enjoy most is the direct contact with our target groups. I love actually talking to these people during our events. For example, the Meet & Greet with the mayors or the gatherings for internationals that we organize together with Expat Center Zeeland.
Freedom and involvement in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen
In my view, Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is a wonderful region to live and work in. Here, I mainly experience freedom and involvement. Involvement from many people who also find Zeeuws-Vlaanderen a great place and want to contribute to the region. In addition, I experience space and freedom. Space to live here in peace, but also the freedom to develop myself and work on things that matter. I have lived in Leiden and Rotterdam, where you see a lot of competition and hustle. Much has already been thought out and filled in. Here, you see opportunities to realize things yourself. That inspires me. I have found that you can quickly gather good people around you who want to help develop our region. We have now entered the new year, but within OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen we are continuing on our chosen path. The focus remains on living and working, aimed at our three target groups: internationals, young people, and returnees!'
