Blog The mayor, during a visit to the company, promised improved communication with entrepreneurs.

"I am a trained mechanical engineer, and my father worked at a gray cast iron foundry in Komárov in Central Bohemia, so visiting a foundry and other manufacturing facilities wasn't entirely unfamiliar to me,"

said Jiří Svoboda, the mayor of České Budějovice, after his visit to MOTOR JIKOV GROUP.
He participated in the mayor's business meetings organized by the Regional Office of the Czech Chamber of Commerce České Budějovice. Besides touring MOTOR JIKOV Slévárna a.s. and MOTOR JIKOV Fostron a.s. manufacturing facilities, he also discussed with representatives of MOTOR JIKOV Group a.s. about what the city can do for companies and how to improve communication between the town hall and entrepreneurs.

"Like many other companies, we are struggling with a shortage of workers. In this regard, the town hall can be helpful if we can establish České Budějovice as an attractive city where people want to relocate, not just for work. The solution can be simple, but it may no longer be so easy and quick to implement, involving offering quality schools, hassle-free transportation, and ample leisure opportunities," stated Michal Šebek, Director of Strategic Purchasing at MOTOR JIKOV Group a.s. "In this context, it is crucial to develop a strategic city plan, its vision, and whether companies and entrepreneurs are involved in the process," added Michal Šebek.

"I agree that companies should have a say in the plan's development. For example, KOOH-I-NOOR envisions leaving its manufacturing facilities in the city center, which is a major change, and we must consider this when creating the plan," emphasized Mayor Jiří Svoboda, who also pledged better cooperation between the city and the Regional Office of the Czech Chamber of Commerce (ObHK) České Budějovice. Currently, the ObHK unites over 400 entrepreneurs and companies from the České Budějovice region. "We are a strong business association and would like to collaborate with the city. It’s now up to you to find a suitable platform for cooperation," urged the mayor during the meeting, addressed to Chairman of the ObHK Board Miloslav Kamiš.