Celebrating Belgian King’s Day in Atlanta: Cheers to New Connections!
Atlanta is buzzing with excitement as the annual King’s Day celebration returns, bringing a vibrant taste of Belgium right to our city! This year, the event is particularly special for the Consulate General of Belgium in Atlanta, celebrating not only a traditional gathering but also marking a significant milestone for the new Consul General, Katherine Raeymaekers. She stepped into her role just a few months ago in August, and what better way to embrace her new position than at this beloved celebration?
A Toast to New Beginnings
As guests clinked glasses filled with delicious Belgian-style beers at Bold Monk Brewing, there was a palpable sense of joy in the air. One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of a thrilling new development for Atlanta: a direct Delta Air Lines flight to Brussels that will kick off in June next year. The news prompted an enthusiastic round of applause from attendees, thrilled at the thought of easier access to Belgium and beyond!
“And don’t forget, by flying into Brussels, you also fly into the capital of the European Union, opening the door to a market of 450 million people,” Ms. Raeymaekers emphasized, making the connection to Belgium’s economic potential clear as day.
Building Bridges with the Southeast
Ms. Raeymaekers is eager to shine a spotlight on Belgium as an innovative economy, ready to strengthen ties with ten states in the Southeast U.S. This isn’t just about good beer and delicious waffles; it’s about serious business! Belgium impressively allocates 3.5 percent of its government budget to research and development, fostering university partnerships that not only conduct cutting-edge research but also cultivate talented graduates.
Guess what? Georgia has become a hotspot for Belgian businesses – nearly 100 Belgian firms have chosen to set up shop here, which has paved the way for job opportunities and collaborative projects. Noteworthy companies like UCB in pharmaceuticals, Beauflor in flooring, and Syensqo in plastics and battery materials have established their presence, symbolizing the excellent reputation of Belgian firms in the competitive U.S. market.
Shining a Light on Belgian Excellence
To promote the remarkable contributions of the Belgian community here, the consulate will soon kick off a social media campaign titled “Belgian Quality in the Southeast”. This initiative aims to highlight the innovative skills and benefits that Belgian companies bring to various sectors. It will feature key players, starting with Solene Jaspard, the new executive director of the Belgian-American Chamber of the South (BACoS), who recently had an enlightening chat with Ms. Raeymaekers.
Art and Diplomacy: A Perfect Pair
Attendees at King’s Day also had a chance to catch a peek of a fascinating display called “The Beginning of the End,” featuring a traveling exhibition on the Battle of the Bulge by the talented Ost-Belgian photographer, Chris Eyre-Walker. This exhibition will be showcased at Kennesaw State University’s Sturgis Library until January 19, providing a thought-provoking glimpse into history.
Staying Grounded in Global Challenges
Ms. Raeymaekers also took a moment to touch on the broader world issues at hand. Considering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, she emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and the international order. “Many communities are ever more polarized,” she stated, reflecting on recent contentious elections in the U.S.
Despite these challenges, Belgium remains committed to nurturing open dialogue and diplomacy. With a history rooted in global connections, it stands proud as a founding member of key international organizations like the EU, NATO, and the U.N.
Celebrating Royal Heritage
King’s Day, celebrated each year on November 15, commemorates the reign of King Philippe, Belgium’s seventh monarch. Last year, a royal delegation led by Princess Astrid brought around 300 Belgian companies to Georgia, followed by a 60-company tech delegation this year. Looks like Belgium’s ties with Atlanta are getting stronger by the day!
Stay Updated!
Don’t forget to follow the Belgian consulate on social media to keep up with all their exciting initiatives! Whether it’s a toast to King’s Day or strengthening business relationships, one thing is certain: Belgium and Atlanta are ready to take on the world, together!
