AEFA Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Gala Gathering Over 300 Representatives of Alicante's Family Businesses

AEFA, the Family Business Association of Alicante Province, celebrated its 30th anniversary with a commemorative gala in Alicante. The emotional gathering brought together over 300 members and collaborators to honour three decades of commitment to defending and strengthening family businesses in the province.

The event featured moments of celebration and reflection on the history, achievements, and values that have defined AEFA since its establishment in 1995 by Mr. Manuel Peláez Castillo and 32 family business owners. A commemorative video was shown, interactive activities with the audience were conducted by Zapata Tenor, and a special distinction was awarded to member companies that have been part of the association for over 25 years.

The distinguished companies included: Actiu, Algar Motor - Primoti, Cercin, CT Consejeros Tributarios, Ecisa Corporación Empresarial, Ferri Villena, Gibeller, Grupo ESOC, Grupo Inden, Grupo Sala, Grupo Ventura / Veta, J'hayber, Luis Moltó, Maisa Promociones Inmobiliarias, Pérez Cerdá, Recuperaciones Tolón, Sirvent Almendras, Soro Bonmatí, Suministros Farell, Terrapilar, and Vectalia.

In her speech, AEFA President Maite Antón highlighted that "it is a day of celebration, of sharing a moment of joy with people who share a common vision: the importance of family businesses and the need to strengthen them." She emphasized the association's beginnings, praising Mr. Manuel Peláez as "a person with great judgement and extraordinary vision," and those who fought alongside him to create AEFA.

"At that time, our values were defined," the president recounted, "economic and political independence, the ability to constantly transform and educate, values that have been maintained over the years." Antón also recalled the work of her predecessor, Francisco Gómez, "who has been a great promoter of the association and the structuring and strength of our province, and whom I deeply admire."

Maite Antón highlighted some of the milestones achieved over these 30 years, such as the creation of two family business chairs at UA and UMH, being the first association to have two chairs; the establishment of the first National Congress, the development of the Forum for younger members, the holding of the first international congress, the commitment to 'Family Business in the Classroom', the creation of its Ethical Code, the launch of AEFA Senior, and the creation of the first Club and Gala of centenary companies in Spain. "And so many other things that over these 30 years have meant activity, dynamism, and a transformative and innovative character," Antón recounted.

"But it's not just about activity, it's also about essence. When so many collaborators over time emphasize how special our association is, you realize that those essential values emanating from family, love, unity, and vision are what make us special, and this is the result of each and every member, collaborator, each board... all the people who have worked for AEFA, who have helped and supported us," continued the AEFA president.

Maite Antón expressed her gratitude to the collaborators for their constant commitment to Alicante's family businesses and AEFA, specifically acknowledging Banco Sabadell, represented by Fernando Canós, Deputy General Director and Eastern Territorial Director, for their support of the gala.

The gala was attended by the Executive Director General of the Family Business Institute (IEF), José Luis Blanco, highlighting the close connection between the IEF and all the regional family business associations in Spain. During the event, AEFA's role as the first regional family business association created in Spain and as a strong voice in defending the province's productive fabric was reaffirmed.

The 30th anniversary marks a new impetus to continue working. As the president said: "we are here because we are reaping the fruits of the seeds that have been planted in this association for 30 years. And so we will continue to reap, because every day we will continue to plant, and today we are proud of our past and excited about our future. That is what family businesses are, that is AEFA," concluded Maite Antón.

AEFA is the association that represents and defends the interests of family businesses in the province of Alicante. Founded in 1995, the association's mission is to promote the continuity of family businesses and strengthen their presence in the provincial economic fabric. AEFA has 192 member companies and is a benchmark in the defence and promotion of family business values.