Meeting of committed companies

At the invitation of Engagierte Stadt Offenbach, representatives of committed companies - including Sparkasse, Fahrradladen Artefakt and Kaffeerösterei Laier - came together in Taunusstraße. Eva Kirchhoff from Etagerie and Ulrike Janssen from Maschenwahn explained their activities as entrepreneurs for the urban community. "Retail is urban culture, we want to give people the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas," says Eva Kirchhoff. Lunch is served four times a week at the large table, but there are also knitting meetings. "You can't live together without a place."

Openness to the outside world revitalizes the neighbourhood, which is also the experience of the other participants. That's something that retail can do well. The panel would like to see more support in some areas, especially when it comes to the sustainability of project ideas.

Ulrike Janssen is all about sustainability. Starting with the supply of her wool, usually with an eco-label, through to the meetings where donated wool is made into hats or sweaters and donated to others. "Knitting is healthy, puts you in a good mood and promotes socializing," says Ulrike Janssen with conviction. But more places are needed, such as district offices or senior citizens' clubs. The participants see many opportunities for cooperation here. Promoting networking and creating networked knowledge, not only among themselves but also with the administration and associations, is a worthwhile goal for the participants in a joint exchange.