On Monday, twelve companies and 15 non-profit organizations gathered in the “golden hall” of Haus Altenberg. Their common goal: to do “good business” – without any money. During the one-hour negotiation phase, the topic of money was strictly taboo.

The “Good Business” campaign, originally launched by the Bertelsmann Foundation, is an initiative that brings companies and charitable organizations together on so-called “marketplaces” to promote cooperation. Instead of money, commitment flows here in the form of contributions in kind, know-how, manpower and working hours. This is called “networking”.

Michael Becker, Deputy District Administrator, was there for the second time and emphasized: “Networks are particularly important these days. For exchange and mutual support.”

A major supporter of the event, which is organized by Tanja Siebert and Christian Gollmer, is the Dr. Jürgen Rembold Foundation from Rösrath, whose purpose is to promote civic engagement.  Rembold shared from his own experience how valuable a good network can be: “Tanja Siebert has been an active member of our board for some time now”.

This is often worth more than money.

The foundation has awarded a prize in recognition of particularly successful collaborations. The “flotte Kiste” association, supported by Katrin Füchsel from Rigana, the Overath reading promotion organization, accompanied by Maja Supe-Dienes from Dienes Werke, and the “Café Leichtsinn” with her partner Maria Wolff from the “phantasiali” tailoring shop were each awarded 200 euros. They signed the mutual support agreement last year.

Two small and very specific examples from this year’s marketplace: The Christian Association of Young People (CVJM) was looking for space to dry tents. “It’s hard to do that in the garden, there’s not much space and we need dry weather. it would be much easier in a hall,” Sophie and Philipp reported. In return, they offered staff support for an event. Or “Die Kette” e.V., which offers training on mental illness and is looking for better networking opportunities and old electrical appliances.

During the one-hour phase, which took place in the style of speed dating, there was a lot of hustle and bustle. Management consultant Christian Gollmer had suggested beforehand: “Please don’t block your conversation partner for too long, others may also want to talk to them.” Finally, the agreements were recorded in writing. This contains the exact project dates and times, the number of employees involved, the estimated working hours and the expenditure for value and material resources.

At the bottom is the signature, as in a legally valid contract. The “notary” checks the agreements and signs them. It is important that everyone agrees that the provision of a service is not dependent on the provision of a service in return.

Tanja Siebert from the non-profit and globally operating AMAIDI International gGmbH suggests following the results on the website or on Instagram.

She is also pleased that, in addition to the Rembold Foundation, the Kreissparkasse Köln, the Rheinisch-Bergische Kreis, the municipality of Odenthal and Haus Altenberg are also supporting the campaign.