The ink is dry: Together with the Lord Mayor of Idar-Oberstein, Frank Frühauf, the two OIE board members Andreas Berg and Thomas Johann have signed a new sponsorship agreement for the "Idar-Oberstein leuchtet" cultural program. This sealed the partnership for a further three years. "OIE and we belong together, especially with 'Idar-Oberstein leuchtet!', but also in many other areas. Since the very beginning, it has taken over the sponsorship of our cultural festival, so to speak, and not only supports it financially, but has also become an important partner with whom we have a trusting working relationship," explained Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf at the signing ceremony.
Without the support of the regional energy service provider, it would not be possible to continue the festival, which was launched in its current form in 2002. Since then, a wide audience has enjoyed a variety of events with music, dance and theater. "We are proud that we can continue to support the festival. Right now, we want to set an example and help ensure that the majority of the program can continue to be free of charge for visitors. Our employees not only work here, most of them are part of the region, perhaps even neighbors of our customers, they live here in a community with others. For the region to be worth living in for people and for our city to be attractive for new citizens or companies who want to settle here, the environment has to be right, there have to be events, the infrastructure has to be right. Our commitment is one of our contributions to keeping people in a liveable and lovable environment in the region and ensuring that young and old feel at home here. For us, it goes without saying that we not only offer attractive products and services, but also support social, cultural and sporting projects," says OIE CEO Berg. And his colleague, Thomas Johann, is also convinced: "In my opinion, Idar-Oberstein has a very special cultural scene that is second to none, not least thanks to the commitment of the administration, the council and all the volunteers who support it. Art and culture have an important justification: I am sure that we need both to live! That is why we also support special cultural events as an active contribution to urban life, alongside local associations.