The 58th GZS Awards Ceremony took place on March 5th at 6 p.m., in Linhart Hall at Cankarjev dom.
The GZS Award for Outstanding Economic and Entrepreneurial Achievements for 2025 was awarded to:
Tomaž Gornik, Better
Drago Pintar, Uniforest
Andraž Krajnc, Caretronic
Andraž Rumpret, Iskra PIO
Blaž Brodnjak, NLB
As stated at the ceremonial award presentation by the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS), Tibor Šimonka, “the Slovenian economy has a big heart. Entrepreneurs and companies, together with their employees, demonstrate their dedication to our society not only through their work but also by supporting culture, sports, local communities and charitable causes.”
At the same time, he pointed out that companies are facing rapid changes and exceptionally strong global competition. Many businesses strive to maintain operations and preserve jobs in the fight for contracts, even at the expense of financial returns. Instead of having a stable and predictable domestic business environment in such circumstances, he noted, “we are witnessing increasing burdens and more difficult business conditions. The declining trend in economic growth in recent years and low levels of investment are a clear warning that stability cannot be taken for granted. The trend of catching up with the EU average is slowing down, we are relatively falling behind, and we are losing our development potential.”
For a new momentum in the economy, he stressed that the attitude towards business leaders, entrepreneurs and craftsmen must change, and companies together with their employees must be allowed to “breathe with full lungs.” Only a successful economy, he said, can guarantee the development of the country and the social prosperity of society.
“That is precisely why the achievements of tonight’s award recipients deserve even greater respect. Because they do not give up in these circumstances. Despite the pressures, they continue to develop their companies, seek new paths, care for their employees and contribute to the well-being of society as a whole.”
The guests were also addressed by the President of the Republic, Nataša Pirc Musar, as the keynote speaker.
“The state, employers and trade unions must sit at the same table with a clear goal: to seek solutions that will make Slovenia more resilient, more competitive and fairer. This means investing more in a partnership between the state, the economy and employees—one that can rise above short-term interests in favour of long-term stability and prosperity.”
She added that she often stresses that a strong welfare state is only possible with a strong and resilient economy.
“If the economy is doing well, all of us—and our wonderful country—can do better as well. I repeat this constantly, yet I have the feeling that some still do not understand it. As President of the Republic, it is my duty to encourage dialogue between the state, the economy and representatives of employees. Therefore, tonight I can announce that strengthening this dialogue and cooperation will be one of my first initiatives to the new government and to the parties that will be elected to the National Assembly. Slovenia needs a development agreement that will go beyond individual mandates and daily politics,” President Pirc Musar said on at the ceremonial award presentation on March 5th, 2026.
Source: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS)
