BARCELONA, SPAIN - On 4th of February, Amat Immobiliaris celebrated their 65th anniversary at La Pedrera, the fantastic building located in Passeig de Gràcia and designed by Antoni Gaudi. It was a celebration focused mainly as a tribute to the first generation of the family, Concepció Viuda Amat, without her perseverance the company would never have reached this anniversary.
Concepció Viuda Amat deserved this tribute. The company was founded by her husband, Joan Amat in 1948, but he died suddenly in 1952. The company was just four years old, Concepció had a two year old daughter, Imma Amat, and the second daughter, Joana Amat, was born just a day after Joan Amat was buried. Concepció decided to continue with the company, and in eight days she visited all the clients, some of them ceased to work with Amat Immobiliaris just because she was a woman. This was the Spain of the 50s.
Dialogue between economists and entrepreneurs moderated by Antoni Bassas. Left to right: Antoni Bassas, Oriol Amat, Elisenda Paluzie, Miquel Puig, Ramon Carbonell, Cesar Molins, and Nuria Basi.
The celebration was elegant and emotional at the same time, and thanks to the 280 attendees (clients, businessmen, real estate colleagues, family and friends) the celebration was very special.
Imma and Joana Amat (second generation and current CEOs of Amat Immobiliaris) started the event with a warm welcome speech and a very sentimental explanation of the company’s history and values, these values which are still visible in the daily business of Amat Immobiliaris. The event was divided in three main parts, the three life passions of the second generation of the company, business-economy, culture and social responsibility.
The first part was dedicated to business-economy. There was a round table with three well-known economists (Oriol Amat, Elisenda Paluzie and Miquel Puig) and three well-known businessmen from family companies (Ramón Carbonell, Cesar Molins and Núria Basi). These dialogues were moderated by the prestigious journalist Antoni Bassas. A lot of interesting comments and ideas were made, one of which being that for every 2,000 Catalan companies, only 1 lasts 65 years or more, and that’s only possible when a company is able to periodically renovate itself.
The cultural part was lead by the unique poet and family friend, Joan Margarit. He gave a brilliant introduction highlighting the importance of culture and knowledge today, and how there is a lack of them in today’s society. Joan Margarit, reciting his poems, transmitted his power and emotion. At the end, just after the poetry reading, Amat Immobiliaris was honoured by the President of Catalonia, Mr. Artur Mas, who gave the closing speech. His words were very important and emotional as he cited them as an example in the real estate sector. He also said they were an example, in a wider context, for their company values, work and consistency.
The climax of the event came when the President Mr. Mas handed a bouquet to Concepció Viuda Amat and all the attendees gave a large applause in homage of her.
The last part of the event was a cocktail party for all the attendees. It was organized by a social foundation which Amat Immobiliaris collaborated with during 2013. This foundation helps young people with difficult lives learn cookery and service. They also highlighted eleven more foundations that they collaborated with each month last year.
The cultural part was also complemented by a sculpture exhibition next to the cocktail area, it was organized by Espai de Creació Lliure Carme Malaret, and the music played by the Orquestra Fusió Sant Cugat during the cocktail.
Click here to view photos from the event.