Standing ovation for a fantastic city ambassador
The Portfolio Awards audience stood to applaud one of Sunderland’s finest business ambassadors as Ralph SaelzerwashonouredwiththeLifetime Achievement award.
Ralph could not be at the event as he was unwell but still took time to thank everyone for the ‘total and utterly unexpected honour’.
He added: “It literally left me speechless and I am absolutely humbled by it.
“I have to say though, it reflects the friendliness, open minded and tolerant attitude of the people of Sunderland. I am working and living in Sunderland for nearly 20 years now after having moved over from Germany and from beginning on, I felt always welcomed and it made it easy to call Sunderland my and my family’s new home.”
Ralphpraisedthepeoplehe has worked with and said the awardwasreallytheirsaswell.
“Withoutthesupportfrom theteamatworkandespeciallyinviewoftheHealthAlliance thesuperbteamatSunderland Council I would not have been abletocontributeinthewayas it worked out. Tonight’s award is hence not mine only but belongs to those guys as well. Thank you!”
The citation for Ralph said: “Sunderland has some fantastic ambassadors who it has taken to its heart, and who – though they aren’t from the city – have become part of the fabric of it. Our lifetime achievement award winner is one such person.”
Ralph is the managing directorofLiebherrSunderland Works, the maritime crane maker on the banks of the Wear which he joined in 2002.
For almost 20 years, he has beenavocalambassadorwhen it comes to supporting businessesinSunderlandtoenable their staff to lead a healthy life.
He has held several voluntary posts such as chair of the SunderlandWorkplaceHealth Alliance and Governor at Sunderland College.
The citation continued: “As more and more businesses begin to wake up to the vital importance of a healthy, motivated, ambitious workforce, Ralph has been a visionary force for many years, helpingtofocusbusinesseson the power of their people and the role they can each play in enabling them to lead healthy lives.”
The award was collected on his behalf by colleague Rudi Cherdron.
‘It literally left me speechless and I am absolutely humbled by it’