Dr Grünewald, you practically started your new job as President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce with the pandemic. What are the new challenges for you?
Yes, it was a start from 0 to 100. But it was also an opportunity, because it is precisely in times of crisis that a Chamber of Industry and Commerce can show what it is there for. Companies need a strong voice and a competent point of contact for their questions and needs. Our coronavirus hotline was available seven days a week for our member companies, especially during the chaotic early days – and we were able to effectively communicate the concerns of our companies to municipal politicians, as well as at the state and federal level.
At trade fairs and events, sales fell to zero from one day to the next due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. The situation is not much better in the hotel and creative industries. Who are you most concerned about?
What has been happening here for a year now is actually unimaginable. We are there for the companies in the affected sectors, and I exchange information with them in video conferences, for example, to keep up to date. It always gets under my skin and I worry about every company that has got into difficulties through no fault of its own. It really annoys me that the aid is so complicated to apply for and sometimes only arrives after months. And I can't understand why companies are being burdened with even more bureaucracy in times of crisis. That's not on.
What are the prospects for the event industry? How are these being worked out with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce?
The worst thing is that there are no clear prospects for these companies either. And this industry is so important for Cologne! I am very impressed by the creative ideas being developed by companies. Our job is to advocate for their implementation in politics and administration. This is somewhat difficult due to the constant new waves, the high incidence figures and the resulting great uncertainty. The safest way to more events is therefore through vaccinations, and for that we need a vaccine.
What needs to be done urgently this year – for event organisers, hoteliers and restaurateurs?
In the short term, aid must be provided so that companies can survive at all. One thing is clear: no company wants people to be infected with coronavirus. I expect politicians and administrators to trust our companies. There are many good concepts that are waiting for permission to be implemented. Hopefully, this will pick up speed as part of the City of Cologne's designation as a model region. We will support our companies in this with all our might.
You are the first female president in the history of Cologne's Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Can a woman at the head of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce help to shape the process of getting more women into management positions in the future?
It is a matter close to my heart that more women reach management positions. The key here is reasonable framework conditions, the right networks and greater visibility of women in top positions. I advocate this in politics and in public – and I particularly encourage young women to found companies, pursue careers and aim for management positions. In principle, anything is possible, but as a woman, sometimes you need a little more staying power.
Imagine everything is back to the way it was before the pandemic hit – what is your favourite place in Cologne?
My favourite place in Cologne is the spire of Cologne Cathedral. It would be a dream come true to stand up there and look down on a vibrant city where no one has to worry about social distancing or the availability of vaccines.