Guest Article by Victoria Weber
Hünfeld's 24th Business Networking Event tackles economic challenges head-on
A full house at Hünfeld's Lokschuppen event hall: The 24th Business Networking Event hosted by the city of Hünfeld put networking and forging connections at the heart of the evening.
Around 150 entrepreneurs from Hünfeld, along with representatives from politics and the skilled trades, enjoyed a lively evening of engaging conversations, fine food, and an insightful lecture by lawyer Holger Wirthwein. The event was jointly organized by the city of Hünfeld and the Allianz General Agency, led by Michael Wehner.
"These are challenging times we live in," Mayor Benjamin Tschesnok emphasized in his opening remarks. While global developments may be beyond our control, he stressed that "what we can do—and here I see politics and business sharing a joint responsibility—is to tackle our local tasks with care and foresight."
He called on policymakers to establish reliable frameworks that provide businesses with the predictability they need to make sound decisions.
Thorsten Krämer, Master Craftsman of the Fulda District Guild, observed, "We have been navigating economically difficult times since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic." Today, he noted, we live in a world where war and suffering have once again become everyday realities.
First District Commissioner Frederik Schmitt described the current era as volatile, presenting equal challenges to both local policymakers and businesses.
"All the more reason why it's crucial to come together regularly and engage in dialogue," Schmitt said, highlighting the vital role of events like the Business Networking Meeting. He also underscored Hünfeld's significance as the Konrad-Zuse-Stadt (Konrad Zuse City) for the region: "After the city of Fulda, Hünfeld is the most important economic hub—and the most vital educational center for the Fulda district."
Michael Wehner introduced the Allianz General Agency in Hünfeld, which has been operating since 1999. He focused particularly on corporate pension schemes and occupational retirement provisions. "Our priority is not just to offer expert advice, but to do so with honesty," emphasized Wehner, a trained banker.
The evening's highlight was an entertaining yet informative lecture by Holger Wirthwein, a criminal defense lawyer from Koblenz. Using real-world examples, he illustrated just how quickly business owners can find themselves under investigation—whether triggered by a tax audit, a customs inspection, or an anonymous tip from a competitor.
"Today, the risk of criminal liability is an inherent part of entrepreneurial activity," Wirthwein explained, stressing that companies must be structured in ways that inherently prevent wrongdoing. A robust internal control system is essential, he argued. "Who among you checks your employees' driver's licenses when they use a company car?" he asked rhetorically, before adding: "You must verify those licenses—and do so regularly."
If an employee were to cause a fatal accident in a company vehicle, he warned, criminal investigators would scrutinize whether the business had ensured the driver was licensed. "A corporate offense can also be a crime of omission," he cautioned. While delegation is necessary, entrepreneurs must also maintain oversight.
"If I tell a site foreman to remove all faulty scaffolding, that's one thing. But I also need to go and check that it's been done," he said. "I'm not here to scare you—I'm here to raise awareness."
Wirthwein also emphasized the importance of exercising the right to remain silent if faced with an investigation—and always securing legal representation, even if innocent. He advised businesses to develop crisis management strategies, keep an emergency plan on hand, and discuss protocols with staff—for instance, what to do if customs officials show up unannounced.
After the lecture, guests took the opportunity to mingle over drinks, canapés, and a candy bar.
Earlier in the evening, chimney sweep Norbert Böth from Weimar an der Lahn passionately promoted the Glückstour ("Luck Tour") initiative, where chimney sweeps raise funds for children with cancer. With around eight million euros collected to date, the Glückstour ranks among Germany's largest private aid campaigns. Each year, volunteer cyclists cover over 1,000 kilometers to gather donations from businesses, institutions, trade guilds, and the public. On Thursday, May 28, the tour will make a stop in Hünfeld.
