26 January 2026
Achtergrondartikelen
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Limburg has three strong regions, four international Brightlands campuses and a powerful entrepreneurial network. Yet the focus is mostly on the south of our province. A shame, according to director Addy Lutgenau and chairman Ron Coenen. Because North Limburg is also bursting with great companies and offers plenty of opportunities. Therefore, they make an appeal to entrepreneurs in the north: let's hear more from you!
LWV is closer than you think
"Many entrepreneurs in North and Central Limburg think of the LWV as a South Limburg association," Addy and Ron tell us. "But LWV was founded over a hundred years ago in Tegelen, our clubhouse is in Roermond and we ourselves are from North and Central Limburg. Our business roots are also here, we take that into our role every day."
For Ron, that connection even prompted him to once join the board of Young LWV. "As a young entrepreneur, I felt that the voice from North Limburg was underrepresented. And if you think something should be different, you should try to change it from within. That's what I would like to pass on to fellow entrepreneurs in the north."
Looking from the inside out
North Limburg has a strong economic base: manufacturing companies, family businesses with international roots, an innovative agri and food sector and global logistics players. Yet this strength is not always fully realized.
"Higher up in the province, we tend to turn our gaze mostly inward," Addy says. "Whereas by looking outward a little more often, we can achieve much more together. The challenges we face are no longer confined to North, Central or South Limburg. They are so big that we can only tackle them as one Limburg. By working together and looking across borders."
Ron adds: "The challenges don't stop at a municipal or regional border. The labor market is one pond. The energy transition is one puzzle. The opportunities in Germany are opportunities for the entire province. If we continue to think in regional boxes, we won't make any progress."
A crossroads of opportunity
The region has a unique position, both emphasize. "Brabant, Gelderland, Germany ... North Limburg is in the middle of an international economic playing field," Addy says. "But that awareness could be stronger. We are strategically situated enormously well, and we have to act accordingly."
Ron: "There are many hidden gems in North Limburg. Beautiful companies that are so innovative that international competitors are watching. We really should show that more often."
An example is the route around Chemelot, which is considered a typical South Limburg project. "But we see this as an opportunity for the whole province," says Ron. "The Delta Rhine Corridor will soon run right through northern and central Limburg. That's why we are lobbying very hard for branch lines and power points in these regions. That way, a project can also solve the energy challenges in the rest of Limburg. A win-win for everyone!"
One Limburg agenda
Ron continues: "Where the local business association ends, the LWV begins. We pick up regional, provincial and sometimes even national themes. That requires organizational strength, and we have it. But it only works if as many entrepreneurs as possible participate. Becoming a member is one thing, participating is two. Only then can you really make a change."
Both hope that Limburg will increasingly function as one economic entity in the coming years. "On the basis of equality, we want to work toward one Limburg agenda," Ron emphasizes. "A good story in which the three regions recognize themselves and in which we work together to create a resilient, future-proof province. LWV has a unique network at its disposal immediately."
The invitation: let's hear from you
"North Limburg: think and participate," Addy and Ron conclude. "We need entrepreneurs who want to get involved. Together we can have more political influence, seize new opportunities and move Limburg forward as a whole."
Do you have ideas, run into challenges or want to meet? Contact Addy and Ron at directie@lwv.nl.
Just wondering what LWV can do for your company?
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