Telitec, Euro Weekly News and Spectrum join others in recession-busting idea in Javea

EWN recently featured a stirring story about one man’s declaration of war against the downturn in the Spanish economy.

He didn’t join the riots in Madrid; he didn’t dodge rubber bullets in Barcelona, he didn’t end up with a bloody head in Valencia and he certainly didn’t down tools during the general strike.

Jorge Camps took the only effective means at his disposal to demonstrate his frustration at the negativity of making demands that realistically cannot be met.

He offered his vacant commercial premises in Javea rent free to any deserving applicant for a period of three years or when unemployment has been reduced by one million.

When we contacted the 36-year-old property owner at his home in Denia, he told the EWN: “We believe times are changing and we must dispense with inherent attitudes that money grows on trees. At the end of the day we need to generate local wealth, not violence.”

A refreshing attitude in direct contrast to the general attitude adopted by landlords who refuse to negotiate the often exorbitantly high rental costs or terms of repayment set in more affluent times, resulting in thousands of premises left standing empty, creating less job opportunities and loss of local revenue.

The resulting feedback has been overwhelming. Jorge’s originally unassuming offer has captured the imagination of EWN readers up and down the Costas.

Jan McDowell Edmondson, CEO of Telitec Communications said, “Let’s get Spain back on its feet. I can only applaud Jorge’s attitude and decision to make a stand. We will join Jorge in this philanthropic gesture by offering free internet and mobiles, plus Telitec cloud storage to any approved new tenant, plus a link on our website.”

Alan Goswell, President of the Costa Blanca Business Association (CBBA) a one- stop-shop representing more than 30 trades and businesses, also registered his support by offering special dispensation to new tenants using CBBA services.

Other offers included a free graphic design service by courtesy of the woman’s magazine Female Focus, second- hand furniture from Michael’s in Javea, 500 full colour business cards from Positive Signs and Designs of Moraira.

The Euro Weekly News teamed up with Spectrum FM Radio promising the successful tenant a combined free three-week advertising campaign, plus many more who asked to be kept in the picture.

Support for Camps family then went an important step further when Javea Mayor Jose Chulvi contacted the EWN suggesting he meet Jorge to discuss the possibility of adapting the initiative as a complete business package for the town’s business community.

He revealed Javea had already negotiated with several landlords in the old town to release newly decorated empty shops at basic rental values and were offering a tax free fast-track start-up scheme to encourage new business.

Later, Mayor Chulvi said that discussions had opened all sorts of new avenues of thought and that the council would be considering their options for a possible autumn initiative.

For further information, including total free offers, list of contractors and suppliers and copy of proposed contract, visit: www.hastaqueseacabelacrisis.com

EWN Exclusive by Benny Davis