Apfeldorf receives the “Heimatdorf Quality Seal” - and 60,000 euros

The municipality of Apfeldorf has received a special award: it has received the “Heimatdorf” seal of approval.

The Bavarian-wide award for quality of life and homeland is given annually by the Bavarian State Ministry of Finance and Homeland.

Apfeldorf

- “This is a great appreciation of our community,” said Mayor Gerhard Schmid, who, together with his deputy Evi Baab, was able to receive the award from Minister of Finance and Home Affairs Albert Füracker. "This is an award that I'm particularly happy about," emphasized the mayor. "We were impressed with the presentation of our local development," said Schmid with satisfaction.

Together with the seal of approval, the municipality received prize money of 60,000 euros - which the municipality can of course use for its projects.

With the competition “Gütesiegel Heimatdorf 2021” and the earmarked cash bonus, quality of life and a sense of home are to be promoted locally and above-average civic commitment is recognized.

At the same time, the attractive small communities are to be brought more into the limelight and thus also serve as models for other communities.

One of 14 excellent municipalities

The focus is also on promoting and securing equal living and working conditions in town and country. “We have really strong and creative home villages in Bavaria with ideas for future projects. Creating and maintaining equal living conditions - this is not only anchored in our Bavarian constitution, but a common task, ”said Minister of State Füracker at the presentation of the award in Munich in the All Saints Court Church of the Residenz.

A total of 14 municipalities from all over Bavaria were awarded - including two from Upper Bavaria: Apfeldorf and Kirchweidach in the Altötting district.

Communities with up to 3,000 inhabitants could apply for the competition “Gütesiegel Heimatdorf 2021”.

In a four-stage application process, two municipalities per administrative district were selected by a jury (consisting of the district president and the district council president of the respective administrative district together with the home ministry), which offer the best future prospects for their residents.

Village community center and regional brand

In addition to quality of life and a feeling of being close to home, the planned use of the premium to further improve the “equivalent living conditions” on site was assessed.

As for this, the State Ministry stated: “The municipality of Apfeldorf wants to use the bonus to expand the village community center and activate the inner-city footpaths.

In addition, the regional idea is to be strengthened with the development of a regional brand and thus local products and businesses are to be strengthened. "

Mayor Schmid explained that the community wanted to improve the local supply.

In addition, investments should be made in the area of ​​local recreation.

And something will certainly be done for children and young people too.

Volunteering is very important

As far as the development of the regional brand is concerned, Schmid added: “I think we should market more regionally again.” The best example is the egg station of the apple village maker Bastian Geisbauer.

"But there are 100 other things."

As part of the award ceremony for the communities, Füracker also emphasized the importance of volunteering: "With the 'Heimatdorf' seal of approval, we honor the special commitment of the residents in our communities." "Bavaria is a unique home with a high quality of life and many special treasures : Cultural wealth, lived traditions and internationally famous cultural landscape.

The greatest treasure, however, are our many volunteer people.

They are the pillars of our social cohesion, ”says Füracker.

The minister emphasized: “Without the voluntary work, many offers, for example in the sporting and cultural area, would not be possible.

As active local designers, they shape the unique Bavarian attitude towards life with their important work. "

Manuela Schmid