The award, the most significant economic and business distinction granted by the Basque Government through the Department of Industry, was unanimously proposed by the business associations CONFEBASK, SEA, CEBEK, and ADEGI, as well as the Korta Family. The event took place at the Ajuria Enea Palace, attended by over 150 representatives from Euskadi's industrial and institutional sectors.
The Joxe Mari Korta Award, named in honor of the businessman and president of ADEGI assassinated by ETA in 2000, was established to publicly recognize the qualities and efforts of industry leaders who, through their investments and work, create employment and wealth, foster business rootedness, and improve Euskadi's industrial fabric.
The Lehendakari recalled Korta as "a person of values, convinced that it was worth risking for peace, for the Basque language, and for the prosperity of Euskadi." Pradales championed the role of companies and entrepreneurs, praising Amaia Susperregui's work: "Today, Jaso is an international benchmark in the lifting sector, with a presence in over 70 countries, 60 years of experience, and more than 60,000 cranes and systems distributed worldwide." He also highlighted its importance in making the work of women entrepreneurs visible and breaking the 'glass ceiling'.
Minister Mikel Jauregi stated, "Today we honor a person who makes it possible for our industry in Euskadi to be a source of progress, wealth, and well-being." He added, "The recognition we give to Amaia extends to all industrial entrepreneurs in Euskadi, as they never stop believing in their projects, generating quality employment for society."
“"It is a great honor for me to receive this award that bears the name of Joxe Mari Korta, for the significance it holds for Basque businessmen and, especially, for those from Gipuzkoa. We went through hard years that we will never forget. Just as we will never forget Joxe Mari."
Susperregui, a native of Ordizia and a graduate in Economics and Business Sciences from the University of Deusto, has demonstrated throughout her career an approach to professional activity based on rigor, constancy, industrial excellence, and a service vocation. She dedicates this award to all the people who are part of the JASO group, reflecting her leadership style and values.
