Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) June 12, 2015
On Wednesday, May 20, 2015, German Consul General Hermann Sitz presented the Order of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande) to mover and shaker Beatrice Schreiber. The order, established in 1951, states:
“Desiring to visibly express recognition and gratitude to deserving men and women of the German people and of foreign countries, …, I establish the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is awarded for achievements that served the rebuilding of the country in the fields of political, socio-economic and intellectual activity, and is intended to reward of all those whose work contributes to the peaceful rise of the Federal Republic of Germany.”
Ms. Schreiber immigrated to Canada in 1995, twenty years ago, where she set up her home in North Vancouver, helped establish the Bel Art Gallery with husband, Stefan, and immediately became involved with the prestigious German Canadian Business Association (GCBA).
It wasn’t long before Ms. Schreiber became the first women President of the GCBA and is currently serving her fifth term in this role. In 2005, she became the Chair of the German Canadian Heritage Plaza, a role she still plays today. She also supports other German-related organizations, such as the German Canadian Care Home, German Schools, the European Festival, SOS Kinderdorf and the St. Mark’s Church.
“My primary objective is to preserve and maintain the local German Cultural heritage and economic associations,” Ms. Schreiber states. Her volunteer work is also far from over.
Ms. Schreiber was the daughter of an art historian who studied textile design and business after high school, as well as worked as an haute couture designer and seamstress. She became the managing director of an international children’s clothing company and then the regional training manager of one of the leading fashion companies in Germany.
Her husband, Stefan Schreiber, then founded the Bel Art Kunstverlag and, shortly after, decided to get involved in the family business. Bel Art Gallery successfully made the transition to North Vancouver and Ms. Schreiber set up varied exhibitions and opening with local and international artists, while raising two young children.
Ms. Schreiber is an inspiration to all who know her and whether she is hosting Homestay Students or fundraising for charitable events, she does so with grace and poise. She is both a role model and inspiration who encourages the next generation to follow in her footsteps. We look forward to seeing what the next 20 years will bring.
To find out more about the German Canadian Business Association or to join, please visit: http://www.germanbusinessvancouver.com/
