"You are driving forward the economy in Rhineland-Palatinate and supporting people on their way to successfully founding a company. With your commitment, you give people a perspective," said Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Volker Wissing at the presentation of the Business Medal to Sabine Bittmann on the grounds of the BITO Campus in Meisenheim. "Here in Meisenheim, you have created a place where young people can find the best conditions to become successful founders. And not in Mainz, Koblenz or Kaiserslautern - but beyond the big cities. You think beyond your own company and help young people to succeed. With your foundation, you are committed to supporting children and young people. You give your attention to those who shape our future - you do this unselfishly and with outstanding commitment," said Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Volker Wissing. "Your commitment to the Rhineland-Palatinate economy and society ensures prosperity and helps to strengthen cohesion in our state. I would like to thank you for your tireless commitment and congratulate you most warmly on being awarded the Business Medal."

The modern start-up and innovation center BITO-Campus was opened in 2017 in the former elementary school in Meisenheim after extensive renovation of the listed building. It is part of the BITO innovation story. Its foundation is largely due to the commitment of Ms. Bittmann. The BITO Campus offers those interested in founding a company a place with an excellent infrastructure, intensive, professional support, a wealth of experience and the opportunity to develop by exchanging ideas with one another. It helps to ensure that those interested in setting up a business can also find a good starting opportunity away from the major cities.

Bittmann is also Chairwoman of the Bittmann Foundation, which has been in existence since 2008 and supports regional projects to promote children and young people in the fields of education, science, sport and culture.

"Supporting children and young people, providing them with an education and opening up ways for them to take their lives into their own hands in a well-educated and responsible manner is a fundamental prerequisite for securing the future of us all. The services that Ms. Bittmann provides for society through the foundation are absolutely worthy of recognition," said the Minister.

"It is not a matter of course to go above and beyond one's own economic interests, to make additional and unpaid efforts to promote and advance the economy and society as a whole. As a society, we are all dependent on this additional commitment from many people. Outstanding commitment in companies and a great deal of voluntary work make a significant contribution to the fact that we are doing so well overall," said Wissing.