Launching the construction of a new "Skonto Plan" metal ware plant, the member of the Board of the "Skonto Būve Ltd." and "Skonto Plan Ltd" Mr. Guntis Rāvis participated in the ceremonial capsule bedding into the foundation stone of the future plant.

While bedding the capsule with a letter to new generations at the site of launching of the construction works, Guntis Rāvis said: “By launching the construction of a new metal non-standard ware plant, we build not only the foundation for a new building, but also for the regional development and Latvian national economy in general. We wish the stability in the foundation and the growth during the development!”

The new metal manufacturing plant will be built in the territory of the existing production unit of the "Skonto Plan Ltd" in Tukums and the plant will be engaged in the production of various stainless steel and aluminium sheets. It is planned that 90% of the production will be exported to the member states of the European Union, as well as to the former Soviet Republics. It is planed to commission the plant in June 2011.

A topping out ceremony at the municipal multi-storey apartment building complex in Ulbrokas Street, which is being constructed by "Skonto būve" Ltd., was held on August 31.

Riga Mayor Nils Ušakovs, Riga City Council’s Environment and Apartment Issues Committee Chairman Vjačeslavs Stepaņenko and the municipal company SIA Rīgas pilsētbūvnieks Chairman of the Board Ivars Gaters attended the topping out ceremony of the first building of the new municipal apartment building complex, and all praised the progress of the construction work.

The construction of the first three apartment buildings, with 480 apartments altogether, is to be completed by the end of this year, whereas the other two buildings, with 312 apartments in all, will be put into commission by July 30 next year.

"Skonto būve" Ltd. has supported the campaign “Skolas bērnam jāiet skolā” (A Schoolchild Must Attend School), organised by the Latvian Society of Foster Families and intended to ensure that children from various regions of Latvia – Alūksne, Kuldīga, Valmiera, Limbaži, etc. – have everything they need as they head to school on September 1.

A total of 150 legal guardians and foster families will receive this support to schoolchildren.

Ilze Golvere, Chair of the Society, said: “This is a difficult time for everyone, but I have peace of mind right now. With the support of "Skonto būve", we will be able to assist a great many people: buy them indoor shoes, book bags and school supplies. I can speak on behalf of all the families and express our sincere gratitude for having been heard, understood and granted this money.”

From August 20 to August 22, the 16th International Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition “Mazā un lielā grācija” (Grace Large and Small) took place in Jūrmala with the support of  "Skonto Būve" Ltd. The main organiser of the competition was the Latvian Gymnastics Federation (LVF).

A total of 114 rhythmic gymnasts in nine age groups (ages 7 to 24) from various European countries and beyond – such as Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Russia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Finland and Israel – participated in this international event.

“The competition was very important for the participants of “Mazā un lielā grācija”, and especially for the members of the Latvian national team, as this was their last appearance before the World Championships in Moscow in September,” said Vera Lobanova, Secretary General of the main organiser, the Latvian Gymnastics Federation.

A unique mural 100 square metres in area is being painted in the Riga Nativity Orthodox Cathedral. Reputed Russian iconographer Georgy Mironov has developed and is currently painting a mural, the theme of which is the conception Metropolite Alexander of Riga and all Latvia. The mural is being realised with the support of patron and  "Skonto būve" Ltd. Chairman of the Board Guntis Rāvis.

The Cathedral's back wall has waited to be painted for over twenty years – the concept and clear vision of the necessity for a mural has existed since the Cathedral was renewed at the beginning of the 1990s. In 2004, Guntis Rāvis began the Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral renewal project “Svet”, at which time the façade of the Cathedral was restored. Now Rāvis has donated the rest of the sum required to make it possible to paint the blank Cathedral wall according to tradition and the highest level of quality requirements.