RABOBANK HISTORY 1 Rabobank Q Historical importance Think again Sou ree material Something from everyone Unusual role Naamlooze Vennootschap percents De Boeren-Hvpotheekbank verklaart schuldig le rijn aan T(>ND0< som van VIJF HONDERD (lulden aflosbaar 5 pari hij uitlntmg. Rentende 4 pcrcedT jaais. betaalbaar op ilen vervaldag tegen intrekking der cooppns Coupons en uitgelol%~Rapdhrieven rijn betaalbaar te The Farmers' Mortgage Bank, a subsidiary of the Co-operative Central Farmers'Credit Bank, was founded in 1908. It obtained its working capital by the issue of mortgage bonds. At the end of the 1960s, the Farmers' Credit Banks started to offer travel agency services. The Art of Dutch Banking In an international advertising campaign in the 1980s, Rabobank used the work of the Dutch painter Mondriaan. can be stored safely and is easily accessi- ble to everyone. We're also busy scan ning our photo archive. It's a big project however, and will take several years to complete,' says De Boer. Meanwhile, the department's Archivist, Van der Meer has his hands full devising the most efficiënt way of elassifying this sea of sources. Documents, public relations material, photos, films, videos and even office supplies can potentially be historically interesting. It's De Boer and Van der Meer's job to sift through the wide range of historical sources to decide what to keep. They try to always keep the bigger picture in mind. 'These archives must function as a knowledge and informa- tion centre for Rabobank's history, creat- ing a good overview of the social and economie position of Rabobank Nederland, its predecessors, and the entire Group,' explains De Boer. While in theory the aim is clear, in prac- tice it's much harder trying to decide, per item, whether something has historical relevanee for the company. Although Van der Meer is busy drawing up a list of criteria, De Boer admits that it's 'rather subjective.' So how does he decide what makes the grade? 'We ask ourselves: Is it interesting enough to include in an exhibition on Rabobank's history? Piggybanks or old moneyboxes, advertis ing campaigns... you may think at the time that it's not important, hut 30 years later it can be very interesting. If in doubt, send it to us and we'll decide!' Rabobank's central archive near Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, is a very rich source for the History Department's archive. Dutch law stipulates that the bank must keep all records for 10 to 15 years and the resulting 80 km worth of material is stored in the central archive. The historical potential is enormous. Obvious examples of valuable docu ments are the minutes and reports front the upper levels of the organization as these reflect the Rabobank's key con cerns at a given time. In a larger sense, they can also give a fascinating insight into the general economie climate. While the History Department was founded by Rabobank Nederland, it is also interested in material from other Group entities including Rabobank International and the wholesale busi- nesses. 'We collect everything to do witlt Rabobank's history, so if you have any- thing that you think could be worth adding to our collection, please send it to us. We have very little that documents Rabobank's internationalization,' De Boer explains. The History Department plays an unusu al role in Rabobank's organization. 'Utilike other departments we don't earn any money, but the contribution we make to the company is priceless,' says De Boer. After all, to know where you're going, you have to know where you've come from. I Queries ahout tbc' historical importance of any item can he directed to Stefan de Boer (s.boer@rn.rabohank.nl). 26 I R The Word I

Rabobank Bronnenarchief

blad 'RI The Word / The Word' (EN) | 2004 | | pagina 26