The Botstiber Institute for Austrian-American Studies supports programs that implement Botstiber’s mission. BIAAS currently supports fellowships, seminars and academic research at the University of Minnesota, the University of New Orleans and Rutgers University. BIAAS also supports programs of the Austrian Cultural Forum in New York City.
Swarovski has grown to be the world’s leading producer of precision-cut crystal for fashion, jewelry and, more recently, lighting, architecture and interiors. Today, the Swarovski group, still family-owned and run by 4th and 5th generation family members, has a global reach with some 24,800 employees, and is active in over 120 countries worldwide. Swarovski crystals have become an essential ingredient of international design. Since 1965 the company has also catered to the fine jewelry industry with precision-cut genuine gemstones and created stones. Showing the creativity that lies at the heart of the company, Swarovski’s own brand lines of accessories, jewelry and home décor items are sold through more than 1,800 retail outlets worldwide. The Swarovski Crystal Society has close to 350,000 members across the world, keen collectors of the celebrated crystal figurines. And in Wattens, Swarovski Kristallwelten, the multi-media crystal museum, was opened in 1995 as a celebration of Swarovski’s universe of innovation and inspiration. The Swarovski group also includes Tyrolit®, manufacturing grinding tools, Swareflex, for road safety reflectors and Swarovski Optik, producing precision optical instruments.
