Christmas Party at the Union League

The Greater Philadelphia Region of the Chamber held its annual Christmas party together with the Hellenic University Club on December 7, 2007. The event was held at the Union League and was attended by a great number of people. The event chair was Georgia Chletcos who did an outstanding job. Also in attendance were GACC Board Chairman Tassos Efstratiades and Philadelphia Regional president Stavros Antonakakis.

The evening included a festive performance by the Philadelphia Mummers and a comedy show by Greek American comedienne Ellen Karis. The event was attended by the head of the Greek Trade Office in New York, Dr. Nicholas Belios, and the Deputy Director of the office, Mr. Vassilis Sitaras, along with their wives. Finally, the guests were given gift bags with gifts from the event’s sponsors. The sponsors were: Kuzina by Sofia (a new Greek restaurant in Cherry Hill), the Obermayer law firm, Commerce Bank, the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, New York Life Insurance and Odyssey Magazine.

Greek Trade Office Chief Visits Philadelphia Region

On the occasion of the Greater Philadelphia Region Christmas party, the head of the Trade Office of Greece in New York, Dr. Nicholas Belios, visited the Chamber. He was accompanied by the Vice Consul of Greece for Trade in New York, Mr. Vassilios Sitaras. The Greek Trade officials during their visit met with GACC Board Chairman, Tassos Efstratiades, Regional President Stavros Antonakakis and chair of the Philadelphia Advisory Board of the Chamber Georgia Chletcos. GACC Board member Joanna Savvides was also at the meetings. Dr. Vellios spoke eloquently to the Chamber Members, asking them to be active participants in trhe expansion of trade between Greece and the U.S.

: Pictured from left to right are: Vice Consul for Trade Vassilios Sitaras, GACC Chairman, Tassos Efstratiades and Greek Trade Office Consul, Dr. Nicholas Belias

Long Term Care

The Greater Philadelphia Region held again a Third Thursday networking event at Estia Restaurant on October 19, 2007. Chamber members Ernie, Pete and Georgia Chletcos of New York Life made a presentation on long term care insurance. Guest speaker James Flanagan, CLTC gave a detailed discussion of long term care and how it can be incorporated in business planning. The event was attended by a large group of members.

Philadelphia Members Meet Economic Counselor of US Embassy in Athens

On September 25, 2007 the Philadelphia Chapter of the Chamber hosted a “members only” luncheon in honor of C. Woodward Price, Economic Counselor to the U.S. Embassy in Athens. Mr. Price, while in the Philadelphia area during his summer leave, took time to meet with the Chamber and exchange ideas on the economy and business climate in Greece with Greek American businessmen in the region.

The event was hosted by the law firm of Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP in Center City Philadelphia, where GACC Chairman, Tassos Efstratiades, is a partner. Approximately 15 Chamber members participated in the informative round table discussion. Mr. Woodward presented a lot of information on the strength of the Greek economy. He gave a lot of interesting economic data on the progress of the Greek economy and trade in recent years. He expressed his interest in the work of the Chamber and his appreciation for the Chamber’s promotion of US-Greek trade.

: Mr. Price (center) with GACC Philadelphia Region President Stavros Antonakakis (L) and GACC Board Chairman Tassos Efstratiades (R).

Martinis and Diamonds

On the first of a “Third Thursday of the Month” events, on September 18 2007, the Greater Philadelphia Region of the Chamber hosted Panos Stavrianidis of Venus Jewelers in Somerset, New Jersey to speak on how to shop for diamonds. Panos is also President of the Central New Jersey Chapter of the Chamber. The event was held at the Philadelphia Greek restaurant Estia where specialty martinis were served. It was a great networking opportunity for the many business and professional persons who attended.

May 15 Seminar on Trading with Greece and Cyprus

The Chamber, in cooperation with the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, presented a lunch seminar on May 15, 2007 on Trading with Greece and Cyprus. GACC member, Drexel University Lebow College of Business was the sponsor of the seminar. The seminar took at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Greek Lawyer Explains How to Invest in Greek Real Estate

On March 27, attorney Alex Laios presented to the GACC a very informative program on investing in real estate in Greece. Along with Mr. Laios, attorneys Alexandros Papasteriopoulos and Nassos Nikolopoulos, of the PAK law firm in Athens presented information on real estate and alternative energy investments in Greece.

The event took place at the Estia Restaurant in Philadelphia. Many members and friends of the Chamber participated and asked very interesting questions. The speakers were introduced by Chamber Chairman Tassos Efstratiades. In attendance was Joanna Savvides, President of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia and GACC Board member, who spoke to the group on the upcoming trade mission to Greece and Cyprus.