AHI Hosts a Luncheon on the Occasion of the 30-Person Visiting Greek Business Delegation to Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC—On April 18, 2005, the American Hellenic Institute in cooperation with the 14th Hermes Expo International, hosted a luncheon on the occasion of the 30-person Greek business delegation visit to Washington, D.C. at Blackie’s House of Beef.

During the luncheon, Executive Director Nick Larigakis welcomed the delegation to Washington, D.C. and greeted the guests. Paul Kotrotsios, Publisher of the Hellenic News of America and Founder of Hermes Expo International, spoke about the previous weekend events of the 14th Hermes Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey and on the importance of the U.S.-Greece business relationship.

Donald Calvert, Southern Europe Desk Officer at the U.S. Commerce Department, addressed the audience and recognized Greece’s tremendous achievements with the 2004 Olympic Games. He also thanked the outreach of the Greek community in regards to trade issues and building U.S.-Greek relations. He stated that he will work strong to promote this bilateral climate.

Themis Kartsiotis, CEO of Helexpo, gave his greetings on behalf of the Helexpo and Demetris Katsikopoulos, Prefect of Achaia, spoke about the success of the Hermes Expo and of the great business relationships formed during this event.

Following the luncheon, the leadership of the delegation along with AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis visited the Voice of America where they were interviewed by George Bistis, Director of Voice of America’s Greek service in Washington, D.C. After, the entire delegation visited the office of Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) for an informal meeting.

Subsequently, the delegation visited Hellenic House, AHI headquarters, for a briefing with Nick Larigakis on the agenda of the Institute and on various issues affecting U.S.-Greece relations.

During the evening, AHI hosted a dinner for the delegation, sponsored by AHI Advisory Board Members Kostas Alexakis and Ted Spyropoulos, at the Sequoia Restaurant in Washington D.C.

Attached please find the photographs of the delegation’s visit to Washington, D.C.

A visit by the Greek Business Delegation at the Hellenic House.

AHI Luncheon at Blackies Restaurant, (L-R) Prefect of Achaia Dimitrios Katsikopoulos, AHI President Gene Rossides, and Professional Chamber of Thessaloniki President Georgios Tsentos.

Counselor of the Mayor’s office of Thessaloniki Charalambos Barbounakis presenting a cup to AHI President Gene Rossides.

(R-L) AHI Luncheon at Blackies Restaurant. The CEO of HELEXPO Themis Kartsiotis presents a gift to Hermes Expo President Paul Kotrotsios , (standing) and U.S. Department of Commerce South Europe Desk Officer Donald A. Calvert.

AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis briefs the 30-Greek Business Delegation at the Hellenic House.

The CEO of HELEXPO Themis Kartsiotis presenting a plaque to AHI President Gene Rossides at the Hellenic House.

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For additional information, please contact Georgia Economou at (202) 785-8430 or at georgia@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our Web site at http://www.ahiworld.org.

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