The Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Victoria (HACCI) held its annual general meeting at the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne, capping a busy year for the organisation.
In his report, HACCI President Mr Nicholas Mylonas told the meeting that he wished to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the organisation’s board and committee members.
In 2012 the Chamber was responsible for organising the HACCI Excellence Awards and Gala Ball, participation at the Fine Food Australia exhibition, Peter Economides’ presentations in Melbourne and Sydney, and the Thessaloniki Trade Mission to Victoria and NSW which was attended by 16 companies from Greece.
The past year saw the Chamber create business forums in conjunction with the Bank of Cyprus Australia (now Delphi Bank), and a range of networking events were rolled out, including the HACCI Golf Classic, International Women’s Day, the Apokries event (in conjunction with the Italian Australian Chamber of Commerce) and monthly Press Club Business luncheons.
Mr Mylonas said: “The committees continue to deliver on such important initiatives as the HACCI Internship Program, which even in its early stages has succeeded in placing eight young Greek Australians into internships with host employers, our HACCI Editorial Committee, who produce the quarterly HACCI Herald publication and the monthly Hermes eNews.
The president added that HACCI could not have achieved success in the past 12 months without the support of its major partner Delphi Bank (formerly the Bank of Cyprus Australia) and other supporters such as The Hellenic Museum, The Greek Media Group (including Ta Nea & 3XY Radio), Neos Kosmos, OPA! Magazine and The Press Club group.
Mr John Velos, a former President of HACCI and honorary life member, commented that “seeing what HACCI has become today is a dream come true”.
Mr George Kapnias, a member added: “HACCI has a great deal to offer members, and supporting HACCI ensures the great work can be continued well into the future”.
Mr Mylonas stressed that the ultimate success of HACCI would be reflected in a larger membership base. HACCI’s president told the meeting that increasing membership would be a priority for 2013.
HACCI Chairman, Mr Kostas Stefanidis, advised the meeting that after ten years as a board member, having seen the completion of the merger of HACCI and the Hellenic Business Forum, it was an opportune time for him to retire in order to make way for new candidates.
Mr Mylonas thanked Mr Stefanidis for his invaluable contribution. Mr Stefanidis will now be honoured as a HACCI Life Member in recognition of his service. As the meeting concluded, Mr Alex Ninis praised Nicholas Mylonas for his leadership and guidance in 2012 and for imbuing the HACCI family with a “esprit de corps” and a “can do” attitude.
To become a member of HACCI, go to www.hacci.com.au or call (03) 9602 2977.