American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce:AmChamGR Newsletter | Vol. 3 / 2026

 

Vol. 3 / 2026 Message from the Director    Dear Members and Friends,   A Season to Pause, Reflect, and Look Ahead. Summer offers something that the rest of the year rarely does: the opportunity to slow down. As the pace of business eases, even briefly, we gain the valuable perspective that comes from stepping back—taking stock of what we have accomplished, learning from the challenges we have faced, and appreciating the progress we have made.   It is also a time for renewal. Moments of rest and reflection often spark the ideas that shape the months ahead. Whether we are leading organizations, launching new initiatives, or navigating an      evolving economic landscape, the future is built not only through hard work but also through thoughtful planning and the courage to imagine new possibilities.   The first half of the year has reminded us that change is constant. Innovation continues to transform industries, global developments reshape markets, and collaboration remains more important than ever. As we look toward the autumn, there is every reason to approach the months ahead with optimism, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.   Summer also invites us to reconnect with what matters most. Perhaps this is the perfect time to spend a little less time in front of our screens and a little more time with a good book, around a shared table, or in conversation with family, friends, and colleagues. The moments we remember are rarely found in our inboxes—they are found in laughter, good company, meaningful conversations, and the simple pleasures that make us feel truly alive.   Elias Spirtounias Executive Director Amcham Greece and IOBE US-Greece Economic Bulletin The American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and the Foundation for Economic & Industrial Research (IOBE) are announcing a strategic partnership to publish the U.S.–Greece Economic Bulletin on a quarterly basis. The publication will provide a concise overview of the latest economic developments, trade and investment flows, and the key trends shaping bilateral economic relations between the United States and Greece. The inaugural edition, to be released in August, marks the launch of a broader initiative that will also include a survey in early September, supporting the development of the U.S.–Greece Climate Index—a forward-looking indicator that will measure business expectations regarding bilateral economic and investment relations. Amcham Greece Launches an Ai Task Force The American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the establishment of its Artificial Intelligence Task Force, a new initiative designed to advance AI awareness and adoption within Greece's business community. Recognizing the growing need for knowledge, practical guidance, and best practices—particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—the Chamber has brought together a team of distinguished professionals with expertise and experience from both Greece and the United States. The Task Force will develop a roadmap of targeted actions and initiatives to educate businesses on the strategic opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, helping organizations harness AI to drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and support sustainable growth. Amcham Greece Announces the Launch of an FMCG Task Force The American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the establishment of its FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) Task Force. The FMCG Task Force brings together industry leaders to promote a competitive and efficient market through evidence-based proposals, regulatory dialogue, and engagement with policymakers. New Chair for the Business Environment & Legislative Affairs Committee AmCham Greece appointed Mina Zoulovits, Managing Partner of Zoulovits-Kontogeorgou Law Firm (ZK Law), as Chair of its newly renamed Business Environment & Legislative Affairs Committee, succeeding John Kyriakides, who led the former Legislative Reforms Committee.  New Leadership Committee Chair AmCham Greece appointed Polychronis Griveas, Chief Strategy and Business Officer and Group Hotel General Manager at Divani Collection Hotels, as the new Chair of its Leadership Committee, succeeding Artemis Miropoulos.  EDUCATION INNOVATION ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMMITTEE | BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION STORIES V.5 AmCham Greece hosted the fifth edition of Business Transformation Stories on June 18, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping business and the future of work. Organized by the Chamber's Education, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Committee in partnership with NBG Business Seeds, the event highlighted AI's impact on competitiveness, innovation, and productivity, as well as the importance of agile leadership, continuous learning, and organizational readiness. Read more... NORTHERN GREECE COMMITTEE | CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION RECEPTION IN THESSALONIKI AmCham Greece and its Northern Greece Committee welcomed a bipartisan delegation of 10 U.S. Members of Congress, led by Congressman Gus Bilirakis, to Thessaloniki to discuss strengthening U.S.–Greece economic and trade cooperation. Hosted by Deloitte, the event highlighted Northern Greece's growing role as a hub for investment, technology, and innovation and opportunities to further expand bilateral collaboration. Read more... AMERICAN TROJAN: A CONVERSATION WITH DR. C. L. MAX NIKIAS AmCham Greece–USA welcomed Dr. C. L. Max Nikias, President Emeritus of the University of Southern California, to its Washington, DC office for a discussion on his memoir, American Trojan: Leadership, Resilience, and the Renewal of Higher Education. The conversation explored his leadership journey and perspectives on the future of higher education, highlighting the importance of innovation, knowledge, research, and societal impact. EXPLORING THE ROLE OF THE GREEK DIASPORA AmCham Greece–USA participated in the ACG in Conversation – Washington, DC 2026 event, where Washington, DC Executive Director Katerina Sokou moderated a panel on empowering Greece's growth through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The discussion explored the role of the Greek diaspora, international partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration in strengthening Greece's competitiveness and sustainable growth. ENERGY SECURITY AND THE VITAL ROLE OF GREEK SHIPPING AmCham Greece–USA participated in a Columbia Business School Alumni Club of New York event on energy security, shipping, and global supply chains. Washington, DC Executive Director Katerina Sokou highlighted Greece's strategic role as a trusted U.S. partner and the vital contribution of Greek shipping to global energy security and resilient transatlantic supply chains. SHOWCASING GREECE AS A LIFE SCIENCES AND BIOTECH HUB AmCham Greece–USA joined Enterprise Greece, Hellenic Biocluster (HBio), and innovative Greek biotech companies in California to promote Greece as an emerging life sciences and biotechnology hub. At the "Greece – Redefining the Future of Life Sciences" event in San Francisco, Katerina Sokou highlighted growing U.S. investor interest and opportunities for transatlantic partnerships in biotechnology and healthcare innovation. 3RD AMCHAMS REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT (ARES 2026) As co-organizer of the 3rd AmChams Regional Economic Summit (ARES), AmCham Greece joined AmCham Bulgaria and AmCham Türkiye in bringing together more than 300 business and government leaders from 18 countries in Sofia. Focused on energy security, infrastructure, digital transformation, and economic resilience, ARES 2026 featured high-level discussions and more than 200 B2B meetings, strengthening regional cooperation and cross-border business opportunities. Read more... 10TH SOUTHEAST EUROPE ENERGY FORUM | SEEF2026 September 4, 2026 | The MET Hotel, Thessaloniki Learn more and register... AUSA 2026 SEMINAR September 9, 2026 | Hellenic Armed Forces Officers Club Learn more and register... HEALTHWORLD 2026 CONFERENCE September 14-15, 2026 | Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, Athens Learn more and register... 10TH WOMEN IN BUSINESS (WIB) FORUM September 30, 2026 | The Ellinikon Experience Centre, Athens Learn more and register... HELLENIC PAVILION AT AUSA 2026 October 12–14, 2026 | Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C. Learn more... 24TH CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE October 20, 2026 | SNFCC, Athens Learn more and register... 22ND ATHENS TAX FORUM November 6, 2026 | The Athens Concert Hall Learn more... 37TH ANNUAL GREEK ECONOMIC SUMMIT (GES) December 1-2, 2026 | Athenaeum InterContinental Hotel ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2026 AmCham Greece held its 2026 Annual General Assembly on June 29, reviewing the Chamber's achievements and strategic priorities. A key highlight was the unveiling of AmCham Greece's new brand identity and strategic positioning, marking a new chapter for the organization. President John D. Saracakis reaffirmed the Chamber's commitment to its members and to strengthening U.S.–Greece economic relations. The Assembly also featured remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle and SEV Executive Committee President Rania Ekaterinari, highlighting innovation, investment, productivity, and bilateral cooperation as key drivers of Greece's competitiveness. Read more... 5TH TRADING IN U.S. WATERS SEMINAR U.S. and Greek Approaches on Today’s Maritime Challenges AmCham Greece hosted the 5th Trading in U.S. Waters Seminar on June 4, bringing together government, industry, and maritime leaders to discuss key challenges shaping global shipping. Held in the context of Posidonia 2026, the seminar explored U.S. and Greek perspectives on maritime security, regulation, sustainability, technology, and geopolitical developments, reinforcing transatlantic cooperation in the maritime sector. Read more... 12TH CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONFERENCE Lead with Strategy, Govern with Impact AmCham Greece hosted its 12th Corporate Governance Conference, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, regulators, and experts to explore the evolving role of boards. Under the theme "Lead with Strategy, Govern with Impact," discussions focused on board effectiveness, succession planning, capital markets, AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, highlighting the role of effective governance in driving resilience, competitiveness, and long-term value creation. Read more...        Business Partners ­ ­ Directory 2026 ­ ­ Annual Review 2025 ­ ­   6 Compelling Reasons to Join the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce 1. Accelerate Business Growth: Showcase your company to AmCham members and U.S. businesses in Greece, creating opportunities for business development. 2. Advocate for Your Interests: Join AmCham Greece's impactful advocacy efforts, contributing to the enhancement of the business environment that aligns with your interests. 3. Elevate Visibility with Exclusive Sponsorship: Gain unparalleled exposure through exclusive sponsorship packages, strategically boosting your company's visibility. 4. Connect with Decision-Makers: Engage with influential decision-makers, expanding your network and enhancing access to key figures in both business and politics. 5. Stay Informed and Engaged: Stay current with high-level company representatives at content-driven events focused on relevant Greek, US and global issues.  6. Be part of the American Chambers in Europe network: Gain valuable insight into foreign markets, especially the US market.  Follow Us    ­ ­ ­ ­ Stay Connected American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce   Athens (Head Office) 109–111 Messoghion Ave. 115 26 Athens, Greece Thessaloniki 123 Tsimiski St. 546 21 Thessaloniki, Greece Washington, DC 1230 17th St. NW 20036, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.     Tel: +30 210 699 3559 E-mail: info@amcham.gr | www.amcham.gr   Member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Member of the European Council of American Chambers of Commerce Copyright © 2026 American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce all rights reserved.