HBN Founder and President John C. Dimitrakakis gave an overview of HBN, its mission, programs, and his vision for HBN’s future. “The question was asked, ‘Why San Francisco?’ Mr. Dimitrakakis said. “The establishment of a San Francisco chapter is a natural part of our growth given the region’s rich technology and proximity to Silicon Valley. We are looking forward to establishing a strong presence on the west coast.”

The HBN SF Chapter will work on energizing, mobilizing and connecting the San Francisco Bay Area Hellenic entrepreneurial community and will offer the following major programs: HBN Big Idea Competition (HBN-BIC), HBN Networking After Work (HBN-NAW), HBN Business Networking Symposium and HBN Women Leaders Initiative (HBN-WLI).

HBN-SF Chapter President Jim Lucas said that “the establishment of a San Francisco chapter networks the east coast Greek business community with the west coast Greek business community. That has never been done before. We have received an enthusiastic response from Greeks living on the west coast and they are looking to being a part of a national organization that can service their needs.”

The HBN-SF Board is comprised of Jim Lucas, HBN-SF President, and board members Maria Mastrokyriakos, Dr. Nikos Stathopoulos, Marguerite Pavsidis, and Yiannis Kardaris. The HBN Advisory Board is comprised of Katerina Ioakimidi, PhD, John Protopappas, Kostas Hatzifotis, Father Peter Salmas and Vice-Consul Marios Belibassakis.

Hellenic Business Network (HBN) is a national, independent non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization whose goal is to mobilize and utilize the expertise and resources available within our community that will influence and advance the long-term professional interests of all Hellenes and Philhellenes.
HBN’s strategy is to accelerate entrepreneurship within the Hellenic community by connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need for success: education, technology, seed money, markets, management, access to a unique network of partners, sponsors and members, and support services.
Established in 1998 in Boston, HBN is a broad-based organization with members and businesses from virtually every industry and profession. For more information HBN’s webpage is www.hbngroup.org