Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce Launches Young Professionals Group

by Laura Neroulias

The Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to promoting trade and investment between Cyprus and the United States, launched its Cypriot Young Professionals group this past May. More than 150 people attended the inaugural event, held at Cathedral Center in Manhattan, including a mix of longtime Chamber members and newcomers interested in learning more the business opportunities between our countries.

Aristos Constantine, Trade Commissioner of Cyprus in New York, PHOTO: MARIA KOUNDOUROU

Youth group photo, PHOTO: MARIA KOUNDOUROU

Vasos Vassiliou, President of the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, PHOTO: MARIA KOUNDOUROU

Consul General of Cyprus Koula Sophianou, PHOTO: MARIA KOUNDOUROU

Colonel Andonios Neroulias asking a question, PHOTO: MARIA KOUNDOUROU

Othon Argyrou and Renos Savvides, PHOTO: MARIA KOUNDOUROU

Nicolas Nicolaou, Despina Axiotakis, Andy Comodromos, PHOTO: MARIA KOUNDOUROU

Laura Neroulias, Stathis Theodoropoulos, Irene Zoupaniotis, PHOTO: MARIA KOUNDOUROU

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The free gathering featured a 20-minute overview of the Cyprus financial crisis and recovery process by Mr. Aristos Constantine, Trade Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in NY, and concluded with optimistic remarks by Chamber founder Mr. Andy Comodromos, and Chamber President Vasos Vassiliou. Both encouraged attendees to visit the island, which continues to be a vibrant beach and ecotourism destination as well as a global financial center.

As an informative evening and a fun networking opportunity, the event exceeded expectations, according to Mr. Nicolas Nicolaou, a Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce board member who helped create this subgroup to attract new ideas and energy to the umbrella organization. “The group will provide another platform for young professionals to get involved in our community and contribute to the community in a business context, while at the same time providing them with professional and personal development as well as networking opportunities,” he said.

Event co-host Koula Sophianou, the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus to New York, congratulated the Chamber for expanding its initiative and embracing Cypriot and Cypriot American professionals at the early-to-mid stages of their careers. “I hope that the Chamber with its networking platform will be able to provide assistance, mentoring and information on job opportunities to these individuals,” she said.

After the official program, guests were welcomed to network while enjoying food, entertainment and gifts donated by several local businesses and organizations. Several of the new group’s charter members said they felt energized and excited by the successful launch.
Stathis Theodoropoulos, a business director for a Manhattan design firm, said he looked forward to planning and attending future events. “It’s such a great opportunity for myself to meet other like-minded professionals, create opportunities for business between each other and more importantly it brings the community together,” he said. “I am particularly excited for professional development and mentor program that we are looking to build. I really believe it can make an impact for all the professionals and entrepreneurs out there, and ultimately the community as a whole.”

Fellow charter member Irene Zoupaniotis, an attorney, wholeheartedly agreed. “It is important that we build on this momentum and continue to strengthen our organization so as to provide young professionals of Greek and Cypriot descent with opportunities, as well as a sense of community,” she added.

The Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce thanked the event’s sponsors – Yefsi Esiatorio, Cellar 53 Wine & Spirits, Christo Fifth Ave, Aktina FM, Rizos Jewelry, Lais Lapas of Dida Design, and Avra Estiatorio – for their support to the inauguration of the Young Professional Group.

Dedicated to providing professional and developing opportunities for the millennial generation, the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Group will engage members to share ideas, knowledge and expand business horizons between the United States and Cyprus. Proposed events, which will be held in the New York metropolitan area and may expand to other cities and countries, will range from career fairs to specialized briefings.