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Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce | Established 1947

Founded in 1947 in New York City, the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce (HACC) has a distinguished history of promoting commercial, economic, and professional relations between Greece and the United States.

The Chamber was established by Kyriacos P. Tsolainos, a prominent businessman and respected Wall Street figure, widely known as K.P. Born in Smyrna, Tsolainos arrived in Greece as a refugee following the Asia Minor Catastrophe. Early in his career, he served as personal secretary and trusted administrative assistant to the distinguished Greek statesman and Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos.

He subsequently pursued his education at McGill University in Montreal before establishing a successful career in New York's financial community, where he became a partner at Baker, Weeks & Harden. His professional accomplishments and leadership earned him considerable respect throughout Wall Street.

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Our Maritime Heritage

At its inception, the Chamber's primary mission was to represent and support the substantial Greek shipping interests concentrated in New York City's financial district.

Among its early members were some of the most influential figures in Greek shipping, including Manuel E. Kulukundis, Nicholas P. Goulandris, Pericles Callimenopoulos, Panaghi D. Marchessini, Nicholas Rethymnis, Costas D. Pateras, John Theodoracopoulos, George P. Livanos, and Michael Embiricos.

These pioneering maritime leaders helped establish the Chamber's longstanding connection to the international shipping community, a relationship that remains an important part of its identity today.

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Expanding Greek-American Business Relations

As the global shipping industry evolved and many Greek maritime enterprises established operations in other international centers, the Chamber broadened its mission to encompass trade, investment, finance, and commercial cooperation between Greece and the United States.

During this period, its membership expanded to include major American corporations with significant business interests in Greece, including Irving Trust Company, American Express, Chase Bank, Guaranty Trust Company, Bank of Nova Scotia, Mobil Oil, Exxon, and American Cyanamid.

This expansion marked an important chapter in the Chamber's development, strengthening its position as a bridge between the Greek and American business communities.

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Our Mission Today

Today, the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce continues to build upon its distinguished legacy, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and corporations with shared interests in Greece and the United States.

Through conferences, educational programs, networking opportunities, and strategic partnerships, the Chamber promotes international business cooperation, encourages investment, and fosters meaningful connections across industries.

With a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and economic growth, the Chamber continues to strengthen the ties between Greece and the United States while expanding its relationships with the broader international business community.

Since 1947, the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce has remained dedicated to connecting people, businesses, and opportunities across the Atlantic.