Μήνυμα Γιάννη Χατζηθεοδοσίου

Έργο που μετράει, Μέλλον που κερδίζει

After almost seven years, the time has come once again for elections in the Chambers of Commerce, where their members will determine the next chapter for these organizations across Greece.

This is what you will be called to do in the upcoming elections for the Athens Chamber of Commerce (E.E.A.) on November 30th, December 1st, and December 2nd.

The "Our Chamber" team, which I am honored to lead, has worked hard and achieved a lot. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished as an administration. Over this long period, despite facing significant challenges, we have supported small and medium-sized enterprises with actions, not just words. We have highlighted their potential and won important battles. And we have always worked in unity, with all members of the administration standing together—without intrigue or personal agendas.

The 42 services we provide demonstrate our commitment to strengthening and advancing our members. They also show that we respect every last euro of membership fees. This is why we have achieved a significant financial surplus, the likes of which the Chamber system in our country has never seen before.

However, the most important accomplishment is that we have improved the image of the E.E.A. in every aspect. From the modernization of its operations, which has established it in the public's mind as an organization with a European profile, to the degree of intervention it has had. We have become the most reliable ally of SMEs and the main interlocutor for all governments during our tenure.

This was our greatest achievement—the victory of small and medium-sized enterprises. Your victory. Because nothing would have been possible without the confidence that your support has given us. The Athens Chamber of Commerce is all of you. And as the administration, we are responsible for turning your wishes into action.

With faith in our vision for an even stronger E.E.A., for a Chamber that will be a point of reference not just in economic affairs but in society as a whole, we are ready to continue our upward trajectory. We will stand by every one of our members, fight to improve the business environment, and battle against inflation, the lack of liquidity, and unfair taxation.

So that, at last, small and medium-sized enterprises take their rightful place in both the economy and society.

"Our Chamber" unites forces—people from all sectors of the SME community, determined to work for the common good. Without any party labels or dependence on any center of power, I invite you to walk this path with us once more. Together, we will reach new heights and make small and medium-sized businesses the true leaders.

Because "Our Chamber" belongs only to YOU.

Giannis Chatzitheodorou
President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce
Honorary Doctor of the University of Piraeus