American Hellenic Institute

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The NE Chapter of AHI holds Successful Seminar on Grassroots Lobbying
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nick Larigakis
May 15, 2008—No. 34 (202) 785-8430

The NE Chapter of AHI holds Successful Seminar on Grassroots Lobbying

BOSTON—Grassroots Lobbying 101 was the topic of the seminar recently hosted by the New England Chapter of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) on Thursday, April 17 at the Radisson Hotel in Boston. Nick Larigakis, Executive Director of AHI in Washington, DC, presented the seminar on how to effectively approach and inform U.S. legislators of issues important to the Greek-American constituency. Larigakis emphasized the need of having constituents arrange for meetings with their respective members of Congress in their home districts and to understand the talking points of those issues that are of concern. He cited the 2008 Greek American Policy statements that were issued by AHI earlier this year as a reference for those talking points.

Over 80 people attended the event including Consul General of Greece, Mr. Constantine Orphanides, Mrs. Nina Gatzoulis, Supreme President of the Pan-Macedonian Association, Mr. Constantine Caliontzis, Supreme Governor, Region 4, Supreme Governor, Mr. Alex Geourntas, District Governor of Bay State District #8, and several news media outlets. Sponsors of the seminar included AHEPA Bay State District #8 and Athens Chapter #24 Boston, the Alpha Omega Council, the Costas & Mary Maliotis Foundation, Elias Papadopoulos, CEO, EKP Consultants, and Mrs. Nina Gatzoulis, Supreme President on behalf of the Pan-Macedonian Association.

Following the seminar, Mr. Larigakis was invited to speak at the monthly Alpha Omega Council meeting also being held at the Radisson. He explained the mission and goals of AHI and its accomplishments since its founding in 1974. It was then followed by a lively question and answer period. The Alpha Omega Council is a well known and established charitable organization founded by the late Peter Agris in 1976. Agris, who was also founder and publisher of the Greek-American newspaper the Hellenic Chronicle, wanted not only to cultivate the ideals of Hellenism, but he wanted to recognize the achievements of those individuals or groups who have excelled in their professions or fields of endeavor. This year’s annual Lifetime Achievement Award will be paying to tribute to Ted Leonsis, AOL Vice-Chairman Emeritus. The Alpha Omega Council will also be distributing six scholarships named in honor of Peter Agris to journalism majors from across the US.

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For additional information, please contact Nick Larigakis at (202) 785-8430 or at pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our Web site at https://www.ahiworld.org.