Strong Business Participation and Award Ceremony at the 34th Hermes Expo
The 34th Annual Hermes Expo took place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at
the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey. It served as a premier platform
for business development and networking between Greek, Greek-American, and
American companies.
Founded by Paul Kotrotsios and now organized by him in collaboration with
his daughter, Aphrodite Kotrotsios, the Expo brings together professionals from
a variety of sectors—from food and beverage to technology, healthcare, tourism,
and finance—offering unique opportunities for collaboration, product promotion,
and idea exchange. At the same time, it promotes Greek values and the
entrepreneurship of the Greek diaspora in the U.S.
A highlight of the event is the presence of leaders from the business,
political, and cultural spheres. This year’s keynote speakers included:
- Phil Kafarakis – President
& CEO of the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
- Dr. Kyriakos
Pozrikidis – General Director of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) –
Hellexpo
- Michael Bolos – CEO of
Thunderbird LLC, who spoke on the revival of American industry and the
artificial intelligence revolution
The Expo traditionally honors individuals and businesses that stand out
for their contribution to entrepreneurship, innovation, and the strengthening
of Greek-American relations. In the presence of Consul General Iphigenia
Kanara, this year’s honorees included:
- Ambassador
George Tsounis – U.S. Ambassador to Greece, recognized for strengthening
U.S.-Greece relations
- Justine
Frangouli – Author and President of the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal,
honored for advocating for women’s rights, empowering Greek women, and her
contributions to modern Greek culture through her books and as president
of the LEM
Irina
Kapetanakis – Entrepreneur and Rumble Boxing franchisee, for empowering
women in the business sphere
- Alec
Oikonomakis – Supreme President of the Sons of Pericles, for guiding
Greek-American youth
Nikos
Paschalis – Co-founder of AVRA Estiatorio, for promoting Greek cuisine on
an international level
- George
Athanasopoulos – President of the Church Council of St. George, for his leadership
in the community
- Dr. George
Tsioulias – Surgical Oncologist at Mount Sinai, for his innovations in cancer
treatment
- Michael
Papafotis – IT Professional and AHEPA leader, for his long-standing service
to the Greek-American community
- Charles
Kapetanakis – Attorney and President of the Hellenic Classical Charter Schools,
for his dedication to education and Greek heritage
Also honored were Dr. Elias Iliadis, Ernie Anastos, Fotis Farmakis, Dr.
George Dangas, George Siampoulis, Jenny Tsantila, M.Ed., and Dr. Nikolai Markov
for their achievements in medicine, media, business, and education.
It’s worth noting that journalist and author Justine Frangouli-Argyri
is the first personality from the Canadian diaspora to be honored at HERMES
EXPO. As she remarked:
"Receiving the ATHENA Award—the first ever given to someone from the
Greek-Canadian community—offered me the opportunity to represent Hellenism in
Canada. It places upon me the great political responsibility to highlight the
Greek presence in my second homeland.
The Hellenism of the Canadian diaspora is dynamic, worthy, and a vital part of
the North American community. It has proudly fought for over two centuries to
keep alive its faith and commitment to Greek ideals and Orthodox worship.
I hope this award will serve as the spark for closer collaboration and
interaction between the Greek-Canadian and Greek-American communities in these
difficult times when our Greek identity needs to be stronger and brighter.”
