The 60th National Convention of the Pan-Macedonian Association USA took
place in the city of Las Vegas, NV from June 30 to July 2, 2006.
More than 150 delegates and guests followed with unusual assiduity and
interest the activities of the Convention, focusing on the name issue of
FYROM (the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) and on issues of Greek
education as well as render a more active and increased participation of
youth in the events of the Association.
The representatives of the various Pan-Macedonian chapters were very
impressed by the active and continuous attendance for two consecutive
days of His Eminence Archbishop Dimitrios and his Excellency Ambassador
to Washington Alexander Mallias. Both esteemed visitors participated
actively, analyzing the issues and having a constructive dialogue with
the audience. The speakers, Dr. George Papavizas, author of two
excellent historic books, Blood and Tears and Claiming Macedonia, and
Mr. Panagiotis Tzimas, Alternate President of Pan-Macedonian Association
Canada, author of many articles on Macedonia, with their lectures,
Communism' s Pivotal Role in the “Macedonian” Ethnogenesis and Apple of
Discord gave an in depth analysis on Macedonia’s indisputable Greekness.
Vasilios Pappas, member of Greek Parliament from the Prefecture of
Halkidiki who was representing the Greek Parliament, Congresswoman
Shelley Berkley (NV) with roots from the Jewish Community of
Thessaloniki, Greek-American State Senator Dina Titus (NV), who is also
a Gubernatorial candidate, Greek-American State Senator Leonidas
Raptakis (RI) and Greek-American State Assemblywoman Gene Pintos
Ohrenschall graced the Convention with their presence.
The reelected Supreme President Panos D. Spiliakos stated: “I am very
pleased with the results of the Convention. The attendance was increased
despite the fact that Las Vegas is far from the East Coast, where most
of our Pan-Macedonian chapters are located. Additionally the continuous
and active participation by His Eminence Archbishop Dimitrios,
Ambassador Mallias and generally by all participants added a deeper
dimension and significance to the business of the Convention. Finally I
consider important that this year, which is an election year, we sought
and succeeded in having many candidates for public office attend the
Convention. An abundance of other political figures sent their
greetings, including Phil Angelides, candidate for governor of the most
populated state, California”.
The Supreme Vice-president, Professor Nina Gatzoulis, stated: “It is
very auspicious and significant that all the officers of Mr. Spiliakos’
administration were reelected, thus awarding their laborious and
successful efforts of the year that has passed. We came out from the
Convention united and strong and this has fortified us in the best way
to face with conviction and success any future difficulties”.
During the elections which took place the last day of the Convention,
the following officers were elected:
Supreme Council Committee
Supreme President: Panos D Spiliakos
Supreme Vice-President: Nina Gatzoulis
Β! Vice President: Anastasia Kasseris
Supreme Secretary: Theodore Toskos
Supreme Treasurer: Kostas Hatzistefanidis
Treasurer’s Aid: Sophia Stroubakis
Legal Advisors: Theodore Vassilakis
Demitrios Ioannidis
Governors
1. New England: George Tsitsopoulos
2. Greater ΝΥ Area: Mike Barbalios
3. Upstate NY: Nick Kousmanidis
4. Midwestern States: Dr. Antonios Papadopoulos, MD
