A dynamic gathering of professionals and entrepeneurs combined business and Hellenism at the eighth HBN Business Networking Symposium on March 14th. Guest speaker Rev. Nicholas C. Triantafilou gave a heartfelt address that touched on values important to Greek-Americans as they negotiate the new millenium's confusions and challenges. Father Triantafilou is President of Hellenic College/Holy Cross Theological School in Brookline, MA. He is a member of the Board of Directors of International Orthodox Christian Charities, and recently held the position of Director of the Boston Diocese Camp and Retreat Center. Father Triantafilou has served as priest in several communities, and also established an Orthodox School.

A well-known figure throughout the U.S., he has directed, moderated, and hosted radio talk shows, and has appeared regularly on "Sunday Devotions, broadcast by ABC-TV in Houston. The address by Father Triantafilou was the culmination of a lively evening at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in downtown Boston. "So many organizations are only about socializing," Boston area tax accountant Chrys Hattis told Hellenic Communication Service. "This one is business-oriented as well. It gives me a chance to network with other Greeks and to provide my services and also meet other professionals like myself." Established in 1998, Hellenic Business Network has already conducted seven Business Symposia attracting over 250 Hellenes and Philhellenes from all professional backgrounds. The organization, which seeks to advance the professional interests of Hellenes, has established a Professional Development Series, a Cultural Series, a forum for fostering and promoting business interests, and an interactive website. Further information on HBN membership can be found at www.hbngroup.org. After the event, HBN board member Toula Seremetis declared the event a success. "On behalf of Hellenic Business Network," Seremetis said in a statement to Hellenic Communication Service, "I would like to sincerely thank members and friends for joining us to celebrate our 3rd Anniversary Symposium! Special thanks go out to the Symposium Sponsors and Committee members as this event would not have been possible without their help and continuous support."