Sofia, Bulgaria (05 October 2018) – Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), the world’s leading peer-to-peer network of successful business owners has announced the launch of its newest chapter, EO South East Europe, welcoming members from Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia. This is the latest in a string of chapters introduced in the region which is currently 16 member strong. EO South East Europe is also the first multi-country chapter in the history of EO.
EO started out in 1987 with a commitment to transform the lives of entrepreneurs who transform the world. Since then, it has grown to over 13000 members in 179 chapters and 57 countries. With a mission to engage leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow, it enriches members’ lives through dynamic peer-to-peer learning, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and connections to experts.
Speaking enthusiastically about the launch, Maria Bengtsson, President, EO South East Europe said, “Entrepreneurship is on the rise in Eastern Europe and the European Commission’s Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan will give local ecosystems a boost in the years to come. Add to that the benefits of learning and networking through EO and we envision a positive ripple effect beyond members and their communities. Thirst for Learning is actually a core value at EO and we facilitate this through experience sharing between entrepreneurs and by providing opportunities to sign up for Executive Education programs or attend our world-class global learning events.”
EO South East Europe marked its launch with an inaugural event at the Central Military Club Ballroom in Sofia that saw the attendance of over 100 members and guests. “In entrepreneurship, Sofia is an example of other cities in Bulgaria, and our vision for the city is to establish itself as a factor in the Balkans,” Yordanka Fandakova, mayor of Sofia, said in a greeting address, followed by an inspiring and exciting speech by Howerd Dell, a giant sport personality, business consultant and actor. Since fun and joy is in the EO DNA, the event continued with colorful entertainment, challenging and touching all human senses.
This year’s elected members on the Chapter Board are:
| Reggie Chandra | Forum Chair |
| Panicos Christopoulos | Membership Romania |
| Radu Ciorba | Finance |
| Stephane Gantchev | Mentorship |
| Maria Gergova-Bengtsson | President |
| Istvan Hutton | Global Students Entrepreneurs’ Awards |
| Ivan Lekushev | Strategic Alliances |
| Razvan Luca | Integration |
| Calin Lupsan | Learning |
| Yanka Nikolova | Membership Bulgaria |
| Attila Simon | Accelerator and Marketing |
As the global thought leader on entrepreneurship, EO plays an integral role in businesses, industries and the lives of leading entrepreneurs everywhere. Entrepreneurs must be founders, co-founders or controlling shareholders of a company to be eligible for membership. To know more, visit: https://www.eonetwork.org/
