NEW YORK – The Cyprus- U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored Nicole Petallides- Fox Business anchor, with the Distinguished Merit Award at the 2018 Gala in Manhattan.

Visibly moved by the honor and supported by many of her relatives and friends, Petallides warmly thanked the Greek American and Cypriot community for providing the principles she grew up with. At the same time, she also referred to the difficult road in her early years in the highly competitive TV news industry which required many hours of hard work, until she stepped in front of the camera and received recognition.

“Thank you very much for this distinction, there are many people here who are distinguished in their field and also the struggle for the freedom of Cyprus, it is an honor that they have chosen me. I should also emphasize, especially to the many women in the audience that we are leading today, as I am the first woman honored with the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber Distinguished Merit Award since 1997,” Petallides said.

Television producer and childhood friend Leslie Perez presented the award to Petallides who noted their acquaintance since childhood, her professionalism, and the great love she has for Cyprus which she visits frequently and recommends it as a tourist destination.

“Nicole is an example to be imitated. Over the years I have seen her evolve into an amazing woman. Whether I see her live at the New York Stock Exchange, on her show or when she hosts the parade, I feel proud of her,” she said, also referring to Petallides’ husband, Nicholas Tsiolas, and their two sons, Eric and Michael.

During the event, the Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce awarded the “Emerging Leadership Award to Christina Karapatakis, who, despite her young age, is considered by executives as “key” to invest in the energy sector worldwide, having made last year’s Forbes 30 under 30 list.

“I have attended this event since 2013. Thank you very much to the President for the reception, acquaintances and contacts I have made but also the youth section, which includes a total of 600 members, of which 40 are in the administrative council. I come in contact with big energy entrepreneurs investing in start-up companies, especially in the U.S., and I hope soon to promote an investment in a Cypriot start-up,” said Karapatakis.

The presentation of the event was made by the former President of the Chamber, Nicholas Karacostas, while the Executive Director, Despina Axiotakis gave the welcoming remarks.

The Cyprus- U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored Nicole Petallides Tsiolas with the Distinguished Merit Award at the annual gala in New York. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)

The Cyprus- U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored Nicole Petallides Tsiolas with the Distinguished Merit Award at the annual gala in New York. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)

FILE – The Cyprus- U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored Nicole Petallides Tsiolas with the Distinguished Merit Award at the annual gala in New York. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)

The Cyprus- U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored Nicole Petallides Tsiolas with the Distinguished Merit Award at the annual gala in New York. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)

Among those present were the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus, Vasilios Philippou, UN Permanent Representative, Kornelios Korneliou, Deputy Minister Menelaos Menelaou, the Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras and the president of PSEKA, Phillip Christopher.

“Break the Wall of Bureaucracy”

During his speech, the President of the Cyprus- U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Nicolas Nicolaou, noted the role of the organization and the need to benefit Cyprus through its new activities through new investments.

“If you find the wall of bureaucracy, break it. If you cannot break it, look for the door. There will surely be a door,” he said.

As Nicolaou said, the Chamber takes care of the promotion of Cypriot start-ups to American investors, giving as an example a recent event organized with invited representatives of five companies from Cyprus who were also present at the gala.