NEW HAMPSHIRE CELEBRATES HISTORIC NEW HAMPSHIRE-GREECE TRADE COUNCIL AT ST. GEORGE GLENDI FESTIVAL
Posted by estiator at 21 September, at 08 : 55 AM Print
Governor Kelly Ayotte joins state and community leaders at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral to commemorate legislation strengthening economic ties between New Hampshire and Greece
MANCHESTER, N.H. (September 18, 2026) — This morning, New Hampshire and members of the state’s Greek American community gathered today at the 47th annual Glendi Festival at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral to celebrate the establishment of the New Hampshire-Greece Trade Council, a new initiative designed to strengthen economic and commercial ties between New Hampshire and Greece.
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte joined state, federal and Greek American leaders for a ceremonial signing and celebration of the legislation, which establishes a New Hampshire-Greece Trade Council and creates a framework for expanded collaboration and commerce between the Granite State and the Hellenic Republic. The legislation was sponsored by New Hampshire State Senator Denise Ricciardi and co-sponsored by New Hampshire State Representative Efstathia Booras.
The new council is intended to help foster relationships between New Hampshire and Greece and encourage greater opportunities for trade, investment and economic development. The legislation recognizes the longstanding cultural and economic relationship between the two communities and directs state officials to work with trade councils in Greece. New Hampshire’s General Court identified Greece as one of the state’s significant trade partners and emphasized the importance of building upon the state’s historic, cultural and economic ties with the Hellenic Republic.
The event began with a blessing by St. George Cathedral Parish Priest Fr. Nicholas Livingston, followed by welcome remarks from The Anagnost Companies President Dick Anagnost who said, “New Hampshire has always benefited from people who are willing to think beyond the immediate and build for the future. This initiative creates an opportunity to strengthen commercial relationships between New Hampshire and Greece while opening the door to new ideas, new partnerships and new markets. Economic growth comes from creating opportunities, and this council can help bring businesses and leaders from both countries together in meaningful ways.”
Additional remarks were offered by New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte who shared, “We want to expand the trade and economic relations we have with Greece. It is a great partnership and a reflection of the strength of the Greek community and its contributions in the state of New Hampshire,” and introduced New Hampshire Senator Denise Ricciardi to the podium.
“This partnership is rooted in deep cultural connections,” said New Hampshire Senator Denise Ricciardi, sponsor of the legislation. “New Hampshire is home to one of the strongest Greek-American communities in the nation with the highest concentration of Greek Americans per capita in the entire United States. Since the very late 1800s Greek culture has enriched all communities, businesses and traditions. This trade council represents the next chapter in this proud history. The economic opportunities are significant. New Hampshire already exports aerospace, computer and electronic products, while Greece provides valuable imports like metals and food products. This Council will create new opportunities for trade, investment, tourism and business development. It will also help showcase New Hampshire products on the international stage, while providing direct connections throughout the European Union. From the birthplace of democracy, to the home of the first in the nation primary, this legislation deepens the connection between Greece and New Hampshire. Together, we build a stronger economy, we honor our shared history, we expand cultural understanding, and enhance New Hampshire’s international appeal for generations to come.”
Additional remarks were provided by New Hampshire State Representative Efstathia Booras and Rhode Island State Senator & President of the Association of Greek American Legislators Leonidas “Lou” Raptakis. The celebration brought together a distinguished group of government, business and Greek American leaders, including Event Organizer Chris Chrisafides who will serve as one of the two non-government appointment members of the New Hampshire-Greece Trade Council alongside Dick Anagnost, former Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Labor George Copadis, members of parish councils, and the broader Greek American community from throughout southern New Hampshire.
Following the remarks, New Hampshire Senate Bill 526 was signed just before 11:25am by New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte with the following people standing behind her: Leonidas “Lou” Raptakis, Fr. Nicholas Livingston, Dick Anagnost, Denise Ricciardi and Efstathia Booras.
The event also highlighted the important role of the Greek American community in fostering cultural and economic connections between New Hampshire and Greece. The gathering at Glendi provided a fitting setting for the celebration, bringing together government and business leaders with thousands of attendees at one of New England’s largest Greek cultural festivals.
Founded in 1980, St. George’s Glendi has grown from a local parish festival into a major regional celebration, attracting visitors from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine. The 47th annual festival takes place September 18-20, 2026 and features Greek food and pastries, music, dancing, cultural programming and tours of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
The New Hampshire-Greece Trade Council legislation became Chapter 66 of the 2026 New Hampshire Laws and took effect July 7, 2026.
The establishment of the council comes at a time of growing interest in expanding economic connections between New Hampshire and Greece, with potential opportunities spanning areas including raw materials, food and agricultural products, technology, manufacturing and other goods and services. By facilitating connections between businesses and government leaders, the council can help increase opportunities for imports, exports and investment while contributing to economic growth in both markets.
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About the New Hampshire-Greece Trade Council:
The New Hampshire-Greece Trade Council was established through Senate Bill 526, sponsored by Senator Denise Ricciardi and co-sponsored by Representative Efstathia Booras. The legislation authorizes the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs and the Secretary of State to establish a trade council to engage with trade councils in Greece and advance commercial relationships between New Hampshire and the Hellenic Republic. For more information, please visit the General Court of New Hampshire – Bill Status System.
About St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s Glendi Festival:
St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s Glendi Festival is an annual celebration of Greek culture, food, music and community in Manchester, New Hampshire. What began in 1980 as an effort to expand the cathedral’s annual bazaar has grown into a major New England Greek festival, attracting visitors from throughout the region. The 2026 Glendi Festival takes place September 18–20 at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. For more information, please visit https://www.stgeorgenh.org/.
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