Press Interview, Rex Hotel, Kalamata

Mr. Maniatakis stated that he and his wife, author Eleni Tagonidi Maniataki, were both committed to it –but also hoped that the Foundation would develop in an institution that would grow to be independent of them and serve Koroni and the region for a very long time. He also spoke about the importance of reaching young people of Koroni descent everywhere and involving them in activities in the region, to benefit of their experience and energy, and perhaps, to succeed in having some move and work in Koroni.

In the same spirit, he added that foreigners living in Koroni are also a great resource and they too should be involved, as much as possible, in efforts for the benefit of Koroni – the town they love.

All this, however, would not be possible if the Foundation only focuses in Greece. It is working to become international in orientation and activities, both to showcase Koroni internationally and to include Koroni in international activities, related to Maniatakeion’s cultural, social and development goals. In this, it would work closely with local authorities and institutions, hoping to provide them with resources and expertise that would complement their work. The Foundation’s role, he concluded, is not to supplant them, but to act as a catalyst and supporter whenever possible.

Mr. Maniatakis closed by announcing that the Foundation’s Board, on May 29th, voted to hold two international competitions. One of these will be to select a study about an integrated development plan for the region and will offer a monetary prize. The second will select and fund a business proposal to be implemented in the region and will offer its authors a stake in the undertaking.

Mr. Maniatakis closed by announcing that the Foundation’s Board, on May 29th, voted to hold two international competitions. One of these will be to select a study about an integrated development plan for the region and will offer a monetary prize. The second will select and fund a business proposal to be implemented in the region and will offer its authors a stake in the undertaking.

The Board also appointed its member, Ecomomics Professor Panagiotis Mourdoukoutas, Athens Univeristy Professors and members of the Advisory Council Iosif Hassid, Chairman of the Economics Department at Piraeus University, , and Professor Rigas Tzelepoglou, Kingston University. Terms and conditions for both competitions will be published at the Foundation’s website www.maniatakeion.gr and communicated to the press and universities in Greece and abroad at a later date.