The Covid pandemic and the ensuing busy autumn periods of the last two years prevented the Institute from organising its otherwise well attended social event. So this year IENE made a shy come back by inviting its partners, associates, members and its staff to an open cocktail reception held in the hospitable gardens of the SAKA club in Psychiko, Athens. With SAKA being the Athens College Alumni Association, where a number of IENE associates are members.
The Covid pandemic and the ensuing busy autumn periods of the last two years prevented the Institute from organising its otherwise well attended social event. So this year IENE made a shy come back by inviting its partners, associates, members and its staff to an open cocktail reception held in the hospitable gardens of the SAKA club in Psychiko, Athens. With SAKA being the Athens College Alumni Association, where a number of IENE associates are members.
Judging by the turnover and the interest expressed by invitees the event proved a success as the ambiance of the premises and the hospitality provided by the organisers proved beyond expectations. The event which was attended by several Institute members but also by a small number of its founders, provided the opportunity for get togethers and interesting discussions on hot topics of the current energy agenda.
Addressing the invitees Mr. Costis Stambolis, IENE’s Chairman who also acts as its Executive Director, presented some thoughts concerning the Institute’s future direction and the new lines of action which are opening up in the months ahead. With research and study projects topping the Institute’s agenda the Chairman referred to a number of latest initiatives already approved by the board which include a major action on Innovation In Energy, a Regional Security Programme and a revised Energy Poverty Programme. These new actions will be undertaken in addition to the projects and work already conducted by the Institute, and in order to handle such an expansion of work load the Institute plans to launch a fund drive early next year, Costis explained.
According to the outline plan presented by the Chairman, the Institute has already secured help from a professional fund raiser and marketing expert who is to join its staff shortly. In addition next year’s planning for research work, educational courses, events and related activities is already at an advanced stage which means that corporate members will be informed before the start of the new year of IENE’s programme for 2025. This will give them time to plan an budget financial support for the Institute.
Summing up his vision for IENE’s future development Costis Stambolis said that he remained optimistic in achieving the set objectives in the coming months and in securing substantial new support from corporate members and donors. This optimism, said Stambolis, is routed on the excellent work already carried out by staff, associates and consultants and the wide recognition of the Institute in Greece and South East Europe. In a sense, concluded the Institute’s Chairman,“ it is no exaggeration to state that IENE is now entering a new era of activity”
