Rodopi Chamber launches "Professional of the Month" initiative to promote Local Business Excellence
The Chamber of Professional and Craft Trades of Rodopi has announced the establishment of a “Professional of the Month” award to recognize individuals demonstrating outstanding commercial and social engagement. The initiative was revealed by Chamber President Theodoros Savvakis in an interview with ERT Komotini.
This monthly distinction aims to encourage members of the Chamber to engage in innovative, outward-looking entrepreneurial activities while also contributing meaningfully to the local community.
The initiative is part of a broader package of proposals submitted by the Chamber to the Municipality of Komotini, aiming to enhance the region’s tourism profile. These proposals include:
- Development of agrotourism, ecotourism, archaeological tourism, conference tourism, sports tourism, and adventure tourism.
- Opening local workshops and industries to visitors.
- Hosting an annual gastronomic walk each September to welcome new students and their families.
- Creating a cultural route through the historic city center.
- Urban revitalization projects and upgrades to the coastal zone.
- Utilization of the Nymfaia forest.
- Signposting of cultural and historical landmarks.
- Creation of thematic routes and revitalization of Komotini’s old town.
- Funding and subsidies for cafés, artisan shops, traditional workshops, and local product outlets.
- Legislation to prevent commercial stores from being used solely as storage spaces, mandating their active commercial operation.
- Revision and rationalization of land use policies.
- Establishment of commercial and tourist zones and light manufacturing zones.
- Measures to boost local retail activity and enhance the downtown commercial district.
- Proposal for extended shopping hours, coordinated with the Local Trade Association, to create a more competitive and visitor-friendly retail environment.
- Promotional campaigns for the local market.
- Incentives and support for aesthetic upgrades of storefronts.
- Creation of cultural information points.
According to Mr. Savvakis, these combined efforts are designed to not only celebrate individual entrepreneurial excellence but also reinvigorate the local economy and strengthen Rodopi’s image as a dynamic and attractive destination.
