With more than 600 participants and distinguished speakers, the 3rd Annual Capital Link Corporate Social Responsibility Forum was competed with unique success in Athens, on Thursday, the 27th of June, 2013 at Aegli Zappiou. The Forum was under the auspices of the City of Athens and the Athens Chamber of Commerce & Industry and gave the opportunity to more than 100 NGOs from all over Greece to communicate their work.

The motto for this year’s forum is "People for the People." The conference highlighted the importance of volunteerism, private initiatives and above all solidarity, in achieving a better and sustainable future. It also stressed that in order to be effective and profitable in today’s global and connected world, companies need a global vision of “who they are” and what they want to be with regard to globally responsible products/services, the right communications strategy, committed employees and customers who are engaged in and supportive of CSR programs.

Capital Link’s unique initiative was realized thanks to the support of the companies participating in the Conference, which brought together business executives and the public with representatives from 100 NGO’s from all over Greece, creating a direct channel of communication between them. During the Forum, there was a specially designed space where NGOs were able, through their representatives, to communicate their programs, objectives and needs and achieve new collaborations and partnerships.

The President of Capital Link Mr. Nicolas Bornozis, noted: "For the last four years, we have been experiencing the first major crisis of our century. Greek citizens are put to the test now more than ever, as they face over-stretched governmental institutions. The belief that the welfare state cannot cope with the increasing problems posed by the economic crisis is a common accepted reality of today.

Corporate Social Responsibility could play in the midst of crisis an important role in the development of the welfare state and contribute in a decisive way to social cohesion. A company, apart from playing an important economic role, must also be socially responsible and take care of the maintenance and management of natural and human resources. A CSR program has to cover every aspect, from its customers and suppliers, the local community, cultural and sporting activities, environment, to the way it treats personnel.

In this context, the 3rd Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Conference aimed to underline the importance of the human factor and its decisive role in resolving and addressing the multifaceted issues, which Greece is facing as a result of the crisis. The ways to motivate the citizens, the private initiative, volunteerism, and creating opportunities for young people were some of the topics chosen to present this year, giving a platform for companies, institutions and organizations to speak about their practices hoping to serve as an inspiration and an example."

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Keynote Speaker at this year's conference was Mr. George Logothetis, Chairman and CEO of the Libra Group. The group undertakes numerous educational and philanthropic initiatives globally including the Libra Internship Program. Run in collaboration with the Deree College and the Greek American Foundation, this program exemplifies the spirit of support that is so needed in Greece by helping 35 to 40 talented young people each year to see the world through the eyes of an international business group. Each intern receives a work placement of up to six months with the Libra Group or one of its global subsidiaries.

Under George Logothetis's leadership, the Libra Group has also founded and is managing the Hellenic Entrepreneurship Award. With a commitment of €5 million Libra seeks to create opportunity for both experienced and budding entrepreneurs in Greece by providing winners with mentoring, funding and a full range of business support services. In April this year four businesses selected from 300 applicants were announced as the winners of this coveted award for 2013.

Speaking about his organisation’s many Greece-focused CSR initiatives including the Hellenic Entrepreneurship Award and the Libra Internship Program, Mr Logothetis stated: "It's all about what they can become, not what they are prevented from being."

During the Forum, there were presentations from the following:

Mr. Thanasis Skordas, Deputy Minister of Development Competitiveness, Infrastructure, Transport and Networks commented the following: “The contemporary perception for the social responsibility is synonymous with the function of the economy. In order a business to grow it needs a robust and competitive market. It needs shareholders who win, but also satisfied and committed employees. It needs savvy consumers. It needs a society, as prosperous as possible. It needs the CSR to operate as a tangible recognition of the complementarily. To express the moral commitment of any business, to return a part of the added value gained, operating within the context of a particular society.”

Mrs. Eva Kontostathatou, Vice Mayor, who represented the Mayor of Athens Mr. George Kaminis stated: “The targets of the Municipality of Athens social policy do not stop at supporting our fellow citizens, who have faced difficulties. Equally important is for us their empowerment and their re-integration. And this is a particularly important mission we serve, of course through another frame of initiatives and actions targeting the next step which is to place the City of Athens again in a position of development. Sustainable development. By supporting innovation, social entrepreneurship, by further reinforcement of tourism and by emerging Athens as popular, autonomous tourist destination, by creating new jobs, by targeting to a wider cooperation.”

Finally Mr. Konstantinos Michalos, President of the Union of Hellenic Chambers of Commerce and Industry & Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) stated the following: «Today and in the years to come, it is important to understand the importance of CSR in a wider context. To set it on new foundations, enabling it to contribute to the effort of creating a new business culture. To act as a strategic choice, aimed at the development and enhancement, not only of the business, but also of the society that surrounds it”.

COMPANY PRESENTATIONS

Introductory Remarks were made by Mrs. Maria Alexiou, Chair of the Board of the Hellenic Network for Corporate Social Responsibility who mentioned: “The sharp increase of unemployment, social unrest and corruption, the climate change, but also the lack of sources have led the world to a transitional period, where each of us is called to play an important role.

In this environment, where the current growth model is under question, companies should re- define the role of their leaders and act proactively by converting challenges to opportunities, through innovation, systemic thinking, vision, consultation ability, determination and partnerships. In this way, we will come to the desired outcome, which is the sustainable development and companies are invited to lead it.”

During the Forum, there were presentations from the following:

Dr. Markos Loukogiannakis, General Manager, SEV Business Council for Sustainable Development. In his speech titled "Sustainable Development: key success factor for the competitiveness & extroversion of Greek products" he stated: “SEV Business Council for Sustainable Development, member of the Regional Network of World Business Council for Sustainable Development, promotes the sustainability agenda to both business and political leadership, aiming to the establishment of new business models to ensure economy competitiveness and a sustainable world for all. In this frame, Corporate Social Responsibility is not any more viewed in terms of philanthropy but as a lever to promote the sustainable competitiveness of the Greek economy and enterprises, built on the keystones of extroversion and economic development.”

Mr. Panagiotis Panagiotakopoulos, Managing Director - Close the Loop. During his speech titled "The importance of Eco – labeling as a practice for innovation and differentiation" he showed the basic characteristics of ecolabels, as well as the relevant global trends. Furthermore, the relationship between ecolabels and Life Cycle Assessment also were presented, focusing on Environmental Product Declarations and successful application examples Finally, the recent findings of a research project exploring the decision criteria on ecolabels for Greek businesses and their role in business strategy formulation.

Mr. Fotis Kourmousis, President - Union of Environmental Scientists of Greece, & Advisor, UNEP FI. As mentioned in his speech "The contribution of CSR to sustainable development: environment as a driver of economic growth": “A new development model is required, which utilizes environment as a driver for development of the economy, in order to achieve sustainable development in Greece. Integrating CSR into business activities, via adopting environmental practices and promoting green products/services, leads to the growth of companies and ultimately to sustainable development of the Country, since businesses are the driving force of the economy.”

Mr. Pericles Vassilopoulos, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility - ERT S.A. & Vice President - Citizens' Union PAREMVASSI, talked about "The role of Media in promoting Volunteerism and Social participation" and noted: “The role of Mass Media and particularly of broadcasting corporations in promoting Corporate Social Responsibility and Volunteering are extremely important and is anticipated to become multilevel and marginally determinant. Living in the era of Capitalism of Publicity and in the Knowledge Society Mass Media are located in the trunk of the circulatory system of modern societies. No single subsystem of society can function properly without them.”

Finally, Mrs. Evgenia Thanou, General Director, Doctors of the World (Greece), made a presentation about "The Importance of CSR from the NGOs perspective" and noted: “The existence of Corporate Social Responsibility is not just an area of vital importance for NGOs but is also a field of reflection and debate that concerns the whole society. NGOs, such as Doctors of the World, is perhaps the world's most dynamic form of expression of Civil Society.”

There were also presentations from the following companies:

Mr. George Tsaprounis, Corporate Affairs Executive Director, WIND Hellas, in his speech titled "Run Greece: A Solidarity Run" he commented: “Wind has been closely related to the running movement, by giving presence to many important running events in the country. In this way, we contribute to the spreading of sport spirit for all, while highlighting core values such as effort, participation and social solidarity. At the same time, WIND gives the institution Run Greece a strong social characteristic, through the collection and offer of money by any runner to local social organizations. The next stops of Run Greece are: Patra (6/10) and Larissa (20/10), where Athletics Federation & WIND invite all citizens to take part and send a strong message of social solidarity.”

Mrs. Eleftheria Patakaki, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, ALPHA BANK during her speech about "The importance of volunteerism and employee participation in CSR programs" commented: “The Employees of Alpha Bank are its most valuable asset, as the Bank’s growth depends on their capabilities and their engagement in the achievement of corporate goals. Volunteerism and selfless participation are the Bank’s guidelines while organising volunteer programmes. Either with environmental or with social sensibility, the Bank’s Employees and members of their families, together, participate actively in these programmes, promoting, in the best possible way, the corporate culture.”

Ms. Tinita Georgantzi, Director Customer/Partner Experience & Citizenship, Microsoft Hellas, in her presentation "The importance of volunteerism and employee participation in CSR programs," focused on the issue of Youth Unemployment and the growing gap between the skills of unemployed workers and the skills needed to perform the jobs of today and tomorrow. The companywide initiative, YouthSpark was presented outlining how Microsoft aims to create opportunities for Youth, through partnerships with governments, nonprofits and businesses. Microsoft’s aim is to empower youth to imagine and realize their full potential by connecting them with greater education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. GetBusy.gr is one of the YouthSpark initiatives which has reached more than 45 thousand young Greeks in only six months and is widely considered as a European best-practice.

Mrs. Fotini Maltezou Ph.D., CSR Head S. Greece - Hellenic Petroleum S.A., stated that: “Energy for life’ is our mission statement which, beyond the business scope, underlines our priorities in the field of human relationships, the care for our people and the society as a whole. Special emphasis is given to the rising problems affecting young people and other socially vulnerable groups, due to the financial crisis.

Through our strategic corporate social responsibility approach, we establish a symbiotic relationship with the local communities, targeting to our mutual understanding and development, based on the lasting principles of transparency.“

Mrs. Margarita Gamaletsou, Acting Director, Public Relations & Corporate Communications - EYDAP, during her presentation referred to the importance of environmental education at all levels of education for creating responsible citizens in the future, and she spoke thoroughly about the vision, the targets, the strategy and the methodology of the environmental program of EYDAP “The future of the water through the eyes of a child”, offered by the Company for more than 20 years.

Mrs. Katerina Perissi, Environmental Management Section Manager, Corporate Communications Department - OTE Group. The subject of the presentation concerned the new office complex of OTE / COSMOTE in Paiania. As mentioned: "Aiming at energy conservation and rational use of energy, it is a low energy building that incorporates elements of bioclimatic design. It is the first building in Greece certified (gold level) according to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The building has secured a Class A energy performance rating in accordance with the Greek energy efficiency standard."

Mrs. Nafsika Zevgoli, Sustainability & Social Investment Supervisor, Vodafone Greece commented: “At Vodafone Greece we aim to substantially meet the current challenges, while remaining committed to Sustainability principles. We develop comprehensive programs to ensure that the company continues to operate responsibly and makes efficient use of natural resources (energy and materials). Moreover, we substantially contribute to Sustainability utilizing systematically, the technology, the products and services to support the Greek economy, through solutions that enhance the competitiveness of Greek enterprises with co-benefits for the environment, as well as we support the Greek society, for example through the Telemedicine program.”

Mr. Panagiotis Papadimitriou, Manager Corporate Quality, Athens International Airport S.A. in his speech titled "Transparency or Publicity Campaign? – The real role of sustainability reporting" elaborated on the true value of Sustainability Reports as an instrument of corporate governance. He mentioned that: “The Sustainability Reports based on prevailing international standards promote principles-based-management and transparency in corporate communications. In this manner, they promote a responsibility perspective and contribute to the companies’ recognition by their stakeholders.”

Mrs. Evi Ioannidou, Public Relations & CSR Manager, Eurobank Group, in her speech titled "Youth entrepreneurship – The egg - enter•grow•go" commented: “The egg - enter•grow•go is a joint Corporate Social Responsibility initiative by Eurobank and Corallia that aims to boost young innovative entrepreneurship. Is a holistic entrepreneurship acceleration programme, reaching out to young teams with creative and innovative ideas. Through the programme, which lasts 12 months, participating teams are co-hosted in state-of-the-art facilities, have access to a reliable network of mentors, business training and supportive activities. The first facility of the programme operates since May in Athens and will expand in other cities.”

Finally Mrs. Konstantina Vitoratou, "Ombudsman" - National Bank of Greece in her speech titled "NBG Ombudsman: How we can help you" commented: “The successful operation of the NBG Ombudsman service reflects the general actions of Corporate Responsibility undertaken by NBG, in implementation of its new code of transaction conduct. In the NBG Group, we endeavor on a daily basis to make the concept of 'People working for People' a tangible reality. The NBG Ombudsman mediates between the Customer and the Bank, seeking the best possible solution in any point of friction that may arise during the transaction process. The appreciation of the NBG Ombudsman by our Customers as being a body that listens and effectively intervenes is generating a virtuous circle, whereby we can achieve our goal of fruitful alliance of Customer and Bank, and build a relationship of mutual trust.”

There will be a panel discussion, as follows: “The contribution of Greek Companies to society during the crisis”

Speakers:

Mrs. Manina Menidiati, Public Affairs Officer, CITI GREECE

Mrs. Sofia Roti, Head of Section of Environmental Branch, Strategy Department, Public Power Corporation S.A.(PPC)

Mrs. Maria Schoina, Public Relations & Communications Manager, DESFA S.A.

Mrs. Manina Menidiati, presented, the Community priorities of Citi are formed based on the needs of a globalized society, but they get a local tone, influenced by the conditions of each country. The CSR program of Citi Greece has been developing for ten years now, and it involves action on charities, environment and volunteering. Emphasis is also given to programs of financial education, as well as to the new initiative on youth employability, initiated by Citi Greece, funded by Citi Foundation and designed and implemented by the Department of Applied Research of ALBA Graduate Business School at The American College of Greece.

Mrs. Sofia Roti, noted: "The Hydroelectric Works of PPC are multi-purpose projects, because beyond their energy importance, they satisfy needs of water supply, irrigation, recreation, etc. The dams contribute to the upgrading of adjacent areas, by the creation of ponds and wetlands. The lakes are exploited as places of recreation, tourism investment and development activities such as aquaculture, fishing and water sports. The environment of artificial lakes favors the enrichment and strengthening of national ecosystems."

Mrs. Maria Schoina, mentioned: "The Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator was set up in March 2007. Our company’s mission is the operation, maintenance, management and development of the National Natural Gas System in order to unfailingly serve the needs of users in a safe, adequate, reliable and cost effective way.

DESFA, as the Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator, ranks amongst the country’s enterprises with significant environmental and social contribution: the areas, enterprises and households utilizing natural gas are constantly rising through the infrastructure development program.

Moreover, DESFA, beyond this general characteristic accompanying its operation, has significant environmental performance to display and effective practices of cooperation with the local communities where it operates.

Aiming at combining operation with social harmony, it places emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility issues. DESFA's vision is to decisively contribute to improving the competitiveness of Greek economy, by optimizing the quality of life of our fellow citizens."

Collection of medicines

In the context of the Forum, a collection of medicines was organized by Capital link in cooperation with the Organization "The World Pharmacists. The medicines will be donated to the Foundation “Asylon Aniaton” which treats 260 patients from all over Greece, suffering from paraplegia, quadriplegia, encephalopathies, multiple sclerosis and other illnesses of the central nervous system causing movement disorders. 170 people are working for their care (doctors, physiotherapists, nurses, etc.), on a 24 hour basis.

ORGANIZER

The Forum was organized by Capital Link, an Investor Relations and Communications company with headquarters in New York and offices in London and Athens, as is described in the attached profile.

LEAD SPONSOR

Libra Group

MAIN SPONSORS

Hellenic Petroleum, ICAP

SPONSORS

Alpha Bank, Athenian Brewery, Athens International Airport S.A.(AIA), CITI Greece, DEPA S.A., Eurobank Group , EYDAP, National Natural Gas System Operator (DESFA) S.A., Lamda Development, Microsoft Hellas, Mondelez Hellas, National Bank of Greece, ΟΤΕ, COSMOTE, Piraeus Port Authority S.A.. Public Power Corporation S.A. (PPC S.A.), Vodafone Greece, WIND Hellas.

HANDBOOK SPONSOR

Hellenic Petroleum

COCKTAIL SPONSOR

Pernod Ricard Hellas

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION

Chambre de Commerce et d' Industrie Franco-Hellénique, Greek-Italian Chamber, SEV – Council for Sustainable Development

With the Support of

ΕΡΤ S.A.

MEDIA SPONSORS

Athina 9.84 radio, KATHIMERINI, OIKONOMIKI EPITHEORISSI, SKAI

E-MEDIA SPONSORS

Econews.gr, energia.gr

FORUM'S MATERIAL

The material of the Forum is available at the CSR website of Capital Link: www.csringreece.gr/forum/2013.

ABOUT CAPITAL LINK
With its headquarters in New York and presence in London and Athens, Capital Link has been active since 1995 in the field of Investor Relations and Financial Communication. Its activities focus mainly on three areas: 1) Linking companies with strategic and institutional investors, bankers, analysts and the financial media in Europe and the United States, 2) American Closed-End Funds and ETFs, 3) Listed shipping Companies. Capital Link's programs combine IR, IT and financial media in one comprehensive package enabling Companies to maximize their penetration and recognition in the global investment community. www.capitallink.com

Capital Link, Inc.

Capital Link, Inc.

Capital Link is an investor relations and financial communications firm with a strategic focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). As part of its commitment to raising the visibility of CSR, Capital Link organizes events in this sector across London, Athens, and New York. The annual CSR Forum in London focuses on the Maritime and Offshore/Oil services industries, whereas the annual CSR Forum in Athens calls attention to the significance of CSR in a country that has been tested by severe economic decline and social unrest. Its annual New York Forum focuses on "CSR as a Competitive Advantage in Finance & Investing." From the public company perspective, this event aims to showcase how companies can enjoy improved access to the financial and capital markets at a lower cost of capital while, at the same time, expand shareholder value through improved and sustainable market valuations. From the investors' point of view, this event explores the ins and outs of Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and tackles the challenges of integrating IR, CSR, and corporate communications. Capital Link is a GRI Stakeholder.

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