On October 29, 2024, AmCham Bulgaria led a dynamic three-fold outreach initiative to Plovdiv, strengthening connections with local industry leaders, inspiring future professionals, and exploring the region’s rich cultural and economic landscape. The main driver was the Rise to Shine Project, part of the EmpowerHer Program 2024 The AmCham team included Ivan Mihaylov, CEO, Daniel Kiryakov, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, and Petya Kostova, Corporate Relations & Business Development Manager
Exploring Business Innovation with Ambyx
The first stop was at Ambyx, a company specializing in industrial machinery and equipment that plays a pivotal role in Bulgaria’s FMCG sector. AmCham representatives met with Yanko Zaykov, owner and CEO of Ambyx, who shared his journey as an entrepreneur. The visit provided valuable insights into the company’s operations and underscored Ambyx’s impact on Bulgaria’s industrial sector, further enriching AmCham’s understanding of its members’ contributions to the local economy.
Empowering Youth with the “Rise to Shine” Project
The second visit of the day brought AmCham to two vocational schools, the Vocational Mechanics School “Prof. Tsvetan Lazarov” and the Vocational School for Transport “Gotse Delchev.” Here, the Rise to Shine project—a core component of AmCham’s EmpowerHer Program—offered students practical insights into career pathways through lectures by industry experts Ivelina Panamska (MOTO-PFOHE), Antoaneta Petrova (Sensata Technologies), and Slavyana Dokimova (Kamenitza AD). The event included a special appearance by Yanko Zaykov, an alumnus of the Transport School, who shared motivational remarks with the students, encouraging them to pursue their ambitions. Following previous events in Sofia and Dimitrovgrad, Rise to Shine has successfully expanded to Plovdiv, underscoring AmCham’s commitment to fostering early career orientation.
Engaging in Strategic Dialogue with Plovdiv’s Leadership
AmCham concluded its outreach by meeting with Plovdiv’s Deputy Mayor, Plamen Panov. Daniel Kiryakov and Ivan Mihaylov of AmCham Bulgaria discussed key initiatives with the Deputy Mayor, including the development of the Trakia Economic Zone (TEZ) – a successful public-private partnership model driving regional growth. The conversation also touched on cultural and tourism development, with Plovdiv’s Hills of Rock festival exemplifying the city’s cultural appeal. The Deputy Mayor highlighted the significance of historic projects like the Bishop Basilica, co-funded by the America for Bulgaria Foundation, which further exemplifies the region’s investment in preserving cultural heritage.
Through these engagements, AmCham Bulgaria demonstrated its dedication to both fostering economic growth and investing in the future generation of Bulgarian professionals.