The American Balkan Trade Center (ABTC) hosted an elegant and memorable Black-Tie Forum on October 2, at the prestige Union League Club in Chicago, IL, bringing together distinguished guests from the worlds of business, politics, government, media, and the community.
It was an evening defined by meaningful conversations, new connections, and a shared commitment to strengthening relationships between the Balkan and American communities.
The VIP gathering created an atmosphere where influential leaders had the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and discuss the importance of building bridges between the United States and the Balkans.
The event was also attended by diplomatic representatives and public officials, including Daniela Nikova, Macedonian Acting Consul, Tatjana Telic, Consul General of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Marko Nikolić, Consul General of Serbia in Chicago, and Cook County Commissioners Donna Miller and Bill Lowry.
Their presence underscored the importance of the evening and ABTC’s growing role in bringing together diplomatic representatives, elected officials, business leaders, and members of the Balkan-American community.
The evening’s official program, followed by a formal dinner, highlighted the mission and vision of ABTC and the importance of creating stronger networks between American and Balkan communities. Distinguished guests spoke about the value of collaboration, community, leadership, and creating new opportunities for future cooperation.
The evening was emceed by Marija Glavcheva, who welcomed the guests, expressed appreciation to the sponsors and supporters, and guided the official program throughout the evening.
The first speaker of the evening was Boban Popevski, President of the American Balkan Trade Center, who welcomed the distinguished guests and spoke about the vision, mission, and future of ABTC.
Popevski emphasized the importance of building something that goes beyond individual interests, saying:
“Together, we are building the American Balkan Trade Center. With our founders, we are starting something bigger than ourselves.”
His remarks set the tone for an evening focused on leadership, cooperation, and the long-term vision of ABTC.
Senator Ruben Gallego Addresses the Audience
United States Senator Ruben Gallego then took the stage and addressed the distinguished audience. He also accepted a plaque recognizing him as an honored member of the American Balkan Trade Center.
Expressing his appreciation for being part of ABTC’s first annual dinner, Senator Gallego said:
“Thank you for having me. It is good to be here. The first annual dinner of such a great organization. Because of all the work you have done, and the work of many other people, whether they are immigrants or descendants of immigrants, because of their belief in this country, you continue to make it great.”
Senator Gallego spoke about the importance of leadership, community engagement, and the contributions of immigrant communities to the United States. His remarks highlighted the importance of continued engagement and relationships that can create opportunities for cooperation and growth.
Mariannette Miller-Meeks: “A Very Bright Future”
Mariannette Miller-Meeks, United States Representative for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, also addressed the audience and spoke about the importance of bringing elected officials, business leaders, supporters, and community members together.
“It is a real honor to be here with you, to be able to see you network together, interact together with elected officials, with business, and with supporters. I think it shows where you are going to go. It is going to be a very bright future indeed.”
Her remarks reflected the importance of networking and collaboration in building a strong and successful organization.
Miller-Meeks was also recognized during the evening as an honorary member of the American Balkan Trade Center.
Joe Mitchell: “We Need People Who Want to Get Things Done”
Joe Mitchell, former Iowa State Representative, also spoke during the evening.
Mitchell, who is currently running for Congress in Iowa, emphasized the need for cooperation and leaders who are focused on results.
“I’m running for Congress in Iowa. We need more bipartisanship in Congress. We need people who want to get things done and do things for the American people. And that is what you guys are doing tonight.”
His comments reinforced the evening’s broader message of cooperation, leadership, and bringing people together around common goals.
Mitchell was also recognized as an honorary member of ABTC.
Gary Grasso: “The Balkan Community Is Doing What the American Dream Is All About”
The evening also included recognition of community leaders who were welcomed as honorary members of ABTC.
Gary Grasso, Mayor of the Village of Burr Ridge, received a plaque recognizing him as an honorary member of the American Balkan Trade Center.
After accepting the honor, Grasso addressed the audience and offered a simple but powerful message:
“The Balkan community is doing what the American Dream is all about. Please keep doing it.”
Freddie L. Wilson: “Someone in My Corner”
Freddie L. Wilson, Mayor of the Village of Ford Heights, was also recognized during the evening and received an honorary membership plaque.
After accepting the recognition, Wilson spoke about the importance of having people who stand behind you and support your work:
“I’m honored to have someone in my corner who says what he means and means what he says.”
His words added another personal dimension to an evening centered on relationships, trust, and community.
Jimmy Clayton: “Your American Dream Is Protected”
Jimmy Clayton, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, also addressed the audience and was honored with a plaque recognizing him as a member of the ABTC family.
Clayton emphasized the strong relationship between ABTC and the Illinois business community and spoke about the shared values that connect the organizations.
“The Illinois Chamber will work as hard as we can, with those values that we have and that we share, to make sure that your American Dream is protected and to show you how appreciative we are for choosing Illinois to do that.”
His remarks highlighted the importance of supporting businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities that choose Illinois as a place to build their future.
Rod Blagojevich Highlights His Balkan Roots
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich also took the stage to accept his plaque and spoke about his Balkan heritage and the American Dream.
Reflecting on the opportunities America provides, Blagojevich said:
“The opportunity of America, the promise of the American Dream, and all of you who are here making that dream come real.”
His remarks connected the evening’s celebration of Balkan heritage with the broader ideals of opportunity, hard work, and the American Dream.
Beyond the formal program, the evening was about people — bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, community representatives, media professionals, and public officials under one roof.
The Black-Tie Forum provided an opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and create connections that can lead to new partnerships and future opportunities.
For ABTC, the evening represented more than a formal gathering. It was another important step toward its mission of building lasting bridges between the United States and the Balkans and creating a stronger network of leaders, businesses, institutions, and communities. The founders of the organization — Nikola “Nick” Andreevski, Luka Jovanovic, and Filip Milivojevic — demonstrated the strength of the Balkan community by coming together, supporting one another, and building stronger connections alongside the American community.
The event demonstrated that meaningful relationships often begin with a conversation, and that bringing the right people together can create opportunities that extend far beyond a single evening.
It was a night of conversations that can lead to new partnerships, connections that can open new doors, and relationships that can continue long after the evening came to an end.
At the end of the evening, all guests received a bottle of wine from Tikveš Winery as a special gift, taking home a taste of Macedonia and a memorable reminder of the evening
A night to remember — and a night that leaves everyone looking forward to what comes next.
More info at abtcgroup.org.
