Tribune Excerpts

The following article appeared in the March 2008 Edition of the Macedonian Tribune

Lou Vlasho Opens Macedonian Consulate

Naples, Fla. -- Feb. 8 was a day of Macedonian pride. Goose bumps, tears and smiles co-mingled as Lou Vlasho became Macedonia’s honorary Consul with the official opening of a Macedonian Consulate.

“I felt so proud,” says Rob Popoff, Marco Island Councilman. He is the son of Donna Popoff – Owens, who also attended, and the late Victor Popoff. His grandfather Kosta Popoff was the fourth president of the MPO.

Vlasho was moved that so many of those in attendance were of Macedonian birth or descent. Many live in Southwest Florida. Among them was Tinka Oleff, who winters on Marco Island away from Cleveland’s wintry blasts. Her father the late Dimo Kovacheff and brother the late Peter Kovacheff also served on the MPO Board of Directors. Attending with her was her son Nick and his wife Chris, who were visiting. “I am excited to share the opening of the consulate with my family, friends and the greater Naples community, Vlasho said. He is vice-president of Rimaco Corp/Vergina Restaurant and vice chair of the Board of Directors of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.

The opening also signaled the newly formed partnership between the Macedonian Habitat for Humanity and the Collier County Habitat for Humanity. Zoran Kostov, executive director of the Macedonian Habitat chapter met his counterpart Dr. Sam Durso at the event.

Since the Macedonian chapter began in 2005, it has helped more than 200 families rebuild homes. This spring it plans to start the traditional Habitat program building 53 homes in the next three years on land donated by the Macedonian government.

Durso said now that the partnership is in place, “this is just the beginning.” Macedonian officials who attended included Srgjan Kerim, president of the UN General Assembly; Macedonia’s Ambassador to the U S Zoran Jolevski and Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki.

Naples Mayor Bill Barnet presented the Macedonian delegation with keys to the city. Also in attendance were US Senators Mel Martinez and Bill Nelson and US Representative Connie Mack. Senator George Voinovich, a long-time friend of Vlasho, sent his regrets.

Sources: Naples Daily News and The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.Thanks to Donna Popoff-Owens and Marci Seamples of the Chamber for providing photos.