June 3, 2007

Hungary's New Honorary Consul in Atlanta Sworn In

The Ambassador of Hungary to the U.S., András Simonyi, swore in John Parkerson, General Attorney of Delta Airlines, as Honorary Consul of Hungary in Atlanta during his May 28-30 visit. The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce (MACOC) hosted the ceremony on May 29.

Ambassador András Simonyi, Mrs. Náda P. Simonyi, and John Parkerson in front of the Atlanta City Hall

Besides his leading position at Delta, John Parkerson is also Chairman of the International Promotions Council of the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce, and the Chairman of the International Executive Advisory Council at Clayton College and State University. He played a crucial role in negotiations between the Hungarian government and Delta Airlines that resulted in Delta's launch of direct flights between New York and Budapest in April 2006.

Ambassador Simonyi and John Parkerson paid a visit to the Mayor of Atlanta, Shirley Franklin, on May 29. The delegation, which also included Head of Consular Affairs Imre Helyes, Economic Counselor Gábor Szabó and Chief Creative Officer Zoltán Fehér, had a substantial discussion with the Mayor about the large potential for increasing cooperation between Atlanta and Budapest, Atlanta and Hungary. A private lunch at the home of Reece & Associates executive Wayne Reece followed in the presence of representatives from the local Hungarian-American community.

Ambassador Simonyi, Mayor of Atlanta Shirley Franklin, and John Parkerson

Ambassador András Simonyi, Mrs. Náda P. Simonyi, John Parkerson, and Atlanta Attorney Wayne Reece

During the Clayton County Reception at the City of Morrow Tourism Center in the afternoon, the Mayor of Morrow presented Ambassador Simonyi a key to the city.

John Parkerson, Mayor of Morrow Jim Millirons, and Ambassador Simonyi with the keys to the city

The evening reception and inauguration was opened by Jorge Fernandez, the Vice President of MACOC, on the Chamber's rooftop providing a spectacular view of Atlanta and its skyline. This was followed by proclamations from the State of Georgia, the City of Atlanta, and the City of Morrow. Ambassador András Simonyi, swore in John Parkerson, General Attorney of Delta Airlines, as Honorary Consul of Hungary in Atlanta. The new Honorary Consul held an acceptance speech, pledging that he will serve the Republic of Hungary as well as his home town and the four Southern states within his representation (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee).

The swearing in of John Parkerson as Honorary Consul of Hungary in Atlanta (John Parkerson, Consul Imre Helyes, and Ambassador Simonyi)

"The Hungarian team:" Head of Consular Affairs Imre Helyes, Honorary Consul in Houston Philip Aronoff, Mrs. Náda P. Simonyi, Ambassador András Simonyi, Honorary Consul in Atlanta John Parkerson, Mrs. Jo-Ann Parkerson, Chief Creative Officer Zoltán Fehér, and Economic Counselor Gábor Szabó

During the MACOC reception, Ambassador Simonyi granted Béla Fleck, one of the premier banjo players of the world, named after Béla Bartók by his non-Hungarian parents, the title "Honorary Hungarian." Béla Fleck played two tunes to the ovation of the reception guests. The closing event of the day was a Breeze Kings concert in Sambuca Jazz Café where Ambassador Simonyi had the chance to jam with the band.

Ambassador Simonyi and Béla Fleck

Béla Fleck playing his banjo at the reception, with Ambassador Simonyi listening

Ambassador Simonyi jamming with the Breeze Kings band in Sambuca Jazz Café in Atlanta

On May 30, a breakfast seminar took place for the Atlanta business community on "Business and Investment Opportunities in the Republic of Hungary" at MACOC. A wide range of Atlanta businesses were represented. Ambassador Simonyi and Honorary Consul Parkerson gave remarks. Gábor Szabó, the Economic Counselor of the Hungarian Embassy, made a presentation on the Hungarian economy and the business opportunities it can provide.