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American Bulgarian Business Association

American Bulgarian Business Association (ABBA) is a non-profit legal entity that fosters cooperation and collaboration between small and medium-sized companies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals from Bulgaria and the United States.

Мission

We help small and medium-sized businesses to develop sustainably and successfully on the Bulgarian and American markets.

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Aims

To create a working and effective platform for doing business from Bulgaria to the US
and from the US to Bulgaria…

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Our team

We are an enthusiastic team of proved professionals which are dedicated to fulfill the aims of ABBA.

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Eliz Nestorov

President

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Sevdalin Spasov

President

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Rumyana Yordanova

Executive Director

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Viktor Melamed

Founder

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Alex Nestor

Member of the Managing Board

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Diana Pazaitova

Member of the Managing Board

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Dobrina Ustun

Member of the Managing Board

ALL MEMBERS

News & Events

American-Bulgarian Business Association Founders, Co-presidents, Основатели на Американо-Българска Бизнес Асоциация

News

ABBА Presented Its Team, Work, and Goals

The American-Bulgarian Business Association made its public debut. Established less than 6 months ago, the organization introduced its team, the work accomplished thus far, and its

October 5, 2023

News

ABBA representatives actively participating at the GIF2023 meeting

Another extremely important event in which ABBА actively participated! GIF2023 is a key meeting where the budget allocated by the US for international affairs – diplomacy,

June 12, 2023

News

Huge interest in ABBA at the Jubilee Gathering of Bulgarians in Pennsylvania

Huge interest in ABBA at the Jubilee Gathering of Bulgarians in Pennsylvania Over 1000 Bulgarians gathered this past weekend for the Tenth Jubilee Gathering off our

June 5, 2023

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Rumyana Yordanova

Rumyana Yordanova

Executive Director

Rumyna Yordanova is among the proactive young people who strive for constant improvement in personal and professional terms. Proof of this is her numerous activities as a lecturer at public trainings on matters related to the protection of personal data and the legal framework in Bulgaria, including training colleagues from bar associations in the country. She participates in television programs on topics related to her expertise, as well as in national and international forums. She participates as a mentor in mentoring programs aimed at imparting knowledge and experience to those who have just graduated from school or university, as well as in a number of initiatives dedicated to pro bono causes of public importance.

As part of the team of one of the leading law firms in our country, established as early as 1990, Rumyana has provided legal consultations, opinions and advice to Bulgarian and foreign clients on separate aspects of digital, corporate and business law, as well as transaction structuring in the field of real estate, mergers and acquisitions, as well as reorganization, including the establishment of company structures and their subsequent development on the local market. Among the cited clients stand out “Furla” S.a.r.l., “Coca-Cola Hellenix Bulgaria”, “Zagorka”, “Schenker”, “Arteks”; “Balev Corporation”, “Bank Piraeus Bulgaria”, “D Bank”; “Polycomp”, “Stemo”, “Zlatna Panega Cement” and many others.

Rumyana is among the few certified experts in the field of personal data protection by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). As a certified expert, she works and leads projects to ensure compliance with the legal framework for projects at “Kozloduy NPP”, “Employment Agency”, “BDZ – Passenger Railways”, “Happy” and many others.

She participates in teams on large transactions related to entering the Bulgarian market of large foreign investors, assisting in obtaining certification for a relevant class of investor, establishing on the market, creating necessary legal documents and connect the new entities with important counterparties and partners.

Why did I become part of ABBA?

The professionalism and experience of all the founders is inspiring and lending wings to me. In addition, the feeling of assisting to an investor who has just arrived in the country, regardless of the size, scope and impact of his investment on the macro climate in Bulgaria, is like planting and growing a tree – you need to find the right place for it to flourish, which is not always an easy task, but then you feel satisfied with a job well done, and in parallel the ecosystem is changed. Plus, inevitably fruits are born – new jobs, new investments, new opportunities for growth.

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Eliz Nestorov

Eliz Nestorov

President

Eliz Nestorov is a dynamic and accomplished leader, recognized for her exceptional skills in consulting, business strategy, and communication. As the Founder and CEO of AKAEVA Consulting, she is committed to promoting personal and professional growth by providing innovative and effective solutions to individuals and businesses throughout the United States.

In addition to her role at AKAEVA Consulting, Eliz is a Chief Business officer with DOBIZZ Business Council, a women-led non-profit organization that focuses on educating and connecting diverse founding teams to fuel economic growth globally. Eliz also serves as the Director of Development with MidPenn Legal Services, a non-profit, public interest law firm that provided high-quality free civil legal services to low-income residents and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in 18 counties in Central Pennsylvania.

Eliz is a dedicated member of numerous international and domestic organizations, serving in leadership positions such as the Vice-President of the International Association for Women, Washington, DC Chapter; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Co-Chair with Women in International Trade, Washington, DC; and Advisory Board Member with the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, Pennsylvania. She is also a Treasurer with the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, Council member with Presence Bank Not-For Profit Council, Harrisburg, PA, Board Member with Central Pennsylvania MLK Day of Service, Member of Women in International Security, Board Member with the Bulgarian Cultural Center of Central Pennsylvania, and chair of the Special Interest Group for the Economic & Community Development and International Programs operated by U.S. with AGWA.

Eliz’s outstanding contributions to the community have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. She is recipient of the City of Harrisburg Mayor S. Reed’s award for distinguished public service, the 2022 Inspirational Influencer Award Recipient for Global Impact with the International Association of Women, and the 2023 Women of Excellence with YWCA Greater Harrisburg. Additionally, she has been nominated for the 2023 Women in Influence Awards by Central Penn Business Journal.

Overall, Eliz Nestorov is a visionary leader, dedicated to promoting personal and professional growth, social justice, and economic empowerment. Through her leadership and commitment, she has become a respected figure in the business and non-profit ssectors, making a significant impact both nationally and internationally.

Why did I become part of ABBA?

As a Bulgarian-American citizen, I have had the privilege of living in the United States for the past 20+ years. During this time, I have gained a deep understanding of the unique professional needs and challenges faced by our bilateral community.

That’s why today I am proud to join ABBA – the American Bulgarian Business Association. Through my involvement with ABBA, I hope to contribute to the organization’s mission of supporting the success of Bulgarian based business and professional leaders across the Atlantic Ocean. With my knowledge and experience, I am confident that I can help ABBA’s members navigate the challenges and opportunities of operating in both the United States and Bulgaria.