The appointment of Frank P. Greinke to the position of Honorary Consul of the Republic of Georgia has been renewed for an additional three years. Greinke is Immediate Past President of the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America and Chief Executive Officer of SC Fuels. The position of Honorary Consul is the highest diplomatic honor/appointment that a foreign government can bestow on a U.S. citizen and it is only awarded to those believed to be an ideal candidate to represent the interests of that country. Consuls enjoy diplomatic benefits and privileges governed by 1963 Vienna Convention.
This year, Greinke and SIGMA, the trade association representing independent fuel marketers and chain retailers in the United States and Canada, developed and hosted the SIGMA International Study Tour of Istanbul, Turkey, and the Republic of Georgia. On May 13-21, 2014, more than 30 fuel marketing leaders and their guests, representing a broad spectrum of business interests, participated in the tour, which provided them with the opportunity to learn first-hand about Turkey and Georgia’s successful economies and energy markets. SIGMA members met with Chief Executive Officer Batu Aksoy in Istanbul-based Turcas Petrol and Chief Executive Officer Ivane Nakaidze in Tbilisi-based Petrocas Energy Group. SIGMA members also learned about each country’s geopolitical, social, and cultural structures through educational meetings with the U.S. Consulate General’s Office in Turkey and the American-Georgia Business Council. The 2014 study mission, led by Greinke, provided a tremendous opportunity for SIGMA members to connect with, learn from, and interact with a diverse cross section of international business leaders, government officials, and cultural representatives.
An office of Honorary Consul of Georgia will continue to be maintained in the City of Orange.
