About Us
Empowering Connections for a Brighter Tomorrow
The Bulgarian Midwest Chamber of Commerce stands as a cornerstone of progress, uniting the innovative spirits of Bulgaria and the Midwest USA to forge a prosperous, interconnected future.
Through fostering innovation, collaboration, and shared cultural and economic values, we are building bridges that not only span the Atlantic but also bring hearts and minds closer together.
Our dedication to nurturing a supportive business ecosystem and celebrating the rich tapestry of Bulgarian culture in the Midwest paves the way for a vibrant, dynamic future.
Vessela Barzeva
President
Vessela Barzeva, the owner of Prospect Licensing & Consulting Inc and United Insurance Solutions Inc, is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career spanning 25 years in the trucking industry that holds an MBA from DePaul University.
Vessela’s passion for assisting clients in the trucking sector to overcome licensing and business challenges, coupled with her keen focus on care, attention to detail, and genuine eagerness to see her customers thrive, enables her to bring a wealth of expertise to the table, ensuring optimal outcomes for transportation businesses under her guidance.
Vessela Barzeva
President
Vessela Barzeva, the owner of Prospect Licensing & Consulting Inc and United Insurance Solutions Inc, is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career spanning 25 years in the trucking industry that holds an MBA from DePaul University.
Vessela’s passion for assisting clients in the trucking sector to overcome licensing and business challenges, coupled with her keen focus on care, attention to detail, and genuine eagerness to see her customers thrive, enables her to bring a wealth of expertise to the table, ensuring optimal outcomes for transportation businesses under her guidance.
Sasha Ivanov
Vice-President
Sasha Ivanov, originally from Bulgaria and with over 15 years of expertise in the U.S. insurance market, is the owner of a State Farm Agency in Illinois, known for her commitment to providing personalized insurance solutions.
Her dedication to exceeding client expectations through professional integrity and visionary leadership aims to make her agency the top choice in the region. Beyond her career, Sasha enjoys yoga, trail hiking, and time with her family, emphasizing her well-rounded approach to life and work.
Eliz Nestorov
Founding Board Member
Eliz Nestorov, CEO of AKAEVA Consulting, is a multifaceted leader renowned for her prowess in consulting, business strategy, and communication. Beyond her role at AKAEVA, she serves as co-President of the American Bulgarian Business Association and Director of Development at MidPenn Legal Services, while also holding various leadership positions advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Her community contributions have garnered numerous awards, including the City of Harrisburg Mayor S. Reed’s award for distinguished public service and recognition from organizations like the International Association of Women and YWCA Greater Harrisburg. Eliz, happily married with two sons, remains deeply committed to driving personal and professional growth while championing causes close to her heart.
Marin Chunov
Public Relations Director
Marin Chunov is the visionary owner of Tenero LLC, a dynamic company based in Chicago at the forefront of innovation. With a passion for coffee that extends beyond mere consumption, Marin is also a distinguished coffee sommelier, expertly curating flavors and experiences for coffee aficionados.
His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a refined palate, drives him to continually push the boundaries of excellence in both business and the culinary world.
Sasha Ivanov
Vice-President
Sasha Ivanov, originally from Bulgaria and with over 15 years of expertise in the U.S. insurance market, is the owner of a State Farm Agency in Illinois, known for her commitment to providing personalized insurance solutions.
Her dedication to exceeding client expectations through professional integrity and visionary leadership aims to make her agency the top choice in the region. Beyond her career, Sasha enjoys yoga, trail hiking, and time with her family, emphasizing her well-rounded approach to life and work.
Eliz Nestorov
Founding Board Member
Eliz Nestorov, CEO of AKAEVA Consulting, is a multifaceted leader renowned for her prowess in consulting, business strategy, and communication. Beyond her role at AKAEVA, she serves as co-President of the American Bulgarian Business Association and Director of Development at MidPenn Legal Services, while also holding various leadership positions advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Her community contributions have garnered numerous awards, including the City of Harrisburg Mayor S. Reed’s award for distinguished public service and recognition from organizations like the International Association of Women and YWCA Greater Harrisburg. Eliz, happily married with two sons, remains deeply committed to driving personal and professional growth while championing causes close to her heart.
Marin Chunov
Public Relations Director
Marin Chunov is the visionary owner of Tenero LLC, a dynamic company based in Chicago at the forefront of innovation. With a passion for coffee that extends beyond mere consumption, Marin is also a distinguished coffee sommelier, expertly curating flavors and experiences for coffee aficionados.
His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a refined palate, drives him to continually push the boundaries of excellence in both business and the culinary world.