I. General

“Information – Training – Local Development S.A. (PETA)” is a company providing consultancy services to the local, regional and central government authorities.

Established in 1990 exclusively by local government bodies, its shareholders are today: 48 development agencies and municipal companies from across Greece, the Local Union of Municipalities and Communities of the Attika Prefecture (TEDKNA) and PETA’s main shareholder, the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE).

PETA’s headquarters are located in Athens, while its activities expand all over Greece through the network of its shareholders, as well as its regional partners.

The company operates profitable in today’s competitive market environment, without relying on public funding.

The company has submitted an application to the Greek authorities for the audit of its managerial capability to implement projects of public interest during the “transitional period”, in order to be certified as an eligible beneficiary of the Operational Programmes 2007-2013.

II. Company’s Main Activity Fields

PETA S.A. has organised its operation and activities according to the following key fields of interest to the public and social sector bodies, which are the primary recipients of the company’s services:

• Regional Development and Development Planning
• Implementation of Operational Programmes co-financed by the European Union 2000 – 2006
• Scientific support in the preparation of co-financed programmes of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) 2007-2013 (content, management, beneficiaries’ managerial capability) and their implementation
• Information Society
• Human Resources Development and Employment
• Scientific support on institutional issues of Local Government policies
• Operational Planning of Local Government Authorities
• Local Development and Entrepreneurship
• Communication

Indicative projects of the company:

• Implementation of the project “Special training of employees in first-level local government on information and communication technologies”.

The project’s objective is to train 5.000 employees of first-level local government authorities on specific subjects concerning information & communication technologies, in order to fully utilise the Information Society projects implemented by the local government authorities for providing services towards the citizens and enterprises.

The project is co-financed by the Operational Programme “Information Society” of the 3^rd Community Support Framework (CSF), Measure 2.5.

PETA is implementing the project as final beneficiary. The project budget is 4,8 Mio. € and consists of 9 sub-projects (training of employees of local government authorities, production of training material, production of an asynchronous distance learning platform and an Integrated Information System for managing the entire project etc.).

The project is planned to be concluded in October 2009.

• Scientific contribution to the design, evaluation and implementation of the project "Training of elective representatives of the first-level local government on new information & communication technologies – DIGITAL MUNICIPALITY", with a budget of 7,3 Mio. €, integrated under Measure 2.5. of the Operational Programme “Information Society”, with the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) as Final Beneficiary and the Institute of Local Government (ITA) as implementing body.

The project is addressed to the elective representatives of first-level local government authorities, and aims to enhance their understanding of the importance of utilising the new technologies in order to strengthen the functional and operational capacities of the local authorities, and to improve the quality of services delivered to the citizens and the enterprises. 

PETA S.A. was involved in the process of project planning. During the phase of its implementation, PETA was responsible for training the trainers, who would then provide training through work shops and municipal councils to all the elective representatives of first-level local government. The company was also responsible for the scientific support of the project’s Network of Local Support Units.

• Support of KEDKE in the implementation of the project “Local Government and Information Society in the Context of the Operational Programmes 2000 – 2006”.

Project implementation was based on a programme contract between KEDKE, the Metsovion Polytechnic University and PETA S.A.. The project started in Decemebr 2004.

In the context of this scientific support cooperation, and following an international call for tender, the project of KEDKE “Joint Internet Environment of Local Government Authorities for the Provision of Services to Citizens and Enterprises” was implemented. The project aimed at launching Internet portals of the Local Government Authorities for the improvement of the services provided to the citizens and enterprises, and the improvement of service quality through the automation of communication and service processes provided by the Local Government Authorities. The project budget was 1,325 Mio. € plus VAT and was financed by the Sectoral Operational Programme “Information Society”.

• PETA S.A. submitted the project proposal “Digital Services in the Context of a Joint Internet Environment of Local Government Authorities for the Provision of Services to Citizens and Enterprises” under the Operational Programme “Digital Convergence” 2007 – 2013, with a budget of 10 Mio €. The proposal is still being evaluated and has two components: The first component consists of the extension of KEDKE´s Information Society project “Joint Internet Environment of Local Government Authorities for the Provision of Services to Citizens and Enterprises” to 100 municipalities, as well as its further expansion. The second component refers to the utilisation of Information & Communication Technologies for the provision of services in the fields of environment and energy.

• Scientific support of KEDKE in the utilisation of all Operational Programmes during the 3^rd CSF 2000 – 2006 by local government authorities.

The support provided by PETA S.A. consists of monitoring the entire range of approved projects implemented by local government authorities.

The monitoring results were formulated, since February 2003, in reports conducted every 3 or 4 months, evaluations and conclusions.

The project started in 2001, followed by its prolongation until 2008.

• Scientific support of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) for the Local Government’s participation in the planning process of programmes during the NSRF programming period 2007-2013.

Assignment: KEDKE, January 2005.

• Support of Local Government Authorities in conducting operational plans and for the adjustment of municipal enterprises (economic viability studies etc.) according to the regulations of the new Municipal and Community Code (Law 3463/2006).

PETA S.A. has already entered into cooperation agreements with local authorities all over Greece. 2007- today.

• Conducting the “Study of issues concerning the audit of the Attika local government authorities´ capability to be engaged in actions of the Operational Programmes 2007 – 2013”.

The study was based on a research among all Local Government Authorities of Attika. Programme contract between PETA S.A., TEDKNA and the Development Association of Western Attika (Α.S.D.Α.), March 2007.

• Support of Local Government Authorities in their process of “Capability Audit during the Transitional Period” and their “Certification according to the Greek Standard 1429”.

PETA S.A. has already entered into cooperation agreements with local authorities all over Greece. June 2008 – today.

• Support of Local Government Authorities in the implementation of the programme “EXOIKONOMO” (SAVE).

The programme refers to the improvement of energy efficiency in municipal plants. PETA S.A. cooperates with local government authorities for their engagement in the programme. February 2009 – today.

• Support of KEDKE in the implementation and management of the programme “CO-SOCIETY”. The programme concerned the subsidy of Municipalities for improving the municipal public transport services offered to the citizens in their area of jurisdiction. February 2009 – today.

• Implementation of the project “Register of Local Government Enterprises”. Complete enumeration of local government enterprises and proposal of a contemporary operational framework, modifications and adjustments of their characteristics. Assignment KEDKE. May 2004.

The company has already successfully completed the relevant enumeration projects “Register of Local Government Enterprises” for the years 2001 and 1997.

• Scientific and technical support of KEDKE in the formulation of its positions regarding the new Municipal and Community Code. Assignment by KEDKE. April 2003.

• Support of TEDKNA regarding financial issues of local government:

- Study on formulating criteria for the distribution of SATA funds (Joint Decision for the Local Government), 2004.

- Study on formulating criteria for the distribution of funds from the THISEAS Programme, 2004-2005.

• Support of KEDKE in the implementation of the project “Local Government and Sports”. The project included the record of all local government bodies that are active in the field of sports, and the sport infrastructure within the jurisdiction of local authorities, as well as the formulation of sport policy guidelines for the local government and proposal for the implementation of these policies.

Assignment by KEDKE, May 2006. The first phase has been completed. In the context of the first phase, a conference was organised on this subject.

• Participation in the implementation of projects regarding gender equality.

Indicative projects in this field were:

- Research & Study on Women and the Gender Equality Structures in first- and second-level Local Government. Assignment by KEDKE, 2006.

- “Equal Opportunities, Equal Capacities”. Project financed by the Operational Programme “Employment” 2000-2006, Measure 5.3., with the General Secretariat for Gender Equality as Coordinator. Project started in 2006.

• Publication of the “Local Government Guide for the Implementation of the Operational Programmes 2000 – 2006”. A set of 13 publications, one for each Regional Administration of Greece, including a CD-ROM version, which were distributed among all local government authorities in 2002.

• Study “The Role of First-Level Local Government in the Implementation of the 3^rd Community Support Framework (3^rd CSF) 2001 – 2006”. Study of the required institutional, organisational and administrative regulations for the improvement of the local government’s participation in the 3^rd CSF. Assignment by KEDKE, 2001.

• Implementation of the project «Enumeration of Local Government’s Legal Entities governed by Public Law – Proposal of a Contemporary Operational Framework, Modifications and Adjustments of their Characteristics”. Programme contract between the Ministry of Interior, KEDKE and PETA S.A., 2002 – 2003.

• Formulation of the Operational Plan for the implementation of the Axis “Promotion of the Olympic Games and Sensitisation” – Programme “GREECE 2004”. Assignment by the Ministry of Culture, General Secretariat for the Olympic Games, 2001.

• Operational Programmes for the participation at the Olympic Games 2004 of the following:

- Local Union of Municipalities and Communities of the Attika Prefecture (TEDKNA)

- Municipality of Nikaia

- Municipality of Acharnes

- Municipality of Markopoulo

- Municipality of Nea Ionia / Attika

· Support of TEDKNA as scientific – technical consultant concerning issues of the Olympic Games 2004. Assignment by TEDKNA, October 2003 – September 2004.

· Formulation and implementation of the communication plan “Information, Sensitisation and Promotion Programme for the Municipal and Prefectural Elections October 2002”.

Out of the company’s projects that were implemented in former years, the following are mentioned indicatively:

• PETA S.A. was selected as Implementing Body for projects conducted under the 2^nd Community Strategy Framework, and specifically the National Operational Programme “KLEISTHENES” for the modernisation of public administration (1998-2000).

• Establishment of the “Support and Networking Unit” of the Industrial Change Offices. Assignment by the Ministry for Development (1997-1999).

• Implementation of the project “Network Organisation Unit” of the Community Initiative LEADER II. PETA S.A. consisted one of the three partners of the contracting partnership (1998-2001).

• ADAPT II, Establishment of the “Network of Local Entrepreneurship and Employment Promotion Centres”. PETA S.A. headed the contracting partnership of 14 partner institutions from Greece and trans-national partners (1997 – 2000).

The company’s Management Board consists of the following members: 

• ZAFEIROPOULOS Grigoris, Mayor of Chalandri, member of the Executive Committee of KEDKE, Chairman.

• KOKKINIS Athanassios, councilor of the Prefecture of Magnesia, Vice Chairman.

• TERZIDIS Dimitris, Mayor of Kilkis, Secretary.

• VASARDANIS Georgios, Civil Engineer, Managing Director.

Other members of the company’s Management Board are:

• GIANNAKOPOULOS Vassilis, Mayor of Aghia Paraskevi Attika, member of the Management Board of TEDKNA.

• GOTSOPOULOS Theodoros, member of the Executive Committee of KEDKE, member of the Management Board of TEDKNA, former Mayor of Pallini / Attika.

• KOTSOS Georgios, Mayor of Mouzaki / Karditsa, Chairman of the Local Union of Municipalities and Communities (TEDK) of the Prefecture of Karditsa, Vice-Chairman of the Hellenic Union of Development Agencies (HELADA).

• SMYROS Gavriil, Vice-Mayor of Leonidi, member of the Management Board of the Development Agency Parnon S.A.

• TAMILOS Michalis, Mayor of Trikkaion / Trikala, member of the Management Board of KEDKE 

• TZAKI Ioanna, Vice-Prefect of the Thessaloniki Prefecture, member of the Management Board of the Union of Prefectural Authorities of Greece (ΕΝΑΕ). 

• TSALIKI Julia, councilor of the Prefecture of Magnesia, Vice Chairman of the Development Agency of Magnesia (ANEM) S.A.

List of PETA’s Shareholders:

1. Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE)
2. Local Union of Municipalities and Communities of the Attika Prefecture (TEDKNA)
3. Municipal Company for Infrastructure and Development of Nea Ionia / Attika. (DEPEANI)
4. Development Agency of Aghioi Anarghyroi “Α-Α”
5. Municipal Development Company of Aghios Dimitrios Municipality (Attika)
6. Municipal Development Company of Aegaleo Municipality (Attika)
7. Municipal Development Company FLYA – Municipality of Chalandri Attika
8. MARATHONIOS Development S.A.
9. Municipal Company for Cultural and Urban Development of Thiva (DEPOATH)
10. Company for the Protection and Development of Elikona S.A.
11. Community Company for the Exploitation of the Thermal Springs of Aghiou Varvarou Tryfou
12. Organisation of Rural Development of Sterea Ellada (ΟΑΑSΕ)
13. Community Cooperative S.A. for the Lignite Exploitation of the Kymi Region (ΚΟΙSΕLΙΚ) S.A.
14. Fokiki Development S.A.
15. EVIA Development S.A.
16. Municipal Market of Katerini
17. Municipal Company for Infrastructure of Alexandroupolis (DEPEA)
18. Municipal Company for Metal Constructions of Kalamaria (DΕΜΚΚΑ)
19. Municipal Company for Local Cultural & Social Development of Veria (DΕΤΟPΟΚΑ)
20. Municipal Company for Marble Mining, Cutting and Processing of Veria – Community of Koumaria
21. Municipal Market of Kavala
22. Development Agency of Thessaloniki S.A.
23. ANATOLIKI S.A.
24. Development Agency of Rodopi
25. Florina Development S.A.
26. DRYMOS S.A.
27. Municipal Cooperative Company of Evros S.A.
28. Inter-Municipal Company of Western Macedonia (DIA.DΥ.ΜΑ.)
29. Municipal Development Company of Kalamata (ΑDΕΚ)
30. Municipal Tourism Development Company of Ν. Kiou
31. Centre for Local Development of Western Achaia (Κ.Τ.Α.D.Α.)
32. Parnonas Development S.A.
33. Municipal Company "KYDON"
34. Municipal Company "GEROPOTAMOS"
35. Sitia Development Organisation (ΟΑS) S.Α.
36. Heraklion Development Company S.Α.
37. Lasithi Development Company S.Α.
38. Municipal Development Company of the Municipality of Corfu (ΑΝΕDΚ)
39. Development Company of Kefalonia - Ithaki
40. Municipal Company Limnis Ioanninon
41. Municipal Tourism Development Company of Ioannina (DΕΤΑΙ)
42. Thesprotia Development Agency S.Α.
43. Development Agency of Cyclades S.Α.
44. Municipal Development Company of Chios (DΑΕΧ)
45. Municipal Development Company of Mytilini
46. ΜΕLΕΤΤΕDΚ S.Α.
47. Development Agency of Dodecanese S.Α.
48. Development Agency of Karditsa
49. Development Agency of Magnesia (ΑΝΕΜ) S.Α.
50. Development Agency of Larissa