Winter Newsletter 2014
Message from Past President
It is that time of year where we reflect and think about what we have accomplished in 2013, in addition to looking towards what lies in our future for 2014. In saying this, I think it is a good opportunity to take time to do the same on behalf of the Chapter as my last official duty as President.
As far as 2013 Year in Review, I am again very proud of what we have accomplished:
February
Breakfast Education Seminar with three leading economists moderated by Marvin Ryder of McMaster University
May
Breakfast Education Seminar with guest speaker Marco Marrone of Canadian Tire Corporation, with over 100 in attendance. Marco spoke of the Canadian Tire success story and the hard work involved to achieve such accomplishments.
June
2nd Annual Aperitivo Night organized by our Young Professional group (Oggi). This night featured a sampling of different foods, drinks and desserts from the area. It was held at the Renaissance Banquet Hall in Hamilton, who did a wonderful job in hosting the event.
August
3rd Annual Summer Social held at the beautiful C Hotel Rooftop venue, where the Business Excellence Awards recipients were introduced. Award recipients included: Brad Perco @ Brownlow Partners,
PJ Mercanti @ Carmen’s Group, Dr. Bernardo Trigatti @ McMaster University and Angelo Paletta @ Paletta International Corporation. We also posthumously recognized The Late Carmine Marzaro, founder of Salerno Dairy.
September
Business excellence Awards Gala held Monday September 23rd, 2013 at Carmen’s Hotel, with close to 500 in attendance. We were fortunate to have Domenic Primucci, President of Pizza Nova as our guest speaker. Domenic shared his story of the challenges and successes of the family business with now over 130 outlets. At the event, we also introduced the scholarship award recipients from McMaster University (Italian Studies) and Mohawk College (School of Business for Academic Excellence).
December
3rd Annual Holiday Gathering and AGM held on December 4th at Stelco Tower, the temporary headquarters of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. We were honoured to have former CFL players in attendance including Angelo Mosca and in addition to Glen Gibson, President and CEO of the Tiger-Cats. Glen gave a key-note speech talking about the history of Tiger-Cats and the development of the new stadium.
We also held our AGM where 3 new Board Members were elected from general membership. We welcome Piero Cherubini (Mohawk College), Fernando Caiella (Colliers International), and Leo Perri (Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP).
Thank you to all for an outstanding year, and looking forward to our growth in the New Year. I look forward to working with the new members of the Board and will continue to serve on the Board in my new role as Past President. I will work closely with the new President to ensure a smooth transition of duties to support the continued success of this wonderful Chapter.
Highlights of what is to come for 2014:
- Expansion of our scholarship program to now include students from McMaster University DeGroote School of Business.
- Expanding our existing scholarship program with students from Mohawk College.
- Expansion of our members rewards/discount program where members enjoy benefit of membership by becoming involved in business with fellow members.
- Business Excellence Awards Gala likely to be held in the Fall. We are excited that in conjunction with this event, we will have attendees from all across Canada, as we will be hosting the CIBPA National Annual Conference (last year held in Montreal). Stay tuned for the announcement of who our keynote speaker will be this year.
- We will continue with our breakfast and lunch education series where you will hear engaging business professional speakers who will prove to inspire.
- Hosting the 1st Annual Education Awards Night where scholarship award recipients will be formally recognized and presented with plaques to acknowledge their academic success.
- We will continue with our Aperitivo Nights and Summer Social events, which also provides great opportunity for networking with our signature Italian flair; as Italians know how to do!
In reflection, I would like to congratulate The Board of Directors for a job well done. Congratulations to the members who continue to support, participate and be active in this vibrant Chapter whose future continues to look prosperous and bright.
I wish our new President, Gianni Leonetti continued success in all future endeavours for the Chapter.
Respectively yours,
Bennie Esposto
Dear Members of CIBPA HH,
I am delighted to have been elected as the new President of The Canadian Italian Business Professionals Association of Hamilton Halton, it is definitely an honor and a privilege. My sincerest thanks to my board members, executive team and the past president Bennie Esposto for placing their trust in me.
In 3 short years our past president Bennie Esposto has worked diligently and has taken our chapter to great heights becoming one of the most preeminent chapters in the country. His unwavering commitment along with the efforts of the board has created tremendous growth CIBPA HH.
I am committed to working with Bennie and the board to continue on the success and growth of our chapter. I strongly support the creative and innovative Oggi Group, they have built a welcoming environment for our up and coming younger entrepreneurs.
It is incredibly imperative that our younger members network and be around the more mature business owners, where they can find mentors and develop relationships within the greater community. CIBPA encourages and enhances that.
As Canadian-Italian entrepreneurs and professionals our strength comes from the combination of what we have in common, like our shared values, vision and purpose. We will grow as an organization and as people when we encourage different viewpoints and ways of thinking.
In conclusion, CIBPA HH would not be possible without the contribution of our members, dedicated volunteers and board of directors who have shared in this incredible journey thus far. On behalf of myself and the board of directors we pledge to continue in our efforts to exceed your expectations.
Kind Regards,
Gianni Leonetti
President CIBPA HH
News from CIBPA National
National AGM set for Friday, February 7th in Toronto.
Anyone interested in attending this event should contact a member of your executive.
2013 CIBPA OGGI Young Professionals
A Taste of Italy II: Olive Oil Edition
CLiC and the Art Gallery of Hamilton welcome co-presenters FUSE, the young professional committee of the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, and OGGI, the young professional committee of the Hamilton-Halton chapter of the Canadian Italian Business and Professionals Association (CIBPA).
In addition to savouring samples from local Italian restaurants, your taste buds will be delighted by a presentation of exotic flavoured olive oils imported from Italy, as well as your own bottle of Sicilia Mia - a single varietal hand harvested extra virgin olive, cold presssed, unrefined and unfiltered oil as a thank you gift!
Business Excellence Award Recipients 2013
Business Excellence Award
Carmine Marzaro (Posthumously)
Angelo Paletta - Paletta International
Professional Excellence Award
Dr. Bernardo Trigatti, B.Sc, PhD. - McMaster University
CIBPA Oggi - Young Professionals
Brad Perco, CPA, CA (Professional Excellence) - Brownlow Partners
PJ Mercanti (Business Excellence) - Carmen's Group
Click here to see full profiles of each recipient
Congratulations to Dave Antonucci the winner of the Vespa raffle.
Espresso News
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Members Making News:
Scotiabank Golf: Cannoli Hole
On Thursday September 5th, CIBPA HH was out supporting a great Charity Golf Tournament held by Scotiabank at Heron Point.
CIBPA supporters were there promoting the Association in great Italian spirits with the "Cannoli Hole". The team was informing attendees about the upcoming Business Excellence Awards, in addition to selling Vespa tickets for the Vespa draw.
The day turned out to be a great success with all attendees enjoying a cannoli from Sam's Queenston Bakery while reconnecting with colleagues and building new professional relationships. Scotiabank appreciated and recognized the support and great work which CIBPA does for the Business and Professional community.
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Welcome to our Newest Members
CIBPA Hamilton-Halton is a growing organization and are proud to introduce our newest members:
Vivian Finelli – K2M Group Ltd.
Emily Fraccaro – Western University
Stephanie Fraccaro – McMaster University
Auburn Zizzo – Winterberry Family Medicine
Brad Perco – Brownlow Partners, Chartered Accountants
Steven Zecchin – Emco Hamilton
Ryan Field – TD Canada Trust
Erik Ferrara – BMO Harris Private Banking
Narciso Bomben – RBC Wealth Management/Dominion Securities
Jiuliano Ciardelli – TD Canada Trust
Don DiCesare – Knowledge Bay Consulting Group
Mark Farrugia – La Piazza Allegra
Lino Fera – Brebeck
Alex Indelicato – Hamilton Tiger Cats
Danny Marmora – Marmora Consulting
Steve Marsh – Business Insurance Services
David Scheibler – Mohawk College
Adam Ionico – McMaster University
Laura Ionico – McMaster University
Morris Leuzzi – Leuzzi & Sons General Contractors Ltd.
Vincent Valeri - ScotiaMcLeod
Nicholas Verrecchia – Eiwo Canadian Management
Member to Member Rewards & Benefits
We are pleased to offer every member of CIBPA HH the opportunity to participate in our Member to Member Rewards and Benefits Program. As a valued CIBPA HH member, you will now be able to take advantage of benefits offered between CIBPA HH members.
Member discounts available from:
Claudio’s Ristorante
Allegra Marketing Print Mail
Scotiabank Hamilton Main Branch
Performance Lexus
Durward Jones Barkwell Co. LLP.
Once Upon a Party
Urbanhippo