ICCO Business Excellence Awards: Getting Ahead of the Curve
TORONTO – It is an annual occurance that has come to surpass all other Italian-Canadian ‘formal’ events is size and allure. What makes it possible is the triumvirate of the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada – ICCO -(Co-presidents Tony Altomare and Pat Pellicione); The Consolato Generale d’Italia Toronto (Luca Zelioli), and industry sponsors.
In a short (pictorial) recount of a celebratory association event, such as this one, there is not much to add other than ‘it takes place’, recognizes award winners, and gives due thanks to those who make it happen. They soldier on and the ‘community’ is enhanced by their efforts. Participants – organizers and recipients alike – transform themselves unwittingly from humble heroes to perceived Rock Stars.
It happens when institutions manifest appreciation for outstanding achievements in all areas of life that nurtures community growth: entrepreneurialism, innovation, philanthropy, community involvement and contribution to ‘the arts’.
No surprise that there would be an award for each of the categories (Corrado Paina Italy-Canada to Francesco Norante; Businesswoman of the Year to Christina Iacoucci; Design, Science & Architecture to Dr. Dante Morra; Community Building to Dr. Alexander Simone; and, Lifetime Achievement to Vilma Cortellucci-Fiuza).
This year, in a climate dominated by debates on economic and political issues of International import, the Embassy of Italy in Canada (His Excellency Aalessadro Cattaneo) negotiated the presence of Italy’s Minister of Economy andFinance (Giancarlo Georgetti) to make an impromptu stop-over and deliver a speech on his return from Kananaskis Alberta. The Auto World Imports Network, secured the presence of Flavio Volpe, O.C, Canada, the manufacturing sector’s lead on tariff negotiations, while the Financial sector contributed one of its own as emcee, Andrea Ramolo, of RBC.
For those who wanted to get a real sense of “rubbing elbows” with celebrities, the mix and mingle session preceding the meal and the formalities, was the place to be. Premier Doug Ford received a hearty welcome, as did his Ministers and MPPs Cuzzetto, Silvia Gualtieri. Senators Toni Varone and Sandra Pupatello found it difficult to get any privacy. Newly minted Federal MPs, Minister John Zerucelli, MPs Anna Roberts, Melissa Lantsman, Vince Gasparro, Judy Sgro; former MPs Mary Ng and Francesco Sorbara were equally welcomed. Two Trustees from the York Catholic District School Board (Angela Saggese and Maria Iafrate) were hosted with equal regard, in part thanks to their host philanthropist Donato Montesano. The Consulate hosted the executive of the Comites for the territory under its jurisdiction: Ontario (except for counties bordering the Ottawa river), Manitoba and Northwest territories.
Our photographer(s) may have missed some photo-ops. Pleases send yours to info@corriere.com and we shall be pleased to post.
Here below is a photo-gallery of the event (pics: Corriere Canadese)
