Our social hour was lively, highlighted by great Balistreri wines and a fabulous antipasto table…all quite yummy!

The dinner buffet was equally wonderful – with meatballs, sausage, polenta and a cucumber/tomato salad. 

Andrew called a meeting to order at 6:40, asking once again that members tell him ways in which we can make our meetings better. He then called on board members to introduce themselves and tell a little about what they do.  

Janet Lombardi (VP) talked a bit about the Italian Festival and how people can join our club. She’ll be asking members to volunteer some time to man the booth at the festival. She also said we’re bringing back “Biz Bites” – a way for members to get a chance to speak longer at meetings. Please put your business card in the (very large) wine glass, two cards will be drawn, and those will be able to talk about their business at the next meeting.

Ann Bosso-Johnson (Treasurer) related that we have $6500 in the bank, we have paid for D&O Insurance, and we currently have 15 business and 42 individual members.

Anne Cucchi and Joannie Flynn (Membership co-chairs) emphasized that people need to LIKE Italy and Italians – as well as to understand that we are a business organization, but they do not have to have business in order to join IABA.

Joy Lawrance (Secretary)related that she takes minutes at meetings, and they will be posted on the website for all to read.

Gina Hallisey (Member at large) talked about AutoMezzi coming soon, where IABA will have a booth.

Guests were introduced, then members.

Guest speaker was Joe Aiello, the founder of IABA in 2006, on a snowy night in January, to promote business in the Italian community. “We’re in the business of helping each other,” is the motto they followed. They wanted people to be involved inter-state and well as intra-state.  He started the Andiamo newspaper in 2003 and was inducted into the Italian Hall of Fame in 2004. He now does public service announcements for Italian Heritage Month and is working on a magazine to be published in October in recognition of Italian Heritage Month. 

The members present were so delighted to hear from Joe, and to learn about all his continued efforts to promote the Italian community. Many urged him to re-join IABA!

(Our meeting was enhanced by a new mic/sound system that Janet Lombardi got for us…we no longer have to shout to be heard!)