Inaugural Speech Windsor

Thank you Carl.  

The CIBPA has been a catalyst for business professionals since the creation of the first chapter in Montreal on June 10, 1949..

Today we are celebrating 50 years of CIBPA Excellence dedicated to service to the Windsor community. Congratulations to the organizers of this memorable event.

The CIBPA has earned an enviable reputation as the premier non-profit association that best promotes - and cultivates the business and professional interests of Canadian Italians. We have assumed the responsibility - because we understand how important it is to share our knowledge and experience with others who want to succeed as we do.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Carl Grossi and the current Board of CIBPA Windsor for an outstanding evening and a job well done. I would also like to thank Frank Moceri for his leadership of the National Federation over the last three years as president and as a Board member for 17 years.  I would also like to thank the Board of National Federation and their Chapters for their vote of confidence in electing me their president.

It is a privilege to be part of an organization that is the recognized business voice of the Canadian Italian business community.

All of which would not be possible without the passion, vision and integrity as members and leaders of the CIBPA Chapters and their board of directors.   

The Toronto Italian community has always viewed education as the road map to a better life and career in Canada. The CIBPA took on this challenge by providing bursaries and scholarships to Canadian Italian students so they could get the head start required to prosper as Canadians. 

The National Federation of CIBPA's has 12 registered chapters throughout Canada. I am pleased to say that the National Federation of CIBPA's has distributed almost $4 million to students of Italian heritage or students in Italian studies.

Many of our recipients receive Provincial Student Assistance. With the cost of a university and college education constantly increasing, we are pleased to be able to help. I have had the privilege of reading letters from past recipients and can assure you that we are making a difference.

When I look back at the history of Italian Canadians and the CIBPA in particular, I see a common theme of family values, Good Citizenship and Education being the corner stone of our success as Canadian.

The CIBPA is a member of the board for AERF and helped raised $2 million for a medical research facility at the University of L'Aquila. I would like to thank CIBPA Windsor for their kind donation for this worthy cause.

As well we should be very proud of all the other community causes that CIBPA Chapters quietly contribute in all of our communities. When we last met as a Board in Ottawa we made a commitment to the Italian Ambassador Mr. Meloni to keep track of our charitable activities across Canada so that we can share this information in an annual information sharing initiatives with the Consulate. 

We have much to be thankful for and much yet to do. Thank you

Robert Sacco