Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The Italian American Executives of Transportation held their annual Dinner Dance at Alta Villa Banquets on Nov. 17, 2012. With more than 600 in attendance, it was once again one of the largest dinner dances of the year. The Honorable Anthony Calderone, Mayor of Forest Park, served as the Master of Ceremonies.
The IAET honored John Trotta, Senior Vice President and Regional Business Manager for Central US, Parsons Brinckerhoff, as their 2012 Man of the Year. John joined Parsons Brinckerhoff in 2006 and oversees 16 Midwest states. The firm provides a full range of engineering, architectural, planning, construction management and management consulting services for award-winning highways, transit systems, bridges, power facilities, airports, ports, marine facilities, buildings, and site developments.
John’s impact extends well beyond the transportation industry as he continues to give back to the community and to future generations as his family has before him. John is proud to be a board member of SOS Children’s Villages-Illinois. SOS gives vulnerable children the resources, knowledge and experiences they need to become healthy, thriving adults. John also served on the board of Father Flannagan’s Boys Town Chicago in the Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood, helping at-risk youth.
The Rev. Anthony Pizzo, OSA, was honored as this year’s Humanitarian of the Year. Fr. Tony has devoted himself to comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform by participating in Priests for Justice for Immigrants and by initiating a developing outreach to the immigrant community. He is a local leader in both community building and organizing with the Southwest Organizing Project. He has collaborated in anti-violence initiatives such as Ceasefire, which receiving citywide awards in 2001 and 2008 for his outreach to street gangs. In 2009, he received a Community Heroes Award by the LISC/New Communities Program of Chicago, and in 2011, he receive the Neighborhood Leadership Award of 2011 by the Neighborhood Housing Services. In 2010, Fr. Tony received the Blessed Pope John XXIII Award in recognition of his priestly dedication to Hispanic ministry in the Archdiocese. He continues to serve the spiritual needs of his congregation as well as those of other faiths by building relationships with the Jewish and Muslim faith-based communities. He has been included in three City of Chicago Resolutions for his work in these areas of service within the community. The IAET is truly honored to have Fr. Tony as an IAET member and as our Chaplain.
State Rep. John D’Amico received a special recognition for his work in traffic safety. Driving safety has been a top priority for D’Amico throughout his career. He is currently serving his fifth term and is Chairman of the Transportation: Vehicles and Safety Committee in the Illinois General Assembly.
IAET President’s Awards were presented to Philip Zwieg, Leila Borkland, Maggie Glimco and Andreas Tegtmeier for their outstanding contributions in 2012.
The IAET Charitable Foundation awarded scholarships to Joseph Amadeo, Christina Brucci, Michael Burrafato, John Campanelli, Ariana Caruso, Michael DeStefano, Emilee Fiacchino, Stefania Girardi, Elizabeth Gow, Jennifer Horton, Karli Jozaites, John LaMontia, Michael Marcheschi, Amanda Miceli, James Mitchell, Nicole Mitchell, Gina Orlandi, Nathan D. Philip, Christopher Piemonte, Daniel Reitsch, Nicolette Riscossa, Alexandria Rowlen, Andreas Serritella, Matias Serritella, Mary Sparrow, Jessica Vadney (IAET Vocal Scholarship), Joseph Valio and George West.
“We take great pride in knowing many talented and deserving students have received assistance from our Scholarship Program,” IAET President Vito D’Ambrosio said. “The funding of this event was not only from our annual events, but also many sponsors and supporters.”
The IAET especially wants to thank 2008 Man of the Year Michael Tadin, 2009 Man of the Year Christopher Cacciatore, 2011 Humanitarian Anthony Fiacchino, Mario Weber of Midway Dodge, William Florio, Victor J. Cacciatore, HR Green Company, and Vito M. D’Ambrosio for their very generous contributions. The Scholarship presentations would not be possible without this generous support and also the support of all our friends and through the work of our Man of the Year, John Trotta, Humanitarian Rev. Anthony Pizzo, and State Rep. John D’Amico.
Enzo Grizi received an award on behalf of Alta Villa for his outstanding service and support for the IAET. The Marimba Band of Holy Cross, Immaculate Conception Parish, entertained during cocktails and dinner, providing a refreshing change from what we are accustomed to listening to. Phase 4 was the headline band, and they were mesmerizing.
This year’s event will take place on Nov. 16 at Alta Villa Banquets. Louis C. Cairo will be honored as Man of the Year, and IAET members Dennis Fiedler and Rick Gunderson will be honored as Humanitarians for their work with the Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities.
