Speech: Business Person of the Year Award - 2008

Italian - SA Chamber of Trade and Industry Business Person of the Year

Speech by Mr. Franco Pisapia

Master of ceremonies,

Ambassador of Italy

Consulate general of Italy,

Chairperson of the Italian chamber of trade and industry Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening,

When I was nominated for this prestigious award I was honored by the nomination, and tonight I am humbled by the fact that I have been selected for this award. It is something which I am not accustomed to, as I go about my task with one objective in mind ; to succeed to the best of my ability in whatever I set out to do.

I would like to thank the chamber in believing that I am worthy of this award.

There are a few people that I would also like to thank, who have played a role in guiding me through my life. Some are my family, others, past recipients of this award and other nominees that were selected in the past.

Firstly, thank you to my wife Katia for always being there for me and for making me understand how important a partner is , for being the pillar of support to the family, whilst I am always dealing with work related issues..

There is a quote which says that “behind every good man there is a good woman", Katia, in your case, the quote is definitely correct.

Date: 18 September 2008