FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

EVENT: NIAF SALUTES GOVERNOR JOE MANCHIN III

WHERE: West Virginia State Capitol Building
1900 Kanawha Blvd., East
Charleston, W. Va. 25305

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is honoring Governor Joe Manchin III, the first Italian American governor of West Virginia, and Italian American political leaders throughout the State at the Capitol Building in Charleston, W. Va., Monday evening, September 12 at 5:00 PM. A reception will immediately follow at the Governor’s mansion. The event is not open to the public.

Italian American business professionals will join Josie D’ Annunzio Faix, NIAF area coordinator in West Virginia, to pay tribute to the evening’s honorees for their leadership, dedication and accomplishments.

Elected in November 2004, Governor Manchin is West Virginia’s 34th governor. Born and raised in Farmington, W.Va., he learned his business acumen at an early age from his grandfather, an immigrant from Italy and the town grocer. From his grandmother, a virtual one-woman social services agency, he discovered his love for people. After graduating from West Virginia University, Manchin became a successful businessman. As a member of the state legislature from 1982-1996, he earned a reputation for standing up for West Virginians to improve schools, protect veterans and senior citizens, and create jobs. Manchin is also an avid outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman and motorcyclist. He and his wife Gayle have three children.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, West Virginia has a population of 70,000 Italian Americans.

The reception serves as an opportunity for NIAF to highlight the initiatives of the Foundation, to broaden its membership base and strengthen the ties between Italian Americans in West Virginia.

For more information, contact Josie D’Annunzio Faix, NIAF area coordinator, at (304) 624-9720 x207 or via email: bevdist@westvirginia.net by September 1st.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization, based in Washington, DC and dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit our website at: www.niaf.org