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NIAF Networks in Santa Monica

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
Contact:. Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 orelissa@niaf.org


 

LAMediaNetworking2007
(From left to right) Media co-host Ken LaCorte of FoxNews.com, NIAF Area Coordinator Marcella Leonetti-Tyler, media co-host Kim Rouggie of KTLA-TV, media co-host Anthony D’Alessandro of Variety Magazine, and NIAF Vice Chairman Joseph R. Cerrell.

Against a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and swaying palm trees, NIAF hosted print and broadcast journalists of Italian ancestry at the Foundation’s sixth annual media networking forum. The dinner reception was underwritten by Il Fornaio (The Baker) in Santa Monica with Chef Claudio Zorloni preparing regional specialties for more than 30 guests. Il Fornaio’s General Manager Raymond Byrne welcomed all to the coastal bistro.

During the reception, NIAF Vice Chairman Joseph R. Cerrell opened the evening and introduced Italy’s Consul General in Los Angeles, Diego Brasioli, as well as the three media hosts, Anthony D’Alessandro of Variety Magazine, Ken LaCorte of FoxNews.com, and Kim Rouggie of KTLA-TV. The co-hosts spoke about the importance of supporting NIAF’s programs and events, and with self-introductions, many realized that their families had emigrated from some of the same towns in Italy.

Special guests included actor Peter Onorati, NIAF grant recipient Filippo Voltaggio, and the Foundation’s area coordinators Marcella Leonetti-Tyler and Doug DeLuca. Representatives from the Los Angeles Daily News, Fox Sports Radio, Teleitalia, La Repubblica, Il Sole 24 Ore, Business Week, Metropolitan News Enterprise, and RAI-TV lingered after the event to trade stories and exchange business cards.

NIAF’s media forums give professionals in the communications field an opportunity to foster working relationships with colleagues and learn about the Foundation’s many programs. Through these events, NIAF has established an excellent rapport with members of the media and continues to work with many to promote Italian Americans and the important issues they face.