IABA History
The Italian American Business Association (IABA) was started by Joe
Aiello (publisher of Andiamo! Colorado’s Italian community
newspaper) on Wednesday, January 11th, 2006. The inaugural meeting
was held in the lower level of now defunct Saverino’s Italian
Restaurant in downtown Denver. There were 29 people in attendance.
The purpose of the IABA was to bring together professionals to
promote business within the Italian American community. Previously,
Joe had been instrumental in forming the first-ever Rocky Mountain
Italian American Chamber of Commerce (RMIACC) in November 2004. Its
purpose was to foster business development between Colorado and
Italy. Unfortunately by its design the RMIACC overlooked the local
business community so Joe then focused his efforts on their behalf.
Joe adopted the moniker—“We’re in the business of helping each
other”—to embody the spirit of the organization. His vision focused
on four areas.
1. INTERSTATE COMMERCE—helping Italian Americans outside of Colorado
gain a presence in the greater Denver market
2. INTRASTATE COMMERCE—helping Italian Americans from within
Colorado gain a presence in the greater Denver market
3. BUSINESS PROMOTION—helping Italian American businesses and
professionals market their businesses to the Italian American
community
Mr. Aiello completed two consecutive terms within the organization
as the Executive Director before resigning. Currently, the
Association continues to grow with his initial vision of community.
The IABA currently is the fastest growing Italian American
Association in the metro Denver area and is directly responsible for
seeing a renewed spirit within Denver’s Italian American business
community.
Previous Award winners
The IABA would like to congratulate the following for outstanding service to the Italian-American Community.
JANUARY 2008
Outstanding Professional: Tom Di Iulio of Win Home Inspection.
Outstanding Business: Shear Productions Salons & Spas; Owner, Janet
Lombardi
FEBRUARY 2008
Outstanding Professional: Stephanie Paoli of the Plastic Surgery
Group.
Outstanding Business: Cherry Tomato Restaurant and its owners, Tom &
Wendy Felese.
MARCH 2008
Outstanding Professional: Marianne Alonzi of Holy Family High
School.
Outstanding Business: Rossi’s Catering Co, and its owners Bill &
Marlys Rossi.
APRIL 2008
Outstanding Professional: Janice Taraborelli, Dean of Student
Affairs at Johnson & Wales University.
Outstanding Business: Lil Nick’s Pizza Restaurant and its owner, Bob
Quintana.
MAY 2008
Outstanding Professional: Cherie Monteferrante, Acrylic Artist
extraordinaire & information tech wiz
Outstanding Business: The Law Firm of Coppola & Marlin and its
senior partner, Frank Coppola
JUNE 2008
Outstanding Professional: Rosemary Peltier with Boyer Coffee Company
Outstanding Business: Balistreri Winery and its owners John, Birdie,
& Julie Balistreri.
JULY 2008
Outstanding Professional: Anne Noto with Anne Noto Catering
Outstanding Business: New York Pizza Department and its owners Dan &
Shelly Ritucci
AUGUST 2008
Outstanding Professional: JoAnn Mosco, Chief Operations Officer for
Westerra Credit Union (recently retired)
Outstanding Business: law firm of Rossi, Cox & Vucinovich and its
senior partner, John Rossi.
SEPTEMBER 2008
Outstanding Professional: Dr. Mark Testa, Chiropractor with Spinal
Aid Centers
Outstanding Business: law firm of Bogue & Paoli (attorney Fred
Paoli).