Welcome: Convention and Marconi Gala Chair

GuGlIelmO marcOnI award & BIennIal natIOnal cOnventIOn chaIrS Welcome

Frank J. Panessa

National Treasurer Chairman, Guglielmo Marconi Award Committee

Daniel J. Longo

National President

Welcome to the Order Sons of Italy in America’s 55th Biennial National Convention and the Guglielmo Marconi Award Gala. In keeping with a long-standing tradition, we gather here in convention as leaders and delegates to call upon the principles of our beloved Order—Liberty, Equality, Fraternity—to guide us in making decisions that will steer the course of the organization over the next two years.

We are a national organization, our members and supporters stretching coast to coast and north to south. Although we are unified through our common Italian ancestry, our experiences with our heritage and OSIA vary. This convention provides the opportunity to share stories, exchange ideas, and forge new friendships that will facilitate working together as brothers and sisters.

Tonight we conclude our convention with a wonderful banquet—the Guglielmo Marconi Award Gala—during which we proudly present OSIA’s highest honor. Named for the Italian inventor of wireless telegraphy, the Guglielmo Marconi Award is given to an individual who has made important contributions to the United States, exemplifying the ideals of the Order.

This year we honor Maria Lorts Sachs, an Italian American who has held public office and championed women’s and veteran’s causes. In 2006, she was elected to the Florida House of Representatives and served two terms until she was elected to the Florida Senate in 2010. She served one term as State Senator, and rather than seeking reelection, she became Executive Director of Innovation Florida, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of innovation by providing support in the areas of policy advancement, academic outreach, workforce development, talent acquisition, entrepreneurialism, and global outreach. In a true World War II romance, Maria’s parents met in Naples when her father was a commissioned officer in the United States Army Infantry helping to liberate Italy.

We are proud of Maria’s accomplishments and pleased to honor her tonight at this dinner which formally ends our 55th Biennial Convention. Enjoy the evening!