January Publisher’s Note: Happy New Year!

Photo of author

456582_10151186410754343_1240591045_o-1Happy New Year everyone!

I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you for all the support Ciao Pittsburgh has been getting since the day we launched our new venture. I want to thank my family, friends, our readers, and all of our Facebook followers. Thanks for sharing our stories, posting comments, reading the site, and following us on social media.

Over the past year, I met many wonderful people through Ciao Pittsburgh. It opened some doors for new things for our online magazine. I have a great team and folks who are willing to help me grow this passion of mine. I can’t ask for anything more. It’s truly appreciated. I would also like to give a special thanks to everyone who became a part of our stories online, whether it was writing guest posts, being featured in a profile, or sharing a favorite recipe or family photos of your favorite Italian traditions. Last, but not least, thank you to all of our advertisers, including Birra Moretti, Nicky D. Cooks, and Allegheny Smoke Works.

As 2013 begins, I look at this upcoming year as another year of hard work and dedication to growing Ciao Pittsburgh’s audience and to make it even better than last year. As my own personal mission, I always try to do bigger and better things from the year before. I always look to improve and not care what the person next door is doing, what they have to offer, who they do business with, etc.  I compete with myself and try to outdo myself year after year. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t, but the following year I work even harder to reach my goals.

There are a few solid people in my life who stand by me no matter what. They are the ones who keep me motivated and love me for being me. Those are the type of people who we all need in our lives. I feel very fortunate and no amount of money can buy that. My friend, Claudio Reilsono, always uses this quote and stands by and believes in this old saying—”If you ever see a turtle on top of a fence, you know he didn’t get there alone.”  I’m also a firm believer of this quote. I know I shared it with you before, but I hope it reaches many more people. Those of you who are reading this now realize how you got to where you are today and should always be thankful for what you have and appreciate the people around you who helped get you there.

I also try to help out others as much as I can. If I inspire you in one way or another, I feel good inside.  Certain things are out of our control, but I work hard for things that I have or want.  On that note, I’m excited about a few things that we have in the works for Ciao Pittsburgh this year. One goal is to double our online audience, both in terms of number of visits to the website and our social media connections. It’s possible with the continued support from all of you. We look forward to new followers and more informative information to share and an exciting new year.

On a personal note, I have a few exciting things going on this year with my wonderful daughter, Victoria, who will be making her Confirmation, my awesome son, Nevio, who will be making his communion, and my little “Sweets” Romina for starting preschool. Congratulations to you three.

Finally, I would like to congratulate my cousins: Terri and Wes on their marriage; Ashley and Noah (who got married last month, but will be getting married in Italy this May); and Tara and Ox who will be getting married next week.

I hope everyone reading this or have read my previous publisher’s notes appreciate them. I speak from the heart when I write these.

Have a great year. I hope you all have success in all you want to accomplish this year!

Remember: green, white and red all day every day..