I wanted to post this a few weeks ago, but I am still learning how to edit and put video into a blog - so it's a little later than expected, but the message still resonates. 

Italy has so many wonderful things to brag about: geography - the Piedmont is stunning; to the food - event in the Fast Food restaurants you can get a glass of wine; and the arts & culture scene - beyond David and the Uffizi there are free concerts and performances nightly. As someone who owns an art gallery - Gallery 213 - the amount of FREE or next to free, access to various art and cultural experiences around the country is amazing.

My first introduction to the Italian Summer Music Festival scene was in Asti at an intimate performance by Roger McGuinn formerly from the Byrds.  This is the first time I have posted a video to YouTube... Good thing I am not a film director!  read more »

There's nothing like waking up to birds chirping and a sunrise over the Piedmont to get the blood flowing (especially after doing a couple sun salutations just to pay tribute to the wonders around me).  We are staying in a mountain town, Stresa, on Lake Maggiore.  The conference itself is being held at the Regina Palace hotel, one that would put the Chateau Lake Louise or Chateau Frontenac to shame (sorry to say).  Today is going to be interesting, if dinner is what I am basing my assumption on.   read more »

“What are the innovations we need to re-launch the economy?”

This is the topic of the G8 Young Business Summit that I will be attending this week.  Pretty hefty question, and one that is timely in light of the recent vote that happened in the US Congress on the Climate Change Bill.   Young entrepreneurs from around the world will be gathering in Stresa, Italy for two-days of workshops, debates, presentations and networking on issues surrounding social innovation and green technology.  read more »

Calgary, Alberta - Two of Calgary's emerging entrepreneurs will be joining a delegation of 10 other Canadian business owners at the inaugural Young Entrepreneur G8 Summit (YE G8) in Stresa, Italy. Gena Rotstein, Founder and Philanthropic Advisor, Dexterity Consulting and Derek Major, CEO of Eligeo IT, are bucking the trends of our current global economy - these two business owners have set high, yet achievable goals for their businesses, and are well on their way to meeting those objectives.  read more »

What makes these two individuals unique?