Awarded Recipients

2007 CIIM Canada Entrepreneurial Award of Excellence - Male

Mario Cortellucci President Cortelli Group Born at Villa Cortellucci (Teramo) on August 11, 1949, and married to Ginesia Bussoli, they have four children: Maria, Pietro, Romina and Stefano. Mario is another example, amongst many others, of a leading entrepreneur in Canada and not only inside the Italian community. In 1971, with his brother Nick, founded his first construction company "Cortelli Construction Limited".

Mario has developed significant experience and entrepreneurial skills in the construction sector establishing, leading and directing a variety of diversified highly successful entities including:

MCF Concrete Forming Limited: Trade Contractor in residential concrete forming

Four Valley Grading & Excavating Limited: Trade Contractor in grading and excavating

Melody Homes et al: Residential Builder, First time homebuyers, in GTA

Fernbrook Homes et al: Residential Builder, first and second time homebuyers, in GTA

Zancor Homes et al: Residential Builder, First time homebuyers, in GTA

Eiram Developments Ltd: Land Developer - residential sites in GTA

MCN Financial Group Inc: Land Developer - Residential/Commercial sites in GTA

771955 Ontario Ltd: Land Developer, residential site, in Barrie

Hollywood Princess Convention & Banquet Centre Ltd.

Maplecor Seeds Inc. - Agricultural Seed Grower and Exporter In addition to his strong entrepreneurial skills and business know-how, Mario exhibits strong leadership qualities in social and cultural settings. Mario is a philanthropist and a champion of various charitable causes and a sponsor of Sports' events.

In 1969 co-founded the "Downsview Soccer Club," which won the National Championships for 5 consecutive years.

In 1988 he was a founding member of Montorio AI Vomano Social Club to promote the heritage and culture of his birthplace. Mario is also a past President of the Club.

In 1988 he sponsored the publication of "Antologia di Editi e Inediti Personali" by Don Pietro Marcellusi.

In 1989 he co-founded Corfer Production Inc. for the purpose of publishing a book on the Art and Poetry of Maestro Joseph Cusimano.

In 1992 as President of Corfer Production Inc. presented the first copy of "Passaggio in Canada, Voci ed Atmosfere della Tavolozza di Joseph Cusimano" by Prof. Giauco Pellegrini

In the winter 1999-2000 he sponsored the second edition of "Wind, Water, Rock, and Sky, the story of Cognashene, Georgian Bay". Published by The Cognashene Book Corporation.

Commissioned through the artist "Antonio Caruso" two bronze statues: Jean de Brebeuf and Joseph Chihoatenwa that were donated to the City of Vaughan with the unveiling on May 15, 2005.

CHARITIES/HONOURS:

Charitable sponsorships include: The United Way, York Regional Hospital, Muki Baum Association, Ontario March of Dimes, The Variety Club, Vita Nova, The Universal Youth Foundation, The Shmuel Zahavy Cedar Chabad, The Jewish Funders Network, The Canadian Friends of Zefat, The Beth Chanat Israeli Community Centre, Spirit of Community.

Founder and Chairman of the Universal Youth Foundation, a Canadian registered charity, whose vision is to provide educational assistance to children and youth in need, throughout the world, with the goal of creating and inspiring a new generation of leaders.

Co-chair of the annual "Heart to Heart Gala", an annual fundraising event sponsored in favour of the Toronto Sick Children's Hospital Foundation. In 1989 he co-founded Corfer Production Inc. for the purpose of publishing a book on the Art and Poetry of Maestro Joeseph Cusimano.

Among the many awards received, the most treasured are:

The Queen Elizabeth 50th Anniversary Jubilee Gold Medal Award (nominated and granted by The Federal as well as the Ontario Provincial Governments)

The Order of Ontario

Valigia D'Oro Award

The Merit of Brotherhood