Recognising his hard work and dedication to industry and community, Emilio Salucci has received a prestigious acknowledgement from the Parliament of New South Wales for his contribution to advancing Illawarra's manufacturing sector.

An Illawarra local for more than 50 years, Emilio is an Operations Manager with Ventia, working in the New South Wales Industrial business based in Port Kembla.  For the past decade he has also been Chair of the Illawarra Innovative Industries Network - i3Net.

During his time as Chair of i3Net, Emilio has overseen the huge growth and development of the organisation, which now represents more than 10,000 employees and is a major player in Illawarra's business community.

The rare and richly deserved recognition was presented by Member for Wollongong, Mr Paul Scully MP, in New South Wales Parliament earlier this year. 
 

^{Emilio Salucci has been made i3Net's very first life member and has received a prestigious acknowledgement from the Parliament of New South Wales.}
 

A driving force

In his tribute to Emilio, Mr Scully said: "Emilio has been the driving force behind i3Net and has always been a passionate advocate for the role that the Illawarra's industries can play in innovation, industry growth and job creation. Over the last decade i3Net has grown with its member organisations ranging from SMEs through to multi-nationals and representing more than 10,000 employees. I have always found Emilio easy to deal with, but most important ready with new ideas and approaches that will sustain interest in the Illawarra's industry.'

Emilio's contribution to i3Net has been considerable and there is no doubt that the group would not be in the position that it is in today had it not been for his leadership which has seen the organization grow to become one of the most proactive industry bodies in the region. 

According to Emilio, who has been made i3Net's very first life member, his time as Chair was very rewarding and enjoyable. 

"It has been a great privilege to Chair i3Net," Emilio said.

I have met fantastic people and was very lucky to have great Board members to work with. Together we've grown opportunities for industry in the local community, and I'm very proud of that.

Emilio's colleagues here at Ventia all agree that his commitment to industry growth has certainly provided positive outcomes for all of us working in this sector.

Congratulations Emilio, and thank you for your leadership and commitment to i3Net and Ventia. We are so proud to have you on our team.