On November 3, 2005, the Ferrari Maserati Showroom at 410 Park Avenue in New York, hosted a cocktail party to showcase the Emilia Romagna: Region in Motion – Land of Sports, Land of Motors.

I could almost hear the accelerated heartbeats of the guests as they slowly walked around the shining Ferrari F430 Spider, in its traditional pulse-racing red, around the spectacular blue Maserati Spyder 90^th Anniversary edition, past a gorgeous silver Maserati V8 Gran Sport, and a sumptuous silver Maserati Quattroporto. I know that my own heart was racing, and I could see that Edward F. Nesta, who joined me at the event, was just itching to get behind the wheel of the silver Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, and take it for a test drive through the streets of Manhattan.

Mr. Maurizio Parlato, President Ferrari North America, Marco Mattiacci, Vice President Marketing Ferrari North America, Mr. Marco Strada, Tourism & Sports Commissioner, Province of Bologna, Mr. Stefano Vaccari, Sports Commissioner, Province of Modena, Mr. Ivano Barbolini, President Maratona D’Italia memorial Enzo Ferrari, and the renowned Italian singer, Mr. Gianni Morandi, as well as invited guests, celebrated the Emilia Romagna with a short presentation, as well as wines, cheeses and regional specialties.

The Ferrari Maserati Showroom celebrated its one-year anniversary in Manhattan this year, fifty years after Ferrari came to the United States, and provided the perfect setting for celebrating all that the Emilia Romagna region has to offer. Mr. Parlato said that he was pleased that the Showroom was back in Manhattan again.

Mr. Alberto Quartaroli of Kelo International, Inc. said that the Emilia Romagna has much to offer visitors, with ceramics, fashion - many designers are from Bologna, many singers are from Emilia Romagna, including Mr. Morandi, and that it was a region famous for its automobiles, motorcycles and world championship racers. In addition, the region has many beautiful medieval towns and medieval festivities for visitors to enjoy.

Mr. Morandi added that Guiseppe Verdi, Federico Fellini and Luciano Pavaroti were also from the region. He then sang ‘O Sole Mio’, much to the delight of the audience.

For information on Italy and the Emilia Romagna region, please visit: the Italian Government Tourist Board, www.italiantourism.com.