Apr 17, 2023
Skål International’s Albany/Upstate New York Club elected Thomas Martinelli as its new President on Tuesday, March 21st, at the club’s membership meeting in Albany. He assumed the position from long-time President Ernie Bruno who nurtured the club in its early days and led the club the past eleven years. Martinelli’s term is one year.
Skål International, founded in 1934, is the largest professional travel and tourism organization in the world. It has over 12,000 members with over 300 clubs in 85 countries. Each club has its own leadership and member programs, but all members are part of Skål International. In addition to fostering business, friendship, and support among members, Skal International’s philanthropic programs support members and others in need. Its headquarters offices are in Andalucía, Spain.
“I look to the future as a time of membership growth and engagement,” said Martinelli from the podium. He wore the adornment that had just been placed around his neck by the outgoing president. “We’ve survived some tough years and challenges,” he told those in attendance. “But I promise that with your help, we will grow stronger and do important work.” Martinelli is Chief Content Officer for Content Studio/Martinelli Custom Publishing. He joined Skål International in 2017.
Ernie Bruno, formerly operator of Hudson Valley Tours, said in his remarks, “Tom, I can only hope that the Skål presidency is as fulfilling for you both professionally and personally, as it has been for me. I am sure you will do a great job, and I wish you nothing but the best.” The Albany/Upstate NY Skål Club was founded in 1986.
In recognition of his long service, the Club’s yearly boat cruise was named the Annual Ernie Bruno Summer Cruise.
In other business during the meeting:
Mark Irgang, Vice President, Skål USA Membership, was the guest speaker. His remarks focused on the Skål structure, benefits to members, and programs being developed by the Skål USA (SIUSA) and the Skål International Board of Directors.
Wayne Lee, President, New York City Skål Club, presided over the “twinning” of New York and Albany/Upstate Clubs. “Twinning” is the formal agreement between clubs to have an elevated level of support and to engage in each other’s programs when appropriate.
2023 members elected to the Skål Albany/Upstate NY Club’s board of directors are: Kelly Blazosky, Ernie Bruno, Charles Daley, Todd Garofano, Greg Marshall, TomMartinelli, Bob Provost, and Michelle Vennard. Greg Marshall was elected as Secretary, and Ernie Bruno assumes the position of Immediate Past President and SIUSA representative.