2003/2004 yearbook. Editorial. Dear Readers,

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1 Editorial Dear Readers, It is for me an honour to present this meaningful publishing work to you, born of a wide and detailed survey regarding women-run companies within Piedmont's territory carried out in the project "Imprese piemontesi: femminile plurale", and promoted by Apid - Imprenditorialità Donna. The project, financed both by Region of Piedmont and with the contribution of European Union - European Social Fund, Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and Piedmont Labour, is driven by the will to monitor women-run companies within Piedmont and promote them in order to increase their visibility over both national and international market. The idea belongs to a far-away thought: being a promoting partner as well as the President of Apid Turin, and thanks to the contribution of our Board of Directors, I had the possibility to be appointed with national and regional institutional positions. Thus allowing me to witness the development of women's entrepreneurial activity perceiving, at the same time, its need to be supported. Hence, the starting point, was to make a "survey" of the existing pink companies, thus creating relational marketing devices, such as the yearbook and the web site both part of the project "Imprese piemontesi: femminile plurale". Let us focus on the contents of the work. The first part is dedicated to the presentation of the project, of the data of women-run companies located in Piedmont and of Confapi (Italian Confederation of Small and Medium-sized Industry) association system, Apid is part of. The following section is dedicated to the Apid s offices of Alessandria, Asti, Cuneo and Novara. Follows a chapter highlighting the history and the activities of Apid Turin, the first to be founded 15 years ago; the other section deals with cases of entrepreneurial excellence among women entrepreneurs joining the project, is presented. Editorial 1

2 The yearbook's conclusion is represented by its "operating" part, containing all personal data of about 150 members, broken down into three criteria of research (company name, name of the member entrepreneur and her activity area). Regarding this very section, I can remark that not all Apid Turin's partner companies were available to be listed within the above mentioned yearbook and therefore the recorded data do not represent the total number of partner companies. Hence, also on behalf of all the Board of Directors of Apid Turin, I therefore hope that the yearbook next edition shall contain all women run companies of Piedmont being part of our association. Sending my warmest thanks to the organizations and to those who collaborating, let this action be successful, I wish You a very good reading session and an efficient research. Kindest Regards. Giovanna Boschis Politano President Apid Turin 2 Editorial

3 Contents Piedmont Region Project pag. 5 Imprese piemontesi: femminile plurale Female managed enterprises in Piedmont pag. 9 Confapi pag Danilo Broggi - President of Confapi pag. 14 Federapi Piedmont pag Giancarlo Mattiuzzo - President of Federapi Piedmont pag. 17 Api Turin pag Sergio Rodda - President of Api Turin pag. 19 Apid in Italy pag years of Apid pag The role of Apid pag Articles of Association pag Api and Apid offices pag. 31 Apid in Piedmont pag Apid Alessandria pag Apid Asti pag Apid Cuneo pag Apid Novara pag. 67 Apid Turin pag Commission and Executive Mandates pag Current Board of Directors pag The projects pag Where Apid is represented pag Associations Apid Turin is part of pag Member companies pag Excellent cases of Female Entrepreneurship pag. 93 Contents 3

4 Data sheets of Turin-based Apid Companies pag Trade pag Industry pag Handcraft pag Services pag Directive by the terms of Article 13 - Law 196/03 pag. 177 Research criteria pag in alphabetical order pag s in alphabetical order pag in product order pag Contents

5 Piedmont Region Project Imprese piemontesi: femminile plurale The role of community policies in favour of women and men equality supporting the enhancement of women The European strategy for employment acts as a valid example of the positive consequences deriving from the introduction of gender as a feature in the wider context of a coordinated extensive economical process: this is what is stated in the "Report of the Committee to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economical and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions with Equal Opportunities for both women and men within the European Union " as of March The Structural Funds represent a very important moment for the definition of all strategies of equality as well as equal opportunities adopted by the European Union: since 1996, they have been highlighted as one of the sectors in which mainstreaming was applied. Among the most tangible results, there was the introduction of gender as a feature for structural policies, particularly concerning all proposals of regulations for structural Funds during the period included between 2000 and The general set of Regulations of Structural Funds approved by the Parliament and formally adopted by the Council in June 1999 makes gender mainstreaming mandatory and confirms equal opportunities as a cross connected issue integrated in all programmes as well as actions, in any step, here included the one relevant to monitoring and assessment, and with reference to the composition of Supervision Committees. The general target of FSE openly refers to the four "pillars" highlighted by the European strategy for the employment as defined in the European Council of Luxemburg dated December 1997, among where the reinforcement of policies concerning equal opportunities were analysed (together with: the improvement of the possibility of employment, development of entrepreneurial activities, encouragement of suitability of both companies and workers). The Segment specifically devoted to equal opportunities between women and men is Segment E, providing for "specific measures ai- Piedmont Region Project 5

6 med both at improving women's access and participation to labour markets, including carrier development and access to new job opportunities and business activities, and at reducing any vertical and horizontal segregation based on sex within labour market". However, as Equal Opportunities are also a cross connecting target, the Active Programme of Piedmont committed to grant the presence of women as receivers of the above mentioned different regulations for the achievement of specific targets within each Segment: Regulations included within Segment A are oriented towards "development and promotion of active job policies in order to fight and prevent unemployment, prevention of long term unemployment for both men and women, reintroduction of long term unemployed people into labour market and support of young people to enter professional life and men and women, to be reinserted into a suitable job market". Within Segment B regulations (aimed at "promoting equal opportunities for everybody entering any labour market, especially considering risks of social outcasts") "equal opportunities must really be evident in selecting projects and the presence of women as proportionally reflecting the real numbers as in the groups these regulations are addressed to must be granted". Within all the various domains of accomplishment of Segment C (granting "promotion and improvement of vocational training, education, life long learning, so as to favour and improve the access and the integration into labour markets, as well as improve and support employment possibilities and promote professional mobility"), "the promotion of equal opportunities for both men and women entering and enhancing training experiences represents a structural dimension of regional policies". Within Segment D regulations (aimed at "promoting a qualified and adaptable competent labour force, enhancing an innovative suitability of job organization, a development of an entrepreneurial attitude and of any condition for the creation of job posts as well as the qualification and the reinforcement of potential human qualities as for research, science and technology") "the commitment to actively achieve a cross connecting target of equal opportunities is made keeping an eye on project selection criteria and on the presence of an adequate number of women 6 Piedmont Region Project

7 as receivers of the above specified actions ". The presence of women is furthermore enhanced as per self entrepreneurial activities - both being freelancers and companies - through actions aimed at specifically encouraging initiatives (as tutorship among companies, company management training, women tailor made companies, etc.) and help measures to combine independent business commitments with family needs. These specific targets are achieved through the accomplishment of regulation E.1 - Type of Action and 3.1.6, in which the project Imprese piemontesi: femminile plurale, promoted by Apid - Imprenditorialità Donna, stands among. The project sets out the following objectives: adding equal opportunities and economic competitiveness in the territory; promoting the principle of equal opportunity as a core element of territorial competitiveness and of the quality of the economic and social development; defining and creating a model of "Distretto di Parità" that can be applied in different territorial contexts; promoting women enterprises on the regional territory; enhancing women resources in entrepreneurial roles; strengthening the network of women entrepreneurs in order to exchange useful information and opinions; setting up of an on-line service to support women entrepreneurs with financing issues; taking action of "equal marketing" in the entrepreneurial sector, to give visibility to successful experiences. The activities carried out within the project were: preparation, sending and gathering of a questionnaire on the activities carried out by the monitored companies; set-up of a database in order to gather and interpret information; selection of some success stories of women entrepreneurs; planning of the graphic layout and creation of the yearbook both in English and Italian, for a total of 5,000 copies; definition and creation of a model of "Distretto di Parità", that includes the analysis of the district model and the identification of Piedmont Region Project 7

8 its strategic elements, the definition of the model, the local meeting to raise awareness on "Tavoli di Concertazione" of the "Patti Territoriali" operating on the regional territory and the layout of a methodological protocol for the set-up of "distretti di parità"; set up of the website material collection, graphical planning of the web pages, on-line publishing of the project results; promotion and dissemination of the project results through the organization of a press conference to present the project to the media, sending the yearbook to women entrepreneurs in Piedmont, as well as to all potential entrepreneurs and to all European partners of the implementer, publishing the initiative on financial and managerial magazines. 8 Piedmont Region Project

9 Female managed enterprises in Piedmont The database created by InfoCamere* (IT company of the Italian Chambers of Commerce) regarding the women run companies in the Piedmont Region, shows a positive and encouraging view. Based on the processing of such data by Unioncamere Piedmont** comes out that the working companies in the region are 403,789 divided into the following economic sectors: 30% in trade and public concerns, 25% in services, 18% in agriculture, about 14% in the building trade and almost 13% in industry. The geographical distribution on the territory sees the province of Turin at the top of the list with almost 190,000 working companies which accounts for 47% of the total presence, followed by the province of Cuneo with 17.8%. About 11% of the companies in Piedmont operate in the province of Alessandria, followed by Novara and Asti which together represent 6.5% of the total number and finally Biella, Vercelli and Verbano Cusio Ossola respectively with a presence of 4.4%, 3.9% and 3.2%. The most interesting data are highlighted on the basis of the above information: how many, which and where women enterprises in Piedmont are. First of all women enterprises in Piedmont represent 24% of the working companies in the region, with a national third place, after the regions of Lombardia and Campania. Particularly, in the province of Turin there are 44,905 companies, that is 46.2% of the working ones, of which less than a half are in the city of Turin. Follow women enterprises in the province of Cuneo with a percentage of 18.4 and the province of Alessandria with 11.6%. The working firms in the Asti province are 6,358 and 6,085 in the province of Novara, both with a percentage of about 6.4. Biella, Vercelli and Verbano Cusio Ossola end the list with a presence included between 3 and 4%. On a total of 97,049 working companies on the regional territory, 36.4% operate in commerce and tourism, 29.9% in services, followed by agriculture with 22.5%, the manufacturing industry with 9% and the building industry with 2.2%. Female managed enterprises in Piedmont 9

10 In brief, the above data offer a good visibility of women enterprises in the region (accounting for 24%), with a significant result in the provincial capital, which hosts 44,905 companies (equal to about 46%). A very high percentage of women-run companies operate in the following primary line of business: trade, tourism and services. Year 2003 Working companies in Piedmont divided into economic sectors Economic sectors Working Companies Agriculture 73,276 Industry 51,215 Building 59,213 Trade + public concern 119,747 Services 100,338 Total 403,789 Piedmont enterprises divided into provinces Province Working Companies Alessandria 43,535 Asti 25,078 Biella 17,762 Cuneo 71,813 Novara 27,304 Turin 189,888 Verbano Cusio Ossola 12,751 Vercelli 15,658 Piedmont 403, Female managed enterprises in Piedmont

11 Women enterprises divided into provinces Province Working Companies Alessandria 11,231 Asti 6,358 Biella 3,989 Cuneo 17,810 Novara 6,085 Turin 44,905 Verbano Cusio Ossola 3,013 Vercelli 3,658 Total 97,049 Women enterprises in Piedmont divided into economic sectors Economic sector Working Companies Agriculture 21,789 Manufacturing industry 8,757 Building 2,169 Commerce and Tourism 35,329 Services 29,005 Total 97,049 Data elaborated by Unioncamere Piedmont based on Infocamere data * InfoCamere is the company responsible for the set-up and management of the national data transmission system. Through a fast speed network and a high level of security, it links the 103 Chambers of Commerce with 300 branch offices. ** Unioncamere Piedmont is the association of the eight Chambers of Commerce of the region that represents about 400 thousand companies with over a million and a half employees. Its "mission" is to promote and carry out in Italy as well as abroad, initiatives to develop the economy of the regional territory, supporting and coordinating the institutional activities of the associate Chambers. Female managed enterprises in Piedmont 11

12 Confapi The Italian Confederation of Small and Medium-sized Industry founded in 1947 is a leading subject of Italian economic and industrial life. The Confederation draws its origin from the characteristic layout in Italian industrial sector. The entrepreneurial environment of Italy in post-war years put out the need for an organisation capable of safeguarding and promoting interests of small and medium-sized industries. Small and medium-sized industries are one of the assets in Italian economy. Their adaptability to change and flexibility are outstanding qualities of Italian enterprises, which have become a reference model all over the world. In his history Confapi has given his contribute to develop these qualities, supporting small and medium-sized industries and helping his associates to cope with an ever changing economic environment. Confapi has grown along with Italian industries and today represents more than 50,000 associated enterprises employing about a million of workers. Confapi participates actively to Italian political life, and maintains close links with institutional bodies such as Government, Parliament, parliamentary committees and political Parties. Confapi keeps a widespread network of institutional representative, which includes the Prime Minister's Office, every Ministry, the Chambers of the Social Security Institutes, the National Council for the Economy (CNEL), the Foreign Trade Institute (ICE), the National Research Council (CNR), the Italian Institute for the Development of the Vocational Training (ISFOL), etc. Confapi works together with other Italian associations of employers and Trade Unions on developing a new system of industrial relations in touch with present and future needs of the Italian and European productive sector. Confapi's political representation activities have recently been completed and round off by the opening of a permanent office in Bruxel- 12 Confapi

13 les and the admission to UEAPME (European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises), in order to follow the legislative activities of the European institutions, paying particular attention to dispositions in connection with small and medium-sized industry. The centre of Confapi's growth and development is the local organisation, which allows Confederation to be present in a capillary structure all over the Country. The local structure is organized on provincial basis (i.e. provincial industrial Associations, Api) and these elementary units are co-ordinated by a second-degree Regional Federation. Confapi's own structure relays also on national Associations of enterprises belonging to the similar industrial sector. These Associations are called "Unioni Nazionali di Categoria" and stipulate national labour agreements with the respective Trade Unions of each sector. Confapi itself is responsible of national agreements with the National Trade Unions, (Cgil-Cisl-Uil). The new constitution of two National Group (Young Entrepreneurs and WomenEntrepreneurs) represents an effort to give a stronger voice to Italian entrepreneurs of the new generation and to women. Confapi 13

14 Danilo Broggi - President of Confapi Dear readers, as President of Confapi I am very glad to make my deepest compliments to Apid Turin for the good success of this publishing venture. A special thanks is for those institutions which helped its creation and with which, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies especially, Confapi has been concretely cooperating for a long time. This can be functionally considered as one of our Confederation's aims, careful to the increasing power of Italian women entrepreneurs and at the same time acknowledging their necessity of being supported. As a matter of fact, Confapi has recently stressed on the ambitious project to create a section of Apid in each different department, so as to offer its members both the support and the working instruments to start and increase their own companies. I am convinced that market globalisation and European sized politics can offer to small and middle size companies more complex and difficult scenarios, but also new opportunities. Confapi's commitment is to go on spreading the consciousness of the fundamental contribution that small and middle companies offer to the economical and social development of the country, focusing the attention of Parliament and social actors on the need for targeted policies, enhancing the extraordinary vitality of our entrepreneurial melting pot. So as to reinsure small and middle size entrepreneurs who are still able, notwithstanding the deep International economical crisis, to believe in our country as well as in its ability to react and produce development, being themselves the real main actors of the events. Warmest Regards Danilo Broggi President of Confapi 14 Danilo Broggi

15 Federapi Piedmont Association among Api of Piedmont Piedmont can undoubtedly be considered as one of the button holes of the Italian system of production. Anyway, the political-economical domain where companies work is rapidly changing, not only regionally. In particular for the Small and Medium Companies of Piedmont, which are characterized on the national territory for both their specific productions as well as dynamism, challenges, in future years, will get tougher but also rich in opportunities. However, this is a situation concerning, besides the individual, also the whole system. Fundamentally important is the ability of the companies to shout for their needs. That's why Federapi Piedmont stands at the same time as a milestone and as a forerunner, representing more than five thousands companies associated to individual Piedmont small firms, thus carefully supporting and protecting their business, starting actions as well as programmes in order to impose "Made in Italy" over the European Market as well as over the entire world. What Federapi Piedmont is Within Confapi - Italian Confederation for Small and Medium-sized Industry - Federapi Piedmont is the Association of Api (Association of Small and Medium-sized Companies) of Piedmont. Part of the above mentioned group Api are the following: * ALESSANDRIA 800 companies 10,607 employees * ASTI 200 companies 3,050 employees * CUNEO 350 companies 2,910 employees * NOVARA 600 companies 10,218 employees * TURIN 3,200 companies 65,000 employees For a total amount of 5,150 companies 91,785 employees Federapi Piedmont 15

16 The activities of Federapi Piedmont The action of Federapi is aimed at achieving a double target: the enhancement of small and medium size companies located in Piedmont, on the one hand, and the safeguard of their interests on the other. In order to achieve such results, the first task of Federapi is to coordinate the activities of the Associations of the provinces, so as to standardize as well as harmonize their activities in assisting and representing partner companies. Federapi's further and not less important task is to politically and institutionally be represented at Piedmont Region, and at the other Bodies and Institutional Organizations, such as the Union of Piedmont Chambers, Foreign Centre of Piedmont Chambers of commerce, Foreign Trade Institute (I.C.E.). Furthermore Federapi is carefully following the course of all laws concerning technological innovations, environmental procedures, educational training activities, foreign markets, giving their contribution any time it is required. Dealing with foreign matters, Federapi keeps contacts with Consulates, foreign Chambers of commerce, Foreign Associations of Entrepreneurs, and so on. It frequently organizes meetings and welcomes foreign institutional delegations eager to get in contact and start business and industrial relationships with entrepreneurs associated to Piedmont companies (Api). Together with other partners, Federapi organizes missions in foreign Countries, in order to favour the business activity over the foreign markets submitted to challenges of globalisation. It is also to be underlined its activity concerning the drawing up of contracts as well as agreements on behalf of all partner Associations, creating benefits as well as advantages. Federapi Piedmont, at last, organizes and follows the preparation and the management of seminars and meetings focused on issues relevant to small and medium companies. Congresses and meetings promoted by other institutions are always more than pleased to have Federapi as a special guest during such events. 16 Federapi Piedmont

17 Giancarlo Mattiuzzo - President of Federapi Piedmont Dear readers, as President of Federapi Piedmont, I first of all, wish to send a special thanks to the Region and the other associated organizations that have allowed the carrying out of this project. As a matter of fact, the Piedmont Region has been effectively supporting the work performed by our Federation for years, by finalizing and sponsoring numerous projects. Furthermore, I would like to address a particular appreciation to Apid Turin, promoter of the project "2003/2004 yearbook"; it is indeed an operational highly effective tool, used daily to develop relations among women entrepreneurs, members of our Federation and to enhance entrepreneurship in Piedmont in general. In some of the territorial offices in Piedmont, the Apid section has already been set up with a large number of members adhering to the association. For example, Api Alessandria counts already 120 associates, Novara almost 60 and Asti and Cuneo about 30. This data represent a further confirmation of the tangible relevance of the project: the number of women entrepreneurs is growing and our territorial offices are committed to give them the visibility they deserve. Hence, considered the constant increase of data regarding women run companies over the territory, I hope that, in the next edition, there will be a significant participation from women entrepreneurs of all provincial offices in Piedmont. I welcome the opportunity to renew my warmest thanks to the organizations which have contributed to the carrying out of this project. Best regards Giancarlo Mattiuzzo President of Federapi Piedmont Giancarlo Mattiuzzo 17

18 Api Turin Set up in 1949, Api Turin has now more than 3,200 associate companies and a total manpower of about 65,000 employees. The Association aims at protecting the Small and Medium-sized Companies in the trade unions, economical, technological and environmental fields, acting on behalf of trade unions, administrative authorities at all levels, Bodies and associations both in Italy and abroad. The aims The peculiarity of interests and needs of Turin s entrepreneurial structure, requires a group of associations able to suggest and give specific and unconditional answers. Api sets itself as an effective tool to protect the achieved results and to ensure the constant growth of Small and Medium sized companies. The role of Api Turin is to: Represent, protect and promote the interests of the associated organizations vis-à vis: - Institutions - Political and social forces - Public opinion Offer a network of consulting and supporting services for the associated companies. The structure of the association is able to guarantee the best results thanks to the professional skills of executives and consultants with a profound knowledge of their own specific business sector as well as of problems and needs of both entrepreneurs and companies. 18 Api Turin

19 Sergio Rodda - President of Api Turin Dear readers, this year Apid Turin has celebrated its 15th anniversary of birth and it is a great honour for me to witness, during my mandate as the President of Api Turin, the creation of the first women entrepreneurs' yearbook of our association. The link I have with Apid was born long time ago: in July 1989 I enthusiastically attended the foundation of the association, being appointed as Secretary General, and I eventually saw its growth during my following different institutional appointments. Nowadays, being President, I'd really like to renew my personal support to Apid Turin together with the one of its Board of Directors. As maintained by data, women's entrepreneurial activity grew and matured throughout the latest 15 years in our province, getting far more aware of its own potentials and showing its strength and concreteness throughout time. Api Turin joined Apid in various projects. As you probably will read, these projects partially have already been performed and partially still to carry out: the cooperation between these two structures shows, as a matter of fact, continuity and a great synergy. Hoping that the positive results of Apid Turin's experience can stimulate the short-timed creation of new centres of the association in Italy, I renew my thanks to all the organisations which let this project "Imprese Piemontesi: femminile plurale" become true. My Warmest Regards Sergio Rodda President of Api Turin Sergio Rodda 19

20 Apid in Italy 15 years of Apid Apid - Imprenditorialità Donna was set up in July 1989 at the Api in Turin by 55 women entrepreneurs who belonged to the Association of Small and Medium-sized Companies of Turin and Province, which, was part of Confapi, the Italian Confederation of Small and Medium-sized Industry. The association s statutes set out its aims as follows: - promote action to support and develop women's entrepreneurship; - promote professional training and development through studies and research; - collect information about ongioing experiences and measures in each EU country and to put itself forward as an active interlocutor in each action; - encourage the creation of new businesses by establishing itself as a landmark for autonomous activitiy; - promote local job-related initiatives; - support actions to place women with the relevant unions and Api's executive bodies. In order to achieve these aims, Apid works together with the appropriate institutions at provincial, regional, national, EU and international levels. Because of its statutory aims, the association forms part of the Consulte Femminili Comunali of Turin and Rivoli, of the Piedmont Region's Consulta Femminile Regionale, and of CAFT (the committee of the Turin women s associations). It is regularly consulted by local institutions, especially the "Commissione Regionale delle Pari Opportunità" and the Consigliera Regionale di Parità. The Chairman, Giovanna Boschis Politano, represents Confapi on the Comitato Nazionale di Parità Lavoratrici-Lavoratori set up at the Ministry of Labour in line with Law No She also chairs the Turin Chamber of commerce s Comitato per l Imprenditoria Femminile and is a member of the Coordinamento nazionale donne d impresa, which represents 12 national confede years of Apid

21 rations. The last-named is a unitary body set up to encourage and support the spread of women s enterprise as a means of improving the country's economic resources, and is open to all employers associations that sign collective work contracts at national level. It collaborates with the Ministero dell'industria del Commercio e dell'artigianato on such issues as: - Law No. 215/92: drawing up the regulations; - access for women-run businesses to sources of financing: drawing up the text of the Progetto Credito ; - developments regarding the Comitati per l Imprenditoria Femminile within the Chambers of commerce. 15 years of Apid 21

22 The role of Apid Apid offers a powerful point of reference for women who plan to accomplish new projects or set-up new companies, acting as project advisors, collaborating with companies on a national and international level in constant communication with city, state, regional, national and international groups. Apid strives to place greater value on the development of female business locally, while at the same time providing a wider point of view: a role of active observer useful to all career oriented businesswomen. Services Apid works as consultants in several ways of dealing with national and European standards, female and mixed management, by providing support for the woman's role in business and organizing a wide range of conferences and meetings. We support this initiative, particularly concerning the laws on Equal Opportunities. We are aware of the growing importance of business women in the European Community and likewise support the institution of realities similar to Apid Turin, in other local Api, on their request. This creates a network of business women on the territory that aims not only at sharing experiences but also and especially at creating a synergistic European and national body capable of voicing and disseminate the needs of small and medium-sized companies. We are also preparing a Data Base to organize the collection of laws and documents related to business women management and politics in general. In / Formation All activities are finalized to the realization of a vast project which entails interaction among single companies, Turin and EU companies where Apid takes custody and acts as a mediator for women entrepreneurs courses for woman holding a diploma or a degree and a valid business project and meeting organization, as well as revision courses concerning business activities, seminars and conferences, represent a meaningful moment in the training phase. Apid has organized a permanent business information desk for Apid associate companies. 22 The role of Apid

23 Being Present Apid offers its own contribution by taking an active part in conferences and round tables, especially those which discuss issues related to National Law No. 125/91 on equal opportunities or No. 215/92 on women s enterprise. It was present during consultations at the Piedmont Regional Council when two bills on affirmative action and on equal opportunities were examined. It is part of a working party on credit for women's enterprise, together with the regional equal opportunities institutions and other women s associations. At seminars during the Salone della Banca of Turin, it brought up specific subjects like the role of women in business management and access to credit for women s enterprise. It is a founder member of Reseau A 1841, a programme that encourages the circulation of women's enterprise information and experience across the world in order to bolster women's enterprise in developing countries. In the field of research and fostering new forms of cultural exchange, Apid contributes to the holding of programmes organized and coordinated by the Turin Centre of the International Labour Organization (ILO) that provide entrepreneurship and management training to women from developing countries. Apid is always attentive and present in positive action to disseminate a new and better-informed equal opportunities culture. It took part in the io, donna, scuola-impresa project with direct reports by women entrepreneurs and female students from Turin s commercial and technical institutes in support of including self-employment and entrepreneurial activity in post-diploma career counselling. Indeed, since it was set up, it has worked to encourage the spread of a new entrepreneurial culture through a strategy of supporting and promoting women s enterprise. Professional training, understood not simply as a learning occasion but also as collective cultural and professional growth, is the core of the association s programmes. Accordingly, the association promotes periodic meetings and refresher courses on every topic regarding entrepreneurial activities. Initiatives to encourage and support women s entrepreneurship and to promote a new equal opportunities culture are the hallmark of its programme. Apid is a founder member of the Associa- The role of Apid 23

24 zione per la Formazione e l Ethica for entrepreneurs, directors and managers, and, as a member, actively follows its programme. One of its statutory goals is to support affirmative action to place women entrepreneurs with Api executive bodies and relevant unions. Today, this is reflected in the tangible presence of women members throughout the structure, achieved through a growing, conscious involvement of women entrepreneurs in the life of the association. Indeed, many of Apid s women members have come onto the executive councils. A recent investigation attest that, fifteen years after being setup, there are more than 10,000 companies led by business women belonging to our association. 24 The role of Apid

25 Articles of Association 2003/2004 yearbook Registered office - Duration - Corporate aims Art. 1 An Association is set up under the name Apid - Imprenditorialità Donna, adhering to the Confapi, with registered office at n 123, Via Pianezza, Turin, within the offices of the Api (Association of Small and Medium-sized Companies of Turin and Province) Association, with unlimited duration. Art. 2 The Association intends to: a) promote actions to support the development of female business enterprise, using all the resources and contributions available; b) cooperate with all the competent institutions in the provincial, regional, national EEC and international contexts; c) gain information on experiences and initiatives underway in every EEC country and act as proposing interlocutor for each action; d) encourage opportunities for professional training and development, studies and research useful to the aims described above; e) create a point of reference for women, or female initiatives, which intend to set up new companies and/or present projects, giving their advice and information in order to facilitate them at national and EEC level; f) promote the creation of new businesses and local employment enterprises; g) promote the image of the Api and its cultural and social specifics, handling the promotion of the female role, cooperating in all sectors in which the Api pursues its institutional aims; h) sustain positive actions for the introduction of women in the context of trade associations and directive bodies of the Api. The Association can organize training courses, conventions, conferences, debates and any other action useful to achieving the abovementioned aims. Art. 3 Women who manage or take part in business activity and/or hold directional offices and/or responsibilities with decision-making powers in companies registered with the Api, may join the Apid - Imprenditorialità Donna Association. Articles of Association 25

26 Applications must be presented on special forms prepared by the Association; admission is subject to approval by the Board of Directors and will be deliberated during the first meeting after receipt of the application, requiring the absolute majority vote of the members. Art. 4 Membership of the Association is terminated: a) by resignation; b) by termination of the business activity; c) by withdrawal or exclusion from the Api Association of the Company in which the member operates; d) by exclusion, due to just cause. Art. 5 The Association bodies are: - the Meeting; - the Board of Directors; - the Chairman; - two Deputy Chairmen who, together with the Chairman, form the Council; - the Board of Trustees; - a Treasurer: the role can be held by a deputy Chairman. Art. 6 The Association Meeting is formed by all members and a plenary session is held when called by the Chairman or, in her absence or impediment, the Deputy Chairmen. The Meeting may be called by at least 1/5 (one fifth) of the members registered with the Association upon written request to the Chairman, specifying the agenda. The Chairman must hold the Meeting within 30 (thirty) days of the request. The Meeting is held at least once a year following a first and second call, by issuing written notification to the members at least 15 (fifteen) days before the meeting or publishing an announcement in the Api Association newsletter. In an emergency, the use of the quickest method of information is admitted. The Meeting is considered valid by first call, at the set time, with the presence of at least half of the members, and by second call, regardless of the number of members. 26 Articles of Association

27 The Meeting deliberates with a majority vote. Voting by proxy is admitted with a maximum of one delegate for each associate. Art. 7 The Meeting is responsible for the following: a) the election, every four years, of the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees; b) the approval of the electoral regulations; c) the approval of the Chairman's annual report; d) the deliberation of the Chairman's annual report; e) integreting the Board of Directors; f) determining the membership fee; g) the approval of the estimate and final economic report; h) the appointment of an Honorary Chairman, chosen among those members with particular merit. Art. 8 The Board of Directors is made up of at least five Directors and a maximum of eleven Statutory Directors and two Supplementary Directors. The Board of Directors is elected by the Meeting and holds office for four years. All the Association members who have been members for at least one year can be elected. The candidacies must be presented in writing to the Association secretariat at least 7 (seven) days before the date set for the Meeting. The Secretariat will distribute to each Meeting attendant the alphabetical list of the candidates together with the voting card. The number of candidates must be no lower than the number of Directors to be elected, including Statutory and Supplementary Directors. All Meeting attendants may vote up to a maximum of 13 (thirteen) candidates for each Board of Directors. Cards with more votes or indications will be cancelled. The first 11 (eleven) candidates who obtain the most votes are declared Statutory Directors. In the event of a draw, the candidate who has been a member of the Association for the longest time will be elected; the remaining 2 (two) will be declared Supplementary Directors. The validity of the vote will be checked by a Commission of scrutineers for- Articles of Association 27

28 med by the Association Secretariat and two members proposed by the Chairman and approved by the Meeting. The Board of Directors must: - elect from its members, with the absolute majority, the Chairman within 30 (thirty) days of her appointment with a secret ballot; - ratify the nominations of the Deputy Chairmen proposed by the Chairman; - examine and deliberate applications for admission; - nominate any Commissions for the study of particular problems; - assign, at its discretion, specific responsibilities; - perform every action necessary to achieving the corporate aims in the context of the directives prepared by the Meeting; - arrange links between the Api Association and other Associations; - promote initiatives and take steps to accomplish the Association aims; - deliberate the use of association funds available for any reason and also the correct management. Art. 9 The Board of Directors is called by the Chairman every time it should be necessary and at least every two months, with a written agenda to be sent at least 7 (seven) days beforehand. The Board of Directors may also be called by at least 5 (five) members, as long as they inform the Chairman of such intent in writing, giving the reason for the agenda. The meetings will be considered valid when at least half of the Directors in office plus one are present; voting by proxy is not admitted. In the event of a draw, the Chairman has the deciding vote. Art. 10 The resignation of members of the Board must be presented in writing. The members of the Board of Directors who are absent without justification for at least 3 (three) consecutive, regularly called meetings will automatically lose office. Within 30 (thirty) days of the date of resignation or the date of loss of office by one of its members, the Board of Directors must replace the member with the first of the Supplementary Directors. If the Board of Directors is reduced by at least 5 (five) members, following resignation, loss of office or other causes, the Chairman must call the Mee- 28 Articles of Association

29 ting within a maximum of forty days to complete the Board of Directors for the remainder of its mandate. After the Meeting election, the Board of Directors will be called by the Chairman of the Meeting, who will draw up the Agenda and chair the Board for the election of the Chairman (pursuant to article 8 and 11 of the Articles of Association). Art. 11 The Chairman holds office for 4 (four) years and can be re-elected. The Chairman is responsible for: - representing the Association to all effects and before all bodies; - calling and chairing the Meetings; - proposing to the Board of Directors the appointment of 2 (two) Deputy Chairmen chosen from the members of the same Board; - delegating the Deputy Chairman to represent her in the performance of her duties; - nominate the Association Secretary. In the event of permanent impediment or resignation by the Chairman, her attributions will be temporarily exercised by the Deputy Chairmen, who must call the Board of Directors to nominate the new Chairman within 30 (thirty) days. The office of Chairman is not compatible with the other chairs within the Api Association. Art. 12 The two Deputy Chairmen flank the work of the Chairman for the accomplishment of the Association aims. The Honorary Chairman attends the meetings of the Board of Directors with the same powers as the Statutory Director of the Board of Directors. The honorary office will be terminated in the cases provided for by art. 4. Art. 13 The Api Association uses its own staff to set up the Secretariat, in accordance with the Chairman of "Apid Imprenditorialità Donna". The Secretariat attends the Association Meeting. The Secretariat is appointed the task of keeping the Meeting Minutes and performing the usual secretarial tasks. The Board of Auditors which oversees the accounts of the Api Association is responsible for managing its capital. Articles of Association 29

30 Art. 14 The Board of Trustees is made up 3 (three) statutory members and one supplementary member, who hold office for 4 (four) years and can be reelected. The members are elected by the Meeting, among the members who do not already hold office, in accordance with that stated in art. 8 for the election of the Board of Directors. Every attendant may vote a maximum of 4 (four) candidates. The Board of Trustees: - guarantees the application of the Articles of Association; - settles controversies which might arise between members and the Association; - deliberates, with the majority of its members, exclusion from the Association as provided for under letter d) of art. 4; - resolves the suspension of members for a maximum of 6 (six) months in the event of behaviour in conflict with the aims of the Association. Art. 15 The dissolution of the Association must be deliberated by the Extraordinary Meeting with the absolute majority of the members. 30 Articles of Association

31 Api and Apid offices In this section are listed the addresses of over 60 head offices of the association of Small and Medium sized companies in Italy, which represent more than 50 thousand companies on the national territory. TURIN Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Pianezza, Tel Fax apito@apito.it AGRIGENTO Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Viale della Vittoria, Tel Fax ALESSANDRIA Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Corso Roma, Tel Fax api@apial.net ANCONA Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Bruno Buozzi, Candia di Ancona Tel Fax info@apindustria.org ASCOLI PICENO Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Contrada da Campiglione, 20 FERMO Tel Fax confapi@virgilio.it ASTI Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via De Rolandis, Tel Fax api.asti@libero.it AVELLINO Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Corso Europa, Tel Fax confapi@inopera.it BARI Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Rodolfo Redi, Tel Fax info@apibari.it BENEVENTO Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Viale dei Rettori, Tel Fax apibenevento3@virgilio.it BERGAMO Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via S. Benedetto, Tel Fax segreteria@api.bergamo.it BOLOGNA Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Sebastiano Serlio, Tel Fax affarigenerali@api.bo.it BRESCIA Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Lippi, Tel Fax segreteria@api.bs.it Api and Apid offices 31

32 BRINDISI Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Osanna, Tel Fax apibrindisi@libero.it CAGLIARI Api SARDA Via Nervi snc Z. I. Casic Elmas (CA) Tel Fax apisarda@ediset.net CALTANISSETTA Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Contrada Brucazzi - zona ind Gela Tel Fax info@apicaltanissetta.com CASERTA Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Redentore, Tel Fax apicaserta@apicaserta.it CATANIA Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Piazza Falcone, Tel Fax apict@confapi.it CESENA Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Ravennate, Tel Fax apicesena@iol.it CHIETI Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Corso Marruccino, Tel Fax apindustriechieti@virgilio.it COMO Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Vandelli, Camerata (CO) Tel Fax apicomo@api.como.it CREMONA Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Gaspare Pedone, Tel Fax info@apicremona.it CUNEO Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Piazza Europa, Tel Fax apicuneo@cnnet.it ENNA Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via L. Da Vinci, Tel Fax apien@tiscalinet.it FIRENZE Delegazione Api Toscana a Firenze Via del Salviatino, Fiesole (FI) Tel Fax apifirenze@apitoscana.it FOGGIA Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Genoveffa De Troia, Tel Fax L AQUILA Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Chiassetto degli Ortolani, Tel Fax mail@api.aq.it LECCE Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie Via Cicerone, Castromediano Cavallino (LE) Tel Fax apilecce@libero.it 32 Api and Apid offices