Get to know the IBC
Who and What we are
2019 Club Officers
President: Tony Leonetti
VP: Stefano Longhi-Call
Treasurer: Deb Wilson
Secretary: "Chelle" Ordway
Sgt. at Arms: Anthony Pomante
Board Chair: Claude Bonfiglio
For 68 years, the IBC has been a proud and important part of Portland's Italian community. Established by Portland businessmen of Italian heritage, the organization was formed with this mission:
- Coordinating efforts to provide aid after Italy's tragic Po River flood of 1951 . That act led to a tradition of assisting many worthwhile causes, locally as well as in Italy.
- Promoting and celebrating Italian culture and language with our friends, family and Portland neighbors.
Of course, many changes have occurred over the years, as well as changing the original name, Italian Businessmen's Club to the Italian Benvenuti Club, keeping the acronym IBC.
Today's IBC consists of men and women of Italian heritage and others who love Italian culture, believe in our mission and 'la Dolce Vita', an Italian phrase which was first used in a film of that name to mean crass or shocking, though modern usage means simply but positively ‘the good life
More than a club
We are a social club with a common interest: celebrating and promoting Italian culture. Most of our gatherings are social with some open to all as fundraisers for our IBC Foundation scholarships; others for club members and families. We hold a few more business dinner meetings during the year to set club goals, vote, and we frequently have guest speakers on topics of interest.
Most club business is accomplished during monthly board meetings, which are communicated with members electronically or , if necessary, during social events. When scheduled, all-member meetings occur during the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Board meetings are scheduled on the first Tuesday of each month and are dinner meetings, held at Nicoletta's Restaurant in Lake Oswego at 6:30 unless members are notified of a change.
All members are invited to attend board meeting, however, due to Nicoletta's private meeting room seating, members are asked to let Tony Leonetti know if you plan to attend.
Should you wish more information about the IBC, feel free to contact Tony, see any member or scroll down to the application below.
Scholarships and Service
The IBC has remained committed to the ideals of cultural awareness and civic service upon which it was founded. Of course, being of Italian heritage, we also have a good time together.
Each year the IBC Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization, provides scholarships for students of Italian heritage. More information can be found on the scholarhip section of this website. We also assist the Scuola Italiana di Portland, financially and by serving on their board and participate and work with other organizations.
Over the years, we have helped local charities and, in Italy, we have supported organizations that assist in the recovery from floods and earthquakes.
Some of our social functions are fund raisers to support the foundation. Members and friends also contribute, and direct contributions to the foundation can also be made on the shopping portion of this website.
Purchase Tickets - Pay Dues - Donate to the IBC
Benvenuti! For information or to inquire about membership
Thank you for checking out our website. We welcome your comments and questions. If you would like to apply for membership, the PDF application is below or if you wish more information, contact Tony at the button below.
IBC Application Download
IBC Application (pdf)
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