Raoul Negri to Lead Sirmione Traders Association Amid Local Challenges

Raoul Negri, 61 years old, is the new president of the Sirmione traders’ association. Negri, a native of Castiglione delle Stiviere but an adopted resident of Sirmione, succeeds Roberta Bisoli, owner, along with her family, of the same-named boatyard and boat storage.

Many are wondering why Roberta Bisoli relinquished the helm of the Sirmione Ascom.

“I wouldn’t want to stir up controversy, for the sake of the association,” Bisoli declares. “But the real reason I decided to leave was the decision of the executive board not to have representatives from Colombare and other districts. That’s all.”

“Understood, but haven’t you remained on the executive council?”

“Yes, but I have also resigned from the board.”

Composition of the Council and appointment of Negri

The executive board is made up of: Vice President Fulvio Bonacini (restaurateur), Secretary Anna Pintacorona (toys), councilors Roberta Bisoli (who has resigned), Donatella Maffezzoli (leather goods), Maria Teresa Zeni (gift items), and Gisella Zennaro (craftsmanship).

The appointment of Negri, unanimously approved by the assembly, was already formalized in recent days by the provincial president of Ascom, Ferruccio Rossi Thielen, who is also a native of Sirmione.

Now, as Negri states, “it’s time to roll up our sleeves.”

Meanwhile, in September, a white paper on the state of the town’s commercial sector will be presented: issues, problems, relationships with institutions, but above all a sometimes harsh analysis of the economic and social landscape.

Experience and goals of the new president

The new president of the traders has been active for at least forty years and has held several top roles within the association.

For example, he was remembered as secretary alongside the late Danilo Rossi, who gave a vigorous boost to Sirmione’s tertiary sector.

Now, Raoul Negri aims to return the association to a level, as he says, “of greater strength and power to be able to defend the interests of operators.”

In Sirmione, there are nearly 200 businesses, excluding hotels, of which 95 are registered with Ascom. This number could grow thanks to some initiatives.

“We intend to unite the efforts of all colleagues distributed throughout the territory, trying to understand their needs. For example, we are closely monitoring municipal measures on traffic flow and the temporary closure of traffic near Colombare.”

“We also want,” continues Negri, “this analysis of traffic to be extended to other areas of Sirmione, just as we think the regulations for the categories should be.”

“Certainly. We want to be an active part in writing and planning events, contributing to their success.”

“Furthermore, I would add that the association must aim higher, eliminating certain individualism and selfishness, to reach a single goal: maintaining the care and love for Sirmione.”

Question about the presence of organized crime

One last question. Be honest: have there been reports of “pizzo” (extortion) requests from organized crime?

“Three or four years ago, some local pubs received requests for protection money, but fortunately, they had no follow-up. Now,” concludes Negri, “the situation is completely calm.”