With the World Meeting of Families still many months away, nothing appears likely to stop Philadelphia's anticipation from soaring.
Behind the scenes, a Pennsylvania man is responsible for leading a team that will help ensure the event in late September goes smoothly.
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The Philadelphia Business Journal profiled Wilkes-Barre native Bob Ciaruffoli, a U.S. Marine and former CEO of ParenteBeard who was instrumental in securing Pope Francis' attendance.
Ciaruffoli is acknowledged in the Philadelphia region and nationally, as having the leadership to guide the meeting's success. The import, however, does come home to him.
"The church is 2,000 years old, and this is the fourth time a Pope has come to the United States," he said. "There is a strong possibility that another visit won't happen in my lifetime. Aside from my family, this is the most important thing I've done in my life."
With the event estimated to generate $418 million in regional economic impact, Ciaruffoli's leadership as President of World Meeting of Families will be called upon to help set a positive, inviting tone from the outset.
Read the full story here.