The audience gives Ricciardi a standing ovation following his speech.

Recently in Sao Paulo, Brazil, awards were given recognizing the ceramicist, company and suppliers of the year for 2008. After tabulating the votes from questionnaires sent to the Brazilian ceramic sector, the winners were chosen, including 78-year-old Ceramica Atlas’ owner Geraldo Ricciardi with the Ceramicist of the Year Award.

Upon accepting the award, sponsored by Mundo Cerâmico magazine, Ricciardi stated, people always need to have a dream. In an emotional acceptance speech, he said that a company has to believe in its human resources in order to be successful.

Key persons from the Brazilian ceramic tile industry also attended the program, including Paulo Silva from Apex, Anfacer ceo Antonio Carlos Kieling, Gyotoku president Adriano Lima, and many more.

The ceremony continued with previous winners of the Ceramicist of the Year award being recognized, including: João Carlos Buschinelli from Villagres; Edson Gaidzinski (in memoriam) from Eliane; Cesar Gomes Jr. from Portobello; Adriano Lima from Gyotoku; Antonio Carlos Rodrigues (in memoriam) from Grupo Embramaco; and Rogério Arns Sampaio from Cecrisa.