“We will soon formulate an innovative proposal for the reform of the regional law“
Foggia, October 8th, 2024 – The Stone section of Confindustria Foggia has appointed Alfonso Masselli from Apricena as an effective member of its “Technical Group for Extractive Activities”. A significant role, which underlines the centrality of the city of Apricena in the extractive sector. A vital sector for the economy of the Puglia region, given that it contributes substantially to industrial development and job creation.
The appointment of Masselli, head of external relations of the “Stilmarmo” industrial group, represents a decisive step, by the main association representing businesses, in addressing the challenges and opportunities that the extractive activities sector presents.
Masselli is known for his innovative ideas.
In fact, he is the one who came up with the idea of the PSSEL, the Strategic Plan for the Development of the Stone Economy.
«In order to give greater impetus to the stone sector – explains Masselli – it is necessary to develop a “Strategic Plan”, aimed at implementing institutional relations at every level, regional, national and European», commented Masselli.
«I am thinking, in particular, of a partnership with the city of Carrara (the first extraction basin in Italy), in order to aggregate the other extraction sites in Italy and promote a very ambitious “national project”. A plan that goes, for example, from the extension of GI (Geographical Indications) protection to our productions, which would bring a significant potential advantage for the SMEs involved and a significant contribution to employment and economic growth in the territories involved, to the introduction of “marble diesel” (on a par with “agricultural” and “nautical” diesel). Up to the structural contributions in the field of “excavation” activities, and the establishment of technical forms of specialized credit (the “marble mortgage”, like the “building mortgage” and the “fishing mortgage”), extended to the entire supply chain».
«And much more – adds Masselli – also in terms of reform of the national legislation on mining (dating back to about a century ago) and the regional one, promoting, among other things, the concept of “refunctionalization” of abandoned or no longer active quarry sites».
«In short, abandoned or exhausted quarries – he underlines – must not be “holes” to be plugged but suggestive “places” to be enhanced and told to the world», concludes Masselli.
For his innovative visions, last September, Masselli, who has long supported the idea of opening the second “University Research Center” of the Polytechnic of Bari in Apricena, was appointed by the Mayor of Apricena, Antonio Potenza, as his “close collaborator”.
In this role, he will deal with economic development policies, infrastructure, institutional and international relations alongside the governing bodies of the municipal body (mayor, council, councilors).