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Better Leadership America was organized to promote and encourage a broader public discussion and understanding of the important issues facing America and to advocate government policies we believe are crucial for the future of America, New York State and New York City. The corporation will also provide information to government leaders, and to the general public, in order to help promote a better discussion of the issues facing us today.
Better Leadership America (BLA) is a New York State corporation, incorporated
under Section 402 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, and is a Type A corporation under Section 201 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law and it is a tax exempt organization under section 501(C)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. The corporation
is not organized for profit or financial gain, but, rather, to promote more effective
public policies.
In order to fully advance the policies that Better Leadership America believes are important for America, and for our area, Better Leadership America encourages contributions and support from individuals, groups and businesses who are interested
in helping to promote and advance these policies and issues.
Michael P. Ricatto
A successful entrepreneur and businessman, Michael Ricatto is devoted to his family,
and dedicated to serving his community.
“Mike” is known for his work ethic and for his big heart and he has been recognized
and honored for his generous contributions of both time and money to charitable organizations, political causes and to people in need.
Mike was born in Harlem, grew up in Queens and, during his teen years, on his family’s farm in Nassau County. While working on the family farm, Mike was able to use the money he made to start a successful automobile business. Even then, Mike developed
a reputation as a fair and honest businessman.
After graduation, Mike went to work in his family’s businesses, including Fratelli Ricatto Import Export Company, Red Fleet Haulage, Tally-Ho Nursery School and the Forest Hills Country Club. In just three years, Mike was able to quadruple revenues in these family enterprises.
At the same time, Mike began investing in his own businesses. Today, Mike is President of Ricatto Enterprises. Ricatto Enterprises includes Advanced Fleet Maintenance – an authorized Allison Transmission dealer and the largest engine and transmission remanufacturing plant in the five boroughs – as well as Allboro Engine, Ricatto Marine, the St. James Restaurant, Barry Street Development, Country Club Development, East Village Development, Ricatto Racing Stables, Real Deals, Inc., and East Village Management.
As Mike’s businesses have grown, so has his involvement in the community. Mike
serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Italian-American Museum, of Italian
Charities of America and of Better Leadership America. He is also a past
member of the Queens College A.C.E. Board of Directors.
In recognition of his contributions to the community, Mike has been honored with the
Ellis Island Medal of Honor by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, with the Queens County Republican Committee Ronald Reagan Gold Medal and he has been
named the 2008 Humanitarian of the Year by the Italian Charities of America.
Mike is a member of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, Italian Charities of America,
Tiro A Segno, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the International Horse Country
Club, the Republican Presidential Roundtable and the Queens Village Republican Club.
Mike is the proud father of four sons, Michael, 26, John, 24, Vincenzo, 11, Santino, 9,
and a daughter Patricia, 22. He is also the proud grandfather of Julia who is 4.