Culture and traditions play an important role in many people's lives and upbringing.

In this weeks Invest in the Northland Laura Langemo tells us about a Twin Ports family who started their own business with the intention of sharing their heritage with fellow Northlanders.

Family and good Italian food have always been a priority to Kathy Gannucci-Resberg and her daughter Kim Holland.

"Good food can cure a broken heart, any illness or a bad day."

It was over 30 years ago Kathy's cousin Ernie and his daughter opened their own deli called "The Italian Village"...to bring a taste of Italy to the Northland.

Kathy was a regular customer at the deli until one day when she saw Ernie clearing out the store.

"I said what are you doing? And he said well we are closing down for two weeks because he was going on vacation but he said this time we're not coming back and I said oh gosh. I said you can't do that and then he said well you better buy it."

And buy it she did.

In 1994 Kathy and Kim took over the family business.

"To be able to share what I grew up with is phenomenal and to think that people are actually interested in it is even more phenomenal."

"The Italian Village" offers an array of meats from homemade sausage to salami and of course there's the cannoli.

But they also promote family togetherness.

"I hope that we encourage people to go home and make a home cooked meal with their family and really enjoy what they are eating."

Through the years "The Italian Village" has continue to grow.
Although they're kept busy Kathy and Kim love every minute of it.

"It's a wonderful thing to be able to share our heritage every single day and our love for Italian food."

"The Italian Village" has just started shipping its famous homemade sausage to its customers.

They also offer classes on coffee making and the health benefits of olive oil.