John Gambini, founder and CEO of Texas Hill Country Olive Company, held the rapt attention of NxNE members with his presentation on olive oil in general and his company in particular. Explaining that olive trees will grow in a climate as long as the temperature does not drop below 15 0 Fahrenheit for consecutive days, Mr. Gambini stated that Austin is the most northern point in which olives will grow in Texas. He then described the life cycle of the trees, the process of making the oil, types of and benefits of olive oil and more interesting facts than can be related here. One notable point for our benefit: 70 % of extra virgin olive oil in the US in adulterated; i.e., diluted with another type of oil. His family company in Dripping Springs is just over 20 years old and now features an array of services: tours of his business which includes the orchard, processing plant, bistro, and meeting rooms, plus a gift shop that offers his pure extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, wine and other interesting items. For more information, you may go to his web site at texashillcountryoliveco.com.