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“Be proud to be Italian” was just one admonition from the podium at the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce’s first annual awards dinner in Atlanta Sunday, but it may as well have been the explicit theme of the evening.
The chamber’s Georgia chapter, launched five years ago to tell a fuller story of Italy’s investment links with the state, used the evening to stake its claim as the preeminent organization driving the relationship forward.
It’s an auspicious time for the state’s Italian links: With some 90 Italian subsidiaries employing nearly 5,000 Georgians in industries from fintech and hospitality to logistics and manufacturing, ties have never been closer in what now amounts to a $3.1 billion trading relationship.
Perhaps recognizing this, Gov. Brian Kemp in July led a mission to Italy, where he thanked existing investors like Aquafil, Epta, Elemaster and TMC Transformers while also meeting new prospects.
The dinner event, billed as perhaps the largest gathering of Italian executives since the 1996 Olympics, was held at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, a fitting setting given the mansion’s role as “Casa Italia” housing the Italian committee during the Games.
Callanwolde’s proximity to Emory University was also key, given the many Emory doctors and educators from the Italian diaspora that attended or were recognized throughout the evening. Representatives from some 45 companies were also present.
The event was also positioned as a precursor to an Italy: Made in Georgia showcase the chamber is planning for the spring, highlighting Italian food, wine and design, as well as products manufactured in the state, from Pirelli tires to La Regina di San Marzano tomatoes.
“As representatives of a nation renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, the largest number of cultural heritage sites, and a legacy of human capital—thinkers, innovators, and entrepreneurs — we are proud to bring the essence of Italy to Georgia,” Nicola Vidali, a longtime Atlantan with 35 years of event and experience management and the managing director of the Georgia chapter.
Awardees announced at the event exemplify the quality of Italian craftsmanship and excellence embodied by Italian professionals in the broader Atlanta community, Mr. Vidali said.
EssilorLuxottica took home the first award for corporate impact, presented by Coryn Marsik, director of international investment at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
After multiple expansions at its distribution and assembly center in McDonough, most recently in 2017, the eyewear maker behind brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley and Native and the licensee for brands like Chanel, Burberry and Dolce&Gabbana now has more than 1,700 workers in Georgia and can near 2,000 during peak seasons. That amounts to almost half of the people employed by Italian firms in the state.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce for our corporate impact and deeply appreciate their efforts in fostering connections between businesses and communities,” Massimo Sapone, senior vice president for North America logistics and planning, told Global Atlanta. “At EssilorLuxottica, we are proud to contribute to the growth and well-being of Georgia through our collaboration with the state, Henry County, and our local communities. Strengthening the bond between the Italian Chamber and Georgia is a priority for us, and we look forward to continuing this valuable relationship. Being a part of this vibrant region is a privilege, and we are excited about what we can achieve together.”
That honor was followed by the professional excellence honor, given to Monica Rizzo, a surgical oncologist at Emory Hospital Midtown, for her work saving lives by treating and removing tumors, then ensuring the highest standards of care in post-operative recovery.
“She represents just the tip of the iceberg in a constantly growing wave of Italian scientific professionals making significant contributions in both the private and public sectors of the United States,” according to a statement from the chamber. Ryan Kurtz, an attorney at Miller & Martin PLLC, presented the award to Dr. Rizzo. The firm sponsored the event and maintains many Italian firms as clients.
The final award went to Mario Foah, a 103-year-old pioneer in the importation of specialty foods from Italy. Having fled the rise of fascism in Italy in 1938, he started a U.S. company in 1952 that paved the way for products like balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes and even espresso machines in the U.S. market.
Mr. Foah’s remarks, while brief, dovetailed well with the focus of the event — ensuring the presence of a thriving Italian chamber in order to drive economic engagement.
“I’m not important here,” said Mr. Foah, who once chaired the Specialty Food Association and led the Italy-America Chamber in New York, after receiving the award from FAE USA Chief Executive Giorgio Carera and earning a standing ovation. “The chamber is what’s important.”
The award presentations were preceded by remarks from Filiberto Calascibetta, the honorary consul of Italy in Georgia, who took up his post nearly four years ago after being sworn in by the Consulate General of Italy in Miami, which covers the state.
In addition to promoting Italy as a trade and investment partner for the state, Mr. Calascibetta has also served the community with passport renewals since his . He leads the Italian practice at Rödl & Partner, an accounting firm aiding European investors setting up shop in the Southeast U.S.
Emanuela Barzaghi, CEO for the U.S. at L&S Lighting Corp. and the chamber’s vice president, also gave brief remarks. Mr. Calascibetta and other members of the Georgia chapter’s executive team were also recognized:
- Stefania Poli, COO of Omer USA Inc.
- Franco Rossi, president of Aquafil USA Inc.
- Giorgio Carera, CEO of FAE U.S. Inc.
Sponsors for the evening, which included a cheese and prosecco reception followed by a dinner of porcetta and risotto, capped off with espresso and dancing, included:
- Miller & Martin
- FAE USA
- FM Exhibit
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Palazzo di Varignana
- Chef Stefano Franzosi
- Chef Piero Premoli
Mr. Vidali, the managing director, says the dinner represents how the chamber is raising the bar on its programming for 2025 and beyond.
“Our goal is to keep building on the remarkable $3.1 billion trade relationship between Italy and Georgia, and provide high-quality brand engagements and programs that foster a solid reputation and a long-lasting value for our business community.”
Chamber member companies include:
Learn more and connect with the Georgia Chapter here.
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