Italian businesses and organizations in Atlanta showed their support for the appointment of Angela Della Costanza Turner, Italy-born architect and wife of one of Atlanta media tycoon Ted Turner’s sons, as Italy’s honorary consul here during an event at the High Museum of Art on May 17.
As the inaugural event of the honorary consulate office of Italy in Atlanta, the evening, “A Passport to Italy,” was hosted by the Italian American Business Council and featured cuisine and wine from Italian restaurants in the Atlanta area.
Ms. Turner, deciding to depart from her prepared remarks and give an impromptu speech, thanked the Atlanta community for welcoming her as honorary consul and offered her services to Italians living here. She was introduced by Tito Mazzetta, president of the Italian American Business Council.
Italian trade commissioner in Atlanta Giovanni Bifulco gave some background on Georgia’s trade relationship with Italy, noting that Italian companies have established 82 subsidiaries in this state, investing some $500 million dollars here. Italian companies employ some 2,500 Georgians.
The evening featured renowned Italian flautist Andrea Griminelli, who performed for the audience of some 200 Atlantans. The event was moderated by Jeffrey Rosensweig, associate dean for corporate relations at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
The Italian Trade Office in Atlanta specializes in promoting Italian furniture, giftware, home décor and machinery for the construction, farming, textile and woodworking industries.
With 104 offices in 80 countries, the Italian Trade Commission is a government agency that promotes Italian products internationally. Its U.S. offices are in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.
Visit www.italtrade.com/countries/americas/usa/ index.htm for more information. Visit www.investinitaly.com to learn about tax issues and labor costs in Italy or how to open an office and meet business contacts there. Contact Mr. Bifulco at (404) 525-0660 or atlanta@atlanta.ice.it