Atlanta Hosts First Annual Awards Dinner Celebrating Italian Heritage and Business Ties

Atlanta Celebrates Italian Heritage at First Annual Awards Dinner

On a cozy Sunday evening in Atlanta, the city came alive with Italian pride as the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce hosted its first annual awards dinner. The event, held at the beautiful Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, was all about fostering connections and celebrating the rich tapestry of Italian culture and business ties in Georgia.

Time to Shine!

The evening really captured the essence of togetherness and cultural celebration, with attendees being urged to “be proud to be Italian.” Organized by the chamber’s Georgia chapter, the festivities were all about enhancing the relationship between the Peach State and Italy’s booming economy. In just five years since its inception, the Georgia chapter has become a driving force, showcasing Italy’s investments and cultural contributions to the state.

Current ties between Georgia and Italy have grown stronger than ever, with about 90 Italian companies employing nearly 5,000 locals in diverse sectors like fintech, hospitality, and logistics. It’s estimated that these partnerships have led to a staggering $3.1 billion trading relationship. That’s not small change!

Governor on a Mission

Earlier this year, in July, Governor Brian Kemp took the initiative to visit Italy, expressing gratitude to established investors and scouting for new opportunities. Companies like Aquafil, Epta, and TMC Transformers were thanked for their contributions to Georgia’s economy. Clearly, the importance of these connections is not lost on the state!

The dinner wasn’t just about awards; it was anticipated to be the largest gathering of Italian executives in Atlanta since the 1996 Olympics, and the vibe was there to prove it! Affectionately called “Casa Italia” during the Olympics, Callanwolde’s comforting atmosphere added a perfect backdrop as many attendees included Emory University doctors and educators from the Italian diaspora.

Spotlight on Excellence

As the evening progressed, representatives from approximately 45 Italian companies enjoyed a delightful program focused on honor and recognition. One of the highlights was announcing the award recipients, which celebrated the finest of Italian craftsmanship and excellence in Georgia.

The prestigious award for Corporate Impact was given to EssilorLuxottica. This eyewear giant, which produces chic brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, has made significant expansion efforts in Georgia and currently employs over 1,700 locals—almost half of the Italians employed in the state! Massimo Sapone, the company’s SVP, proudly accepted the award and highlighted EssilorLuxottica’s commitment to the region.

Next in line was the Professional Excellence award, awarded to Dr. Monica Rizzo, a dedicated surgical oncologist at Emory Hospital Midtown. Her tireless work in saving lives and maintaining high standards in post-operative care paints a wonderful picture of the contributions coming from the Italian community in Georgia.

Mario Foah, a 103-year-old legend in the food import industry, was another celebrated figure of the night. Having pioneered the introduction of specialty foods like balsamic vinegar into the U.S. market, Mr. Foah’s touching words about the chamber’s mission garnered him a standing ovation. He modestly stated, “I’m not important here. The chamber is what’s important.”

Collective Efforts to Thrive

The evening also featured remarks from Filiberto Calascibetta, the honorary consul of Italy in Georgia, who has been pivotal in promoting Italy as a trade and investment partner for the state. Emanuela Barzaghi, the CEO for L&S Lighting Corp, also shed light on the night’s significance.

With delicious food including porcetta and risotto, alongside a delightful cheese and prosecco reception, the evening culminated in lively dancing and good times. The chamber aims to continually build on the remarkable business relationship between Italy and Georgia, with plans for an “Italy: Made in Georgia” showcase coming up in spring.

Excitement is brewing in the air as the Georgia Chapter of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce looks forward to raising the bar on future programs. With a foundation of solid relationships, the future looks bright for Italian businesses right here in Atlanta!