Dear IACCSE members,

As we turn the page to a new year, I would like to wish you all a fulfilling and happy 2018, and thank you for your continuous commitment to the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE).

These past 12 months were certainly very exciting for our organization. We sent six delegations of US buyers to Italy, provided guidance and assistance to more than 100 entrepreneurs interested in exporting or investing in the US, and organized more than 20 local networking events, among exhibitions, seminars, and business breakfasts.

Last year was particularly special, as we launched two of IACCSE’s new events: “The Best of Italian Design”, aimed at building commercial ties between Italian design companies and American architects and designers; and the “Pizza Night” competition, where we all got to celebrate Italian gastronomy, while educating American consumers about real and authentic Italian food products. We also held our Holiday Gala Dinner & Pillar Awards Ceremony, which had the biggest attendance in years.

This is certainly an exciting time for the IACCSE, as thanks to our 2017 good financial results and operational improvements, this new year we will be able to reinvest in new thrilling projects to continue boosting the trade relationship between Italy and the US.

In 2018, we will not only continue with our signature events, but will also provide new useful services to our members, such as the J-1 Visa Program, which allow local companies to hire young Italian graduates as trainees or interns, or the Italian Lab, a startup incubator for Italian companies that approach the US market for the first time.

Finally, we are very glad to announce that the IACCSE will relocate to a new spacious office in the heart of the Brickell financial area, starting February 1^st. The new address is 999 Brickell Avenue suite #1002, Miami, FL  33131. We are planning on a Grand Opening event for early April, so stay tuned for the invitation.

Again, thank you for your support to the IACCSE. I invite you to remain involved with the Chamber’s projects and please feel free to reach us at info@iaccse.com with your comments and suggestions for the new year ahead.

Warm Regards,

Tommaso Cardana

President

The Italy – America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE) is excited to inform you that from January 1st 2018, we will be able to offer our assistance to US companies interested in sponsoring the J-1 Visa to young Italian interns or trainees.

The J-1 Visa Program provides opportunities to young graduates and professionals to gain international experience while training for U.S. Companies, giving them a competitive edge and increasing their future career potential.

This effort is possible thanks to the collaboration with a technical partner with 40 years experience on the field  and is part of the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program which promotes educational and cultural exchange in order to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.

ELIGIBILITY:

In order to qualify for the program, a prospective intern must be:

• an Italian national who is currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution OR has received the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree within the last 12 months from the start date of their internship
• at least 18 years of age
• in possession of an internship offer from a qualified host company in one of the following fields: Management; Business, Commerce and Finance, Public Administration, and Law.

In order to qualify for the program, a prospective trainee must be:

• in possession of the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree and have accumulated at least one (1) year of employment experience in the proposed field of training.
• at least 18 years of age.
• in possession of a training offer from a qualified host company in one of the following fields: Management; Business, Commerce and Finance; Public Administration and Law

 PROGRAM FEES:

12 Months                               $ 1,675

18 Months                               $ 2,025

* Fees will cover also, for entire duration of program and 30-day grace period at end of program, accident and sickness insurance.

 Additional Program-Related fees:

• SEVIS Fee: $180 (fee of the Department of Homeland Security, due with application )
• Embassy/Consulate Fee: $160 (paid to the Embassy/Consulate)
• These fees are subject to change according to U.S. government specifications.

The host company providing training must have a minimum of 5 full-time employees.

For companies not currently members of the IACCSE these are the fees to join the Chamber:

IACCSE Membership Fee     1 Year   (for 12 Months J1 VISA)    $ 500

IACCSE Membership Fee     2 Years (for 18 Months J1 VISA)    $ 1,000

For information and applications, please send an email to info@iaccse.com with the company’s details (website, address, number of full time employees) and the candidate’s resume.

The IACC technical partner will review the applications to ensure that they meet the criteria established by the Department of State for this type of visa.

Please note that our service is directed to companies only. Requests from single individuals, without a US sponsor (employer), can not be taken into account.

For any other information, do not hesitate to contact us.