Celebrating 2024 Milestones: A Year of Growth for the IACCSE

As we approach the holiday season, we are excited to celebrate several significant milestones reached by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE) in 2024.

The IACCSE is proud to announce that we now count 300 members, further solidifying our position as one of the strongest bi-national chambers of commerce in the U.S. Southeast. This achievement highlights the tremendous growth of our community and emphasizes the vital role that Italian businesses play in the economic success of the region. With over 350 subsidiaries and 17,000 jobs created across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, Italian companies continue to drive innovation and create new opportunities.

We would also like to highlight the successful events we organized throughout 2024, which brought together hundreds of participants. Notable events included the “Meet US Roadshow in Italy” (March), “The Authentic Italian Food & Wine Festival” (May), the  “Italian Business Community Night” (October), and “The Best of Italian Design” (December). In November we had also the pleasure of collaborating in the organization of a successful State of Florida business development mission in Italy (November).

This has undoubtedly been an intense year, filled with new initiatives not only in Miami but also in Atlanta, where the IACCSE Georgia Chapter has been very active.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of our valued members for your unwavering support and contributions, which have made these milestones possible.

As we look ahead to another year of collaboration and growth, we wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with health, happiness, and prosperity.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. We look forward to achieving even greater success together in 2025!

1000 Miglia Experience: The Historic Italian Race Debuts in Florida on February 2025

By 1000 Miglia Experience Florida

For the first time, the legendary 1000 Miglia is coming to Florida, offering a unique blend of Italian automotive heritage and South Florida’s breathtaking scenery. Taking place from February 22 to 25, 2025, the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida will cover a spectacular 1,000-mile route starting and ending at Miami’s iconic Biltmore Hotel. Participants will journey through Naples, Tampa, and other picturesque locations, including the Everglades, Cape Canaveral, and the scenic A1A coastal highway.

The 1000 Miglia Experience Florida promises a truly immersive experience. Vintage cars from the 1000 Miglia era (1927-1957) and classic icon cars (1958-1994) will share the road with modern supercars and hypercars (1995-present), blending classic elegance with cutting-edge innovation. Participants will also enjoy luxurious hospitality, including gala dinners, scenic stops, and exclusive events.

This milestone event has already garnered strong support from prestigious partners such as the Consulate General of Italy, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)RM Sotheby’sThe Barn, Arthur Bechtel Classic Motors and Pacto,  with room left for additional partners (sponsor package). Furthermore, the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida will coincide with ModaMiami (RM Sotheby’s), the ultimate lifestyle and automotive showcase, creating a week-long celebration of luxury and motoring culture.

Excitingly, the deadline for submitting an application to participate in the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida has been extended to January 31, 2025. This gives car enthusiasts more time to join this historic event and secure their place on the grid.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of the Red Arrow, a race that has defined Italian excellence for nearly a century, as it makes its grand debut in the United States. For more information and to apply, visit https://1000migliaexperienceflorida.us/.

Immigration, Real Estate Law changes in 2024.

By Finley & Bologna International

As we approach the end of another year, we want to take this opportunity to reflect on our shared journey. Our firm, Finley Bologna International, concentrates on Immigration, Real Estate, Corporate, International Law. Here’s a quick synopsis of Immigration Law changes.

This year has been one of the significant developments and challenges in the field of Immigration Law. The U.S. Department of State introduced new non-immigrant visas, beginning with tourist and business visas (B1/B2). The diversity visa program increased from 50,000 to 80,000 immigrant visas for fiscal year 2025. The H-1B visas go to the most skilled and highest-paid workers.      A new visa category was introduced for entrepreneurs. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enables quicker removal of individuals who pose a national security, safety risk.

There have been several significant changes in Real Estate Law in Miami, FL, for 2024. HOA and Condo Association Reforms have been enacted. These laws impose criminal penalties for mismanagement, including election meddling, excessive assessment increases, and fund misappropriation. Building Permit Process. Legislation has been introduced to streamline the building permit process for homebuilders.

Realtor Commission Disclosure. Changes have been made to how real estate agents disclose their commissions. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) no longer requires listings to include a compensation field, making commission negotiations more transparent. Affordable Housing Initiatives. The Hometown Heroes Housing Program received an additional $100 million to support first-time homebuyers. My Safe Florida Home Program also received $200 million to help homeowners protect their properties against storms and reduce insurance premiums. Property Insurance Deductions. Insurers are now required to provide a deduction on residential property insurance premiums for home-stead property owners.

We wish Members, Clients, Friends, Family and Associates the compliments of the season. Here’s to an exciting  and prosperous New Year!

Giro D’Italia Ride Like a Pro USA Returns to St. Augustine: Bigger and Better!

By Giro D’Italia Like a Pro USA

St. Augustine, FL – [December 9, 2024] – The thrill of Italian cycling is back! The Giro D’Italia Ride Like a Pro USA returns to St. Augustine on January 18-19, 2025, promising an even bigger and better experience following the success of the inaugural event in 2024. With 350 cyclists participating last year, this year’s event is set to attract even more enthusiasts.

Race Highlights:

  • Race Loops: Participants can choose from 33, 60, and 86-mile loops, and there’s a 4-mile kids’ race to ensure young cyclists are included.
  • Exciting Prizes: Amazing prizes up for grabs for race winners and participants, including a chance to win a trip to Italy for a tour.
  • Italian Festival Atmosphere: Enjoy a weekend filled with Italian flair, fare, and fun, perfect for the entire family.
  • Event Features: Live music, prizes, giveaways, and a competitive Gran Fondo race create a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Event Details:

  • Dates: January 18-19, 2025
  • Location: World Golf Village Renaissance, St. Augustine, FL
  • Activities: Besides the competitive races, enjoy a casual fun ride, live music, the Tour of Italy Expo Village, and a gourmet Italian dinner.

Tour of Italy Expo Village: The Expo Village is a pivotal part of the event, offering participants a taste of a major professional event like the Giro d’Italia. It serves as the official packet pick-up location and features leading brands in sports, fitness, health, and Italian-themed vendors. More than 1,000 attendees are expected, providing great exposure for new and upcoming companies in Florida and the Southeast United States.

About Giro D’Italia: Founded in 1909, the Giro d’Italia is the second-largest professional cycle race in the world, owned by La Gazzetta dello Sport. It attracts over 2 million spectators and is televised in 198 countries. Today, Giro D’Italia races are held in six countries around the world.

The Venue – St. Augustine, Florida: St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, boasts a rich culture and several attractions that draw visitors to Florida. The race will be held at the World Golf Village Renaissance, a relaxing haven in a celebrated travel destination.

About the Organizers: LJ Cycling Enterprises, owned by Lars Graff, holds the exclusive license to operate the Giro Ride Like a Pro race in the United States. Partnering with DRC Sports Athletic Event Management, they aim to create a premier event celebrating world-class Italian cycling heritage in a fun, healthy, and clean environment.

Join Us: Spend an exciting winter weekend in Florida and experience the ultimate cycling event with Italian flair. Gear up and get ready for the Giro D’Italia Ride Like a Pro in St. Augustine!

For more information and to register, visit

Website: giroridelikeapro-usa.com

Insta: @GiroRideLikeAProUSA

Facebook: GiroRideLikeAPro-USA

Sign up here for the race: Sign up here for the race:

https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintAugustine/GirodItaliaRideLikeaProUSA

Contact Name: Vickie Gunnarsson

Title: Partnership and PR Director

Phone: +1 (305) 299 – 7917

Email: vg@victoryrights.com

Sales Representative for Seafood products at Ad Maiora

About the company

Ad Maiora Seafood is a company specializing in importing and selling seafood products especially in the South Florida Market

Job Summary:

He/she promote, sell, secures orders from existing and prospective customers. This role demonstrates products and services to existing/potential customers and assists them in selecting those best suited to their seafood needs.

Responsibilities:

  • Establish, develop and maintain business relationships with current customers and prospective customers .
  • Make in-person visits and presentations to existing and prospective customers.
  • Taking customer orders
  • React timely to customer problems and needs.
  • Review daily out of stocks, shortages, transportation issues and implement solutions quickly.
  • Review, analyze and react to daily/weekly sales and margin reports looking for improvement opportunities.
  • Develop a relationship with accounts payable (A/P) contact at every account.
  • Update bid files, customer profiles, and customer call sheets to ensure proper pricing and accuracy of needed items-thus reducing costly credits and returns.

How to apply

Candidates can send their resumes and qualifications directly to admin@admaioraseafood.com, in cc info@iacc-miami.com with the subject line “Sales Representative for Seafood products” or call 305-696-0235 for an appointment in person.

Giro D’Italia Ride Like a Pro USA Returns to St. Augustine: Bigger and Better!

By Giro D’Italia Like a Pro USA

St. Augustine, FL – [December 9, 2024] – The thrill of Italian cycling is back! The Giro D’Italia Ride Like a Pro USA returns to St. Augustine on January 18-19, 2025, promising an even bigger and better experience following the success of the inaugural event in 2024. With 350 cyclists participating last year, this year’s event is set to attract even more enthusiasts.

Race Highlights:

  • Race Loops: Participants can choose from 33, 60, and 86-mile loops, and there’s a 4-mile kids’ race to ensure young cyclists are included.
  • Exciting Prizes: Amazing prizes up for grabs for race winners and participants, including a chance to win a trip to Italy for a tour.
  • Italian Festival Atmosphere: Enjoy a weekend filled with Italian flair, fare, and fun, perfect for the entire family.
  • Event Features: Live music, prizes, giveaways, and a competitive Gran Fondo race create a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Event Details:

  • Dates: January 18-19, 2025
  • Location: World Golf Village Renaissance, St. Augustine, FL
  • Activities: Besides the competitive races, enjoy a casual fun ride, live music, the Tour of Italy Expo Village, and a gourmet Italian dinner.

Tour of Italy Expo Village: The Expo Village is a pivotal part of the event, offering participants a taste of a major professional event like the Giro d’Italia. It serves as the official packet pick-up location and features leading brands in sports, fitness, health, and Italian-themed vendors. More than 1,000 attendees are expected, providing great exposure for new and upcoming companies in Florida and the Southeast United States.

About Giro D’Italia: Founded in 1909, the Giro d’Italia is the second-largest professional cycle race in the world, owned by La Gazzetta dello Sport. It attracts over 2 million spectators and is televised in 198 countries. Today, Giro D’Italia races are held in six countries around the world.

The Venue – St. Augustine, Florida: St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, boasts a rich culture and several attractions that draw visitors to Florida. The race will be held at the World Golf Village Renaissance, a relaxing haven in a celebrated travel destination.

About the Organizers: LJ Cycling Enterprises, owned by Lars Graff, holds the exclusive license to operate the Giro Ride Like a Pro race in the United States. Partnering with DRC Sports Athletic Event Management, they aim to create a premier event celebrating world-class Italian cycling heritage in a fun, healthy, and clean environment.

Join Us: Spend an exciting winter weekend in Florida and experience the ultimate cycling event with Italian flair. Gear up and get ready for the Giro D’Italia Ride Like a Pro in St. Augustine!

For more information and to register, visit

Website: giroridelikeapro-usa.com

Insta: @GiroRideLikeAProUSA

Facebook: GiroRideLikeAPro-USA

Sign up here for the race: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintAugustine/GirodItaliaRideLikeaProUSA

Contact Name: Vickie Gunnarsson

Title: Partnership and PR Director

Phone: +1 (305) 299 – 7917

Email: vg@victoryrights.com

Beverage and Food Partners

The Gourmet Experience: A Journey of Flavor Across Three Floors and Three Days

Step into a world of Italian culinary excellence, where each floor unfolds a new chapter in the journey of taste. From exquisite cocktails to savory bites and indulgent sweets, immerse yourself in the finest Italian Food & Beverage offerings in this gourmet event.

5th Floor – Cocktail Area 3
Pass-around Bites: Sambuca Cured Salmon & Blood Orange Marmalade Crostini , Warm Gorgonzola Polenta, Crispy Olives & Chicken Liver Toast, Prosecco Gelee Meatball & San Marzano Tomato, Crispy Zucchini Flowers Filled with Goat Cheese and Arugula

Aquarius Special Edition Extra Dry Prosecco – An exceptional Prosecco from Valdo, perfectly dry and effervescent.

Portofino Gin ‘Il Marinaio’ Cocktail – A refreshing gin cocktail that transports you to the Italian coast. (Gadabout)

Calizzano Mineral Water – Ad Maiora’s mineral water, offering purity and refreshment.

DJ Set by Nuni Love: Immerse yourself in the vintage vibes, setting the perfect mood for this gourmet evening.


Ground Floor – Cocktail Area 1

  • Pass-around Bites: Snapper Milanese Spoon – Arancini Tartufo – Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Aioli – Artichoke Fritto with Pumpkin Aioli – Beef Carpaccio with Celery Root Parmesan Reggiano Rosemary Scallop Skewer with Fig Jam
    Strega Mule Cocktail – The ever-popular Strega Mule cocktail returns with its signature zing. (Shaw Ross)

2nd Floor – Cocktail Area 2


Caviar – Indulge in the rich, luxurious taste of premium caviar. (Tita Imports)
Sardomagno Myrtle – Aged pecorino with fragrant myrtle, adding an aromatic flair to the traditional Italian cheese. (Pansardo)
Breadchips – A variety of savory Guttiau bread chips that will transport your taste buds. (Pansardo)
Panettone – Light, fluffy, and packed with the finest dried fruits, the quintessential Italian holiday cake. (Eataly)
Gavi White Wine, La Scolca – A crisp, refreshing Italian white wine to complement the day’s tastings. (Shaw Ross)

  • Prosecco Rosé – A sparkling, pink Prosecco that adds elegance to every sip. (Valdo)
  • Portofino Gin ‘Negroni la Vela’ Cocktail – A classic Negroni with a refined twist. (Gadabout)
  • Calizzano Mineral Water – Ad Maiora, perfect for refreshing your palate.

DJ Set by Jinamarie: Immerse yourself in a lounge-inspired atmosphere, setting a relaxed, yet sophisticated mood.


Ground Floor – Cocktail Area 1
Strega Mule Cocktail – The iconic cocktail rounds off our final day of indulgence. (Shaw Ross)

2nd Floor – Cocktail Area 2
Bona Mini Caciottes – A selection of small, artisanal cheeses in classic, truffle, chili pepper, and black pepper flavors. (Pansardo)
Breadchips – Savory Guttiau bread chips, perfect for pairing with all your favorite flavors. (Pansardo)
Truffle Cream with Chips – A luxurious truffle cream served with crispy chips for an unforgettable bite. (Tita Imports)
Trifulot Chocolate Truffles – Decadent chocolate truffles. (Tartuflanghe)
Panettone – The perfect sweet ending to your gourmet journey. (Eataly)
Gavi White Wine, La Scolca – A crisp, refreshing Italian white wine to complement the day’s tastings. (Shaw Ross)

5th Floor – Cocktail Area 3
Pass-around Bites: Sambuca Cured Salmon & Blood Orange Marmalade CrostiniWarm Gorgonzola PolentaCrispy Olives & Chicken Liver ToastProsecco Gelee Meatball & San Marzano Tomato – Crispy Zucchini Flowers Filled with Goat Cheese and Arugula

Brut DOC Yellow Label & Brut DOCG Superior Label – Two exceptional Prosecco selections from Valdo, perfect for toasting the final day.
Portofino Gin ‘Portofino & Tonic’ Cocktail – A refreshing and aromatic gin cocktail to finish the experience. (Gadabout)
• Calizzano Mineral Water – Ad Maiora’s water to cleanse the palate and keep you refreshed.

DJ Set by Nuni Love: The final day culminates with an upbeat party atmosphere, filling the space with energy and excitement.

Join us for three unforgettable days, where Italy’s finest culinary creations and drinks will delight your senses and elevate your palate. This is more than just an event—it’s an immersion into the luxurious world of gourmet Italian flavors.

Ad Maiora

Ad Maiora is a gourmet food distributor specializing in Italian imports. Founded in 1997, the company is headquartered in Rome, Italy, with an operational office in Florida. Their product range includes a variety of Italian delicacies that cater to regional distributors, major retailers, and gourmet grocery stores. The company’s mission is to bring authentic Italian flavors to the American market, ensuring high quality and taste for their customers.

Pansardo

Pansardo LLC is a Sardinian family-run business based in Bonita Springs, Florida. They are known for exporting high-quality sheep and goat cheeses from Sardinia, Italy. Their products are popular in regional distributors, major retailers, and ecommerce companies.

Tartuflanghe

Tartuflanghe Srl was founded in 1968 and specializes in the manufacturing of sausages, cured meats, smoked meats, and other meat specialties. They are renowned for their innovative use of truffles, creating a variety of products from truffle pasta to freeze-dried truffles.

Portofino

Portofino Dry Gin is an artisanal gin crafted to capture the essence of the picturesque village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera. Founded by Ruggero Raymo, Alessandro Briola, and Christopher Egger, the gin is a tribute to Klaus Pudel, Raymo’s grandfather, who is considered a local legend for saving Portofino during World War II. Distilled using the London Dry method, Portofino Dry Gin features a blend of 21 locally sourced botanicals, including the region’s distinctive maritime pine, which evoke the Mediterranean shore. The gin aims to bring the beauty and charm of Portofino to every sip, offering an unforgettable journey along the Mediterranean coast3.

Tita Italian Import & Export

Tita Italian Import & Export LLC, also known as Tita Italia, was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida. The company specializes in importing and exporting Italian gourmet foods and carefully selected wines. They are recognized for the excellence of their products, which are featured in the best restaurants, hotels, and gourmet shops. Tita Italia serves customers in Florida and ten other states, offering a variety of products such as wines, desserts, fresh truffles, and caviar

Valdo Spumanti USA

Valdo is a renowned Italian winery, founded in 1926 in Valdobbiadene, a region in northern Italy known for its spectacular natural beauty and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The winery is part of the Bolla family, who have been in the wine-making industry for over 90 years. Valdo is dedicated to producing high-quality Prosecco and Italian sparkling wines, controlling the entire production process from grape growing to bottling.

Strega liqueur

Strega is an Italian herbal liqueur produced since 1860 by Strega Alberti Benevento S.p.A. It is known for its distinctive yellow color, derived from saffron, and its complex flavor profile that includes mint and juniper berries. Strega is enjoyed as a digestif and is also used in various cocktails.

The Italy-America Chamber Of Commerce Southeast Reaches 300 Members!

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast Reaches 300 Members!

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve hit a major milestone—our Chamber now boasts 300 members, making us one of the strongest bi-national Chambers of Commerce in Florida and the U.S. Southeast.

The U.S. Southeast region is experiencing impressive economic growth, and Italian companies are a key part of this success. With over 350 subsidiaries and approximately 17,000 jobs created, Italian businesses are thriving across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

This achievement reflects the vibrant community we are building together—fostering connections and driving trade between Italy and the U.S.

A big thank you to all our members for being a part of this journey. Here’s to even more partnerships and successes ahead!

The Dana Agency’s Guide to Miami Art Week

By The Dana Agency

The Dana Agency Public Relations’ lifestyle division has an exciting lineup of arts and culture programming for Miami Art Week. For example, The Betsy Hotel will feature exhibits from more than 15 new artists, including Elinor CarucciMac StoneSonia Hamza, Bob BonisAndy SweetLillian Bassman and Clyde Butcher. The Betsy is also one of 12 hotels chosen to participate in the 2024 edition of “No Vacancy” in collaboration with the City of Miami Beach and the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA); from Dec. 1-12, “The Betsy Orb” will light up with site-specific work by local transmedia artist [dNASAb] to engage viewers in a deeper reflection on the state of our planet. Throughout the week, The Betsy will also celebrate musicians with the “Art of Miami Jazz Past and Present,” a series of performances at The Piano Bar, including a homage to Josephine Baker.

Other noteworthy events include a live plant art installation by Plant The Future at the Miami Beach Convention Center (Dec. 4-8), the iconic Sagamore Art Brunch (Saturday, Dec. 7), and two larger-than-life statues on Lincoln Road: “XO World,” a 20,000-pound stainless-steel sculpture by Daniel Anderson inspired by the universal game of jacks, and “Dream Machine,” a life-size butterfly wing sculpture by Rubem Robierb that invites viewers to place themselves between the wings and imagine a place where dreams come true, speaking to the power of our minds and the law of attraction. Be sure to check out our ultimate guide to Miami Week 2024 for more details!

Join Us at The Tour of Italy Expo Village @ The Giro d’Italia USA Weekend!

by Giro D’Italia Ride Like a Pro USA

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend celebrating sports, health, fitness, fun, and everything Italian will come together at the Tour of Italy Expo Village, held inside the World Golf Village Renaissance Hotel.

January 18-19, 2025

Location: World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort, St. Augustine, Florida

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your products or services to hundreds of cycling participants, along with their families and friends!

Most importantly, experience the authentic taste of Italian food, flair, and culture.

Sunday will feature the highly competitive Gran Fondo, Medio, and Piccolo distance races, as well as the Ragazzi Fun Ride—a day-long event offering cycling distances of 4M, 33M, 60M, or 86M.

Space is SELLING OUT! Book your spot today

For more information or to reserve your space:

Phone: 352-637-2475

Email: info@GiroRideLikeAPro-USA.com

Follow us on Social Media:

  • Instagram: @GiroRideLikeAProUSA
  • Facebook: GiroRideLikeAPro-USA

Register for the race hereGiro d’Italia Ride Like a Pro USA

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