Grand Opening of the New IACC Office – May 17, 2018

Members, friends and local authorities got together on May 17th to celebrate the Grand Opening of the New IACC headquarters, located at 999 Brickell Ave.

The Consul General of Italy Hon. Gloria Bellelli, and the President of the IACC Southeast Tommaso Cardana cut the ribbon and unveiled the plaque made in honor of the companies that donated services and materials for our new home:

Alea for the office furniture;

Adotta for the tempered and laminated glass partitions;

Italkraft for the kitchenette;

Itlas for the wood floor of the meeting room;

Engineered Automation for installing our network of communications;

Santa Rosa Marble for the Italian tiles from the Travertini collection of Ceramiche Coop. d’Imola;

and, finally, Dodo Arslan Studio for the coordination of the remodeling works and the interior design.

These donations have a particular meaning for us, since they are the reflection of how much the Chamber and its role are appreciated by the business community.

It has been truly a collective effort of many people, each one contributing with his skills for a common objective. So, it was a celebration not only of a new phase in the life of the Chamber, but also of the efforts of the people that every day keep this organization alive and dynamic.

Legal advice for the lease contract and for the Italian Lab Project has been provided by Roca Gonzalez, P.A and Robert Allen Law.

The numerous guests enjoyed a selection of Italian bites prepared by Chef Andrea Marchesin by Toscana Divino.

Watch the video of the Grand Opening:

IACC – Miami > News from the Chamber

The Authentic Italian Table – April 25th 2018, Miami

Miami

Wednesday, April 25th, 2018

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

WHAT IS THE AUTHENTIC ITALIAN TABLE

INDUSTRY SEMINARS, GRAND TASTING, PROMOTIONAL INITIATIVES, EDUCATIONAL PANELS FOR CONSUMERS

“The Authentic Italian Table” will gather most of the South Florida restaurants honored with the Italian Quality Seal – Marchio Ospitalita’ Italiana as well as gourmet food & wine importers.

It will be an high-end Italian food & wine event, for 100+ industry leaders, journalists, influencers and for a selected group of 500+ foodies.

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce will promote the event through different partnership with local food blogs and media outlet.

The event will take place in Miami in a prestigious location to be announced soon.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

FREE PARTICIPATION AS EXHIBITOR:

If you are an Italian restaurant or a food or beverage importer, do not miss the opportunity to be part of this unique event that will target the local community through an extensive social media campaign.

BOOST YOUR PARTICIPATION WITH A SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE:

If you want to enhance your brand using “The Authentical Italian Table” platform, we have the right offer for you:

Full page AD in the official Magazine of the Event;
Being a Speaker in one of the Seminars/Tastings for consumers organized during the event;
Logo in the official Invitation of the Event;
Logo into Step and Repeat of the Event;
N. 10 tickets for your clients/guests to the Event.

Download here the Sponsorship Package Brochure

The event is sponsored by the Italian Government and is part of the Extraordinay Italian Taste campaign, aimed to raise awareness among North American consumers about authentic Italian products. The Authentic Italian Table event will take place simultaneously in 8 cities of USA and Canada.

For more information please contact: marketing@iaccse.com or call 305 577 9868.

IACC – Miami > News from the Chamber

.IT Magazine 2018 Special Edition: The Extraordinary Italian Taste”

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE) is pleased to announce the publication, on April 2018, of the Special Edition of its magazine .it Italian Trade titled: The Extraordinary Italian Taste in search of the authentic Italian culinary experience in the USA.

The magazine will celebrate the best of Italian food and wine and its influence over the American lifestyle, featuring interviews with protagonists of food and hospitality industry.

The official presentation of the magazine will take place on April 25, 2018 during the event “The Authentic Italian Table”, organized by the IACCSE showcasing the best Italian Restaurants and some of the most renowned food and wine producers, chefs and culinary personalities in South Florida.

The event will attract 600+ of participants including 100+ industry leaders.

INDEX OF CONTENTS

Renowned entrepreneurs and representatives from the food and beverage and hospitality industry will talk about new consumer’s trends, hospitality quality, culinary tradition and innovation, relationship between products and territories, excellence in food service equipment. There will be also a section dedicated to legal and financial aspect of starting a hospitality business in Florida.

DISTRIBUTION

3,000 free printed copies will be distributed throughout our networking, including the Consulate General of Italy, Italian restaurants and most important food and beverage importers and distributors. The publication will be also available for free downloading at the IACC website (more than 1,700 unique visitors per month).

Make your business stand out with an ad!

ADVERTISING RATES

Back cover + editorial or interview	$ 2,700
Inside front cover (2 pages)	$ 2,500
Inside back cover (2 pages)	$ 2,300
Two Page Spread	$ 2,200
Full Page	$ 1,300
Half Page	$ 700

If you purchase a double page spread or a back cover, you have the option to include an interview or an editorial in the publication.

A discount fee of 20% will be applied only to IACC members.

PLEASE SEE THE MEDIA KIT HERE.

For further information please contact us at info@iaccse.com call us at 305-577-9868

IACC – Miami > News from the Chamber

The IACCSE starts 2018 with exciting projects

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

IACC – Miami > News from the Chamber

J1 Visa Program through the IACCSE

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.

IACC – Miami > Events Calendartitle_li=News from the Chamber

IACC Holiday Gala Dinner 2017

IACC Members $110.00

Non Members and Friends of the Chamber $140.00

(tickets for Non Members on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/italy-america-chamber-holiday-dinner-tickets-40158649602 )

(Italian wines, tips and taxes included)

Members: Make your reservation at rsvp@iaccse.com and your payment by December 8th either by:

Credit Card: call 305.577.9868

Check made out and mailed to:

Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast

2 South Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1880 | Miami, FL, 33131

ATTIRE: FORMAL

Space is limited. No reservation will be accepted after December 8th.

No Payment at the door. No reservation without payment.

IACC – Miami > News from the Chamber

SEMINAR: “TRADE AND LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS FOR ITALIAN SMES”

“Trade and Logistic solutions for Italian SMEs” is the title of the workshop, organized by the IACC, that will take place on Wednesday October 11, 2017 at One Biscayne Tower, 2 S. Biscayne Boulevard, Miami 33131, suite 3200.

The panel discussion will take into examination issues such as how to implement a cost-effective logistics and distribution strategy in the US market and how to plan the exportation of Italian products efficiently. The last part of the seminar will focus on US customs rules and regulations compliance. A networking cocktail will follow.

IACC regards the seminar as a productive opportunity to deepen relevant topics of general interest and as a productive occasion to network with an audience of high-profile Italian-US entrepreneurs.

The confirmed speakers of the event are three industry experts from the following companies: “A Customs Brokerage”, “Logistic One Group” and “Diaz Trade Law”.

Moreover, we will have the pleasure to host as guest speaker Ms. Lesa Forbes from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Seats are limited. In order to register send an e-mail to rsvp@iaccse.com within Friday, October 6.

Advanced registration is mandatory and free of charge.

The program of the event is available here:

http://www.iaccse.com/seminar-trade-and-logistics-solutions-for-italian-smes/

IACC – Miami > Events Calendartitle_li=News from the Chamber

IACC Truffle Dinner at Toscana Divino | Wednesday, October 4, 2017

IACC – Miami > News from the Chamber

POST-HURRICANE IRMA ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

We hope you, your family and your employees are safe. Like most of you, we have been recovering from the impact of Hurricane Irma on Florida and we have still some issues with power, internet and phone connections.

For the benefit of our community, the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast is glad to share updated information on Irma-related resources.

SBA Disaster Assistance

• Businesses in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and several other counties are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for damages from Hurricane Irma.

• Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

• Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes.

• Loans are also available for businesses that did not receive physical damage but were economically impacted due to the disaster.

• Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property.

• Interest rates are as low as 3.305 percent for businesses and 2.5 percent for nonprofit organizations, 1.75 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

• More information is available at: https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance

• Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

• Businesses in Miami-Dade County are also eligible for assistance from the Florida bridge loan program for physical or economic impact from Hurricane Irma.

• These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims, or Federal disaster assistance.

• Loan amounts can be from $1,000 to $25,000. The loan term is 90 or 180 days based on individual business circumstances. Loans will be interest-free for the loan term but must be repaid in full by the end of the loan term or penalties apply.

• Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2017 contingent on the availability of funds.

• More information can be reviewed here: http://www.floridadisasterloan.org/

State of Florida Business Damage Assessment

• The State of Florida has initiated a survey which will help determine the physical and economic impact to businesses from Hurricane Irma.

• This survey is now live. If your business has been impacted by Irma, we encourage you to fill out the survey. This will assist State/Local authorities in determining the scope of impact and what type, if any, of additional financial assistance to provide to businesses.

• The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Creole.

• The English version is available online here: http://www.flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bda

• Si usted prefiere completar la encuesta en español, esta disponible aquí: http://www.flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bda&lang=sp

Other Business Resources

• Miami-Dade County Emergency Information – You can view information on transit, curfews and other emergency information here: http://www.miamidade.gov/emergency/

• Floridadisaster.org/info – This is the website for the State of Florida and the Office of Emergency Management. Here you can view press releases, review activated programs, and receive other Irma-related emergency information. The website is here: http://www.floridadisaster.org/info/

• Disasterassistance.gov – This is the general disaster assistance website from the Federal Government. You can view your eligibility based upon location and determine available programs. The website is available here: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

• Florida Short-Term Compensation – The Short Time Compensation Program is a voluntary employer program designed to help employers maintain their staff by reducing the weekly working hours during temporary slowdowns instead of temporarily laying off employees. More information here: http://www.floridajobs.org/office-directory/division-of-workforce-services/reemployment-assistance-programs/short-time-compensation-program-for-employees

IACC – Miami > News from the Chambertitle_li=Progetto Ospitalita' Italiana

New edition of Marchio Ospitalita’ Italiana

What is it about?

Italian cuisine has always been an important instrument to promote the Italian image abroad, fostering not only the knowledge of Italian products but also of Italian economy and culture all over the world.

As a matter of fact, the Italian cuisine is very much appreciated by Americans and local restaurants serving Italian dishes are often preferred destinations for a fine dining experience.

Therefore, restaurants have a significant role to play in this promotional exercise, that is why it is crucial that those who serve traditional Italian gastronomy can be easily recognized.

For this purpose, Unioncamere and the Italian Government have constituted the certification “Ospitalità Italiana – Ristoranti Italiani nel Mondo” – a seal of quality, to be conferred on Italian restaurants around the world.

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE) is the body in charge of the selection of local restaurants serving authentic Italian cuisine in the Southeast of the United States and Puerto Rico.

It is the Chamber’s duty and pleasure to enhance the participation of potential candidates who are eligible to acquire the certification and the “Premio Ristoranti Italiani nel Mondo” which is bestowed upon the best Italian restaurants annually.

In the course of the last 5 editions, about two thousands of Italian restaurants have been certified all over the world.

Objectives

To develop and promote the traditions of Italian food products and upgrade the culture of Italian food and wine;
To enhance the image of Italian restaurants abroad that guarantee respect of the quality standards of Italian hospitality;
To create an international network, providing for the realization of promotional events of Italian productive excellence.

Benefits for your restaurants

Listed on the Marchio Ospitalita’ Italiana International website (www.10q.it);
Listed on IACC website (more than 1500 visitors every month);
Place the award outside your restaurant
No cost

Pictures from the Marchio Ospitalita’ Italiana edition in 2012

Pictures of Marchio Ospitalita’ Italiana award ceremony in 2013

Pictures of Marchio Ospitalita’ Italiana award ceremony in 2014

Pictures of Marchio Ospitalita’ Italiana award ceremony in 2015

Pictures of Marchio Ospitalita’ Italiana award ceremony in 2016

Requirements for certification

The criteria for the evaluation of Italian restaurants abroad, for the purpose of granting the brand “Italian Hospitality, Italian Restaurants around the World,” are collected in a specific Technical Guideline, which consists of 10 rules, and is valid at the international level:

Identity
Italian distinctiveness
Menu
Gourmet offer
Recipes
Wine list
Extra virgin olive oil
Italian cuisine experience and competence
Promotion of products of protected origin
Food and wine products having DOP and IGP designations

Winners

After a meticulous selection process, initial screenings and fulfillment of admission requirements by various restaurants, the following Italian restaurants in South Florida and Puerto Rico have been awarded with the Marchio Ospitalia’ Italiana (in alphabetical order):

2011 – 2012 Winners:

Arturo’s Ristorante Italiano (Boca Raton)
Caffe’ Abbracci (Coral Gables)
Caffe’ Milano (Ocean Drive)
Fratelli Milano (Miami)
Mancini’s Ristorante (Fort Lauderdale)
Mai Tardi (Miami)
Saporissimo (Boca Raton)
Soya & Pomodoro (Miami)
Tiramesu’ (Miami Beach)

2012 – 2013 Winners:

Bellini Italian Bistro (Weston)
Cibo Wine Bar (Coral Gables)
deiFrescobaldi (Miami Beach)
Escopazzo (Miami Beach)
Il Bolognese (Miami Beach)
La Locanda (Miami Beach)
Locanda Sibilla (Miami Beach)
Quattro – Gastronomia Italiana (Miami Beach)
Salumeria 104 (Miami)
Sardinia (Miami Beach)
Sorrisi (Coconut Creek)

2013 – 2014 Winners:

Adriatico Trattoria (Orlando)
Amami (Miami Beach)
Bianca at Delano (Miami Beach)
Bocce Bar (Miami)
La Spiga (Miami Beach)
Ni. Do. (Miami)
Pappa & Ciccia (Miami Beach)
Petit (Miami Beach)
Piccola Cucina (Miami Beach)
Primo Trattoria Italiana (North Miami)
Puntino dal Toro (Miami Beach)
Puntino Key Biscayne (Key Biscayne)
Sylvano (Miami Beach)
Toscana Divino (Miami)
Via Verdi (Miami)

2014 – 2015 Winners:

Big Fish Restaurant (Miami)
Casa Tua (Miami Beach)
Cibo Wine Bar South Beach (Miami Beach)
Dolce Italian (Miami Beach)
Farfalle – Fine Italian Restaurant (Miami)
La Bottega (Coconut Grove)
L’Osteria (San Juan)
Ristorante Casa Italia (San Juan)
Riviera Focacceria Italiana (Miami)
Strada in the Grove (Coconut Grove)
Vero Italian (Miami)
Via Emilia 9 (Miami Beach)

2015 – 2016 Winners:

Antica Mare (Miami)
Baraonda (Atlanta)
Bologna Caffe (Ospery/ Sarasota)
Cibo Wine Bar Ft. Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale)
Farinelli 1937 (Coconut Grove)
Il Forno (Doral)
Limoncello Italian Restaurant Bar & Lounge (Aventura)
Sette Bello (Fort Lauderdale)
Tamarina Restaurant & Bar (Miami)
Vino & Tigelle (Miami)
Zona Blu (Weston)
Al Dente Ristorante (San Juan – Puerto Rico)
Il Nuovo Mercato (San Juan – Puerto Rico)
La Cucina di Ivo (San Juan – Puerto Rico)

2016 – 2017 Winners:

Forte dei Marmi (Miami Beach)
La Moderna (Miami Beach)
O’ Munaciello (Miami)
U’ Mast (Miami)
Zucca (Coral Gables)

How to apply

Fill out two application forms
Provide 20-30 pictures of your restaurant, menu, kitchen, label of Italian products used to cook
Being able to host a Chamber officer that will check the satisfaction of all the requirements

The award ceremony will take place on November 20, when the Consul General of Italy and the President of the Chamber of Commerce will consign the golden plaques to the owners and chefs of the certified restaurants that can be showcased at the entrance of your restaurant.

For further information and to receive this official recognition from the Italian Government for the next edition of Marchio Ospitalita’, please contact Ms. Nora Serrani at info@iacc-miami.com