Dear IACCSE Member:

We, the Compliance Committee of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce – Southeast, would like to inform you that the elections for the renewal of the Board of Directors will take place during the following weeks.

The purpose of the Compliance Committee, under the direction of the IACCSE Board, is to implement candidacy and election procedures for, and oversee, Directors elections, as provided for in the Bylaws of the IACCSE.

The IACCSE Bylaws provide for a two-year term for all eleven (11) directors of the IACCSE Board. Accordingly, the IACCSE Board has determined that the 2017 Board election will take place in April-May, 2017. The expiration of the term for the new Board will be May 2019.

The election procedure for this year 2017 election is as follows:

Step One: Members seeking a position as a Director on the IACCSE Board  MUST please complete page one (“Eligibility Information”) of the “Candidate Statement” (you can request the form to info@iaccse.com) and return it, no later than 5:00 p.m. (EST) on April 17, 2017 VIA e-mail at info@iaccse.com (subject: Att. Compliance Committee). Statements received after the deadline are null and void. In addition, each candidate may, but shall not be required to, complete page two (the Annex “A”) describing the candidate’s qualification and objectives. The Annex A, if any, must be submitted concurrently with the Eligibility Information. Annexes A that are not submitted concurrently will not be circulated by the IACCSE. This Notice is also available on our website at www.iaccse.com.  Candidates are solely responsible for ensuring that their Statement arrives timely.  E-mail early to avoid any last minute technical difficulties. Any questions must be submitted in writing and addressed to IACC, Attention: Compliance Committee (info@iaccse.com).  No communication by IACC staff or any person not a member of the Compliance Committee may alter the election procedures.

To be qualified to run for the IACCSE Board, a person:

1. must be the contact person of one or more Voting Members for more than 13 consecutive months before the elections;
2. must be over the age of twenty-one (21) years as of the date of the mailing of this notice; and
3. Be otherwise in good standing and in compliance with Article 4 of the Bylaws.

Step Two: The Compliance Committee will hold a meeting between April 18^th and April 24^th to review all timely Statements. The IACCSE Board will approve qualified candidates to run for the Board. An approval of candidacy notice will be forwarded via email to the eligible candidates shortly thereafter.  If you feel that you are qualified to contribute to the growth of the Chamber and to help the Chamber to pursue its mission to promote trade relations between Italy and United States of America, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Step Three: The Election will begin on April 25, 2017 when the official ballot with the qualified candidates (and their Statements) will be e-mailed to all Voting Members. Each Voting Member will vote online through a THIRD-PARTY secure system that ensure secrecy. Neither the IACCSE nor any candidate can access ANY voting information.  Members must vote by 5:00 p.m. (EST) on May 17, 2017.[1]

Please note that neither candidates nor members may campaign by referring to other candidates, unless the other candidate has approved such reference in writing by notifying the IACCSE.  If any candidate or member violates this rule, the candidate will automatically be disqualified and member sanctions may apply.

At the present time, we encourage all qualified candidates to please fill out all sections of the enclosed Statement

and timely return it by the above April 17^th deadline.

[1].            The IACCSE reserves the right to extend this deadline for exceptional circumstances.  

Choosing to be a member of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce (IACCSE) is not only a clever choice for one’s own business but it is also a statement. It means that an entrepreneur is engaged with his or her own community, that he or she is willing to cooperate with other business’ owners in order to build an organization devoted to foster ties between Italy and the USA, as well as to support new entrepreneurs in their endeavors. Endeavors that eventually will be successful and will create jobs in the region, helping communities to flourish.

On December 7th 2016, in occasion of the traditional IACCSE Holiday Dinner, longstanding members of the Chamber received a well-deserved recognition.

During the night, the IACCSE Board of Directors has honored with the IACCSE Pillar Award the following companies:

20 years Membership Anniversary:

• Maya Enterprises, Inc.

15 years Membership Anniversary:

• Finley & Bologna, International 
• InterAmerican Hotels Corp.

10 years Membership Anniversary:

• Savino Del Bene USA, Inc.

5 years Membership Anniversary:

• Shutts  & Bowen
• Evolution Travel USA, Inc.    
• GLF Construction Corporation
• Cibo Wine Bar
• Enolgas USA Inc. 
• Sara Coen Giovanelli
• Monique Troncone, CPA, PA
• IBS Insurance Group Inc.
• LF of America Corp. (subsidiary of Lameplast, Spa)

Furthermore, there was a recognition to the new Premium Members of the Chamber for their generous support in 2016:

• De Sousa Import, LLC
• The Miami Football Club.

Mr. Diego Cagol, Maya Enterprises, Inc., celebrating 20 years of IACC Membership

Mr. Chandler R. Finley, Finley & Bologna International, celebrating 15 years of Membership

During the recent years, Italian exports to Florida have experienced a positive trend in all the major sectors of Made in Italy, showing an increasing trend, which in 2015 reached a total amount of $ 2,162.8 million, with a percentage increase of 48.9% compared to 2014 ($ 1,452.7).

According to the data published by Enterprise Florida, in the two-year period 2014 – 2015, an exponential growth has been highlighted in the motor vehicle industry (+ 1,414.3%).

Also marine industry sector has increased significantly with a percentage of 66.5%, as well as the furniture and seats segment, which together have got an increase of 24.5%, and the wine sector with a + 13.2%.

The 2015 was the record year as regards Italian Exports to the US market in general, and in particular in Florida, reflecting the excellent positioning of the Italy Brand as well as the favorable and growing predisposition towards the products of Made in Italy, especially by non-EU markets.

See the table below (source: Enterprise Florida)

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast, in occasion of its 25th anniversary, is proud to present “The Best of Italy Gala Night”, which intends to be a prestigious display for Italian Brands.

“The Best of Italy Gala Night” will be an unforgettable moment which aims at promoting Made in Italy through different initiatives on Saturday, October 22nd:

• Street exhibit on Flagler Street, in the heart of Miami Downtown. A part of the street will be closed and will be used as location for an exhibition of iconic Italian cars and motorcycles;
• VIP Cocktail Party and Gala dinner at the Historic Alfred I DuPont Building, with an area dedicated to Italian excellences in the field of fashion, design and food;
• “Made in Italy Ambassador Award” presented to leading personalities in the field of entrepreneurship who played a crucial role in the exportation and promotion of Italian style and design in the USA.
• Launch of a special edition of the “.IT Italian Trade” magazine intended to celebrate the best of the Italian’s elegance and creativity as well as its influence on the American lifestyle
• A Charity concert held by a renowned Italian artist at one of the most outstanding theaters in the U.S., the Olympia Theater.

We are looking for companies, representation of the Made in Italy, interested in sponsoring the Gala event. Thanks to an extensive media coverage, both Italian and American, the event will be a great opportunity to garner and strengthen the brand awareness of the participating companies.

– Discover here all the details about the gala event.

– See here the sponsorship opportunities available.

Do not miss the opportunity to be part of this unique night that will mark the history of the relationships between Italy and South Florida.  Contact us at info@iaccse.com for further information!

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce is honored to announce the commitment of “Enovation Brands” as a Gold Sponsor at “The Best of Italy Gala Night”.

Enovation Brands serves as the U.S. importer for Enoitalia’s portfolio of wines – the second largest volume winery in Italy with sales of over 8 million cases in over 70 countries worldwide.

As part of their commitment to bring fun back to the industry and understanding the need states of modern consumers, they provide their prod
ucts with vibrant, eye-catching labels in singularly unique packaging that fit their individual consumers’ lifestyles.

One of the highlighted brands to be imported by Enovation Brands is VOGA Italia, Italy’s fastest growing global wine brand Purveyor of meticulously crafted, eye-catching wines, VOGA Italia’s collection encompasses crisp, delicious wines thoughtfully packaged in a revolutionary designed bottle featuring a unique re-useable cap. Since the company’s inception, VOGA has earned numerous awards and accolades for its sleek and sexy glass cylindrical bottle, presentation and most importantly taste.

Enovation Brands is headquartered in Aventura, Florida, and began operation in the U.S. in 2013.

Enovation Brands is the official wine provider of “The Best of Italy Gala Night” dinner that will take place inside the Historic Alfred Dupont Building in the South Ballroom from 8 to 10.30pm. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the flagrance of their elite wines!

To learn more about Enovation Brands visit their official website:

http://www.enovationbrands.com/

For more details about “The Best of Italy Gala Night” visit:

http://www.iaccse.com/the-best-of-italy-gala-night/

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce scores again as the Miami Heat commit as a Silver Sponsor for “The Best of Italy Gala Night.”

The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida. They compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as members of the Eastern Conference Southeast Division. Their home games are played in Miami’s famous arena – American Airlines Arena – in Downtown Miami.

Miami Heat as always been one of the most recognized basketball teams in the nation. Along their history they have won three league championships (2006, 2012, 2013) five conference titles and 11 division titles. They are also recognized for being the team to have the third- longest streak in NBA history by winning 27 games in a row.

For more information about the Miami Heat visit their website: http://www.nba.com/heat/home/

Or visit them on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MiamiHeat/home

For more details about “The Best of Italy Gala Night” visit: http://www.iaccse.com/the-best-of-italy-gala-night/