The Georgia Chapter of the Italy America Chamber of Commerce Southeast is glad to announce its newest initiative: “Member Spotlight”, a collection of individual interviews created to increase the visibility of the Chapter’s valued Members, as well as to provide an opportunity to increase their networking opportunities and create synergies within the Chamber’s business community.
Through “Member Spotlight”, every Member of the IACCSE Georgia Chapter has the opportunity to share information about their business, their peculiarity and many other curious facts:
VARUNI NAPOLI– Luca Varuni, Owner
Opened in 2014, Varuni Napoli is an authentic, award winning Neapolitan pizzeria from veteran maestro pizzaiolo Luca Varuni with locations in Morningside and at Krog Street Market (opened in 2017). The eatery serves traditional southern Italian pizzas, desserts and antipasti as well as a selection of premium Italian wine, local and Italian beers and Italian-inspired cocktails. The open kitchen allows guests to become a part of the pizza-making experience and enjoy the world-renown Italian hospitality of chef Luca and his team. Over the years, Varuni Napoli has become an award-winning Neapolitan pizza brand featured nationally by outlets including CNN, Food Network, Forbes, HGTV, Newsweek, Pizza Today, PMQ Pizza Magazine, and more.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
L&S LIGHTING CORP– Alexander Wiebe, CEO
L&S Lighting was founded in Italy in 1977 and specializes in the design and manufacturing of technical lighting systems for the residential, commercial, and industrial business sectors. Today, we are among the top international leaders in the lighting industry. Our products are present in more than 70 countries with local offices in Italy, Germany, China, and the United States.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
OMER USA – Carlo Gfall, Managing Director
Omer USA is the North American subsidiary of Omer SPA, 40+ years old company active in the automotive business. Our DNA arise from the Garage Equipment industry, that has a very long tradition in North Italy. The mother company had since inception a very strong vocation in Export, having a wide distribution in over 100 countries being anyway a medium sized company. Omer USA got recently established in US, and it is the natural result of many successful years of exporting in North America.
Our Specialty is Lifting Equipment, mainly for vehicle maintenance inside garage shops or dealerships (passenger cars and industrial) and for parking systems, industry that in US is seeing a big growth. The scope of our activities then touch Automotive Aftermarket, OEM, Transit Authorities , Residential Developers and Architects firms and much more.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
WAM USA – Enrico Vincenti, CEO
Wam USA is the Wamgroup North American branch. Wamgroup is the global market leader in screw conveyors and amongst the most prominent players in the field of equipment for powder handling and bulk-solids handling. The company founded in 1968 in Modena, Italy, currently employs some 2,100 people at more than 60 locations in 40 countries.
Currently, WAMGROUP manufactures its product range in four continents and distributes it through its worldwide subsidiary network offering customers professional advice, smooth order management and ‘round the clock’ spares service.
Wam USA Inc. first opened its facility in Jacksonville FL, in 1988, then in 1998 it opened its Georgia Division in a fast-developing industrial estate in Lawrenceville near Atlanta, with large production and warehouse area.
In 2002 WAM Inc. opened its Texas Division in Fort Worth. This facility was selected as a central location to better serve the Southwest, Midwest and West Coast customer base.
Both locations are manufacturing facilities and have a large inventory of products on the shelf.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
ENOMATIC SOUTHEAST USA– Bertrand Lapoire, CEO
Enomatic SRL, the inventor of automated wine dispenser and preservation systems, was founded 20 years ago in the heart of Tuscany (Greve in Chianti).
After spinning off from the original US importer who covered the period 2004-2008, we founded Enomatic Southeast USA in 2009 which makes us the longest running US dealer for Enomatic, covering the largest territory (18 states).
Our technology can be enjoyed by the public in wine bars, wine stores, restaurants, hotels, country clubs and even movie theaters around the country. We are well known for the self-serve concept that consumers love but still a lot of our business is for units used by the staff.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
FAE USA– Giorgio Carera, CEO
FAE is a worldwide manufacturer of top notch heavy equipment for the vegetation management and construction sectors. It has been in business for over 30 years and currently operates five production plants in Italy and six different distribution branches in key worldwide markets. FAE USA, headquartered in Flowery Branch, GA, was established in 2003 and serves primarily the US and Latin American markets. I came on board as CEO in 2005 in a very infancy stage of the company and have continuously run and led the business ever since.
Overtime, FAE has positioned itself as the industry leader in the markets it serves and has earned an unmatched reputation in terms of product quality, performance and support. We stand behind our commitment to provide the very best machines and solutions in the market and work very hard to pivot and adapt to the ever changing needs of the market and our customers.
We mainly serve the following industries: Forestry Departments (for firebreaks), Vegetation Management companies, farming, oil & gas, wind-farms, solar panel farms, utility companies, commercial and residential developments, road construction.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
MACH3CONNECT – Markus Machers, Managing Director
We are an innovative global talent acquisition and management firm that connects top corporations, carriers, and freight forwarding companies with vetted job candidates that are ready and able to put their talents to work. We launched our company in 2015 to find and place exceptional performers in the international logistics arena. We are the “3rd” party that brings them together to create winning teams for the future.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
ACQUAFIL USA– Franco Rossi, President
Aquafil USA was incorporated in 1999 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Aquafil SpA of Arco (Italy). The company mainly manufactures nylon fibers destined to the carpet industry. Aquafil USA is located in Cartersville, GA because North Georgia is traditionally the US (and world) largest carpet district.
Since its incorporation, the company grew from 0 to approximately 150 million dollars in sales, founded 2 new companies in Arizona and California to do carpet recycling and acquired a North Carolina company, O’ Mara Inc. in the textile yarn business.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
GENESIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES– Ms. Cynthia Totti Kelly, Founder
Genesis Professional Services (GPS) is located in Atlanta, GA and has been assisting organizations and executives in the hiring process since 2012. Talent management, personell selection, assessments, organizational development, and executive and managment coaching and consulting services are provided nationwide. GPS is interested in expanding internationally, especially in the Italian workforce. Cynthia Totti Kelly PhD is the founder and director of GPS. She has a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and is also a dual USA/Italian citizen. She specializes in healthcare, technology, engineering, business and human resources.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
PIRELLI– Mr. Clay Cooper, HR Director US/Canada
Founded in Milan in 1872, Pirelli is a major player in the tire industry and the only global player focused solely on the Consumer tire market, which includes tires for cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
Pirelli is constantly seeking to meet the ever-evolving needs and wishes of consumers. This is seen in the continuing expansion of its product portfolio and the development of exclusive applications and customization. Pirelli offers cutting-edge solutions for Cars such as Specialties and Super Specialties:
- Run Flat™ and Seal Inside™ that enable cars to continue driving after a puncture;
- Pirelli Noise Cancelling System™, tires that reduce road noise;
- Elect, tires that are made for electric cars or plug-in hybrids.
Away from cars and motorcycles, the company is addressing future mobility needs in a return to the increasingly successful world of cycling, thanks to the new lines of tires dedicated to road racing bikes, PZero™ Velo™, CINTURATO™ Velo and Scorpion™MTB and the Urban CYCL-e™ tire line which marked the entry into the City-Trekking segment.
The company currently supports over 450 car and motorcycle sport events and has been the exclusive tire supplier to the Formula One™ World Championship since 2011.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
B-GLOBAL USA – Mr. Matteo Bortolaso, President
B-GLOBAL USA is a service company focused on Sales and Distribution of Italian manufactured products in USA.
Our sister company B-GLOBAL Srl in Italy, does the same for American Companies willing to enter the European market.
Over the years, starting in 2002, we switched activities between USA and Italy helping several small businesses to enter the targeted markets limiting the investments.
We have offices, personnel and a warehouse that can be used by different companies sharing the costs.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
ATLANTA PIZZA TRUCK – Mr. Alessio Lacco, Owner
Atlanta Pizza Truck was made and customized in Italy and brought to the US. It is indeed very unique itself— is the only of its kind in the States! We are a family owned business. Me and my wife operate the business.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
ATEX Inc. – Mr. Luca Di Benedetto, CEO
Atex, Inc. USA was incorporated in 1999 and it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atex Holding in Milan, Italy.
ATEX has the capability to produce:
- Spunbond polypropylene in a wide range of weights, colors and treatments tailored to meet customer requirements.
- Meltblown and meltblown composites, in a wide range of weights, colors and treatments for sorbent, wipes, medical, and filtration markets.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
Miller & Martin – Mr. Ryan A. Kurtz, Partner
Established in 1867, Miller & Martin has helped businesses and individuals achieve their goals for more than 150 years. As a leading southeastern law firm with attorneys in four offices, our attorneys are committed to understanding our clients’ objectives in order to help them grow and prosper. Our talented attorneys provide legal services in multiple practice areas, including corporate law, merger and acquisitions, real estate, tax incentives, labor and employment, ERISA and litigation, and arbitration.
Miller & Martin is a member of the prestigious World Law Group, an invitation-only global network of leading law firms with over 400 offices in major commercial centers worldwide. This network gives Miller & Martin’s clients seamless access to the local knowledge and legal resources of over 21,000 lawyers around the world.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
Antica Posta – Mr. Marco Betti, Owner
Antica Posta is a fine dining restaurant located in Buckhead Atlanta with the most unique fine dining menu and the best Italian wine list.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
CEMB-USA – Mr. Cristopher J. Horan, North American Sales Manager
We cannot speak about CEMB-USA without looking to our Italian Roots. – CEMB S.p.A.
CEMB, S.p.A. was founded in Mandello del Lario on Lake Como, by Dr. Luigi Buzzi in 1946. Dr. Buzzi, after the Second World War, developed a machine to balance Steam Turbines. Since then, with three generations of family leadership, CEMB is now a world leader in Balancing machines for: Industrial Applications, Tire and Wheel Production Machines, Aftermarket Automotive Tire and Wheels, Vibrational Analysis/Monitoring Systems, and Portable Field Balancers.
In CEMB-USA, with our dedicated Sales and Service teams, located in Gainesville, GA, near Lake Lanier, we represent all four divisions, which are:
- Automotive Aftermarket
- HOFMANN
- Industrial Division
- The Vibration Division
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
JAS Forwarding USA – Mr. Eugenio Fumo, CEO
JAS is a true Global Freight Forwarder & Logistics Provider that started with very humble origins in Milan back in 1978. Our dreams started in a small warehouse near Milan airport, with a selected group of eager young managers that embarked on this adventure under the leadership of our Founder and current Chairman, Mr. Biagio Bruni.
42 years after inception, JAS is a successful and privately held global company with over 200 fully owned offices, operating in 40+ countries, approx. 5,000 people strong; a thousand of whom reside in the USA. Our growth so far has been organic and not achieved through merger and acquisitions, however we are currently exploring some opportunities to potentially acquire some companies in the near future.
Over the last four decades, JAS Worldwide has expanded and refined its approach to air & ocean cargo, supply chain services, and specialized market sectors while always maintaining the JAS commitment to quality of service. We have grown from our regional roots to a true global force.
Throughout the years we have also developed operational expertise in various industries to further support our customers. Aerospace, Luxury and Fashion, Automotive, Oil and Energy, Food and Beverage- just to mention a few, are some of the vertical markets in which JAS specializes in and operates daily with people that focus only on those industries. Additionally, a new Pharmaceutical vertical is currently in the making and will launch within Q1 2021.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
Greenberg Traurig Law Firm – Mr. Courtney Noce – Shareholder
Greenberg Traurig was founded in Miami, Florida, in 1967 by three attorneys, Mel Greenberg, Robert Traurig, and Larry Hoffman. Over the past 50 years, the Firm has grown rapidly, expanding from its strong local roots in South Florida. Today, GT has approximately 2,200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100.
GT’s Immigration & Compliance Practice represents businesses, organizations, and individuals from around the world on a wide range of immigration matters and visa needs. We advise multinational corporations on a variety of employment-related immigration issues, focusing on strategic immigration planning for U.S. and international companies for the international relocation of personnel both from and into the United States. We work with our clients to address the visa and work authorization needs of U.S. and global personnel, including professionals, managers and executives, treaty investors/traders, essential workers, persons of extraordinary ability, corporate trainees, and students. Our legislative and advocacy lawyers have been called upon by congressional offices, the White House, and other agencies to lend their technical knowledge. Additionally, our I-9 Compliance group assists companies with drafting employment verification compliance policies, training sessions, internal audits, as well as representation in government audits.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
Rödl & Partner USA – Mr. Filiberto Calascibetta – Partner
Rödl & Partner USA specializes in serving foreign, midsized businesses operating in the U.S. with tailored accounting, auditing, tax and business consulting services. With more than four decades of experience serving inbound foreign companies and individuals, we have in depth knowledge to address accounting, assurance, and tax matters that can have a significant impact on foreign investors, our firm focuses on European, mostly German and Italian companies operating in the US.
A number of Italian based companies with distribution and manufacturing operations in the US benefits from the extensive experience of our U.S. certified public accountants, as well as our bilingual staff of professionals, many of whom carry Italian professional certifications and also bring with them a professional working experience built in Italy, prior to moving to the U.S.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
Cavanna Packaging USA – Ms. Barbara Headrick – VP of Finance
Cavanna Packaging USA, Inc is a distributor of Cavanna packaging equipment and flow wrappers. Cavanna Packaging Group is an Italian company, founded in Piedmont, specializing in flowpack packaging systems allowing a small wrapper to wrap a single product or group of products with plastic film.
Among the various sectors in which these types of packaging are used are food sectors including industrial baking monotype and assorted biscuits, chocolate, products for breakfast, sweet and savory snacks, bread substitutes, coffee pods for automatic and semi-automatic coffee maker, cheese, frozen products, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
PLEASE NOTE:
The initiative is reserved to Members of the IACCSE Georgia Chapter.
If you would like to be part of the initiative, please contact atl@iaccse.com:
- You will receive a survey to complete and submit;
- You will be requested to submit your company’s logo and some pictures of your team or your business.
All interviews will be shared by e-mail with all the Members of the Georgia Chapter, as well as published on the dedicated section of the IACCSE website.