Category: 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
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
Upcoming IACC initiatives
New IACCSE Board of Directors

The new IACC Board of Directors for the term 2017 – 2019 has been elected. Eleven candidates have been chosen as directors of the Chamber by the voting members. Over 45% of the IACC members have expressed their preferences at these elections.
The IACC would like to welcome and congratulate all the newly elected Board members. They are:
- Tommaso Cardana – President (Tomson Hospitality)
- Umberto Bonavita – Executive Vice-President (Robert Allen Law)
- Emanuele Siena – Vice-President (Zonin USA, Inc)
- Federico Baroglio -Treasurer (Assicurazioni Generali, SpA)
- Mattia Liverani – Secretary (In Job Miami)
- Gianluca Fontani – Director (Man-Super!)
- Costantino Cicchelli – Director (Barba Dermatology & Barba Skin Clinic)
- Giancarlo Pelosi – Director (Pelosi & Partners LLC)
- Antonello Di Giovanni – Director (Trend Group)
- Paolo Stefanini – Director (Investment Gist LLC)
- Danilo Nanni – Director (Danilo Nanni, P.E. MBA)
THE BEST OF ITALIAN DESIGN: a new initiative to celebrate the Italian creativity and innovation in Miami
DAY 1: FRIDAY MAY 19
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
SHOWROOM GUIDED TOUR EXPERIENCE – Enjoy the best of Italian design innovation paired with Italian food and wine tasting.
Route: ANIMA DOMUS | MAGNIFLEX | KARTELL | LISTONE GIORDANO | SNAIDERO.
DAY 2: SATURDAY MAY 20
at IRONSIDE, 7610 NE 4th Ct, Miami, FL 33138
10:00 am – 10:45 am
NETWORKING BREAKFAST & REGISTRATION
10:45 am – 12:45 pm
SYMPOSIUM
THE INFLUENCE OF ITALIAN DESIGN IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE: FROM INDUSTRIAL DESIGN TO INTERIOR DESIGN, by PAOLO TREVISAN – Head of Design, Pininfarina of America (Torino, Miami)
THE “ITALIAN WAY” TO THE PROJECT: DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE FROM CONTEMPORARY MASTERS TO NEW WORKS. FOCUS ON HOSPITALITY DESIGN by ELISABETTA RIPAMONTI – Partner, Signo (Milano)
THE POWER OF LIGHT: ENHANCING THE PERCEPTION OF SPACES by DODO ARSLAN – Founder and Designer, Dodo Arslan | Studio (Milano, Miami)
NETWORKING LIGHT LUNCH
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
EXHIBIT | LECTURES | ONE TO ONE MEETINGS
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
NETWORKING COCKTAIL | DINNER PARTY | INSTITUTIONAL SPEECHES
Download here the complete Program of the Event:
FOOD&WINE: The Italian Culinary Tour
The Italy- America Chamber of Commerce Southeast is glad to announce the first edition of The Italian Culinary Tour (April 25-26, May 2-3).
The Italian Culinary Tour bases itself on the concept of a mobile meal, where participants can not only taste different food and wines, but also have the possibility to follow a true “Path of Taste” moving from one restaurant to the other in order to explore new locations and the Italian Lifestyle.
Attendees will have the opportunity to not only discover new flavors but also to participate to culinary sessions with Chefs as well as Italian sommeliers for the wine pairings.
The event seeks to develop and promote the traditions of Italian food products and upgrade the culture of Italian food and wine with local consumers, in order to counteract the growing phenomenon of “Italian Sounding”.
A showcase of the best of Italian food, wine, and entertainment in one night through a guided tour of 4 of the most authentic and excellent Italian Restaurants in Miami.
Each tour takes almost 4 hours and the time of permanence in every restaurant is 30/40 minutes.
Transfers from one restaurant to the other will be organized by private coach, when the following stop of the tour is not at walkable distance.
The project is developed in the frame of “The Extraordinary Italian Taste” program, promoted by the Italian Government.
The Italian Culinary Tour will present a total of 4 Appointments: April 25 – 26 May 2 – 3 | 4 courses dinner Menu | 4 Genuine Italian Restaurants per Tour | 16 Restaurants in total | 50 foodies per Tour.
Watch the official video of the first edition of “The Italian Culinary Tour”
TOUR #1 MIDTOWN/MIMO, Featuring “Puglia in Rose'” Wines on April 25 :
- Salumeria 104 – www.salumeria104.com – (based on the Italian concept of a trattoria and small neighborhood shop where one can find Italian specialty cured meats and other delicacies, also known as a salumi shop).
- Riviera Focacceria Italiana – www.rivierafocacceria.com – (Long tradition of exceptional food from the Italian region of Liguria: try the unique Focaccia Cheese with the imported stracchino cheese).
- ‘O Munaciello – www.munaciello-miami.com – (Recreating and interpreting traditional Neapolitan dishes, the restaurant has its roots as one of the most celebrated restaurants in Florence, Italy).
- Ironside Kitchen – www.pizzaironside.com – (Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Miami. This Italian restaurant is family friendly and famous for its Neapolitan style pizza).
Buy the ticket for this tour at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-italian-culinary-tour-midtownmimo-tickets-33596885188?aff=erelpanelorg
TOUR #2 SOUTH BEACH on April 26:
- Forte dei Marmi – www.fdmmiami.com – (The highest quality local organic produce, farm-raised prime meats, and wild-caught seafood and fish. This restaurant is located in a building meticulously renovated by local architect Chad Oppenheim, and the aesthetic takes particular inspiration from the seaside resort Forte dei Marmi in northern Tuscany’s Lucca province).
- Cibo Wine Bar – www.cibowinebar.com – (Hand made traditional Italian food, a true taste of authentic southern cooking fresh made amongst patrons, all accompanied by a vast selection of wines).
- Pappa e Ciccia – www.pappaciccia444.com – (Genuine Sardinian cuisine by Chef Andrea Longoni).
- Bacaro – www.bacaro.miami.com – (Rooted in the passion and imagination of world-renowned Chef Carlo Bernardini, Il Bacaro is a wine bar and restaurant specializing in “Cicchetti” style of Venetian home cooking).
Buy the ticket for this tour at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-italian-culinary-tour-midtownmimo-tickets-33596885188?aff=erelpanelorg
TOUR #3 BRICKELL/DOWNTOWN on May 2:
- Toscana Divino – www.toscanadivino.com – (An authentic Italian restaurant in Miamioffering traditional and modern Tuscan dishes alongside a carefully curated wine list in an elegant setting. Leading the kitchen is innovative Italian Chef Andrea Marchesin).
- Farfalle – www.farfallemiami.com – (Flavors of the Mediterranean peninsula accompanied by the most famous Italian arias).
- Stanzione 87 – www.stanzione87.com – (Authentic Neapolitan pizzeria in the heart of Brickell, it was founded on the love for simplicity and tradition by importing the finest ingredients from Italy. One of its special tradition is making mozzarella daily in house to bringing over oven from Naples).
- Fratelli Milano – www.ristorantefratellimilano.com – (Twin brother chefs Roberto and Emanuele Bearzi work together crafting regional Italian dishes they first tasted in their mother’s Milanese kitchen).
Buy the ticket for this tour at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-italian-culinary-tour-midtownmimo-tickets-33596885188?aff=erelpanelorg
TOUR #4 CORAL GABLES/COCONUT GROVE on May 3:
- Zucca – www.zuccamiami.com – (Authentic, artisanal Italian cuisine within a masterfully-crafted, modern space).
- Cibo Wine Bar – www.cibowinebar.com – (Modern-rustic spot delivering classic Italian fare & large roster of wines from whimsical wine wall).
- Strada in The Grove – www.stradainthegrove.com – (home to over 100 different wine selections including some of the best boutique wine. Try the famous Uovo Strada, the most famous home style specialty dish!).
- Spasso – www.spassomiami.com – (Rustic Italian dishes like housemade pastas and stone-fired thin crust pizzas, all prepared with the finest available seasonal products).
Buy the ticket for this tour at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-italian-culinary-tour-midtownmimo-tickets-33596885188?aff=erelpanelorg
2017 Election for IACCSE Board of Directors – NOTICE
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:
- must be the contact person of one or more Voting Members for more than 13 consecutive months before the elections;
- must be over the age of twenty-one (21) years as of the date of the mailing of this notice; and
- 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 18th and April 24th 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 17th deadline.
[1]. The IACCSE reserves the right to extend this deadline for exceptional circumstances.
IACCSE unveils its projects for 2017
The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce is more than glad to share with all its members the most relevant initiatives for the newly began 2017.
The agenda for this year will be full of Events and Activities, aimed to highlight the great efforts the IACC has especially made in the following main sectors: Food & Wine, Interior Design, Hospitality, Tourism and Technology & Innovation.
Among the most important initiatives, it is worth mentioning the coordination of two delegations of Buyers from the United States, which will actively take part in two interesting Events in Italy: the “Buy Wine”, 10-11 February 2017, in Florence and the “Mercanteinfiera”, 22-26 February, in Parma. The former, is aimed to foster the interaction between international importers and the excellence of Tuscan wine production; the latter, is an International Fair of modern antiques and antiques trade on the US market.
Going through the year, on April 18-19 and 25-26, you will attend another great Event: The Italian Culinary Tour, which is part of The Extraordinary Italian Taste macro Event and consists of a culinary tour of Italians Restaurants in Miami, aimed to promote the “Made in Italy” campaign on both B2C and B2B scale.
As for the Design, the IACC has planned a two day Event on May 19-20: The Best of Italian Design is addressed to the professional of this sector and is meant to highlight and promote the Made in Italy Design.
In other words, the IACC has planned an intense 2017 focusing on the growing interaction between US and Italy, by scheduling, among other things, many co-branding activities and B2B and B2C experiences, which will encourage the development of this strong relationship.
Download here the overview of the Projects 2017:
2016 IACCSE Pillar Award
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