The September Mission of Honorable Pier Forlano, Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia, to Charlotte
CCI-NC was pleased to welcome The Honorable Pier Forlano to the state of North Carolina. He was appointed Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia on August 14, 2017, and his visit in September was his first official visit to the state.
Hon. Forlano first participated in the Third Round Table on Italian
Technology & Italian FDI, which was held in Raleigh. There he spoke to business leaders, academics, and students regarding the accomplishments in Italy.
Following the events in Raleigh, Hon. Forlano traveled to Charlotte on Wednesday, September 19th, 2018. During this trip, he first stopped at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he was welcomed by over 50 faculty and students. The many programs with connections and cooperations with Italy were highlighted at the reception organized by Dr. Daniela Cunico Dal Pra, Lecturer in Italian and Assistant to the Director of Film Studies, and the Italian club.
Then, Salice America hosted Hon. Forlano for a lunch and reception with Italian business leaders and Italian citizens in Charlotte, catered by the renowned Italian restaurant, Aqua e Vino.
Salice is the product leader for concealed hinges, drawer slides, and sliding door systems (like those found in your kitchen cabinet doors). The US branch of this Italian company was founded in Charlotte in 1989. Their constant dedication to technological innovation can most recently be seen in their 2016 IWF Challenger's Award for their Salice Air Hinge.
Participants had the opportunity to tour Salice and hear about their exciting expansion plans. Citizens also heard how Hon. Forlano can be a resource for them here in North Carolina and learned of the expanded services coming to the Honorary Consulate of Italy in Charlotte. Starting in November, the Charlotte office will be able to help Italian citizens with their passport renewals, a service that has long been needed in the state.
Finally, the day wrapped up with a reception at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. Here, Hon. Forlano met with the Honorable Julie Eislet, Mayor Pro Tem of Charlotte; Charlotte City Council Members Larken Egleston and LaWana Mayfield; as well as members of the international community in Charlotte.
Everyone was excited for the future of a stronger business and cultural partnership between Italy and Charlotte, as the city continues to expand and attract foreign direct investment from around the world.
Dr. Dal Pra welcomes Hon. Forlano and Dr. Carpano to UNC Charlotte
Hon. Forlano addresses UNC Charlotte Faculty and students
The group watches a short informational video on Italy's business achievements
Dr. Dal Pra welcomes Hon. Forlano and Dr. Carpano to UNC Charlotte