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Casa della Cultura Italiana - North Carolina
The October Mission of Honorable Pier Forlano, Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia, to North Carolina
CCI-NC was pleased to welcome The Honorable Pier Forlano to the state of North Carolina for his second visit.
He took part in several events during his visit to the Tar Heel State, all with the goal of celebrating Italian Art, Business, and Culture.
Hon. Forlano first participated in a community reception thrown in his honor. Members of the local and Italian community welcomed the Consul General at the Natuzzi Americas headquarters in High Point on October 23rd, 2019, marking his first visit to the Triad area. We were thrilled to also welcome Mayor Jay W. Wagner with the city of High Point.
Participants learned how the Consul General can help make connections and promote further collaborations and events in North Carolina, while also getting a tour of Natuzzi's impressive showroom!
Following the event in High Point, Hon. Forlano traveled to Charlotte. On Thursday, October 24th, 2019, he first stopped at the World Affairs Council of Charlotte CEO Speaker Series, where he was one of the distinguished guests. After briefly speaking, he was joined by Pasquale Junior Natuzzi, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Creative Director and Stylist, and Brand Ambassador of Natuzzi Italia, who gave the keynote speech. Mr. Natuzzi spoke about the change in direction for the company as it markets itself as a lifestyle brand and its partnership with Microsoft, highlighting interesting technology aimed at consumers.
Then, Hon. Forlano spoke to the UNC Charlotte community about the "Fundamentals and Excellence of the Italian Economy" as part of the Office of International Program's International Speakers Series.
Faculty, staff, and students were at the Popp-Martin Student Union Movie Theater to learn that Italy's manufacturing sector is increasing, that the country has strong exports (and is currently the world leader in
pharmaceuticals), that the country is the third most generous in the world in terms of international cooperation and development, and more. Italy is open for business!
Finally, Hon. Forlano wrapped up his trip with the Fourth Round Table on Italian Technology and Italian FDI in North Carolina, presented by the Honorary Consul of Italy to North Carolina, and CCI-NC. The focus of the Round Table was on Italian Technology and Design Furniture, and it featured five Italian companies with their U.S. headquarters right here in North Carolina: Bacci America, Biesse America, Cefla North America, Natuzzi Americas, and Salice America.
Hon. Forlano welcomed everyone to the event and was happy to meet the community. He was pleased to see the collaborations that already exist, and wants to continue to foster them moving forward.
During the Round Table itself, the audience learned about the long and storied history of each company, how their current technology is impacting the industry, and the types of bright young minds these companies hope to attract right here in North Carolina.
All pictures from the WACC luncheon and the 4th Round Table are copyright of Ginger Wagoner at Photosynthesis, Inc. - please contact her directly for reprint permissions. More photos from the Round Table can be found here.