Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, DC — March 18, 2003) Leaders of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will participate in the convention, “Joint Ventures and Partnerships between Italy and the United States,” in Florence, Italy at Villa “La Sfacciata” on Monday April 7, 2003 from 3 PM – 7PM. A. Kenneth Ciongoli, NIAF vice chairman, and Robert S. Cuillo, NIAF board member and president and CEO of Cuillo Enterprises in Florida/Italy, will address attendees at the convention hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy.

Ciongoli will speak about the Foundation’s mission and focus primarily on economic and cultural relationships between Italy and U.S, especially within the Italian American community. Cuillo will discuss his experience at Casalvento/Livernano his new winery in Radda (Chianti) and will expand upon the idea of “Joint Ventures and Partnerships between Italy and the United States.”

Key representatives who will be speaking at the convention include: Piero Antinori, president of Antinori S.p.A.; Vittorio Frescobaldi, president Marchesi de Frescobaldi, S. p. A.; John Mariani, president, Villa Banfi S.p.A.; Tim Mondavi, vice president of Robert Mondavi Winery; Hon. Melvin Sembler, U.S ambassador to Italy; and Gianni Zonin, president, Zonin.

For more information regarding the convention, please contact: the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy, Via Cantu, 1, 20123 Milan, Italy or visit: www.amcham.it

A. Kenneth Ciongoli NIAF vice chairman

Robert S. Cuillo NIAF board member

For more information on the convention “Joint Ventures and Partnerships between Italy and the United States” download the brochure!