FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

NIAF GENERAL COUNSEL AND PROMINENT MIAMI ATTORNEY ARTHUR FURIA RECEIVES AWARD
*Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast Hosts Anniversary Gala*

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – APRIL 12, 2011) Arthur J. Furia, Esq., general counsel of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and a partner at the law firm of Shutts & Bowen LLP, received a recognition award for excellence and leadership in law from the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE) on April 8, 2011. The award was presented during the Chamber’s 20th Anniversary Gala- A Tribute to Italian Exploration, Innovation & Progress at the Coral Gables Country Club in Coral Gables, Fla.

“Art Furia is a business and community leader whose impact is felt not only in Florida but nationally and internationally. This award is so important as it not only honors Art, as a prominent Italian American, but his work on behalf of a vibrant community comprising diverse heritage and race,” said Hon. Patricia de Stacy Harrison, NIAF vice chairwoman and president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Harrison was in Miami to give the keynote address at the Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Italian Unity sponsored by NIAF in conjunction with the Frank J. Guarini/NIAF Media Forum at The Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College on April 7, 2011.

The gala was attended by Italy’s Consul General in Miami Marco Rocco, Mayor of Coral Gables Hon. Donald Slesnik, Professor Camillo Ricordi, M.D., an honoree at the NIAF 2008 Ambassador’s Ball, business executives, entrepreneurs from Italy, and Italian American community leaders. Jeff Berardelli of CBS 4 served as the master of ceremonies.

The IACCSE celebrated two decades as the primary institution that coordinates and facilitates commercial and intellectual exchange between Italy and the Southeastern U.S. The evening’s gala remembered and honored the businesses, men and women who contributed to the Chamber and community.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit www.niaf.org.