FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Elissa Ruffino, 202-939-3106, elissa@niaf.org

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WASHINGTON, D.C.— October 13, 2015)   The leadership of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) welcomes an Italian delegation of business executives from the regions of Italy to the Foundation’s 40^th Anniversary Gala Weekend, on October 16-18, 2015, at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, in Washington, D.C.

“The National Italian American Foundation is excited to welcome this important Italian delegation comprised of prominent business executives who represent Italy’s brands globally. By showcasing the Made-In-Italy brand at Expo Italiana during the Foundation’s 40^th Anniversary Gala Weekend and participating at our Awards Gala, together we underscore NIAF’s mission as a bridge between our two communities, ” said NIAF Executive Vice President and Chair of the Italian American Leadership Council John F. Calvelli.

The Italian delegation is headed by Lorenzo Zurino, CEO of THE ONE COMPANY, an Italian consulting company that specializes in bringing international business to American markets. The nine industry leaders include: Raffaele Aiello, chairman and CEO of SNAV SPA of MSC Group and a board member of the Naples Port Authority; Paolo Cioffi , chairman of Don Carlo Biscuits; Benedetto De Petrillo, chairman of De Petrillo Fashion Group; Andrea De Simone, CEO of Sapori D. Italia and Prosciutti Crudi D’Italia; Alessandro Gabarra, chairman of Sapori D’Italia and Prosciutti Crudi D’Italia; Dominick Gambino, CEO and founder Tony’s Finer Food Chicago; Nicola Mastromartino, founder and CEO of Caffe Motta SpA, Moderna SpA and Vègé Group Supermarkets; Giorgio Santambrogio, CEO of VEGE’ GROUP; and Rocco Totino, partner of Grassi & Co. New York.

“The Italian delegation is thrilled to be part of NIAF’s 40^th Anniversary Awards Gala Weekend, an important milestone in the Foundation’s history. Our goal is to continue to work together to form a permanent bridge between our two countries. Outreach to Italian American communities throughout the nation is one of the key objectives as a way to reach American markets. Expo Italiana, a showcase of Italian brands, is a serious opportunity to show our potential,” said CEO of THE ONE COMPANY and Chief of the Italian Delegation Lorenzo Zurino.

The delegation will showcase their brands to the greater public at Expo Italiana, one of the largest Italian festivals in the nation’s capital. The best of Italy with the finest food and specialties, wine fashion and culture begins on Saturday, October 17, at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Exhibition Hall C, at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. It is free and open to the public.

During the black-tie Awards Gala, the Italian delegation will network with NIAF leaders and members of the Italian American Leadership Council (IALC) as NIAF honors nine prominent Italian and Italian Americans who have distinguished themselves in the fields of business, health care, entertainment, government, philanthropy and community service.

This year’s Gala honorees include: Amato L. Berardi, founder of Berardi & Associates Inc., and former member of the Italian Parliament, who will receive the NIAF 40^th Anniversary Award for Leadership and Service; Richard E. Caruso, Ph.D., founder and director of Integra LifeSciences, who will receive the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business and Health; Connie Francis, Italian American musical legend, who will be inducted into the Italian American Hall of Fame; Mario Gabelli, founder, chairman and CEO of GAMCO Investors Inc., who will receive the NIAF 40^th Anniversary Award for Leadership and Service; Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., who will receive the NIAF Special Achievement Award in International Business; Franco Nuschese, president of Georgetown Entertainment Group LLC, who will receive the NIAF 40^th Anniversary Award for Leadership and Service; Steve Perillo, president and owner of Perillo Tours, who will receive the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business; Alfred M. Rotondaro, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and former NIAF executive director, who will receive the Italian American Community Leadership Award; and Josephine J. (Gargiulo) Templeton, M.D., trustee of the John Templeton Foundation, who will receive the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Philanthropy.

NIAF’s 40^th Anniversary Weekend is presented by Alitalia, the airline that brings the best of Italy to the world.

Visit www.niaf/40 for a complete listing of activities during NIAF’s Gala Weekend.

For more information about Expo Italiana, contact Stephanie Gordon at 202/939-3107. For the ticketed NIAF Wine Tasting & Antipasti, contact Xavier Atizol at 202-939-3100 or for events and ticket information for NIAF’s 40^th Anniversary Awards Gala Weekend, visit www.niaf.org/40

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Americans of Italian descent.