It is with great joy that we announce the birth of the Italian Chamber of Commerce of
the Pacific Northwest, based in Seattle.
Not many people know that 10% of today's Washingtonians have Italian origins. The
discreet, hardworking, and deeply rooted Italian community in Seattle has always been one of
the better integrated among all other Italian communities in the US. Our hope is that by
combining the energies and experiences of this dynamic community, we will all enjoy an
enhanced dimension of cultural interaction, by encouraging trade and intercultural
exchanges between Italy and the Pacific Northwest.
For many years the trade economy in the Pacific Northwest has benefited from
organizations founded by other locally-established European communities. Now the time has
come to gather up our creativity, enthusiasm, and collective strengths, so that we too may
embark on this adventure. We see this as both a move toward the future and a fundamental
way to protect and enhance our unique Italian heritage and traditions.
The basic mission of a chamber of commerce is to create contacts and provide services
aimed at facilitating trade and cross-cultural exchanges. It seems nothing could be more
suited to an Italian-American, who combines the discipline of the American work ethic and
business practices with the strong cultural traditions of Italy, as well as the incomparable
Italian philosophy of living.
The only real challenge is one of social, linguistic and cultural barriers; these are critical
factors which separate our two beautiful parts of the world. These barriers prevent and deter
most people from starting a business in such vastly different territories as the Pacific
Northwest and Italy. Our mission is to reduce these obstacles and reconnect the Pacific
Northwest to Italy. Our project is ambitious and to be accomplished it will require time and
the cooperation of many, but it will bring with it the possibility of ever more diverse and
efficient services to those interested in Pacific Northwest and Italian trade.
We are signing agreements with the City of Rome and the Italian Chamber of Commerce,
and we plan to involve other large Italian cities in our projects. However, we will only be able
to accomplish our mission with your support. Therefore, we warmly invite you to join us and
participate actively, because only together can we improve!
Cordiali saluti,
The Board of Directors
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