Mauro Barbato, Giampaolo Mancuso, Consul General Antonio Verde, and Fiorella Cagnolo. Photo by Kaylee Duff
On June 4th, right after the grand National Republic Day celebrations, the Orange County hosted the first meeting of local Italian and Italian American entrepreneurs with the representatives of the Italian Institutions in Los Angeles.
Antonio Cagnolo and chef Bruno Serato. Photo Kaylee Duff

The unique networking occasion was also aimed at introducing the newly appointed Consul General Antonio Verde, Italian Cultural Institute Director Valeria Rumori, and Italian American Chamber of Commerce West President Christiano Manfré to the community and businessmen based in Newport Beach and nearby areas, as explained by the organizer of the event Giampaolo Mancuso, President of OMNIA USA.
IIC director Valeria Rumori, Antonio Cagnolo, and Consul General Antonio Verde. Phoyo Kaylee Duff

Consul General Antonio Verde positively welcomed the invitation, and commented: “The main goal of my visit to Orange County was to connect with those entrepreneurs who I had not yet met, due to the distance from the Consulate General’s headquarters in Los Angeles.” And he also added: “This is an important networking opportunity to get to know each other and start working together, as we all share common objectives and interests.”
Bruno Serato and Frank DeSantis. Photo by Kaylee Duff

Among the attendees and special guests were Letizia Miccoli and West Hooker-Poletti, respectively IACCW Executive Director and former President; Cynthia Catalino, President of the Italian Heritage Culture Foundation; star chef Bruno Serato, founder of Caterina’s Club charity; Commendatore Frank DeSantis; and Alessio Pavan, representative of the Italian Trade Agency in L.A. In turns, all participants illustrated the activities and competences of the corresponding Institution.
Maurizio Bertoldi, Valeria Rumori, and Eugenio Mennella. Photo by Kaylee Duff

Exquisite Italian dishes accompanied the round table, as it was held at the elegant Antonello restaurant, owned by Antonio Cagnolo. Considering its successful outcome, the productive gathering will be repeated once a month, in order to enhance and strengthen such crucial, recently established relationships.
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