Nicola Vidali (Managing Director of the Georgia chapter of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast)

Promuovere il Made in Italy in Georgia, il Peach State: incontriamo Nicola Vidali

Aug 07, 2024 1141 ITA ENG

Inevitably, sometimes I happen to publish an interview with someone who, in addition to playing an important role in the development of relations between Italy and the United States, is also a friend of mine. It happens because We the Italians collaborates cool best of the community of those who live Italy and the United States with two flags and one heart.

In this case, the interviewee is Nicola Vidali, recently appointed Managing Director of the Georgia chapter of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast, our Ambassador to the Peach State but above all my dear friend. Nicola is one of us, one of We the Italians. 

Ciao Nicola. I would start the interview by asking you the story of how and when you came to Atlanta, Georgia

Ciao to you, Umberto, it's a pleasure to have a chat about topics I know you're very passionate about.

Well, what can I say, like many others (at least here in Atlanta), I arrived with a job opportunity already in place. It was supposed to be for a year, but 32 years have passed!

You see, back in 1992, I was hired by an Atlanta-based company as the on-site producer for the UN Pavilion to be built in Genoa for the 400th anniversary celebration of the discovery of the Americas. The collaboration was very fruitful, both with them and with the final client (who was the UN HQ in NYC), and so they proposed me to help designing and producing their exhibition pavilion for the 1993 EXPO in Taejon, South Korea, this time from scratch.

Obviously, I didn't think about it much, and after a brief trip to Atlanta to fully evaluate the choice I was about to make, I decided to go. I arrived here on December 6, 1992, and I remember it well because it coincidentally is the day of my “Onomastico”. The project lasted 11 months (8 for design and 3 to install/tear down).

At the end, I was ready to return to Italy, but I decided to stay another year because while the "Mani Pulite" scandal was breaking out there, I continued to have a lot of fun working here. I enjoyed it because I had discovered another way of using my productive time, which wasn't about chasing people or things to get paid or to fix; here, those problems are not a relevant part of the work process. Additionally, there was always a nice word of appreciation for the work done, a sincere thank you from those who hired you (the client), what a concept eh?

And so by 1996, I was already successfully operating a company with 10 employees, a warehouse and lots of production material. This was the American dream manifesting for me. My great grandfather came in USA in the 1845 during the gold rush and he settled in California a New Mexico to return then to Italy pushed away by the Pancho Villa’s revolution. The first post card I send to my mother, it was from Santa Monica saying “here I am like your grandfather, looking for the gold of the next millennium”.

Things and Culture have changed (for the worse) since the tragedy of the Twin Towers in 2001, but the United States still remains exceptional in developing entrepreneurial initiatives and individual’s growth.

Can you briefly describe the Italian and Italian American communities in Georgia?

The Italian community in Georgia, and particularly in Atlanta, is different from those in places like NYC or Miami, where people may arrive without a specific destination or tasks to perform. If you come to Atlanta, it is because you know where you're going, and you most likely already have a job or an activity to engage in. As a result, we have many managers, engineers, university professors, researchers, and of course, entrepreneurs, including those from small businesses (which, let's remember, here it still means a minimum turnover of several million dollar). There are also many young people, including university students pursuing PhD or post-doc programs. In fact, we have several prestigious universities, notably Georgia Tech and Emory, which are ranked among the top 15 in both the public and the private systems.

Many relevant Italian companies have long established their manufacturing or managerial centers in Georgia. Pirelli, Luxottica, Aquafil, Jas Forwarding, and SCM are just a few of the brands that proudly represent the "Made in Italy" not only in terms of products sold but also in terms of their employment capabilities.

As for the Italian American community, those who have been present in the area for at least two generations, they come from the northern states, particularly New York and Pennsylvania. This means they are the result of an internal migration. However, their passion for our country remains strong, and it's no surprise that all flights from Atlanta to Italy are consistently full, 365 days a year.

What are the main characteristics of Georgia from an entrepreneurial and business perspective?

With a population of over 10 million and a GDP exceeding $600 billion, Georgia is one of the largest economies in the United States. Atlanta, with more than 6M residents is the state’s capital and the home to seventeen Fortune 500 companies, including Home Depot, UPS, Coca-Cola, Intercontinental, Global Payments, and Delta Airlines. As a global city, Atlanta has experienced significant and constant growth for the last 40 years.

Georgia is home to a substantial presence of Italian business interests, with approximately 100 subsidiaries of Italian companies operating within the state. These companies represent a diverse array of industries, including manufacturing, technology, fintech, logistics, design, hospitality and more. Their presence not only underscores the strong economic ties between Italy and Georgia but also significantly contributes to the state’s economic vitality and business diversity.

In the manufacturing sector, Italian companies bring advanced technologies and innovative practices, enhancing local production capabilities and creating high-quality jobs. In the realm of technology and fintech, these companies are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions, driving innovation, and fostering a dynamic tech ecosystem in Georgia. Logistics companies from Italy play a crucial role in optimizing supply chains and improving efficiency, thereby supporting Georgia’s status as a major transportation hub. The design industry benefits from Italian companies’ renowned expertise and creativity, influencing trends and elevating the quality of design services and products available in the state. Atlanta is also home to many distinguished Italian researchers and professors working in private and public academic settings.

The state is very aggressive toward companies evaluating to establish a presence in Georgia. The abundance of development-ready sites, skilled workforce, and robust logistics infrastructure connecting it to global markets, make Georgia an ideal location for startups and expanding companies. Additionally, Georgia offers attractive incentives such as a low corporate tax rate, workforce training programs, and a high quality of life.

How has the Made in Italy presence evolved in your area? In which industries is there room for further growth?

Aside from the acquisitions and industrial establishments of companies like Pirelli, Luxottica, Aquafil, and many others, I believe there is also room for our medium and small companies that may not have significant financial resources.

Georgia offers large benefits (in terms of taxation, labor costs, etc.) while still providing a top-level logistical infrastructure. Atlanta has always been a major logistics hub, and it's no coincidence that its airport is the busiest in the world for both cargo and passengers. There is also an ongoing political conversation about strengthening a trade zone capable of facilitating the transit of semi-finished goods to be transformed into finished products.

Additionally, Atlanta's population has grown significantly, from 1.4 million in 1993 to 6+ million today. These newcomers have arrived from the Southeast, as well as from saturated cities like NYC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and even Europe. This influx has enhanced the international value of the cultural, economic, and commercial fabrics. For example, if an Italian gelato shop had to close after 18 months of operation in 1996, there are now several Italian gelato shops, all of which are successful. The same goes for many fashion and furniture brands. Ferrari has an important showroom where people gather to watch F1 races.

So, to answer your question concisely, I believe there are ALL the prerequisites for investing in Georgia and launching a successful project, whether it's a simple bakery, a fintech company, or a business in the medical or manufacturing sectors.

You were recently appointed Managing Director of the Georgia chapter of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast. Please help us understand the history, structure and activities of this vital institution

When I arrived in Atlanta, there was an Italian Trade Commission office that worked operationally and strategically alongside our honorary consul, who naturally has limited resources. That office closed and has not been present in Atlanta for over ten years, creating an institutional and operational void that has not allowed us to fully showcase our local entrepreneurial community, especially as it was expanding. This led some members of our community to start a conversation with the Italian-American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeast (headquartered in Miami), with which an agreement was reached, and a local chapter was established.

We began operating in 2019, but the COVID pandemia naturally slowed growth and perhaps even demotivated people. It was my extensive knowledge of the Atlanta cultural and business landscapes, and my passion for showcasing our Italian excellences to their best that led me to accept this role. I am quite familiar with the characteristics of the Chamber of Commerce, having collaborated for decades with institutions and agencies dedicated to promoting around the world the "Made in Italy".

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE) is an association of businesses and professional firms devoted to fostering trade between Italy and the United States. The IACCSE is officially recognized by the Italian Government and is part of Assocamerestero, the official network of 80 Italian chambers from 56 countries. Since its inception in 1991, the Chamber has been expanding continuously, in proportion to the growth of the Italian business community in the Southeast. With its bi-national mindset, the IACCSE works hard to promote “Made in Italy” products in the US market as well as to link our Members, with the primary goal of improving the business climate and expanding opportunities for Italian and American businesses.

The primary focus of the IACCSE GA Chapter is to enhance and elevate its members’ presence in the business community, by fostering connections and accelerating market opportunities. The Chapter also offers strategic and operational assistance to new Italian companies and entrepreneurs looking to operate in/from Georgia. Additionally, the Chapter supports Georgia-based U.S. companies interested in investing in Italy or launching trade programs within the Italian market.

This diverse Italian business presence not only enriches Georgia’s economic landscape but also promotes cultural exchange and collaboration, further strengthening the ties between Italy and the local community. By fostering innovation, creating jobs, and enhancing industry standards, these Italian subsidiaries are integral to Georgia’s continued growth and prosperity.

The Georgia chapter governance body is composed by a five-members Committee and a Managing Director.

Emanuela Barzaghi: CEO of L&S Lighting Corp., a company specializing in lighting solutions design and manufacturing for retail and commercial applications.

Stefania Poli: COO of Omer USA Inc., a manufacturer of car lifts for dealerships, repair shops, and the automotive industry.

Filiberto Calascibetta: Partner at Rödl & Partner USA and the current Honorary Consul of Italy in Georgia.

Franco Rossi: President of Aquafil USA Inc., a leading manufacturer of nylon 6 fiber, polymer, and dryarn for the textile industry.

Giorgio Carera: CEO of FAE US Inc., a producer of heavy equipment for forestry maintenance, road construction, and other applications.

How can the We the Italians network collaborate with the Georgia chapter of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast?

Italians are known for their extraordinary ability to develop product and solutions. We are less known for our ability to collaborate and be part of a system. My wish and intention are to execute a paradigm shift and finds ways to expand our outreach capabilities and networks.

We The Italians can function as communication amplifier and also as partner for specific projects. In 2 years, the Soccer World Cup will land in the North America, and we must be ready to show off all our beautiful skills.

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