Italian Chamber sets up local office By Becca Mader The Italian influence has been historically strong in Wisconsin but a new state chapter of the Italian American Chamber of Commerce in Milwaukee will help the state enhance its economic and cultural relationship with Italy, members say. The chapter was announced at the 39th annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference held Tuesday at the Italian Community Center. "Our objective is to not only foster business growth between Wisconsin and Italy but to further developments with other chambers of commerce in the state," said chapter president Al Rolandi. Rolandi will run the office out of Elm Grove home. For now, the chapter is not seeking to lease office space. Rolandi also serves as state coordinator for the National Italian American Foundation and executive administrator for WisItalia Inc., a nonprofit that promotes the teaching of Italian in elementary and secondary schools. The chapter will hold educational and networking events as well as develop a network of contacts beneficial to both Wisconsin and Italian businesses. In addition to strong Italian communities in Madison, Milwaukee and Kenosha, over 300 businesses in Wisconsin export to Italy, Rolandi said. Several Wisconsin companies, including Racine-based S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. and Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. also have their European headquarters in Italy. "It will serve to create new perceptions of Italy, not only as an industrial superpower but as a cultural superpower as well," said Rolandi. The chapter is especially important to Wisconsin, which is seeking to better compete in an increasing global economy, said Rich Augustine, president of the Italian-American Chamber of Commerce-Midwest, Chicago. "The global economy has grown significantly over the last couple of years," Augustine said. "Now is the time because we have the opportunity. The longer we wait to begin effectively promoting (trade), the further behind we get." The Wisconsin chapter is the first created by the Italian American Chamber of Commerce-Midwest, which has been in Chicago since 1907. It hopes to create several additional chapters over the next couple of years, Augustine said. The idea took root about three years ago after Enrico Granara, the consul general for Italy, meet with then Gov. Tommy Thompson. A sister-city agreement since has formed between Madison and Mantova, Italy and a trade mission is slated for Mantova in October.