Chicago, IL -The Italian American Chamber of Commerce-Midwest (IACC) will present its coveted awards to local politicians and business leaders, honoring their work and community achievements during its 103rd Anniversary Gala & Awards Dinner on Saturday, Sept. 18. The black-tie event will be held at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel, 17 E. Monroe, in downtown Chicago, and will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The IACC is proud to announce that Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will attend the Gala, accepting the “Excellence in Government Award.” In addition, Anne R. Pramaggiore, ComEd President and Chief Operating Officer, and the first female president in the company’s history, will be awarded the “Business Excellence Award” for her dedication and impact made in her industry.

Francesco Bettoni, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Brescia (Italy), will accept the “International Trade Award” for bringing hundreds of companies from the Italian region of Lombardy to the United States to do business, as well as opening a branch office of the Milan Chamber of Commerce in Chicago last year. Joseph G. Bisceglia, Jenner & Block LLP Partner, will receive the IACC’s “Humanitarian Award” for his outstanding charitable work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, his involvement in Jenner & Block’s pro bono program, and his humanitarian work as president of the Illinois State Bar Association. Terrance J. Hancock, president of Teamsters Local 731, will be awarded the “Labor Leader Excellence Award” for his vast contributions to the labor movement as well as to autism research. Previous IACC Award recipients have included Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat S.p.A. and Chrysler Group LLC, in 2008 and Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine in 2009, with an award presentation given by Chicago-born actor Dennis Farina.

For the past century, the IACC has recognized the accomplishments of influential business leaders at this elegant affair, which hosts over 450 business people and officials from the Midwest and Italy. The Gala & Awards Dinner marks an important event for the state, as Italy is Illinois‘ fifth most important trading partner. Approximately 800,000 Italian-Americans live in Illinois.

Additionally, this year’s Gala & Awards Dinner will feature a Silent Auction that benefits the IACC Annual Scholarship Foundation, a runway fashion show featuring AGGA B., a Chicago-based designer whose “La Dolce Vita” collection has been exclusively designed for the Gala, and an exquisite menu that highlights Italy’s world-renowned cuisine and wine.

During this same weekend, the IACC also will host Italian Expo 2010 at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall A, which will be attended by many of the Gala business professionals and VIP guests. More than 100 companies and vendors from Italy and the United States will introduce, display and sell their products at the Expo, showcasing the best of Italian and Italian-inspired cuisine, wine, fashion and jewelry, tourism, art and entertainment. For tickets and more information, visit www.italianexpo.us.

To RSVP to the Gala Dinner or for more information, contact Melissa Passalacqua at (312) 553-9137 ext. 15, or mpassalacqua@iacc-chicago.com.

ITALIAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2010 HONOREES
FOR 103rd ANNIVERSARY GALA & AWARDS DINNER on SEPT. 18

Honorees include Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and ComEd President/COO Anne R. Pramaggiore