On November 22, the Italy America Chamber of Commerce (IACC) celebrated its 126-year anniversary. Over 500 members and friends of the IACC gathered at Cipriani 42nd Street for the 126th Annual Gala of the Italy America Chamber of Commerce. Annalisa Liuzzo, President of Liuzzo & Associates, chaired the event and welcomed Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, Minister Natalia Quintavalle, Consul General of Italy in New York and other representatives of Italian and American institutions. A spirit of appreciation, social awareness and charity was the focus of this year’s Gala as the IACC continued its standing relationship with Operation Smile and recognized distinguished Italian and Italian American professionals that have emerged as leaders in their respective fields. Throughout its long history, the IACC has continued to be a dynamic institution that has sought to respond to the needs of the community that it represents. With over a century since its founding, the needs that provoke the IACC’s intervention have certainly evolved, but the Chamber’s response has hardly become less pertinent. The IACC continues to be an integral part of the bridge that reinforces commercial exchanges between Italy and the United States. Anniversaries are moments that allow us to reflect on the past, enjoy the present and dream of an even better future. Each year, at its annual gala, the IACC does just this as it invites its members and friends to join one another in a spirit of togetherness and conviviality to celebrate its forward-thinking mission and community. The IACC was delighted to present Comm. Lella Golfo with its “Business & Culture Award” for her achievements in the advancement of women’s rights. The Gala was also an occasion to announce the annual publication of two books: “PrimiDieci” and “PrimiDieci-Under40”. The latter was produced in collaboration with the PrimiDieci Society to recognize some of the most successful Italians and Italian Americans under the age of 40 living in the United States. Each honoree is inducted in the PrimiDieci Society and invited to participate in an annual PrimiDieci Forum in Cortina, Italy an opportunity to meet with other young Italian professionals to share professional ideals and goals. At the conclusion of an enjoyable evening of good company and dancing, the IACC President, Mr. Claudio Bozzo presented Dee Dee Sides of Operation Smile with a $100,000 donation.