Sunday, January 07, 2007

Commercial/Cultural Italy Projects in the US

The ANNOTICO Report

 

Further to my Report of December 28, 2006, "Parma Italy to Rescue 'Fading' Rochester NY Mall with 'Made in Italy' Theme" an Opinion piece was written by the President of the Rochester Italian Civic League, that appeared in today's Rochester newspaper.

 

I share Mr. Casaceli's enthusiasm. But I have a very serious suggestion.

 

Instead of being merely "curious" as to how this project might further the knowledge of Italian Culture,  I would suggest that he initiate contact with the Developer and offer "cooperation", and suggestions to mutual advantage.

 

In other words be a participant, not merely a spectator!!! In this way, the Community can be more assured the project  it is not merely "elitist" with only expensive boutiques, But "educational" in the promotion of Italian Culture.

 

In regard to EVERY Italian American Community in the US,  I will again reiterate the suggestion that each Community work in conjunction wit the Regional Italian Trade Commissioner, and approach prominent Developers with the "Rochester" idea, and promise support.

 

These Commercial/Culture Projects can be one of the Most Overwhelmingly Positive projections of the Italian "Image" yet devised, and one of the greatest in combating the Negative Stereotypes!!!

 

Think about it !!!!!    NO, REALLY Think about it!!!!

 

 

Opinion

 

Bring Italy to Midtown: Bravo!

 

The Rochester and Democrat

Louis Casaceli

January 7, 2007

 

 In the Rochester area, there is a large segment of Italian Americans who started to immigrate to this area sometime around 1909 and faced the same struggles and challenges as any other immigrant group coming into a new country.

These Italian immigrants worked hard to establish their place in American society and assimilate into that society while at the same time maintaining their own cultural and family values. These immigrants went on to become citizens and bring their families up as Americans, contributing greatly to their communities and to our country in all walks of life. Their numbers grew to what they are today: about 180,000 and rising.

The "Made in Italy" project proposed for Midtown Plaza is in the very early stages of development. The types of stores and businesses that we in the Italian-American community envision for the project are the same types of stores and shops that vacationers and travelers expect to find on a trip to Italy  all in a one-stop setting. These establishments would sell fine gold jewelry, leather goods and shoes, fine clothes and, of course, authentic Italian cuisine.

We are hoping for a place where people could spend an entire day or evening shopping and then enjoy a fine meal or quick bite to eat at any one of several restaurants, dessert shops and coffee shops.

We are hoping that the open mall area could be used for entertainment purposes such as concerts or dances, which would create a festive, safe, family atmosphere.

Initially, this "Made in Italy" project sounds like a welcome addition to downtown Rochester as part of a larger plan to bring new life to Midtown Plaza and downtown. This project has the potential to draw tourists from outside the Rochester area, and additional traffic to neighboring businesses.

I am president of the Italian Civic League representing 16 Italian organizations in the Rochester area. We are all very excited that the developers of the "Made in Italy" project are considering Rochester as the site for this project. Should the project go forward, we will support it. As Rochesterians, we are all concerned about the economic future and stability of our city.

We are very curious to learn more about the big picture for this project and how it will fit into the revitalization plan for downtown. This is definitely good news for the Italian-American and the business community and we encourage the entire community to take part in all the changes planned for the downtown area.

Casaceli, of Chili, is president, Italian Civic League.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/

apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070107/

OPINION02/701070310/1039/OPINION

 

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