Italian Americans have developed some of America’s largest industries and corporations. Keeping with the spirit of those early Italian Americans, the Italian American Chamber of Commerce of Michigan was organized in 1919 by the then Consulate of Italy, Pietro Cardiello, as well as several local Detroit area business people to promote business relationships between Italy and the United States. Among the early founding fathers were Attorneys Joseph Schippacasse, Anthony Esperti and Dr. Vincent Mancuso as well as local businessmen Andrew Maglia, Mark Valente Sr., Frank Loverde and Raymond Cuomo. Today, the Italian American Chamber of Commerce of Michigan is an active and vibrant group of approximately 170 Italian Americans who are proud of their Italian heritage and are engaged in many worthwhile charitable and business activities which contribute toward the entrepreneurial spirit, goodwill and success of the Southeastern Michigan community.