This weekend, I am accompanying Ambassador Bisogniero in Seattle, the largest city on the West Coast north of San Francisco. Traditionally buoyed by fishing, agriculture, gold and timber, the Seattle of today is also a high tech powerhouse and home of Microsoft, Amazon and Boeing. Perhaps the most iconic element of the city is the 605-foot Space Needle pictured above, which was built in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair.
According to consulate records, there are 1,745 Italian residents of Washington State. Italians immigrated to Seattle in waves in the 1900’s and contributed to the local agriculture and fishing industries. A more recent wave of Italian immigrants has been composed of researchers, technicians and engineers, attracted by the vivacious economy of Washington State.
Pikes Place Market is a lovely public market in Seattle overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront. Opened in 1907, it is one of the oldest continually operated farmer’s markets in America. The market was eventually acquired by an Italian named Giuseppe de Simone, who is credited among other things, with convincing Boeing to keep their operations in the state.
There are several active Italian associations in Seattle, including The Italian Scientists and Scholars of North America Foundation, The Sons of Italy, The Festa Italiana Seattle, The Italian Club of Seattle and The Dante Alighieri Society of Washington.
The Ambassador had the pleasure of meeting with Italian business and cultural leaders in the area. Compliments for much great work already completed, and we all look forward to continuing important work into the future.
Finally, this page is a great resource for news and events of the Italian community in Seattle.
[From Left to Right: Mr. Viganó Founder of LightVantage, Mr. Miozza EMA Vice President of Umbra Cuscinetti, Mr. Tesorieri Honorary Consul in Seattle, Dr. Mannelli MD and PhD at Dept Nuclear Medicine U Washington , Ambassador Bisogniero, Consul General Battocchi, Mr. Leonardo Baldaccini CFO of Umbra Cuscinetti, Mr. Antonio Baldaccini VP and GM of Umbra Cuscinetti, Mr. Tartaglione Director of Boeing Programs at Alenia Aermacchi Aeritalia, Mrs. Simoncini Director of Research Commercialization at WFund and Mr. Piacentini Sr. VP International Consumer Business at Amazon.]
