SAN FELICE DEL BENACO, ITALY —
On Friday, October 17, the serene shores of Lake Garda became the setting for a notable event in international collaboration. The town of San Felice del Benaco, nestled among olive groves and vineyards on the western side of the lake, hosted a distinguished delegation from the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce in Georgia, USA. The occasion was more than a ceremonial visit — it marked a meaningful and forward-looking connection between two communities committed to innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.
The initiative was made possible through the efforts of Dr. Matteo Bertelli, founder of Italy’s MAGI Group and its American spin-off MAGISNAT, based in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. A native of San Felice del Benaco, Dr. Bertelli has long been committed to promoting biomedical research with a global vision. By establishing MAGISNAT at Atlanta Tech Park, he has built a tangible bridge between Italian scientific excellence and the technological dynamism of the United States.
A Delegation with Purpose
The U.S. delegation was led by Nick Masino, President and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, whose Italian heritage added a personal dimension to the visit. Under his leadership, the Gwinnett Chamber has become one of the most globally engaged business organizations in the U.S., fostering international partnerships that enrich local economies and promote shared progress.
Masino was joined by twenty influential leaders from a variety of sectors — including finance, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and technology. While their primary meetings took place in Milan, the delegation made a special journey to San Felice del Benaco to explore the roots of MAGI Group and to experience the culture and environment that inspired its founder.
Mayor Marzia Manovali: A Visionary Leader Connecting Local and Global
Upon their arrival, the American visitors were warmly received by Mayor Marzia Manovali, a central figure in shaping both the atmosphere and strategic vision of the visit. A successful entrepreneur in the nautical sector and a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism and cultural promotion, Mayor Manovali has positioned San Felice del Benaco as a small but forward-thinking community that bridges tradition and innovation.
In her welcoming remarks, she spoke eloquently about the town’s unique identity — a place where natural beauty, economic vitality, and cultural depth come together in harmony. She highlighted San Felice’s renowned olive oil cooperative, known for its high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and the local wineries that contribute to Lake Garda’s reputation as a destination of enogastronomic excellence.
Mayor Manovali also celebrated the town’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, recalling that San Felice is the birthplace of sculptor Angelo Zanelli, creator of the “Altare della Patria” in Rome. The town has historically attracted poets, writers, and artists, a tradition that continues through cultural initiatives and a deep respect for the past.
What stood out throughout the day was not only her formal role as mayor, but her visionary leadership — blending institutional competence with genuine hospitality and a clear commitment to creating international partnerships. Her presence at each stage of the program demonstrated how local leaders can play a pivotal role in advancing diplomacy and innovation on a human scale.
Science as a Bridge: The MAGI Biomedical Research Center
A key moment in the day was the visit to the MAGI Biomedical Research Center, where the delegation learned about ongoing research projects focused on human genetics and preventive medicine. Italian researchers offered an overview of current studies and scientific publications, highlighting the group’s commitment to accessible, high-impact biomedical innovation.
The visit sparked lively and substantive dialogue between Italian researchers and American business leaders, reinforcing the potential of transatlantic cooperation in fields that directly affect global health and quality of life. For many participants, it was a firsthand look at how small research institutions can have a global reach when backed by vision, strategy, and cross-border collaboration.
Exploring History at the Rocca di Manerba Museum
To complement the day’s focus on innovation, the program continued with a cultural visit to the Rocca di Manerba del Garda, one of the most historically and archaeologically significant sites in the region. Perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the lake, the Civic Archaeological and Naturalistic Museum of Manerba combines stunning natural scenery with a deep historical narrative.
The American guests were welcomed by Dr. Carla Ghidinelli, along with Councilor Raffaella Bertini and museum curator Dr. Simone Don, whose expertise and passion brought the site’s history to life. The guided tour covered thousands of years of human presence in the area — from prehistoric settlements to Roman artifacts and medieval fortifications — showcasing the enduring role of the region as a cultural and geographic crossroads.
Dr. Don offered in-depth commentary on the museum’s most important collections, while Councilor Bertini underscored the municipality’s ongoing efforts to preserve this heritage and make it accessible to international audiences. The visit provided not only historical insight, but also a sense of how small communities like Manerba invest in long-term cultural stewardship as part of their identity and public mission.
A Shared Future Rooted in Respect and Collaboration
Throughout the visit, a sense of mutual admiration and gratitude was evident — gratitude for the warm and thoughtful hospitality extended by San Felice del Benaco and its leaders, and admiration for the efforts of Dr. Matteo Bertelli and Mr. Nick Masino in building bridges between Italy and the United States.
In every exchange, the meeting was framed not as a one-off event, but as the start of a long-term dialogue rooted in shared values: respect for culture and community, a belief in the power of science and innovation, and a commitment to international cooperation at both institutional and human levels.
As the sun set over Lake Garda, the water reflected not just the beauty of the landscape, but a growing connection between two communities — San Felice del Benaco and Peachtree Corners — united in the belief that knowledge, culture, and friendship can transcend borders.
From the laboratories of MAGI to the boardrooms of Atlanta, and from the olive groves of San Felice to the panoramic cliffs of Manerba, a new transatlantic narrative is unfolding — one that honors the past, engages the present, and looks confidently toward a future built together.
