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Stephen J. Galati
Partner, Mattioni, Ltd.
CACC: How did your experiences lead you to your role as an attorney at the Mattioni Ltd., law firm? Did you always envision yourself working with the trade industry?
Stephen J. Galati (S.G.): My involvement with the fruit importation business has evolved naturally over time. At the United States Merchant Marine Academy, I studied the maritime industry and earned a United States Coast Guard license as a Third Mate. I then attended Tulane Law School where I studied maritime law. I started my legal career representing importers of fruit and other perishable commodities when their product was damaged or lost during ocean transportation. This experience with refrigerated transportation allowed me to progress to Chairmanship of the International Refrigerated Transportation Association.
My practice expanded to represent these same importers in damage claims against inland transportation companies and warehouses, and now also includes representing importers in their business needs such as ensuring compliance with FDA and USDA regulations, representing their interests in drafting and enforcing contracts, and in assisting with the presentation and defense of Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) claims.
CACC: How is your work at Mattioni connected to Chile?
S.G.: Our active involvement with representing those owning, transporting and selling perishable commodities to the United States has led to a natural connection with Chile, given its prominence in the trade of fruit into the ports of Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware.
CACC: What is your favorite part of working within the maritime trade industry?
S.G.: I enjoy assisting clients with growing their businesses and smoothing their way to success. This is especially true with regard to the fruit importation industry where, as a general matter, all work together collegially to support and grow the trade.
CACC: What makes the CACC a special and valuable organization to you?
S.G.: On a personal level, the CACC has introduced me to people I now call my friends. On a business level the CACC expands my ability to make contacts with those in the industry, as well as giving me access to U.S. and Chilean governmental officials. I also benefit by taking advantage of the learning opportunities afforded including the annual Fresh Fruit Workshop, and the seminars presented by Chile: A Digital Country (Ch1l3).
Many thanks to Steve for participating in this Spotlight Series