National Italian American Foundation Honors Vernon and Shirley Hill

PHILADELPHIA, March 31, 2017

NIAF represents the interests of 25 million Italian Americans living in the United States and its 'One America' award is given to those who have positively impacted Italian or Italian American culture or society. Previous recipients include, George H.W. Bush, Muhammad Ali and Christopher Reeve.

The Hills were recognized for their commitment to keeping alive centuries-old Italian glass making and design skills, through their partnership with the 620 year-old Seguso Vetri D'Arte. Seguso is among the oldest glass-making dynasties on the Italian island of Murano. 

On receiving the award, entrepreneur and businessman Vernon Hill said: "It's an honor to receive the 'One America' award with my wife Shirley, and join the esteemed ranks of such notable previous recipients. "In addition to our focus on customer service and ultimate convenience, a strong commitment to the communities we serve has always been a core element of our business philosophy. Our footprint throughout the Greater Philadelphia region through Republic Bank, in the U.K. through Metro Bank, and now throughout Italy with our investment in Seguso Vetri D'Arte has allowed us to touch the lives of thousands of people. We look forward to continuing this work and affecting change for years to come."

Shirley Hill, CEO and Founder of the acclaimed architectural and design firm InterArch, added: "We have long appreciated Seguso and the larger craft of Italian glassmaking and are thrilled that future generations will be able to admire and create these works of art. It is exciting to think we are helping this wonderful artistic tradition to thrive around the world." 

The Hills have always embraced the power and beauty of glass in design – both building a world-class collection and boldly incorporating the medium into their work. In 2010, they met the Seguso family and learned that the very furnaces used to create some of their favorite pieces were beginning to close and the centuries-old skills needed to produce these works were being lost. The Hills immediately decided to invest in the 620 year-old company and utilize their legendary customer-first business model to raise Seguso to world-class status as an internationally recognized brand. Today, Seguso and glass enthusiasts often visit the company furnaces in Murano to truly experience its history and philosophy. The Hills also plan to open showrooms to engage the consumer in the full brand story and are creating an apprenticeship program to guarantee that Murano's unique glassmaking techniques can be passed along to new Italian craftsmen.