together the Italian furniture and furnishing industries. He was a member of the steering committee of the Council of Federlegno-Arredo, and was appointed to the same role with the industrial confederation Confindustria Monza e Brianza. In 1999 he was appointed to the most prestigious position as President of Cosmit, the organizing body for Milan Furniture Fair. This is the world's most important furniture exhibition and under his Presidency, the Milan Furniture Fair (and the collateral exhibitions of Euroluce (Lighting), Eurocucina (Kitchens), Salone del Bagno [Bathrooms], Salone del Complemento d'Arredo (Furnishing Accessories), Salone dell'Ufficio (Office), Salone Satellite (Collateral events) progressed from being a simple trade show to a spectacular event, with the promotion of important cultural events that consolidated Milan as the unchallengeable 'Design capital'. The Salon was transformed into a meeting place for questions and answers as well as being a platform for 360° proposals in all areas of design culture and innovation. The last edition under his management took place in 2011: a total of 321,320 people visited the event (up 7% on 2010 and 2% on 2009) and the 'Satellite Salon' that was actively promoted by Messina; this spin-off initiative started quietly and today is the most prestigious stage for showcasing up-and-coming designers and architects from the specialist educational aspects around the world. In June 2008, during the annual general meeting, Rosario Messina was elected President of Federlegno-Arredo, the organization of Confindustria that represents 2,300 companies in 12 associations (Assarredo [Furnishings], Assobagno [Bathrooms], Assoimballaggi [Packaging], Assolegno [Wood and Timber], Assoluce [Lighting], Assopannelli [Panels], Assufficio [Office], Edilegno [Timber houses], Fedecomlegno [The Italian National Timber Association], Asal Assoallestimenti [Stands and Layouts], Aippl [Wooden flooring and laying], Apil [Lighting]); these represent the entire section of timber-furnishings: from the raw materials to the finished product. He was a councillor on the steering committee of the foundation 'Center for the development of Italo-Russian trade relations". On October 30, 2008, the then president of Confundustria, Emma Marcegaglia, appointed him as a delegate of the industrial confederation Confindustria and according to the constitution, he automatically held the position of Vice President of CFI (The Italian industrial confederation). Prizes, awards and commendations 1996 "Industrialist of the Year" Awarded by the Group of Monza e Brianza Journalists during a ceremony hosted in the historical Palazzo Antona Traversi in Meda (Italy) 1997 "Official Commander of the Italian Republic" 1999 President of Cosmit – The organizing committee for the