Highlights
GACC NY 2019 Annual Meeting Highlights Past Year's Successes: 14 Board Directors Re-elected
Fourteen directors were unanimously re-elected to the GACC NY board at this year's annual meeting which took place May 9 at Deutsche Bank's Wall Street corporate offices in Manhattan. Michaela Ludbrook, Regional Head of Global Transaction Banking Americas (pictured at podium) greeted everyone on behalf of Deutsche bank.

Outgoing GACC NY Chairman Caroll H. Neubauer opened the meeting by welcoming the 80 guests, including current board members, as well as Dr. Martin Wansleben, CEO of the DIHK.

Neubauer thanked those in attendance for their steadfast support of the GACC NY and encouraged them to remain active participants in the organization. He reminded everyone that engaging in GACC initiatives goes a long way in helping the greater German American business community succeed in the US. He acknowledged how much he enjoyed his long tenure serving as AHK and GACC NY chairman, and that he looks forward to remaining an active board member.

GACC NY President & CEO Dietmar Rieg thanked Carol Neubauer for his many years of dedicated service to the AHK. He then showcased the more than 170 forums, delegations and networking events organized by the GACC NY last year, all of which proved popular to sold out crowds.

Attendees viewed a brief video highlighting 125 years of the AHK, followed by a presentation on the GACC NY financial report which reinforced that the organization remains on solid fiscal ground.

Dr. Martin Wansleben traveled from DIHK headquarters in Berlin to participate in several GACC-related meetings and events in the US. At the annual meeting, he provided a spirited talk on how the nations of the world need to avoid looking at each other merely as foreign markets, and instead embrace the notion of being good neighbors seeking the best for each other.

"Our AHK mission should be building bridges, creating neighborhoods, creating opportunities to talk with each other, not talk about each other...creating friendships and collaboration," Wansleben said.
GACC NY Elects Andreas Fibig as Chairman of Board
The Board of Directors of the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. New York (GACC NY) today announced that it has unanimously elected Andreas Fibig as its new Chairman. Fibig is Chairman & CEO of International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc (IFF) a global leader in taste, scent and nutrition.  

Fibig joined the IFF board in 2011 and has been the Chief Executive Officer since September 2014 and Chairman since December 2014. Previously, he served as President and Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, the pharmaceutical division of Bayer AG. Prior to that, he held a number of positions at Pfizer, Inc. The positions at pharmaceutical companies provided him with extensive international business, product development and strategic planning experience.

“I am extremely honored that our board has elected me as chairman,” said Fibig. “I look forward to guiding the GACC NY to future successes in building and maintaining those valuable connections that support transatlantic business.”

Read full press release here.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Visits GACC NY to Discuss Apprenticeship Strategy
On May 10, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (pictured above in center) visited the New York office of the GACC, where he met with a panel of GACC NY executives, member companies and Consul General David Gill to discuss the German model of apprenticeship.

He expressed his appreciation for the ongoing commitment to a strong partnership between Germany and New Jersey on workforce training and economic development. As the state with the densest population in the US, New Jersey is home to a very diverse economy with great potential for growth, as McKinsey pointed out in their 2017 study, Reseeding the Garden State’s Economic Growth

Governor Murphy cited that study among the research that influenced his strategies for the state. In addition to exciting developments in research and development, such as the new Artificial Intelligence Lab partnership between Google and Princeton University, the Governor recognizes the urgent need to address the growing gap in middle-skills technical jobs.

The GACC is moving forward on supporting this major workforce challenge with German-style apprenticeships. These structured programs combine associate degrees with on-the-job training into a debt-free education and job placement program for career-starters in technical jobs. The GACC ensures the quality of these programs by training skilled workers to become mentors through its intensive Train the Trainer seminar.

The first Train the Trainer seminar in New Jersey is currently accepting registrations and will take place from July 23 to 26. More information and registration is available online here .

The inaugural class of GACC New Jersey apprentices will begin their programs in fall of 2019.  
GACC NY & Members Celebrate at Asparagus Gala
Outgoing GACC Chairman Caroll Neubauer Honored
The GACC NY continued its popular tradition of celebrating German asparagus ( spargel ) season at the annual White Asparagus Dinner Gala on May 9. More than 300 GACC NY members, including top-level representatives of German and US firms (along with their guests) mixed and mingled at this crowd-pleasing event which kicked off at Tribeca Rooftop with a cocktail reception.
This year’s event featured special recognition of Caroll H. Neubauer, a highly respected and well-liked GACC board member, who for the last 13 years has served at one point as GACC NY chairman and chairman of all the German American Chambers of Commerce (AHKs).   

Many of our guests traveled far and wide to honor Caroll and celebrate with him at the asparagus dinner. Among those in attendance were AHK CEOs and presidents -past and present - Dr. Benno Bunse, Werner Walbröl and Martin H. Richenhagen. Dr. Martin Wansleben, CEO of the DIHK was also on hand to engage with our members.
 
Included among the gifts presented to Caroll that evening was a charming sketch of him signed by GACC NY board members.

Read more here .
New England - Germany Energy Transition Forum
The GACC NY was a major organizer of the New England-Germany Energy Transition Forum this week at Harvard Law School , courtesy of the Environmental and Energy Law Program .

Hosted by the  Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)  in partnership with the  German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy ( BMWi ) ,the forum was an opportunity for officials from government, industry and academia to discuss shared energy challenges, pursue urgent action on climate change mitigation, integrate lessons learned in Germany and New England and incorporate best practices.

Industry leaders from both countries discussed recent developments and challenges in energy transition, including the rapid increase of renewables, power sector decarbonisation, heating sector innovation, clean transportation and offshore wind.

Kathleen Theoharides, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Massachusetts and Nicole Menzenbach, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Boston (both pictured above) delivered opening remarks.

Thorsten Herdan, Director General at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (pictured at podium) and Ari Peskoe, Director Electricity Law Initiative at Harvard Law School provided introductory keynotes.

Read full text here .  
Automotive & Mobility Forum Showcases Technologies Shaping the Future of Cities
The GACC NY's recent Automotive & Mobility forum provided valuable insights on autonomous driving, connected vehicles, pedestrian behavior and the latest trends and technology development in the transportation sector.

Keynote speaker Gary Silberg ,Partner & National Automotive Leader, KPMG LLP, shared updates on autonomous driving, islands of autonomy and how last mile deliveries will change our city image.

Special thanks to our panelists for presenting our audience with their expert perspectives! Henry L. Greenidge, Esq . , Sid Misra , Achim Buecklers and Roberto Rossetti.

The event was held at the midtown Manhattan offices of KPMG.
GACC NY Welcomes Business Students from Osnabrück, Germany
On May 7 and 8, the GACC NY welcomed 28 students from the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Osnabrück) to New York. The group took part in an in-depth program, which gave them first-hand experience in the fast-paced world of international business. 

GACC NY President & CEO Dietmar Rieg explained to the students what the German American Chambers of Commerce roles are in supporting transatlantic commerce. He also provided important insights on the financial industry.

A major part of the students' trip included a visit to Trumpf facilities in Farmington, CT, where they experienced an advanced manufacturing environment. Trumpf introduced them to many highly technical processes including laser cutting, precision bending and metal punching. Osnabrück University Professor Patric Bachert noted that the Trumpf tour provided the students with valuable insight and proved to be a highlight of their trip. 
Eastern Millwork Enters Partnership to Develop Joint Apprenticeship Program
GACC NY member Eastern Millwork (EMI) has forged a partnership with Hudson County Community College (HCCC) and Pittsburgh State University (PSU ) to develop and implement a joint apprenticeship program.

GACC NY CEO & President Dietmar Rieg attended a May 15 ceremony at EMI's Jersey City, NJ facility to mark the launch of the partnership. NJ Governor Phil Murphy (pictured), David Gill, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop were also key participants at the event.

EMI's five-year, dual-education program kicks off this July. Apprentices will have a starting salary of $24,000 and earn up to $70,000 after the fifth year.

Read more here
Roto Frank of America Marks 40th Anniversary
The GACC NY congratulates our member Roto North America on the company's 40th anniversary!

On Tuesday, May 7, 2019, Roto Frank of America, Inc. celebrated their 40th Anniversary in Connecticut with a celebratory luncheon that included the Lt. Governor of CT Susan Bysiewicz, State Senator Norm Needleman, Chester’s First Selectwoman Lauren Gister, the President & CEO of the German American Chamber of Commerce New York Dietmar Rieg, Middlesex Chamber of Commerce President Larry McHugh and Vice President Jeff Pugliese, and CT Invention Convention President Dr. Demetrios Giannaros.

They also welcomed representatives from US Senator Chris Murphy, US Congressman Joe Courtney, and State Representative Christine Palm’s offices as well as many other dignitaries and invited guests.

Click here for more details
Taste of Germany Roadshow in July 2019
Germany and the US are united by deep historical ties, shared values and bold visions for the future. The Wunderbar Together initiative celebrates the transatlantic partnership through dialogue, experiences and promotional events all year round, knowing that the United States and Germany are stronger together, as friends and partners.

As part of the Wunderbar Together campaign, the culinary roadshow titled “A Taste of Germany” will present German foods and beverages to a US audience July 22-26, 2019 . The five-day roadshow across the Northeastern US is making stops in Bethlehem (PA), Pittsburgh (PA), Buffalo (NY), Rochester (NY) and Albany (NY).
The tasting events aim to connect US and German culture through traditional as well as innovative German foods and beverages. Moreover, the project will foster business relationships between German and US counterparts through networking sessions, workshops and expert presentations.
If you are looking to contribute to this event, please contact us for details at consulting@gaccny.com . We welcome German businesses of the food&beverage industry as well as related organizations and cultural institutions.
GACC NY Runs for American Heart Association
Congrats to our GACCNY team of staff and interns who participated in this year's American Heart Association Wall Street Run & Heart Walk fundraiser. 

The 3-mile dash snaked through downtown Manhattan, with a goal of raising $3.5 million in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Taking part in this worthwhile cause has become a longstanding tradition at the GACC NY.

The AHA's goal is to fight heart disease and stroke.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Upcoming Events
Moving Forward Conference
Thursday, May 30
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (NYC)


E.D.D.I Chatbot Hackathon
Friday, May 31
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (NYC)


German American Business Forum
Tuesday, June 4
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
(Potsdam, Germany)


Berlin: STEP USA Alumni Pitch Night
Wednesday, June 5
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Berlin)


What is Implicit Bias and How Can It Impact Your Hiring?
Monday, June 10
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (NYC )


Additional Upcoming Events


Job Market
The GACC NY supports companies in recruiting skilled personnel as well as applicants in finding permanent employment or internships in the US through posted job advertisements.

The GACC NY is currently looking for: 
  • 6-12 moth Internship in Business Nework & Events
  • 12-18 month Trainee in Business Network & Events

Our clients are looking to fill the following positions:
  • Communications and Marketing Manager at the GACC West
  • 12-month Internship with Bavarian US Offices for Economic Development
  • 3-month Internship at Germany Trade & Invest
 
Details on these listings can be found at  www.gacctalentnetwork.com .
 
GACC NY is also an official sponsor for J-1 visas in the categories of "Intern" and "Trainees" and can help you in obtaining your J-1 visa. Please contact us at  visa@gaccny.com  and visit our website at  www.go-j1.com .
Trade Fairs
Laser World of Photonics is approaching in less than 2 months, taking place from June 24-27, 2019 in Munich , Germany . The world’s largest photonics trade show, will have 1,290 exhibitors showcasing their products to more than 32,700 international visitors. We will once again have a USA Pavilion in Hall B2 – take advantage of this opportunity.
Perhaps you’re interested in our other Laser Shows around the world? Laser World of Photonics will take place from October 17-19, 2019 in Mumbai, India and from March 18-20, 2020 in Shanghai, China. 

Save time and purchase your tickets online now, or contact Karen Vogelsang. 
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CONTACT

James Freeman T: +1 (212) 974-8855 | F: +1 (212) 974-8867 | E:  jfreeman@gaccny .com