AGP 23rd Annual Celebration Dinner in Birmingham |
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We are excited to announce that registration is OPEN for AGP's 23rd Annual Celebration Dinner:
Thursday, June 17, 2021
5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Region's Field in Birmingham
Plan to join us for AGP's biggest event of the year that brings German and American leaders from industrial, cultural, educational, and governmental sectors together to celebrate Alabama-Germany Friendship. Please be assured that we will be adhering to the social distancing guidelines that will be in effect at the time at the event.
Learn more about the different sponsorship opportunities that ensure maximum impact for our participating sponsors while offering key support for AGP’s mission.
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AGP German Business Committee |
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The AGP German Business Committee will meet:
Thursday, May 13, 2021
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Via Zoom Conference
They will be joined by several guests on the call:
Catherine Malone, Director, Skills Initiative, German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) South. She will talk about GACC's commitment to training companies towards German-style apprenticeship training and certification.
Steve Colburn, Organizational Development Specialist /Student Training Program Administrator, MBUSI. He will share about MBUSI's working with GACC to set up their apprenticeship program.
Dr. Wolfgang Kneer, AGP German Business Committee Chair will also share how he plans to start an apprenticeship program at their new Alberta Technology Center in Tuscaloosa.
Michael Pinto, HR Manager, Brose Tuscaloosa will talk about their experience creating an apprentice program with GACC South and the local Community College
This committee is reserved for leaders of German companies in Alabama. It represents diverse industries and sectors, including manufacturing and services. The committee offers round-table style advice, support, and insight into best practices drawn from their own relevant experiences and provides a platform for its members to share experiences as well as potential networking opportunities.
If you are a leader in a German company based in Alabama and would like to attend the meeting, please email director@alabamagermany.org.
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AGP Young Professionals (age 21 to 39) first in-person event this year:
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST
Carrigan's Beer Garden, Birmingham
Join them for an outdoor social hour at the beer garden. This is their first meetup of the year. Come on out to network and re-connect. Social distancing guidelines will be followed that are in effect at the time of the event.
The Young Professionals group is under the AlabamaGermany Partnership umbrella. Its members are interns, co-op, or employees of either an Alabama-Germany company or institution. The age requirement is 21 to 39. This also includes college students, grad students studying the German language, international business, science, and engineering. The group will promote international education, individual career development, and the promotion of Alabama-German companies and workforce development. For any questions you might have about this group please contact our office.
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The last year has been challenging for everyone, and we know you have missed our in-person events. Please join us for the first in-person Stammtisch this year:
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Carrigan's Beer Garden, Birmingham
What does "Stammtisch" mean? A Stammtisch is an informal group meeting held on a regular basis, and also the usually large table around which the group meets. A Stammtisch is not a structured meeting, but rather a friendly and casual get-together.
We will be adhering to the social distancing guidelines that will be in effect at the time of the event.
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Dankeschön to our PATRON Members: |
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2020 New and Expanding Industry Report |
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The 2020 New and Expanding Industry Report, released by the Alabama Department of Commerce, shows that Foreign Direct Investment continues to flow into Alabama.
Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, economic development activity across Alabama in 2020 generated close to $5 billion in new capital investment and almost 10,000 job commitments, Governor Kay Ivey announced last month.
Germany is still going strong with $193,174,810 in investments in Alabama and the creation of 670 new jobs. Companies from 13 different countries announced plans to invest a combined $2.7 billion in Alabama during 2020, resulting in the creation of 2,700 jobs.
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SMP Automotive Systems Alabama plans to build a third facility |
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By Birmingham Business Journal |
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A supplier to Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc. is adding another facility in Alabama.
SMP Automotive Systems Alabama plans to build a third facility in Tuscaloosa County. The $4.195 million facility will house 112 employees, including at least four new hires. A number of employees will be transferred from its 700,000-square-foot first facility.
The facility will be in Cedar Cove Technology Park.
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Job Opportunities at German Companies in Alabama |
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Did you know you can find great job opportunities at German companies represented in Alabama on our website?
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If you are a German living abroad you may still be eligible to vote, but to do so you have to register to receive the absentee ballot.
Only persons listed in a voters’ register may vote. Germans staying abroad who do not have a registered domicile in Germany are called German expatriates. They are not automatically entered into a voters’ register. If German expatriates wish to participate in Bundestag elections, they have to submit a written application for entry into the voters’ register before each election.
The application for entry into the voters’ register must have been received by the municipality in charge on the 21st day before the election at the latest. This period cannot be extended.
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Oktoberfest in Munich Unlikely To Take Place This Year |
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The spokesman for Oktoberfest, Peter Inselkammer, estimated the chances at “fifty-fifty” at the beginning of April. But according to Munich’s mayor Dieter Reiter, the cancellation of the Oktoberfest, this year is looking increasingly likely.
Last year, Reiter assumed without a doubt that Oktoberfest would be back in 2021, the Social Democratic (SPD) politician told the Bild newspaper.
But now “the hope is getting weaker from week to week if I am honest,” Reiter said.
In 2020 Oktoberfest was canceled because of the coronavirus crisis and a ban on large events. But in 2021, many were hopeful that the beer would be flowing again during the three-week festival, which starts each year in mid-September.
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Dankeschön to our SUSTAINING Members: |
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By Tuscaloosa Sister Cities International
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In Germany, the Maypole (or Maibaum) is a tradition going back to the 16th century. May 1 is Maypole Day, a day for local folklore enthusiasts to dress in their finest costumes, and to gather villagers together to celebrate this important annual occasion. Each Maypole is uniquely decorated with ribbons, wreaths, and signs denoting local craftsmen's guilds.
The cherished tradition of the Maypole dance is a symbol of spring's reawakening. Although this year’s Maypole celebration in Schorndorf may be postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions, the beauty and pageantry of this wonderful tradition are “woven” into the hearts of many!
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Alabama’s Natural Wonders Hit You with Their Best Shot
Chances are, you have probably belted out “Sweet Home Alabama” at least once in your life, so you already know that the state's skies are so blue. But the classic song fails to mention natural wonders like Alabama's mountains, waterfalls, and caves, which are equally as stunning.
To prove that point, TravelZoo sent Kentucky-based travel influencer and photographer Tyler Glass (@tylerwayneglass) on a three-day trip around the northern part of the state to survey these sights.
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2021 AGP Membership Renewal are Open
Thank you for your support as an AlabamaGermany Partnership (AGP) member in 2020! It is so appreciated especially in times like this.
This past year may have thrown us a few curveballs that have affected many of us. It has been unsettling times, to say the least, but we’re still proud of everything we were able to accomplish.
Membership renewals have been sent out and we hope you will renew your membership or become a new member TODAY! Your support will help us deliver new programming and support our ability to connect businesses, organizations, governments, and individuals. Didn’t get your renewal? Email us at director@alabamagermany.org or use the link below to renew.
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We are looking forward to a better 2021 with y’all!
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COVID-19 RELATED NEWS AND RESOURCES |
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NEWS:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions are in place for entry into Germany from a large number of countries. Those entering Germany from risk areas must complete a digital entry registration form, be tested for coronavirus, and, depending on the regulations of the Land in question, self-isolate. Please check for restrictions and registration here.
Key Information for Travelers to Germany from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Visit CDC Website.
RESOURCES
We have collected a list of resources that can provide information and assistance during these challenging times. You can find them on our website under Helpful Resources.
AlabamaGermany Partnership:
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AlabamaGermany Partnership 1900 International Parkway Drive, Suite 105
Birmingham, AL 35245 www.AlabamaGermany.org
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