Newsletter
August/Septmeber 2018
Greetings from the President
In Memory of Walter Loy

Change is unavoidable. Change is good. A business that does not constantly reinvent itself is doomed. That is particularly true for chambers of commerce, including the GABC. 

The GABC has embraced change, and seeks out new initiatives and ideas daily. New Members, with new member profiles. A new board. A new webpage… And then we are reminded most charringly that change – while necessary – also means loss. 

In the last eight months, the GABC has lost two of its founding members – first Tom Baur in December 2017, and more recently Walt Loy, who passed away in North Carolina on June 25, 2018. They left behind gaping holes in our organization, holes we will struggle to fill for years. 

Both were mentors to me. Walter showed me how to behave on a board, how to lead a board, how to conduct business, all invaluable lessons. Please read the tribute to Walt in this newsletter. More importantly, read Walt Loy’s memoirs, penned by the maestro himself a few years back. We are linking them on our newsletter. Send the link to everyone who knew Walt, but did not know the life story of this remarkable man. They will thank you. 

As you read this newsletter – the first ever Walt Loy is not reading himself - marvel for a moment at what Walter and Tom have done for this organization, and how far we have come. Consider how all the new members, and new activities, exist only because of the founders’ vision and energy. Realize that none of our initiatives would take place if Walt and Tom had not lead us to where we are. So let’s embrace change, but let’s also remember those who came before us and encouraged us to go new ways. Let’s dedicate this issue to Walt Loy and Tom Baur.
Walter Loy: An Honorary GABC Founder

Walter Loy, Mentor, Friend, and Leader
The German American American Business Chamber had the good fortune of Walter Loy’s leadership in the prime of his presence. When the organization was founded by Walt and others in 1988, he had already served on the Board of the Intercontinental Group, had opened countless new markets for PanAmerican Airways, had served in the Philippines under General McArthur, had formed a beautiful family, and had relocated from Germany to Italy to Switzerland to the United States and beyond in search of his destiny. He once told me he had lived in 54 countries, but I am sure there were many more. 

So when the German Business Community sought direction and leadership in the 1980s, Walter volunteered, as he had done so many times before. Within a short time, he helped build the organization from a small Wirtschaftszirkel, to the German American Trade Council and later, as President, to the German American Business Chamber – affiliated with chapters in Orlando, Tampa and Naples. All along, the members of the GABC had the privilege of observing Walt in action and of learning from him. 

Walter was unusually generous with constructing criticism. He had the uncanny ability to nudge his friends with fatherly advice, mostly dispensed by way of the Socratic method: “did you ever consider….” Dozens of us became Walter-groupies, and he became a mentor to all of us, near and far. Many a telephone call with Walter began with “I have just spoken to soandso in the Aland Islands, and he ….” or: “we are on our way to my son Peter in Holland…” all when Walt was well into his 90s. 

But the best were Walter’s incomparable stories from his years at PanAm, which gave us a taste of what we all could hope to experience some day in our professional lives. Among my favorite stories relayed to me by Walt was the time when he fought fire with fire, as the competing American Airlines had installed a piano bar on the upper deck of its jumbo jets servicing the crucial Puerto Rico market. Walter responded by placing Mariachi bands in Pan Am’s jumbos, but he quickly discovered that the dry, thin air made it almost impossible for even the most boisterous Mariacho to sustain a tune for longer than 30 minutes. So, Walter placed backup singers in the planes, at great expense to PanAm, but with great success: Within a few days, his counterpart at American Airlines called him to surrender his sword: “If you withdraw the Mariachi, we will take out the piano bar,” Walter told the story. And so, the equilibrium in the industry was restored by Walter with a twinkle in his eye and nary a sour note. That was his style. 
With Walter’s passing on June 25, 2018, all members and friends of the GABC are charged to continue Walt’s legacy: build bridges, embrace multi-nationalism and diplomacy, approach strangers and include them in your group, solve issues with class, all traits in short supply today. I know for a fact that Walt will participate in all GABC activities in the future—if no longer via Skype from North Carolina, then via resonance of his style in all of those he touched. The GABC is one of Walter’s legacies, and all our lives are better for having experienced him.
 
To read Walter’s Memoirs, “The Past Was Only Yesterday,” please click the image below to open the link to know how he met Lindbergh and how he barely escaped Turkey after his TV started a house-fire. You will learn so much more of his sons, of his relationship and rock-in-life, Kathy, of his milestones and his adventures. Do yourself a favor and read what it means to live a life to its fullest.



Click on the image below to access the Memoirs
MODERN TALKING






Meet & Greet with Thomas Anders

Dear GABC Family and Friends,

Our member Sogol Afsharjavan will have the ‘’Meet & Greet’’ event in which fans can spend some time with Thomas Anders -the singer from Modern Talking- previous to their concert on August 14th.
Please note that this event is separate to the concert and therefore it requires the purchase of a different ticket.

Dear GABC friends, in anticipation of the exciting, upcoming Thomas Anders concert, on August 14th, 2018, I would like to share with you that I will be proudly hosting a very intimate "Meet & Greet" event at my new Lifestyle Concept House "Platform 410" located at  410 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach FL 33139  on August 14th at 6:00 PM.  
In 1986, I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas Anders in our hometown, Koblenz and now I am happy to welcome him in our tropical Paradise Miami.
This special gathering is limited to a total of 40 fans, who would like to take a picture with Thomas along with his autograph as well as receiving a copy of his "Strong Thomas Anders" album. Our guests will enjoy Champagne and light appetizers along with some memorable Modern Talking tunes.
Please visit the link for purchasing your Meet & Greet tickets: 
http://www.itsmyseat.com/tamiami/Tickets.html
Looking forward to seeing many of you!
~Sogol
One click away
Stay Connected with the GABC

Dear GABC members and friends, 
We are excited to announce we are increasing our presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. We will come back with more stories and events for your joy! We would love to connect with you and get your feedback.






Our Member Christel Silver Marks An Extraordinary Real Estate Debut
r Wellaway

Information from our Member Wellaway


Welcome Our New Corporate Members!

















Joel Mendez
Joel Mendez has served as the Finance Manager of Beurer North America for the past 6 years. Joel was born in Zulia, Venezuela where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Taxation. Upon graduation he moved to the US, and attended Nova Southeastern University where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Accounting. Joel has made South Florida his principle residence for the last 8 years, and enjoys spending time with his family and keeping up to date with all the latest technological innovations.


Joel Mendez
900 N. Federal Hwy, Suite 300
Miami, FL 33130
954-362-9493
joel@beurer.com


Britta Dittrich
Britta Dittrich hails from Ulm, Germany where she graduated from the University of Applied Science in Neu-Ulm with a degree in Product Management. Britta is the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Beurer North America. She’s made Aventura, Florida her home since 2012 and enjoys swimming, biking, and exploring the local South Florida scene.


About us  
Beurer North America is a subsidiary of Beurer (founded in Ulm, Germany in 1919). In 2010 our doors opened in Hallandale Beach, FL where we are currently based. 
We are an innovative product solution- based company, transforming the health and beauty sector by combining modern technology with German engineering. The complete Beurer product line encompasses 500 different items which have already been proven successful in the European market. Beurer North America successfully launched nearly 100 of these products in the North America market, with distribution throughout the US and Canadian markets.
 

Website: www.Beurer.com
Curaleaf is one of the state’s leading medical marijuana providers. Our team is comprised of board-certified physicians, licensed pharmacists, experienced horticultural experts and business visionaries who share a passion for making this life-changing treatment available and accessible to all, so that suffering patients can find true relief. 

As we develop new product options, Curaleaf FL will continue to passionately advocate, creating awareness of medical marijuana and increasing access for the patients who can benefit from it. Physicians and patients who want to drive progress are invited to join the medical marijuana movement.
Curaleaf offers patients relief through a range of all-natural medical marijuana products, including low-THC, high-CBD cannabis and full-strength medical marijuana.

Led by a team of physicians, pharmacists, and medical experts, Curaleaf FL develops safe, effective, and innovative medical marijuana products.
We have 50+ years of horticultural expertise through our family-owned, third-generation farm. Curaleaf also uses the industry’s most medically precise and technologically advanced production techniques, because transparency from seed to sale results in exceptional quality that patients and doctors can trust.


Yvette Bustamante  |  Physician Outreach Liaison
cell: 915.355.4406 
toll free: 877-303-0741

Alexandra Gerdets
cell: 786.886.7397
agerdets@curaleaf.com

Welcome Our New Individual Members!

Maria Fontana Smith

Background: I was born in Vina del Mar, Chile. I graduated from the University of Chile with a degree in Political Science. After graduation I worked as an Officer at the Senate in my country. In 1968, I came to the US and since then I have resided in Boston, New Haven, and Miami. In l980, I got a Master's degree in Spanish Literature from the University of Miami. 

My principal residence has been Miami for the past 25 years, but I also maintain a residence in Santiago, Chile. I developed an interest in art early in life but did not pursue this until later. I have also worked as a Spanish Instructor in Institutes and Colleges in Boston and at Exxon International in Miami. At the present time, I am devoted to art and I am totally immersed in sculptures and Watercolors which I will be presenting in September at the First National Bank of South Miami.
Francisco Becerra

Francisco Becerra is CEO of Corner Finance, llc, which helps business owners find capital for commercial opportunities.Corner Finance provides crucial support so that they don't waste time away from their core business when there is a need to raise money to fund business growth.  

F RANCISCO   B ECERRA    CEO
   +1-786-294-4950
  francisco@cornerfinance.com
    Skype: franciscobecerramiami
Marco Nowak

Marco graduated from the University of Liverpool with a Masters in Business Administration. He currently works in the automotive supplier industry and specializes in sourcing & supply chain management. He lives in Miami and devotes much of his time to his family and traveling.
Welcome Our New Student Members!
Flavio Iraola Suck

flavio.suck@gmx.de
+1 (305) 399-2181


Darren Calderon

darren11@hotmail.de
+491778487072










Sara Ochoa Restrepo

saraochoar@gmail.com
786-818-7423



Increase Your Visibility in the German Community by Placing an Add on Our Newsletter

Business Card Ad By: LifeCann
LifeCann, Medical Cannabis Evaluation and Education






LifeCann, Medical Cannabis
1-833-LIFECAN (1-833-543-3226)








THE PETER LONDON DANCE COMPANY, INC
Presents
CONTEMPORARY DANCE HEAT WAVE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2018

Choreography by
Peter London, Artistic Director & Choreographer

with Guest Choreographers
Justin Rapaport, Ballet BC - Vancouver, Canada
Jacqueline Bulnes, Jose Limon Dance Company - New York, NY
Melissa Fernandez, Ballet Hispanico - New York, NY

7:00 PM Performance
8:00 PM Mix & Mingle
Refreshments & Light Hors d'oeuvres

285 Aragon Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Coral Gables Museum
$10 Admission
Our Upcoming Events!




GABC Monthly
Stammtisch

Wednesday, August 8th

Come and join us at our monthly Stammtisch at Vapiano in Doral every 2nd Wednesday of the month, from 6 - 8 pm.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 

Vapiano Doral
3450 Northwest 83rd Avenue Suite 216
Doral, FL 33122







Meet our Experts

Tuesday, August 28th

Gather expert opinion on how to improve your business

Members: $20
Non-Members: $25

8:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Offices of Kelley Kronenberg, 
1111 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1900 Miami, 
FL 33131

More Information TBA
GABC Business Luncheon with Michael 
Finney, President & CEO of the Miami-
Dade Beacon Council 

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

11:30 AM- 2:00 PM

Offices of Kelley Kronenberg, 
1111 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1900 Miami, 
FL 33131









European Business Networking Event 

Thursday, September 13, 2018

6:00 PM -8:00 PM 
GABC Monthly
Stammtisch

Wednesday, October 10th

Come and join us at our monthly Stammtisch at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, Coral Gables every 2nd Wednesday of the month, from 6 - 8 pm.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 

Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Meet and Greet at Alton Bay Sales Center

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

6:00 PM - 8:00PM 
GABC Monthly
Stammtisch

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Come and join us at our monthly Stammtisch at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, Coral Gables every 2nd Wednesday of the month, from 6 - 8 pm.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 

Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134
EU Seminar Business & Networking

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

5:30PM -8:00 PM 
Mark Your Calenders






















Career Opportunities
The GABC offers job postings and internship assistance.

Companies and employers can publish their vacancies on our Facebook page, as well as in our upcoming newsletters.

For more information please contact the GABC by email: miami@gabc.us or telephone 305-371-4282.
Prices:
Members: free
Job Seekers - $50 per post
Companies and Employers - $100 per post

GABC is currently looking for new interns. The internship at the GABC office in Miami is an opportunity to learn about the German business in Miami and contribute to the daily activities of the GABC and to plan and develop events and new strategies.

Publish Your Advertisement in our Newsletter
If you are interested in publishing an advertising in the next GABC newsletter, please contact us at miami@gabc.us or call us at 305-371-4282.

FOR GABC MEMBERS:

Price per section is:

$ 75 for business card size (approx. 5x9 cm / 2x3.5 inch)

$ 125 for third page ad (approx. 10x18 cm / 4x7 inch)

$ 135 for half page ad (approx. 14x21 cm / 5.5x8 inch)

$ 175 for 1 full page ad


Run ad for 2 Newsletters – receive 10% discount on second ads

Run ad for 3 Newsletters – receive 15% discount on second and third ads 
FOR NON-MEMBERS:

Price per section is:

$ 125 for business card size (approx. 5x9 cm / 2x3.5 inch)

$ 150 for third page ad (approx. 10x18 cm / 4x7 inch)

$ 175 for half page ad (approx. 14x21 cm / 5.5x8 inch)

$ 215 for 1 full page ad


Run ad for 2 Newsletters – receive 10% discount on second ad

Run ad for 3 Newsletters – receive 15% discount on second and third ad 

Board of Directors 2018
Claudio Riedi
President

Lehtinen Schultz, PLLC
Attorney at Law
Lydia Harley
Vice- President

Kelley Kroneberg
Attorney at Law
Timo A. Becker, J.D.
Treasurer

Baur, Klein & Becker
 Attorney at Law
Alexandra C. Peters
Secretary

Senior Global Real Estate Advisor 
ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Dr. Volker Anding
Director

Ambassador (ret.)
International Consultant
Monika Böhm-Fandiño
Director Marketing + PR

Viva Action
TV Productions, Print, PR
Alexander Evans
Director

Certified Public Accountant
Nickel Goeseke
Director

Realtor
Svenja Hammerstein
Director

Real Estate Agent
Carsten Jacobi
Director

Navigo Corp., Managing Director
Peter Jacobs
Director

Company Representative
Miriam Moser
Director

Marketing Director VAPIANO US
Christian Riehl
Director

TV Productions
Michael Seraphin
Director

Max Fields
Managing Director
Michael Claus

Founding Member of the GABC President Emeritus and Honorary Director of the Board
Walter Loy

Founding Member of the GABC President Emeritus and Honorary Director of the Board
German American Chamber of Commerce
The Beacon Council
German International Parents Association
German American Social Club
Join the GABC Family
Past Events
with: Board Members Miriam Moser & Timo Becker at Vapiano
Vapiano Doral Stammtisch, June 13
Our GABC members and friends at the spectacular Vapiano new restaurant in Doral.

Wine & Cheese Wednesday, June 27 Fort Lauderdale
Enjoying the beautiful view with our members and friends in Ocean Residences at the Conrad Hotel.
with: Monika Boehm-Fandino, Ina Kranjcevic, Nicole Jara, Lydia Harley
Breakfast Seminar Medical Marijuana, August 1st
The Offices of Kelly Kronenburg and LifeCann hosted a Breakfast Seminar on Medical Marijuana. With medical experts and attorney expertise panel open discussion, the event offered guests a thorough explanation on the benefits of Medical Marijuana and explained the process qualified medical Marijauana patents experience.

We would like to give special thanks to our hosts and presenters Kelley Kronenberg,  LifeCann Medical Cannabis , Dr. Fernando Fandiño-Sende MD, Seth Hyman, and Angelo Filippi.
GABC Stammtisch at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, May 9th 2018
Thank you to our guests for joining our monthly Stammtisch at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus.
European Business Networking Cocktail, June 7th 2018
Great to see all our members and friends in this fantastic European networking opportunity featuring five great chambers: British, French, German, Italian, Spanish.
The GABC is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization founded by local business men and women in Miami. For over 30 years, the organization has promoted business and trade between Germany and the US, particularly in South Florida. The objective of the GABC is to support commercial and personal relations between its members and to promote economic, social and cultural relations between the USA and Germany.

The GABC promotes communication between companies, individuals, organizations and associations that share the same interests.
GABC Team
Monika Böhm-Fandiño

Director PR + Marketing
Sara Ochoa Restrepo

Intern
Nicole Jara

Intern
German American Business Chamber of South Florida
100 N Biscayne Blvd | Suite 2100 | Miami, FL 33132