Dear members, partners & friends,
President Trump's Executive Order on Immigration may be mostly a political stunt, but if you are wondering -- as are we -- what's really behind it, tune in for an
immigration update and Q&A this coming Thursday! Also, this Wednesday, our
EU-US talk on trade negotiations takes place, and if any of this leaves you craving a glass (or two) of wine, sign-up for our
virtual wine tasting (please register soon so delivery can be guaranteed).
We are delighted to share a
behind-the-scenes look at business and morale in times of Covid-19 in an exclusive GABC interview with John Tesoro, CEO of TÜV SÜD Americas Inc.: please read!
And on a lighter (and much softer) note:
Steiff, the maker of the iconic German plush toys and collectibles, is offering a
discount code exclusively to the wider GABC community for a limited time.
As always, if you have news to
share for us, please reach out.
Stay healthy.
Emily Westhoven
Executive Director
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This poll will close on April 30 at noon. We will publish the results in the next newsletter.
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Results from last week's poll:
Is the company or organization you are currently working for experiencing supply chain delays or disruptions?
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Interview with John Tesoro, President & CEO of TÜV SÜD Americas, Inc.
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John Tesoro sat down to share insights into business in times of Covid-19 with the GABC. Below are excerpts from the interview.
Read the full text
here
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How has the Covid-19 pandemic impacted TÜV SÜD America’s business operations?
We took this COVID-19 epidemic as an opportunity to showcase and live our values. So, we focused on the safety of our people first and foremost, along with ensuring the safety of our customers. As an essential business, we stayed open and operational, yet had to be agile and innovate fast, ensuring we were providing a safe and secure environment for our people in the labs and in the field. We have been at the forefront of taking precautionary measures. As early as January 30, 2020, we started posting in our offices procedures for those that had traveled to other affected parts of the world. As early as March 12, 2020, we enabled work from home for those employees whose roles made it possible and we created staggered shifts in our labs to reduce the number of employees present in each space at the same time, and enforced social distancing mandates.
As a global company with headquarters in Munich, how do you align each country’s different strategies to combat the pandemic?
We are very grateful to our global leadership for all the safety- and people-first communications and guidelines, and the inspiration that they have provided. Prof. Axel Stepken (Chairman of the Board) shared a very personal video showing himself working from home, and sharing words of encouragement with all employees. We have stayed very connected globally, and have gleaned insights from our counterparts all over the world. We even have an ad hoc COVID-19-focused global newsletter that is sharing best practices from all over the world, enabling other locations to learn from those experiences.
How do you keep staff morale up?
We have made a concerted effort to keep the human connection that so animates our business alive. We have instituted weekly Town Hall meetings where we have also shared Hero Stories – examples of our employees who have gone above and beyond helping their communities, innovating, finding alternative solutions. We have instituted “Connect-Up Meet-Up” calls on Fridays where employees have explored ways of coping, shared strategies for being effective working from home, spoken about innovations they would propose, and the like. In fact, these Meet-Ups have enabled people who might not have necessarily crossed paths to meet and share experiences. I have increased my email communications to all employees in the Americas. These days, more than ever, I am personally reaching out to employees, often making unscheduled calls trying to pleasantly surprise them, showing how much I personally care, showing concern for their well-being, and seeking their opinion on what else we can do better.
Any personal tip for working through this pandemic?
Make the most of the situation, and take a positive “glass-is-full” approach. Humor certainly helps. By now everyone knows of my haircut aspirations and adventures, and how badly I miss seeing my favorite sports teams play.
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Have EU-US Trade Talks Stalled During The Pandemic?
Before the coronavirus burst onto the global scene, there was an expectation that the U.S. had an interest in finalizing at least a “mini” EU-US trade deal before the November elections.
Join us for an assessment of the state of U.S.-Europe trade negotiations as well as other political and economic observations with Washington insider and Founder of DC / Berlin Consulting, Andrew Adair who is currently based in Berlin. This conversation will be facilitated by GABC board member Leslie Griffin, Principal at Allinea LLC.
Submit questions
for panelists before event
here
.
Date
:
Wednesday, April 29
Time
: 11AM to 11:45AM ET -- via ZOOM
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Update regarding the Executive Order
Recent implementation of immigration restrictions in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the newly signed Executive Order as well as reduced U.S. consular services abroad have put the international community here on alert: Who can still travel to the U.S., what visa applications will be considered, who is affected by the Executive Order?
Join us for a Q&A with
Doug Hauer of Mintz and
Elizabeth Goss of Goss Immigration who will be addressing the current immigration issues. You can also
submit questions prior to the event for consideration as well as during the event via the chat function.
Date
:
Thursday, April 30
Time
: 1 to 1:45PM ET
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GABC has partnered with the wine experts from
Vino di Vino to bring you a special virtual wine tasting experience with a personal touch! Here is what comes with the tasting and signing up:
- 2 bottles of red wine | 1 can of sparkling wine
- 1 hour Zoom wine class with Vino di Vino’s resident wine geek
- Delivery within the 128 Loop or via FedEx outside of 128
- Food pairing ideas and recipes
- A 10% off code valid in-store or online
- An hour of spending quality time with a select group of GABC members & friends
Date: Friday, May 8th
Time: 6PM to 7PM
Cost: $75 member | $80 non-member
We will cap this event at 20 registrants to ensure a personal and intimate experience.
More details
here.
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The May Stammtisch Goes Zoom, Again!
The Young Professionals April Virtual Stammtisch was fun and will be back in May
via Zoom -- including new Trivia questions!
Sit back, relax and zoom with the YPs -- everyone welcome!
Please register to receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link prior to the Stammtisch.
Date
:
Tuesday, May 12
Time
: 7PM to 9PM
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Other Virtual Events of Interest
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Translating Washington for Germany
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Excerpt from Andrew Adair's April 24 Newsletter:
"
Boeing Bailout Could Impact Trade Agenda:
(...) Given the increased attention on the role of government subsidies, we are monitoring to what extent Boeing will access $17 billion in aid set aside in the “Phase 3” CARES Act for “businesses critical to maintaining national security.” The possibility of Boeing tapping a large subsidy could weaken the American position in the ongoing trade dispute with the E.U. over aircraft subsidies, and could also change the dynamics in theoretical “Phase 2” negotiations with China. The bailout question also comes just as the state of Washington
has cancelled a tax subsidy
that was one of the causes of the trade dispute with the E.U. (...)."
April 24 Newsletter in English
Newsletter vom 24. April auf Deutsch
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In the News | Pressespiegel
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Germany Coronavirus Map and Case Count
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There have been at least 150,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Germany, according to the
Robert Koch Institute
, the country’s public health institution. As of Friday afternoon, 5,321 people had died.
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Gov. Baker to tap business community to examine reopening economy
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"Baker said he would call on representatives from the state’s business, public health, and academic communities to “put together a thoughtful framework” and strategy about how to reopen the state’s economy."
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DONALD TRUMP SIGNS LIMITED IMMIGRATION SUSPENSION ORDER, CLAIMS IT SUSPENDS ALL IMMIGRATION INTO U.S.
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Although the president described the measure as one that suspends immigration into the U.S., in actuality the order he approved only prevents non-citizens living outside the country from obtaining a "Green Card" if they do not have a valid immigrant visa or other travel document that grants entry to the United States.
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BMW fährt Werke in Europa und den USA wieder an
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EXCLUSIVE: CELEBRATE 140 YEARS OF STEIFF WITH 15% OFF & FREE SHIPPING!
In good times and bad, Steiff Teddy bears and animals have been a source of companionship and comfort for generations of both children and adults. Today, these legendary plush toys and collectibles continue to serve as reassuring symbols of hope and happiness.
In celebration of the iconic German brand’s 140th anniversary, we’re pleased to offer GABC members & friends an exclusive
15% DISCOUNT
for all purchases at
steiffusa.com
. Simply enter the code
GABC2020
at checkout and you’ll automatically receive the savings — along with
FREE
ground shipping for orders of $50 or more. Spending less than $50? Contact the company at
support@steiffusa.com
, and shipping charges on these smaller orders will also be waived. No code needed.
This special savings/shipping offer is valid through June 30th only. So act now to experience the fun and friendship of owning genuine Steiff plush products with the famous “Button in Ear.”
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Our Annual Supporters -Thank you!
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GERMAN-AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL of BOSTON
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