Greetings from the President Claudio Riedi
A Word From The President

Looking backward, looking forward.

The Roman God Janus had two faces, one looking forward and one looking backward. And so, we are looking backward and forward as we get into December and eventually January, the month of Janus.

The GABC is finishing a topsy-turvy year. We expected that the Covid-19 crisis would be over within a few months, or at least as soon as a vaccine became available. But it was not supposed to be… We learned that there will be many more Covid waves, with many more turns in this saga. While Europe is reaching the crest of the next infection wave, Florida is at the bottom. But that could turn rapidly. However, Florida’s economy has handled the last three waves relatively well. As the sunshine state, Florida has an outdoors economy, which fared better than the economy of many other states. The most important event in 2021 was likely the reopening of the borders of the US with the EU. This allowed many service-providers with German ties to resume more and more normal activities.

Looking forward, we are bullish. We fully expect to continue on the same growth curve for 2022 as we did in the last half of 2021. Our membership is increasing, and our activities – both virtual and in-person -- will become more numerous. The GABC is looking forward to remaining the catalyst for commercial connections, and to give our members the exposure they deserve. The economy of Florida is hot, with new arrivals from northern and western states every day. Real estate values are at an all-time high, and unemployment is low.

In this issue of our newsletter you will find links to photos to past events and information about upcoming events. Much as Janus, we are looking backward and forward, and invite you to participate.
Travel Update
11/22/2021 NEWS ALERT: Germany - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The U.S. State Department and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised on Monday November 22, 2021 against travel to Germany and Denmark because of a rising number of COVID-19 cases in those countries. For Germany, the State Department issued a Level 4 warning that states “Do not travel”. A Level 4 warning is the highest travel warning available. For additional information see this article at Deutsche Welle and check on the U.S. State Department’s webpage. This again will most likely have a tremendous effect on international travel especially during this busy holiday season.

Her law office, Ellen von Geyso, PA, is located in Miami, Florida.
She can be reached for comment at [email protected]


Past Events
On November 17th, the GABC held their Annual Festive Holiday Banquet at the
Coral Gables Country Club.

We all came together for a delicious dinner over live music by Jay Bee and a silent auction.
Thank you to our Sponsors who made this event possible!
We are especially grateful for the initiative by Green Worldwide Shipping to donate 1,000 trees on our behalf!
On November 22nd, the World Affairs Council of Miami, and the GABC partnered up to offer a presentation from the Consul General of Germany about the post-election in Germany, followed by a networking reception.
Welcome Our New Members!
Welcome Our New Standard Member!

FlinCo is your Concierge for Investments in Florida.

Our German-American team consists of experts in the areas of real estate, investments, property management, business consulting, and travel accomodations with a specialty in emigration, relocation, investment visas and visa guidance.

Our concierge service is designed to help facilitate and enhance your current or future life in Florida. Whether you don't know how to start or just want to bring your vision to life, we are your source for all things Florida.

The stress is on us! We will be your guide.

Which city could be your new home? What areas have the best schools? We will help you see a clearer picture of your future.

FlinCo's team is ready to take the next step with you.

Are you looking to buy an investment property in Florida, or are you thinking of selling one? We are real estate professionals.

Do you need someone to take care of your property while you are away, or do you need help to make your rental investment very profitable without worry? We are property management experts.

Are you interested in an investment visa or looking to invest in a business in Florida? We are investment consultants.

Our services include:
  • Short term vacation rentals or long term leases
  • Investment management
  • Airbnb
  • Asset management
  • Buying and selling real estate
  • Residential - Single Family Homes and Condominiums
  • Commercial - Multifamily apartment buildings, Industrial warehouses, Retail centers
  • Property Management
  • Property Maintenance
  • Leasing
  • Administration
  • Investment visa opportunities
  • Business visa consulting
  • General visa guidance
  • Travel Services
  • Hotel and restaurant reservations
  • First-class yacht and luxury car rentals
  • Fun adventures and activities to explore all of Florida
  • VIP table reservations at the best clubs and concerts


Please visit our social media platforms and say hello!

Website.........LinkedIn.........Instagram.........Facebook

We look forward to being in contact with you (we love WhatsApp)!

Marie Fleckstein
Co-Owner
+49-176-952-51-728
[email protected]
English and German speaker

Kevin Insua
Real Estate Broker
+1-305-502-3224
[email protected]
English and Spanish speaker

Leonie Vallerius
Co-Owner
+1-786-260-3970
[email protected]
English, Spanish and German speaker
GABC Trustee Members
Member Updates
Member Events
Join the Peter London Global Dance Company for the world premiere of Touch & Rain On Me at the Adrienne Arsht Center on December 28-31. The Ballet BC dancer and recipient of the 2021 Danish Dance Theater Award at the 14th Copenhagen International Choreography Competition, Justin Rapaport and his brother Evan will perform the award-winning duet Passing By for our 11th Annual Adrienne Arsht Season. Tickets for Touch & Rain On Me can be purchased at www.arshtcenter.org.
 
Their dance film Eviction about our company's resilience during the pandemic will premiere on January 21 at 6 p.m. at the SoundScape Park as part of the Miami Beach Department of Cultural Affairs Culture Crawl program. This event is free and open to the public.
Why Becoming a Member Now?!
Did you know your GABC Membership gives you...

  • Regular Networking Events (avg. 50 attendees)
  • Business connections
  • Special promotion in our Newsletter (reaches 6.000+ contacts)
  • Visibility through our Social Media channels (average 650 views per post)
  • Awareness for your Brand and Product/Service (through newsletter and social media)
  • Numerous educational Webinars
  • The opportunity to be a speaker at our Webinars/In-Person Events

Make use of our platform that reaches 6.000+ contacts.



As a GABC Member, one of your main benefits is that we promote your business for FREE!

As you probably know, more time is spent online these days, this is where we create awareness for yourself and your business!

Why not make use of that?

Just send us the information you would like us to share and we will publish it for you!


Networking Events: 
We regularly host in-Person Networking Events which provide you with the perfect opportunity to connect with people within your branche. Whether you are interested in meeting new business partners or simply make new friends, the GABC and its versatile members can't wait to get to know you and have a great time together!

Share Information:
Whether you have any online events planned, great business updates or news, interesting articles to share or simply just want to provide some background information about your business, we got you covered!

Business Connections:
If you are in need of any certain service, just reach out to us and we will introduce you to an according company.

Webinar Speaker:
As a member, you always have the chance to be a speaker at our webinars! Share your knowledge or expertise with our community, we all want to hear about it!
Join the GABC Family!
Dear GABC members, 

We are happy to announce our new and updated GABC Benefits for members!

What GABC Benefits? 
All registered GABC members receive special discounts or promotions from our member/partner companies. With discounts for legal consultations to your restaurant bill, make sure you take advantage of these exclusive offers!

Who participates in the program? 

How can I participate?
If you would like to promote your product/service and have a benefit you can provide our members, please contact us at [email protected] to be included in the program.

Should you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out back to us. 

Kind regards, 
The GABC Team 
Career Opportunities

Administrative Assistant

Language required: proficiency in German and English.

F&V Capital Management, LLC, a boutique investment management firm, seeks a part-time Administrative Assistant for an Investment Advisor Team.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • General support of the Partners of the firm with travel bookings, calendar management, expense reports etc.
  • Updating various spreadsheets, marketing materials (PowerPoint presentations, etc.), maintaining website - Supporting the team with client-related tasks such as helping prepare client presentations, organizing Christmas cards, birthday gifts - Supporting with billing, compliance - Performing reception duties such as answering calls - Ordering office supplies & file maintenance
  • Ad hoc projects as needed (small research projects, working with data bases etc.)

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Background in Finance/Accounting is preferred.
Flexible schedule, approx. 15-20 hrs/week.


Customer Service Representative
Pembroke Pines, FL
Full Time


Generali Global Assitance is looking for a German-speaking employee for their office located in Pembroke Pines. They offer a hybrid model (2 days in office, 3 days remote – they provide all equipment to work from home). 

Job Summary: This position answers all incoming/outgoing calls, setting up new claims or following up on claims that are in process. Position also collects telephone records (TR’s) on existing claims that have exceeded our goal review deadline to finalize claim.


Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Answer inbound calls and automated call backs, assisting clients with claims status requests, setting up new claims, etc.
  • Make outgoing calls following up on existing claims that are in process or contacting the passenger with claims outcome decision
  • Updates the records spreadsheet with existing claims and remove those that have been located
  • Verify/update mailing address on returned mail to re-send correspondence to passenger
  • Receive new claim mail from tour operators/travel agents to set-up new claims
  • Documents all interactions with passengers
  • Performs other duties as assigned


Required / Desired Knowledge, Experiences and Skills:
  • Prior customer service experience
  • Must have the ability to work any shift during hours of operation to include weekends, evenings and holidays
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to focus and attention to detail
  • Good organization skills
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Word & Excel
  • Strong self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Excellent critical thinking and decision making skills
  • Ability to work as a part of team as well as individually
  • Experience in an insurance office setting helpful
  • US work permit


Education/Certifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent


Generali Global Assistance is an Equal Opportunity Employer 
M/F/Disability/Veteran
Management Assistant

As a Management Assistant this role provides support to C-level executives within the company to improve responsiveness and productivity. This role is also responsible for Office Administration of our HQ location.

Principle Accountabilities
  • Act as the point of contact between the executives and internal or external colleagues.
  •   Data entry and maintenance in the TMS/ WMS.
  • Ad hoc reports on demand.
  • Complete projects and requests as designated by executives.
  • Support in all tasks related to events’ management for the U.S. (booking accommodations, transportation, meals, meetings, etc.)
  • Assist and provide administrative support to top management (building reports, presentations, doing follow ups etc.)
  • Maintains executive’s appointment schedule by planning and scheduling meetings, conferences, teleconferences.
  • Assist with travel arrangements for the U.S. following the Global Travel policy already established.
  • Assist at the Front Desk when needed.
  • Take accurate and comprehensive notes at meetings.
  • Plan, develop and implement strategies to generate savings on the responsibilities assigned.
  • Work on a flexible schedule based on business needs.
  • Draft correspondence such as emails and letters.
  • Handle requests and queries appropriately.
  • Reminding the executives of important tasks and deadlines.
  • Prepares meeting rooms for appointments, coordinates schedules, and greet customers and clients prior to meetings.
  • Assist executives with personal appointments (Dinner reservations, etc.)

Education & Work Experience Requirements/Skills
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks.
  • Excellent time management skills.
  • Excellent Microsoft and excel
  • Well-developed organizational skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Great verbal and written communication skills.
  • Professional discretion.
  • Associate Degree or equivalent experience highly preferred.
  • Team player with ability to work with cross-functional teams and all levels of management.
  • Ability to work under time pressures and excellent customer service skills.
  • Accustomed to working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish/German)
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: [email protected] or telephone 305-371-4282.
Prices:
Members: free
Job Seekers - $50 per post
Companies and Employers - $100 per post
Publish Your Advertisement in our Newsletter
As a GABC member, advertisement is complimentary for your business.

For non-members, we offer you the opportunity to publish an advertising in the next GABC newsletter.
Please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 305-371-4282.

Non-Members Price list:


$ 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 
GABC Affiliates
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
German American Chamber of Commerce

The Beacon Council


Enterprise Florida
German International Parents Association
HEIMAT Abroad
https://heimatabroad.com/
German American Social Club
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.

Board of Directors 2020
Claudio Riedi
President

Lydia Harley
Vice- President

Timo A. Becker, J.D.
Treasurer

Dr. Volker Anding
Director

Christian Riehl
Director

TV Productions
Nickel Goeseke
Director

Ellen von Geyso
Director

Christel Silver
Director

Jan Heck
Director

Madhu Mehta
Director

India Silk USA,
Vice President
Miriam Moser
Director

Michael Claus

Founding Member of the GABC President Emeritus and Honorary Director of the Board
Peter Jacobs

Founding Member of the GABC and Honorary Director of the Board
Christa Green
GABC President Emeritus
and Honorary Director of the Board
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
Claudio Riedi

President
Leonie Vallerius

Marketing Associate
Carolina Olivares

Intern
German American Business Chamber of South Florida
141 NE 3rd Avenue | Suite 1000 | Miami, FL 33132