Greetings from the President Claudio Riedi



Upcoming Events!

European Chambers Networking Cocktail


When? Thursday, February 1st 6pm

Where? Regatta Grove


The European Chambers (Italian, Spanish, French, British, and German Chamber) are excited to kick-off the new year with a joint Networking Cocktail at Regatta Grove on February 1st, from 6-8pm. We expect around 200 attendees.


We still have Sponsorship Opportunities:

Expose your business to 25.000 email recipients and 200+ event attendees with a marketing booth during the event.

Register Here

Sunset Networking Cocktail at the Wharf Fort Lauderdale

When: Thursday, February 15th, 6-8pm

Where: The Wharf Fort Lauderdale (click on name for direction)


Join us for a Relaxing Sundowner Cocktail at the Wharf in Fort Lauderdale.


Have your business cards ready, meet potential new clients or business partners or simply enjoy a beautiful evening during happy hour.

Register Here


Save the Date for our new Event Series - Speak Easy!


We introduce our new event series to our Non-Germans out there, or the Germans who haven't spoken German in a while.


Get together in a friendly atmosphere and practice your conversational German language skills over drinks.


The first event will take place at the German-Italian Owned new Italian Restaurant L'Artisteria in Brickell.


When? February 27th, 6 - 8pm

Where? L'Artisteria (click on name for directions)


Official Invitation and registration link will Follow!

Welcome Our New Members!

Welcome Our New Corporate Member!

Heiko Dobrikow I

Riverside Hotel


Heiko Dobrikow is a seasoned hotelier of over 30 years and a business professional with extensive experience in all areas of the property & asset management. He is an expert in providing advisory support and solutions, such as developing successful management teams, ensuring revenue optimization, implementing service excellence and employee satisfaction. Assets may range from a boutique hotel to a major convention resort, from commercial buildings to residential communities. Further Heiko is known for taking companies with vertical cultures and flatten them by implementing a Servant Leadership Ideology.


Currently Heiko is the Executive Vice President at the Las Olas Company and the General Manager of the Riverside Hotel, which both are owned and operated by the Wells Family of Fort Lauderdale. Heiko has worked at beautiful resorts such as the Fisher Island Hotel & Resort in Miami, the Casa Marina Resort in Key West, the Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove and the Hilton Palm Beach Oceanfront Resort. Heiko believes in community involvement and is the Chair of the Broward Workforce Development Board, Past Board Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association – Broward Chapter, Board Member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Past Board Member of the Winterfest Boat Parade, Member of the Broward County Tourism Coalition, Founder & Past Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale General Manager’s Council, Founding Member of the South Florida Business Council and past Executive Committee Member of the Greater Miami & Beaches Hotel Association. He further is actively involved as a member at the Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club, the Rotacyclists Florida, an Ambassador for the Salvation Army, a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, Mission United of Broward County, Broward Partnership for the Homeless and further volunteers as a member of the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. 

 

Heiko has been recognized as Top 500 most influential leaders in Florida (Florida Trend), South Florida Business Leader of the Year (Florida Atlantic University) and as a South Florida Power Leader (South Florida Business Journal). Heiko has received numerous awards such as South Florida General Manager of the Year (HSMAI), Chairman’s Gavel Award (GFLCC), Broward’s Best Leaders Award (South Florida Executive magazine), Gay & Lesbian Business Exchange Ally of the Year (GLBX), South Florida’s Tourism Legend of the Year (HSMAI), Tourism Icon of the Year (TravelHost), Homeless Champion of the Year (Broward Partnership of the Homeless), Rotary Cheerleader of the Year (Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale), Top 3 Florida Hotel General Manager of the Year (FRLA), Men of Style Award (Galleria Fort Lauderdale), Downtowner of the Year (GFLCC), “Terry Stiles” South Florida Business Leadership Award (GFLCC), the Apogee Award (SFBW) and most recently the Business Community Ally Award as Business Leader of the Year (GLBX).

 

Heiko grew up in Germany and came to the U.S. at the age of 17 years old. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor in Arts with the desire to becoming Sports Psychologist. However, while studying at KU, he fell in love with the hospitality industry and never looked back.

 

His hobbies are travelling, motorcycling, off road adventures in his Jeep, boating, scuba diving, tennis and golf. He is married to his beautiful wife Elenice and enjoys the company of his Vizsla “Luke” and his African Grey Parrots, “Malibu” and “Sugar”.



LinkedIn

Website

Welcome Our New Business Members!

Bio Ivonne Klass I

ONE Sotheby's International Realty


"I am Ivonne Klass, a diligent and self-driven Global Luxury Real Estate Advisor servicing Florida's East Coast market and proudly representing ONE Sotheby's International Realty in beautiful Boca Raton. Allow me to share a glimpse into my journey and why I am so thrilled to be a part of this incredible industry.


I bring nearly two decades of experience in marketing, sales, and public relations to the table. I'm immensely proud of having led my boutique Public Relations agency for over twelve years, where I had the privilege of guiding both national and international clients in the luxury cosmetics and lifestyle industry toward monumental success. By driving brand partnerships, curating unforgettable events, harnessing the power of social media, and utilizing effective networking tools, I have helped my clients convert their brands and products into remarkable revenue growth.


Born and raised in Germany, I have followed my heart and made Florida my adopted home in 2022. Driven by my core values of creativity, loyalty, authenticity, trustworthiness, and impeccable organization, I approach every client relationship with a deep commitment to excellence. I firmly believe that luxury is not simply a price point; it is a level of service. As such, I specialize in offering white-glove service, rooted in what is best for my clients, and to assist them in making well-informed decisions.


As a representative of the renowned Sotheby's International Realty brand, known worldwide for its expertise in the luxury market, I am dedicated to serving a discerning high-end clientele with the utmost professionalism and care. My keen eye for interior design adds an extra layer of insight and appreciation when assisting clients with their real estate needs.

My competency lies in my ability to connect easily with my clients and listen attentively to understand their needs. I offer regular, open, and honest communication during and after the transaction and always aim to earn my client's trust and build lasting professional relationships with each transaction.



With unwavering dedication and a heartfelt commitment to my clients, I am eager to create unforgettable experiences and turn their real estate aspirations into reality. Together, let us explore the extraordinary possibilities that lie within the world of luxury real estate."


Website

LinkedIn


Christian Besser I

Daniel Gusmao & Besser Architects (DGB Architects)


Factsheet

At DGB Architects we offer full scale design services for architecture projects, from concept design to design development, detailing and interior planning. We are creators of a fine contemporary architecture with a strong local identity and our projects combine a stylish and innovative architecture design with pragmatic and cost-effective solutions.

DGB Architects builds on the global design experience of its principal, Daniel Gusmao, with more than 140 projects completed in 10 different countries, including the international competition for the design and construction of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Masterplan, in collaboration with AECOM UK.

We are based in Miami, with offices in Rio de Janeiro and Zurich.

 

WHAT MAKES OUR PROJECTS UNIQUE?

For each project we do an extensive research and design personalized structures that address the way clients want to use their space while harmoniously fitting within the surroundings and land characteristics.

Our Brazilian heritage permeates through our design process, and we incorporate diverse and innovative design styles, using elements of both modern and traditional architectural forms. Natural materials such as wood, stone and glass create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding landscape, with the use of color and light creating vibrant and dynamic scenes.


Click here for More
You are already a member and would like to get re-introduced or share your business updates? Send us your information to [email protected] and we will publish you in our next newsletter.
GABC Trustee Members


CPA Alexander J. Evans | Alexandra Peters for One Sotheby's International Realty | Nickel Goeseke for Cervera Real Estate | Tony Zwicker for DeLaRocca Corp. | Ellen Von Geyso P.A. Heinemann Americas | Hellmann Worldwide Logistics | Silver International Realty Lufthansa Industry Solutions

Lehtinen, Schultz, Riedi PLLC | Rhenus Logistics | META Storage Solutions Miele, Inc. | Toscana Divino | Visa Business Plans Christian Schoepp for OCS Law  I Wolfgang Wehen for Sheraton Miami Airport  I Michaela Kennedy for Forum Consulting LLC



*Click on above names for more information

Member Updates

You are now a member of the Turkish Airlines Corporate Club. 


Members of the GABC will be able to enjoy the benefits that Turkish Airlines provides when purchasing airline tickets originating from the USA or GERMANY, to any of their more than 340 destinations around the world. 


Reservations and ticketing must be done through the selected ticketing agency:

Four Seasons Travel - Contact:

Maria Luisa Varela-Ucros

Phone: 305-604-9800

Email:  [email protected]

Agency Address: 605 Lincoln Road, Suite 410 Miami Beach FL 33139


The benefits you get when your tickets are issued with the GABC’s corporate code are:

  • Exclusive discounts on fares
  • Extra baggage allowance on international flights
  • Flexibility to change flight routes and dates depending on your booking class with no penalty
  • Access to Fast Track lines in Istanbul
  • Check-in at the Business class ticket counters

For more information about fares and benefits, please contact Maria Luisa from Four Seasons Travel.


You are already a member and would like to get re-introduced or share your business updates? Send us your information to [email protected] and we will publish you in our next newsletter.
Why Should You Become a Member?!
Did you know your GABC Membership offers 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.

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 industry. 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!

Showcase your business and create brand awareness:
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. Our services and members vary from investment and tax law, over real estate experts, to immigration law.

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!

Starting a Business:
You are starting a new business or move here to South Florida? The GABC offers packages of specialists that help you with everything from finding the right visa type, starting the business, or finding commercial real estate for the office/warehouse


We provide immediate support without long administrative channels
Become a Member
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: [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 

Contact us Now!
GABC Affiliates
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
German American Chamber of Commerce


The Beacon Council


Enterprise Florida
German International Parents Association

Ich bin Expat
German American Social Club

Florida Sun Magazine

www.floridasunmagazine.com

GABC Management

Leonie Vallerius

Executive Director

With over 12 years of experience in the field of business management, marketing, and event management, Leonie Vallerius is managing each department of the GABC, being responsible for setting up and launching marketing projects, events and campaigns for both the GABC's members and the organization’s growth and success.


Leonie is your main contact for any membership or GABC related matter.

Find Out More

Board of Directors 2024

Claudio Riedi
President

Ellen von Geyso
Vice President

Dr. Volker Anding
Director

Christian Riehl

Director


TV Productions

Miriam Moser

Director



Nickel Goeseke
Director

Christel Silver

Director


Silver International Realty

Michaela Kennedy

Director

Jan Heck
Director

Reinhard Benditte

Director

Christian F. Schoepp

Director


OCS Law

Wolfgang Wehen

Director


Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel & Executive Meeting Center

Michael Claus

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

Christa Green


GABC President Emeritus

and Honorary Director of the Board


Peter Jacobs

Founding Member of the GABC and Honorary Director of the Board

In loving Memory of our Treasurer and Friend


Timo A. Becker, J.D.


1975 - 2023

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.

German American Business Chamber of South Florida

1200 Brickell Avenue | Suite 507 | Miami, FL 33131

[email protected]

Linkedin  Facebook  Instagram