Greetings from GABC President Claudio Riedi | |
|
6th February 2025 - European Chambers networking event at Torno Subito, Miami Downtown 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Members free, Non-members: 50USD.
6th March 2025 - "Speak Easy" German Meetup at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, Coral Gables at 6pm. Members fee, Non-members 20 USD
10th April 2025 - European chambers networking event. Location TBA. Members free, Non-members: 50USD.
| |
|
GABC ANNUAL GALA & Fundraiser at the Setai in Miami Beach
On the 12th November 2024, the GABC hosted its annual Gala night at The Setai, Miami Beach. It was an incredible evening and turnout. The evening began with a warm welcome reception hosted by GABC President Claudio Riedi and the Honorable German Consul General Christofer Burger, who shared insights on the German economy and business landscape in Miami and Florida. Guests then enjoyed an elegant three-course gala dinner, accompanied by captivating DJ entertainment and mesmerizing exotic dance performances.
The night also featured a silent auction and a thrilling live auction led by Claudio Riedi, offering luxury prizes including an exclusive Miele coffee machine and vacuum cleaner, as well as a stay at the JW Marriott Marquis—raising several thousand dollars to benefit the GABC.
We like to specifically thank our Silver Sponsors Rhenus Logistics, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Miele and Green Worldwide Shipping, LLC® for the support of the Gala and the continued dedication and support of the GABC!
We also like to thank everyone who contributed to our live and silent auction and helped to make the fundraiser a success!
Auction sponsors:
JW Marriott Marquis Miami - by Alina Menendez
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County
Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel & Executive Meeting Center - by Wolfgang Wehen
UDON Restaurant, Miami Beach
Miele
The Setai, Miami Beach
We are incredibly grateful for the beautiful experience at The Setai, Miami Beach, made possible by the exceptional team and General Manager Alex S. Furrer. His team went above and beyond to provide outstanding service, exquisite cuisine, and superb entertainment, making our group feel truly welcomed. Thank you to everyone involved for creating such a memorable evening.
| |
|
Images by Fareed Al-Mashat and the GABC
| |
|
|
Reception during Art Basel week on the 3rd December
During Art Basel week, the GABC had the pleasure of co-hosting an exclusive reception in collaboration with the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce, the French Chamber of Commerce, and the British American Business Council. Held at The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, the evening featured a private tour of the captivating Beyond The Single Imageexhibition by @fotocolectania. Renowned curator Carles Guerra brought the collection to life, sharing his creative journey and offering profound insights into the works on display. Guests enjoyed an intimate gallery experience, savoring fine Spanish beer and wine while fostering meaningful new connections in an inspiring artistic setting.
| |
|
Exclusive Luncheon on EU Digital & AI Policy – December 6, 2024
GABC had the privilege of hosting an insightful discussion on EU digital and AI policy with the German Consul General, Christofer Burger, and Johannes Bahrke, Digital & Tech Counselor at the EU Delegation in Washington, DC. Held over lunch at L'Artisteria in Brickell, the conversation provided a valuable preview of the European Commission’s latest priorities on innovation, European tech leadership, AI, and (de)regulation. Participants engaged in a dynamic and thought-provoking exchange, gaining deeper insights into the future of digital policy and its impact on transatlantic business and technology.
| |
|
Visit the World of Berlin” im Soho Poolhouse Wynwood
On December 17th 2025 a press brunch was held at the Soho Poolhouse in Wywood which GABC president Claudio Riedi attended on behalf of the GABC. The event celebrated the venue's recent opening, highlighting its Palm Springs-inspired pool, terrace restaurant, and club space that serve Miami classics and global House favorites. Located on the border of Wynwood and Edgewater, a district renowned for its galleries, museums, and street art, the Miami Pool House is Soho House's second location in the city.
The press brunch showcased the venue's unique design and offerings, emphasizing its role as a new hub for Miami's creative community.
Image: Carlo Carbone, Media Relations Manager Latin America, BeNeLux, France, Spain, Italy, and Claudio Riedi, GABC President
| |
|
|
A Night to Remember – Swiss-German Fondue Night
What an incredible way to kick off 2025! On January 29th, the German American Business Chamber, in collaboration with the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce, hosted a spectacular Swiss-German Fondue Night, bringing together over 50 guests for an evening filled with delicious fondue, great conversations, and meaningful networking.
The cozy and welcoming atmosphere at the Cuckoo Clock Brauhaus in Miami made it the perfect setting to connect with old friends and meet new faces. Laughter and engaging discussions flowed as guests indulged in authentic Swiss cheese fondue, accompanied by fantastic company.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this great evening! Your enthusiasm and energy made this event truly special. We look forward to many more exciting gatherings in the months ahead!
| |
|
In November 2024, we lost our board member and long-time supporter, Ambassador Dr. Volker Anding.
He was the voice of reason and the conscience on the board of directors of the GABC. His passing was unexpected, and he will leave a gaping hole in our organization. We will miss his presence at our events and board meetings, and most of all, we will miss him as a friend and faithful cheerleader of our organization.
Volker was a consummate diplomat and accomplished classical musician. After retirement in 2007, he settled with his wife Erin in Coral Gables, remaining very active in social and civic programs. Volker and Erin were a fixture at countless GABC events, and made sure to speak to all attendees at our meetings.
What few here in Miami know, is that Volker was a Lieutenant in the Reserve German Air Force and later on joined the Royal College of Defense Studies in London. He held a PhD in Law from the University of Marburg and Freiburg and served in the legal department of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also was a Trustee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and worked closely with Florida International University and the University of Miami as well as with Baptist Hospital and the American Jewish Committee. Volker was a founding member and Director of the World Affairs Council of Greater Miami and member of the Board of the Consular Corps of Miami.
Volker studied law at the Universities of Marburg and Freiburg im Breisgau, and in 1969 he passed the First Juristisches Staatsexamen. He joined the Foreign Service in 1971, and earned his doctorate in political science from the University Marburg. From 1976 to 1979, we was a representative of the German Federal Government with NATO in Brussels, and then served in the legal department of the foreign office in Bonn for the next three years. From 1982 to 1984, he was Deputy Ambassador in Senegal, and from 1984 to 1985 he was the Speaker at the East-West Security Studies Institute (EWI) in New York. Thereafter, from 1986 to 1990, he served as European speaker for the Chancellor office, and then for three years as deputy consul general of Germany in San Francisco. From 1993 to 1996, he was the German Ambassador to Panama. After spending 1997 at the Royal College of Defense Studies in London, he was appointed Director of the Speaker for Verfassungs- und Verwaltungsrecht in the German Foreign Office from 1998 to 2001. From 2001 to 2004, we had the great fortune of having Volker as German Consul General in Miami, before he spent his final posting as German Ambassador to Uruguay. He retired in 2007 – in Miami of course.
He will be dearly missed.
| | | |
Welcome New Trustee Member | |
|
Engel & Völkers Miami: Your Local Experts with Global Reach
Engel & Völkers Miami is proud to embark on a new chapter under the leadership of Vanessa Gomez and Daniel Nault, the new license partners driving the brand’s expansion in one of the world’s most sought-after real estate markets. With a focus on local expertise and global reach, we are committed to delivering unparalleled service to our clients across South Florida and beyond.
As part of our strategic growth, we are excited to announce the opening of our new South of Fifth office in April 2025 and the acquisition of our Coconut Grove location, which is currently being relocated to better serve our clientele. Alongside our Edgewater office, these key locations position Engel & Völkers Miami as a dominant force in the region, offering tailored solutions for buyers, sellers, and investors.
More than just a brokerage, Engel & Völkers Miami is a trusted partner, seamlessly connecting clients to exclusive opportunities worldwide. Under our leadership, we are redefining luxury real estate—locally rooted, globally connected.
ENGEL&VÖLKERS Miami
1717 N Bayshore Dr. Suite 111 Miami, FL 33132
Vanessa Gomez Realtor Associate: vanessa.gomez@evrealestate.com
Daniel Nault Broker Associate: daniel.nault@evrealestate.com
Veronica Zorzi Brokerage Manager: vanessa.zorzi@evrealestate.com
| |
Welcome New Business Members | |
|
Benjamin Daci, Founder of Ben’s German School
Originally from Berlin, Ben has always had a passion for languages and teaching. After earning a teaching degree from the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, he spent his twenties traveling and living in different countries, learning six languages along the way. These experiences shaped his understanding of what it’s like to learn a new language and inspired him to help others on their own German language journeys.
For the past five years, Ben has been living in South Florida, where he founded Ben’s German School to teach German to students of all levels, both online and in person. He also has extensive experience teaching German for the Goethe Institutes in Berlin, the USA, and Canada.
Ben’s teaching approach focuses on pattern recognition, building associations, and fostering authentic conversations. He believes in creating a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable using the language in real-world situations.
As someone who loves both teaching and learning, Ben continues to study languages himself, drawing from his own experiences to make his lessons engaging and effective. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your German skills, Ben’s German School offers a thoughtful and personalized approach to German language learning.
https://bensgermanschool.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bensgermanschool/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-daci-97086325b/
bensgermanschool@gmail.com
| |
|
Avcoa USA
Avcoa USA, founded in 1979 and based in Davie, Florida, specializes in the manufacturing, distribution, and design of aluminum hurricane support systems. The company is renowned for producing the first Aluminum Hurricane Stand in the United States, designed to mount A/C units on flat, sloped, or uneven roof surfaces. These innovative supports not only withstand hurricane-force winds but also facilitate re-roofing jobs by elevating units above the rooftop. In addition to rooftop stands, Avcoa USA also produces ground-mounted stands that protect equipment located in flood zones. These stands are designed to elevate and secure HVAC products, generators, pool pumps, and other essential equipment, ensuring they remain safe and operational even during flooding events. Beyond standardized equipment, Avcoa USA offers customized solutions for units of all sizes, tailored to meet specific project requirements. All products come with a Florida Product Approval or job site-specific engineering if needed, ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Avcoa USA continues to be a trusted partner in providing robust and reliable support solutions.
Contact: Axel Franzen
Avcoa
3350 Burris Road
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314
Phone 954-584-6001
Email axel@avcoausa.com
| |
Welcome New Individual Members | |
|
Dr. Marcus Ernst
Evan and Bärbel Schultz
John Cote
| |
You are already a member and would like to get re-introduced or share your business updates? Send us your information to miami@gabc.us and we will publish you in our next newsletter. | |
|
Sponsorship Opportunities for Clean Miami Beach
100% of the sponsorship fee will go direcly to Clean Miami beach’s efforts to combat plastic pollution.
Clean Miami Beach can offer the following sponsorship program:
- Sponsors logo on cleanup flyer
- Cross promotion on social media (36K+ total followers)
- Promotion via newsletter (10,000+ contacts)
- Sponsor may set up a tent to promote company/brand/products on cleanup site, access to the eco-conscious cleanup volunteers
- Verbal shout out in front of all participants for your support
- Minimum $500 tax deductible donation. Up to 5 members of your organization may participate in the cleanup.
- Minimum $1000 tax deductible donation. Up to 12 members of your organization may participate in the cleanup.
- Minimum $1500 tax deductible donation. Up to 30 members of your organization may participate in the cleanup.
Clean Miami Beach will provide:
- Impactful and eye-opening experience
- Necessary cleanup equipment such as reusable gloves, pickers, buckets, bags
- Experienced guide will lead the cleanup
- Educational sessions throughout
The public cleanup events are only possible through the support of sponsorships. Participation in a public cleanup is considered personal time and should NOT be considered a company event. Company shirts, uniforms, branding, recording or promotions by a business, corporation, or organization are NOT allowed. This includes on your website or in your social media accounts. Please do not violate these rules.
| |
|
Transform Your Kitchen with Miele’s Premium Appliance Package
At Miele, we have been committed to excellence since our inception in 1899. Our philosophy, Immer Besser (Forever Better), guides us to continuously innovate and produce appliances of the highest quality. Our products are designed to last longer, require less maintenance, and deliver outstanding performance, ensuring you enjoy the best in home appliance technology.
Why Choose Miele?
Quality: We create state-of-the-art appliances that are designed for long-lasting performance.
Innovation: We have been delivering innovative technologies and excellent results for over a century.
Timeless Design: Our premium designs are crafted to complement your home beautifully.
Exclusive Features: Our patented features and products are engineered to meet the highest standards.
Uniquely Miele: Our unwavering focus on craftsmanship ensures that quality always wins out in the end.
Introducing Generation 7000: The Latest in Kitchen Innovation
Your kitchen should be a reflection of your style and cater to your needs. Miele’s Generation 7000 kitchen appliances are designed with intuitive technology that adapts to your lifestyle, providing seamless integration and unmatched performance.
Special Promotion: Renovate Your Kitchen and Save $7,500 or More
Elevate Your Kitchen:
-
Bundle and Save: Save up to 15% on your Miele package. The more appliances you buy, the more you save.
-
Extended Warranty: In celebration of our 10-Year Range Anniversary, receive a complimentary 10-Year Extended Warranty on purchases made between March 1st - September 29th, 2024. This offer is combinable with the 2024 Kitchen Package promotion.
Discover More:
For inspiration and to explore our range of kitchen appliances, visit Miele Kitchen Appliances. Alternatively, experience Miele firsthand by visiting your nearest retail partner or Miele Experience Center.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your kitchen with Miele’s premium appliances. Renovate your kitchen today and enjoy the ultimate in quality, innovation, and design.
| |
|
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 a selected ticketing agency: please contact us for the contacts.
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
| |
|
You are already a member and would like to get re-introduced or share your business updates? Send us your information to miami@gabc.us 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
| | |
|
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
| |
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 miami@gabc.us 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
| |
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
| |
German American Chamber of Commerce
| |
German International Parents Association
| |
German American Social Club
| |
|
Florida Sun Magazine
www.floridasunmagazine.com
| |
Board of Directors 2024/2025 | | |
|
Ellen von Geyso
Vice President
| | |
|
|
Miriam Moser
Executive Director
| |
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 Memory of our Treasurer
Timo A. Becker, J.D.
| |  |
|
In Memory of Board Director Dr. Volker Anding
| | |
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
miami@gabc.us
| | | | |
