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Highlights
GACC Roundtable Discussion Focuses on Current State of  US and German Economies


The GACC recently hosted a spirited discussion on the US economy and its implications for Germany and the rest of the world. A group of more than 15 GACC members attended this forum which featured a presention by Bernd Weidensteiner, US Economist for  Commerzbank AG.

According to Weidensteiner, the US economy has been on an upswing since 2009, and next year will enter into the longest growth cycle ever. He pointed out that Trump trariffs can be attributed to broader worldwide backlash to the effects of globalization.  Weidensteiner said that any short term negative effects on the US growth rate due to the tariffs will be minimal. In other words, short to medium impact of the tariffs can, for the most part, be easily absorbed by the US economy. The longterm effects may prove to be a different picture.

Harvard Conference Promotes US - Germany Relations
More than 80 influencers and experts of government and business took park in this year's two-day German American Conference at Harvard.  The conference is highly focused on an exchange between two of the world's arguably most influential nations in order to foster cooperation and leadership. 

Business and Innovation has been at the heart of the German American Conference since its inception. The forum explored the latest emerging trends that drive growth and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. This year featured the hottest Startups from Silicon Valley to Berlin at the conference's Innovation Lounge which included engaging workshop sessions.

German Ambassador to the United States Dr. Emily Haber (far left) joined GACC President & CEO Dietmar Rieg and Juliane Schäuble, US Correspondent for Der Tagesspiegel on one of the conference panel discussions
Annual Falling Walls Conference Next Month in Berlin
The Falling Walls Conference is an annual global gathering of forward thinking individuals from 80 countries organised by the Falling Walls Foundation. Each year on November 9 - the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall - 20 of the world's leading scientists convene in Berlin to present their current breakthrough research. The aim of the Conference is to:
  • identify trends, opportunities and solutions for global challenges and discover international breakthrough research.
  • connect outstanding researchers from different disciplines and support the interdisciplinary exchange of ideas internationally
  • build bridges between business, politics, academia and the arts
  • promote the latest scientific findings among a broader audience
  • inspire people to break down walls in science and societ
Robust Participation at 2018 East Coast Industry Forum
Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy was the keynote speaker at this year's ECIF .

On Octobe 12, the GACC held its annual East Coast Industry Forum (ECIF)  at UPWARD Hartford, in partnership with the Capitol Region Council of Governments and the Metro Hartford Alliance. 

Among the more than 140 attendees were Connecticut  business leaders, educators, and state/local officials (including Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin), They convened for discussions on providing the state's young workforce with the tools and skills required to succeed in the world of advanced digital manufacturing.

Hartford, CT, is a vibrant location for leading industries in defense, aerospace, power systems and bioscience, including more than 70 German business. Companies benefit from Hartford's central location within the Northeast corridor. One third of the US economy is within a day's drive of Connecticut.

Since 2015, the GACC has organized its East Coast Industry Forum at various metropolitan business hubs in the region, including New Jersey, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
First Delegation of Startups from Rheinland-Pfalz Attend Reception Hosted by German Consulate in New York City
As part of the GACC's STEP USA program, 10 startups exclusively frm the Rheinland-Pfalz region of Germany attended a speical reception last month hosted by The Consul General of the Federal Republic David Gill. 

He was joined by  Dr. Volker Wissing, The Minister of Economic Affairs,Transport, Agriculture and Viniculture Deputy Minister-President of the German Federal State of Rheinland-Pfalz in welcoming the approximtely 70 attendees, including the startup delegation

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Wissing highlighted the impressive economy of the region he represents, which  leads all  German   states  with an export rate of approximately 50%, including a prolific winegrowing industy.

The startup group also attended a STEP Pitcht Night at SAP.iO!


Wunderbar Together Campaign Promotes Historic German-American Ties
The GACCs are delighted to create and participate in projects for a program that bolsters German-American unity called Wunderbar Together This campaign is funded by the Federal Foreign Office, implemented by the Goethe Institut and supported by BDI, the Voice of German Industry.

From October 2018 until the end of 2019, Germany and its deep ties to the US will be on display all across the United States. The campaign Wunderbar Together ("Deutschlandjahr USA"/The Year of German-American Friendship) will travel across the entire US with a collection of events and exhibits revolving around business and industry, politics, education, culture and science. It's designed to highlight the unique importance of transatlantic relations.

Click here for details.
Forum Addresses Today's Hot Button Workplace Issues


The GACC last month partnered with Gibbons P.C. to provided our members with useful info and tips on employee workplace protections/development. Titled  Diversity and Inclusion: The Aftermath of the #MeToo Movement and Its Implications for United States Subsidiaries of German Companies. this forum:
  • Addressed how the current climate requires United States subsidiaries of German companies to create policies, conduct training, and engage in investigations in ways that may differ from prior practice and from the structure and processes followed by corporate parents
  • Discussed employees' expectations of their United States' employers in the aftermath of #MeToo
  • Identified the broad scope of allegations relative to harassment and gender discrimination
  • Assessed the impact of harassment and gender-based allegations on employers, parent companies, and individual employees involved in pursuing or responding to complaints
The event took place at  the Gibbons P.C. office in midtown Manhattan, with featured speaker Kelly Ann Bird, Gibbons Director Employment & Labor Law.
German Digital Media Startups Experience NYC 
 A delegation of young German digital media entrepreneurs made their way to NYC last month to explore possibilities for expanding their innovative services to the US market. 

Spearheaded by  Media Lab Bayern, a Munich based co-working space and incubator for startups in digital journalism, this NYC trip included visits to various major NYC media and business outlets.

The trip included a presentation for the group on how the GACC provides extensive startup support and services, through channels such as the successful STEP USA program.

German Bundestag Delegation to the NYC Briefed on US-German Relations
During the first week of October, a delegation of the subcommittee to the United Nations from the German Bundestag visited New York to meet UN and other governmental officials.This meeting took place at the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations.

In a meeting with the GACC's Dietmar Rieg on October 2nd, the group of approximately10 delegates (who represented each of Germany's various political parties), received insightful information on current relations between Germany and the US, including a look at the US business environment for German companies. Mr. Rieg pointed out that the GACC has not noticed a decline in the number of German companies interested in having a presence the US market.
STEP NEWS
Airgreets Takes Top Prize at International Startup Summit

Kudos to the clever startp Airgreets which took home top prize at last month's GACC STEP USA competition in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.  Airgreets was recognizied for its digital plaform that enables more people to make their homes available in the sharing economy. Airgreets is a market leader in service home sharing in Germany, offering clients a professional service for short-term rentals.
The GACC's Andrea Diewald presents Airgreets team members their award.

"We give access to home sharing to all those who are often traveling privately or professionally and would like to use their vacant apartment during this time."

As first prize award winner, Airgreets will travel to New York as part of the "Startup & Entrepreneur" - Program stepusa.io of GACC NY. Eighteen startups took part in the competition organized by the GACC NY and KPMG.

Launched in December 2014, the success of the STEP USA program is undeniable: Out of these 210 alumni, 44 German startups founded their own US subsidiaries and are now doing business with American customers regularly. In addition, 23 of these startups were able to secure substantial US venture capital investments.


STEP NYCSuccess Stories

Our STEP NYC alumni exemplify some of the most creative and innovative business that can be found.

Click here  for a look at their success stories. And we  encourage all future alumni to post your achievements with us as well!

We are delighted to see our STEP participant @eviscan featured on ARD TV @SWR program this month! EVISCAN is an innovative high-tech workstation that enables forensic experts around the world to detect, enhance and digitally preserve latent fingerprints and latent trace evidence. Watch the full video  here 

STEP USA is the GACC New York's own Startup & Entrepreneur Program which has taken place 17 times and comprises more than 200 alumni to date.

STEP NYC  
December 2 - 7

Change the way you think about your startup!
Emerge yourself into our 5-day Startup Bootcamp - Meet our community of industry experts, mentors and VCs that will  show you how you can successfully enter the U.S. market! Be prepared for inspiration, moments of success, deep learnings and the excitement of getting to know a whole new world of opportunities!

Sign up here.

Upcoming Events
Women in Law Panel Discussion
October 24
NYC

The practice of law has changed dramatically in response to shifts in business models, new technologies, reactions to the 2007-2008 financial crisis, and changes in the composition of the legal profession. All these changes have led to new opportunities, and particularly women in law have brought a fresh perspective to meeting these new business challenges in a creative and efficient manner.

Four inspiring leaders in the legal profession will discuss ways that they advise both the newest and most longstanding businesses to meet the demands of a new era - from the beer industry to blockchain.

Click here for details and registration.

Tenement Museum Tour
October 26
NYC
Wwe will take you on an exclusive tour through the Tenement Museum..
The tours will highlight stories of German immigrants during the time when the Lower East Side was. Cocktails at Cafe Katja to follow!



November 3
NYC

In response to the great turnout and attendee feeback of last year's fair, the GACC will join HeimatAbroad as they host the second Ich Bin Expat Fair. This event targets German-speaking internationals who've lived in the New York City Metro area for many years, as well as those who have recently arrived.

In addition to 40+ exhibitors from various industries will be able to network with fellow expats and enjoy authentic German food. Visitors have the opportunity to meet businesses and organizations that offer services and products for the German-speaking Expat community and learn from our featured speakers.

Click here for details.
Roast Goose Gala Dinner & 
Newcomer of the Ye ar Award 2018
November 8
NYC

The Award  will be presented to a company that has stood out for its products and services, creative spirit and innovative approach. Each candidate has successfully identified and addressed a need in the US business market while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service as well as strong ties to Germany. This year's Roast Goose Dinner will feature presentations from the jury's top three finalists and announcement of the grand prize winner.

Click here for details and registration.
Job Market
The German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) New York supports companies in recruiting skilled personnel as well as applicants in finding permanent employment or internships in the U.S. through posted job advertisements.

The GACC is currently looking for:  
 
The German American Chamber of Commerce is also an official sponsor for J-1 visas in the categories of "Intern" and "Trainees" and can help you in obtaining your J-1 visa. Please contact us at [email protected] and visit our website at www.go-j1.com .


Trade Fairs
electronica in Munich, Germany, from November 13-16, 2018 is the place to encounter the newest insights and developments in the world of electronics.

As the leading trade fair for the electronics industry, electronica is rapidly growing and will for the first time fill 17 exhbition halls. Be part of this debut when 3,562 exhibitors showcase their products and services to more than 73,000 people.

The supporting program makes the event worthwhile for everyone! Four international conferences provide a look at future prospects and will expand your knowledge on the featured topics: Automotive, Embedded, Wireless and Industry 4.0. The program also includes nine highly informative forums with designated BusinessTalks and TechTalks and the  "new" CEO Roundtable. electronica fast forward, powered by Elektor, provides a platform for start-ups and talents in the electronics sector.

Save time and purchase your discounted ticket online noworcontact Tina Hoehn for more information


Upcoming Trade Shows:

China Brew China Beverage, Shanghai               
October 23 - 26, 2018
drink technology India, Mumbai                          
October 24 - 26, 2018
electronica, Munich                                            
November 13 - 16, 2018
GACC NY Welcomes Our New Members
CLY Communication
Miscellaneous
German American Business Awards Showcase German Companies' Contribution to US Economy
The national German American Business Awards will be held in Chicago's South Loop on October 19. These awards, extended by the German American Chambers of Commerce (GACCs), represent one of the highest accolades in transatlantic business, recognizing companies for their exceptional achievements in digitalization, innovation and services.

This year's winners include:

Excellence in Digitalization

Excellence in Innovation

Cleverciti Systems
Excellence in Services


Click here for press release containing details.
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