Valued Partner, enjoy your December ChamberBrief

Dear Members and Friends,

2018 has been an exciting year for transatlantic business. German companies in the U.S. are flourishing despite political uncertainty. We’re excited to share this year's results of our German American Business Outlook 2019 , one of the most important economic indicators of German American business relations, on January 29, 2019 in New York City, NY. While we prepare the release of the GABO results, you can review the findings of the DIHK’s Fall AHK World Business Outlook .

A December highlight was the visit of the U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell . As part of the U.S. government’s focus on supporting programs that advance workforce development, he visited our GACC Midwest members and ICATT Network Companies WITTENSTEIN North America and BBS Automation , to get first-hand information on the German Apprenticeship System. Get more insights here .

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we want to make sure that you can enjoy the holiday spirit at one of our Christkindlmarkets . In case you missed our Christkindlmarket Preview Event, you still have the chance to attend the Wisconsin Chapter's Holiday Reception at our brand new Christkindlmarket in Milwaukee, WI to enjoy German food, hot spiced wine, and good company.

As a successful year is coming to an end our membership team is preparing our annual membership renewal process. Please make sure to renew your membership on time so that we can continue our excellent cooperation in 2019.

Thank you for being a part of our network. We look forward to continuing our great partnership and hope 2019 will be a successful year for you all.

Happy Holidays!

Your GACC Midwest Team

December Highlights

Read the Skills Update and learn more about all things apprenticeships.

Our Talent Spotlight introduces you to high potential talents for your company.

Review our 2019 Sponsorship Opportunities

Do you want to partner more closely with GACC Midwest? We’re excited to officially announce our 2019 Partnership Opportunities. Whether it be your involvement in one of our signature events, a webinar or one of our publications – we offer you several platforms to showcase your expertise and increase your visibility in the German-American Business community. Please review your options or contact us. We're more than happy to customize an individual sponsorship package that will meet the needs of your company.

Recap: 22 German machine tool manufacturers share innovative solutions

During the first week of December, GACC Midwest supported the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW) in organizing a technical symposium in Detroit, MI. 22 leading German Machine Tool manufacturers presented their latest innovations in production technology, which showcased the diversity and technological competence of the German machine tool industry. The over 140 attendees of the symposium had opportunities to establish business connections during this event. Check out the company presentations and photo gallery to get an overall impression of the event.

Recap: MAT2 Kick-off in Detroit, MI

GACC Midwest has been selected to support the management of the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT2 or "Matsquared") Program in Michigan. GACC Midwest already certifies company-specific apprenticeships at several of the MAT2 participating companies. During the kick-off event in Detroit, MI, companies discussed opportunities of the program as well as pitfalls which the skills gap brings to the industry and how to solve them. Are you interested in learning more about the MAT2 program? Our colleague is happy to answer your questions.

Recap: Wrap-up at the Minnesota Chapter's Annual Membership Meeting

New and old members gathered to celebrate a year of successful events and networking at our Minnesota Chapter’s Annual Membership Meeting and Holiday Dinner at the St. Paul Union Depot. Karen Develle, Executive Director of the Minnesota Chapter, spoke about the chapter’s achievements in 2018 and announced the introduction of the ICATT Apprenticeship Program in Minnesota next year. Contact us to learn more about our Minnesota Chapter's partnership opportunities in 2019.

To Our New Members: Willkommen!

Connect with the new members of our Chamber:

HARIBO of America
Axion RMS, Ltd
Ace Relocation Systems, Inc. (9/21/2018)
Machinify, Inc. (9/21/2018)
Graepel North America Inc. (10/01/2018)
LAP Consultants (10/3/2018)
MRH Trowe Insurance Brokers GmbH (10/16/2018)
Autumn Consulting (10/17/18)
Gravity Storage Inc. (10/24/2018)
Kelley Kronenberg, P.A. (10/25/2018)
The Garner Group (11/27/2018)
Boston Consulting Group (11/29/2018)
Buckert Patent & Trademark Law Firm PC (9/21/2018)
Colliers International (10/22/2018)
BASF Corporation (10/23/2018)
UHY LLP (11/9/2018)

Upcoming Events

Mercedes-Benz Denver Christkindl Market - 11/16 - 12/23/18 - Denver, CO
Christkindlmarket 2018
Christkindlmarket Chicago, 11/16 - 12/24/2018, Chicago, IL
Christkindlmarket Milwaukee- 11/17 - 12/31/18 - Milwaukee, WI
Christkindlmarket Naperville - 11/23 - 12/24/18 - Naperville, IL
European Business Networking - 12/19/18 - Chicago, IL
VIP Reception at Christkindlmarket Milwaukee - 12/20/18 - Milwaukee, WI
European Business Networking - 1/16/19 - Chicago, IL
Business Luncheon Series - 2/6/18 - tbd, IL
European Business Networking - 2/20/19 - Chicago, IL
Business Luncheon Series - 3/6/19 - Chicago, IL
Annual Members Meeting - 3/8/18 - tbd, IL
European Business Networking - 3/20/18 - Chicago, IL
German-American Business Outlook - 1/29/2018 - New York City, NY

Save the Date

Midwest SME Forum - 5/16/18 - tbd
German-American Business Forum - 6/4/18 - Potsdam, Germany

Stay in the Know:

This impressive map, created by our member Intersect Illinois, shows Illinois' expansive FDI network.
Our member company Hermle plans on expanding in Franklin, WI. Read more.
German grocery retailer Aldi has been named the 2018 Retailer of the Year by Supermarket News.
Being bilingual affects your brain in a positive way. Check out our member company DANK Haus' German language classes for everyone.