November 2024

REHAU Company Visit & German Christmas Pyramid Lightning in Cullman

Join us for an afternoon in Cullman where we will celebrate the town's German heritage with German Consul General Melanie Moltmann.

We will start with a visit and tour of the first German supplier to Mercedes-Benz to locate in Alabama - REHAU Automotive. Followed by a visit to the Cullman County Museum to learn more about the town's German founder and history.

We will end the program with Consul Moltmann officially lighting the German Christmas Pyramid (the tallest in the US) to mark the German Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt) in Cullman OPEN for the season. This year the market is twice as large with many new features.

Don't miss out on this wonderful outing!

Last AGP Stammtisch of the Year in Birmingham

Come out to network at our monthly "Stammtisch". This is a great opportunity for German expats to meet and for other German-speaking/practicing to improve their German. Speaking German is encouraged but not required.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Cahaba Brewing Company

Birmingham

What does "Stammtisch" mean? A Stammtisch is an informal group meeting held on a regular basis, and also the usually large table around which the group meets. A Stammtisch is not a structured meeting, but rather a friendly and casual get-together.

Annual Memorial Observance at the German and Italian Enemy Prisoner of War Cemetery at the Former Fort McClellan in Anniston

How German as a Second Language Can Advance Your Career

Join Joseph Lulka, AGP Chair of the Young Professionals at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Learn how learning a second language has helped him advance his career.

Wednesday, November 13 at 5:30 p.m. The Yellowhammer Room, Gorgas Library, 711 Capstone Dr, Tuscaloosa. Open to the Public.

Dankeschön to our PATRON Members:

AGP Study Trip to Germany Recap

By Mike Brooks, AGP Chair & Associate Director, Alabama International Trade Center, The University of Alabama

The AGP Study Trip never disappoints; every trip helps to foster existing relationships – and can provide the spark that ignites new opportunities. Tine and a group of 12 participants traveled to Cologne in mid-September for an incredible opportunity to learn more about German culture, education, and industry.

To shake off the jet lag, the trip started with a short walking tour of Cologne – with a stop at the most- visited attraction in Germany: The Cologne Cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world – a Gothic masterpiece at 515 feet tall. While construction began in 1248, it wasn’t finished until 1560; clearly, the road crew on I-65 is on the same schedule, albeit with a much less attractive outcome. Our guide was a former US Marine, who has been living in Cologne for several years. He was an engaging storyteller and showed the historic Town Hall and its interesting statues (Google with caution), Roman ruins – surrounded by a parking deck, the Alter Markt, a short stroll along the Rhine, and the world’s oldest perfume company (Farina, 1709) – which according to Dr. Gramberg, “Ja, smells like Oma.” The evening concluded with a huge schweinshaxe (crispy pork knuckle) and a sampling of Kölsch beer, served in classic 0.2-liter glasses.

On Monday we started at RWTH Aachen University, a public research university with over 47,000

students; almost 1/3 are international students. It is widely regarded as one of the leading technical

universities in Europe – and is sometimes referred to as “the MIT of Germany.” We learned about the impressive exchange programs or collaborative efforts between Aachen and institutions around the world; the group met with representatives from computer science and mechanical engineering and concluded with a tour of their Collective Incubator.

Tuesday began in Ahlen, with an incredible tour of Winkelman Flowform Technology, a business unit of Winkelman Group, which has been family-owned since 1898. Globally, they are recognized as one of the leaders in the field of metal forming in a wide range of industrial sectors. Their operation in the Auburn Industrial Park is home to the largest vertical flow-forming machinery in the Americas and serves the aerospace and defense industries as well as the commercial vehicle and oil and gas industry. The tour concluded with a discussion of the company’s goal to become 100% energy self-sufficient (“off-the- grid”) using only renewable energy sources.

Immer Besser (Always Better) is the motto at Miele, a manufacturer of high-end domestic appliances and commercial equipment – and the gracious host of our delegation on Wednesday. Globally, the family-run enterprise - now in its fourth generation - employs a workforce of around 22,300. Their facility in Opelika is their first in the US and will allow them to more quickly serve their largest market outside of Germany – and with a smaller carbon footprint. The first ovens – “super-sized to meet US consumer demands” - are expected to ship in November! After an incredible tour of their cooking unit manufacturing facility, we learned about the apprenticeship model at Miele – and how they are able to recruit and retain a talented and dedicated workforce. The visit concluded with a guided tour through the company museum, which traced their manufacturing history from butter churning to clothes washing, from vacuum cleaners to motorized bicycles, dishwashers to ranges, and yes – even automobiles. Our day in Gütersloh ended at a great local restaurant, with special guests from Miele’s leadership group in Germany – and Alabama.

Read Mike's Full Writeup Here

THANK YOU TO OUR AGP GOLF TOURNAMENT SUPPORTERS

President Biden Receives the Highest German Federal Award

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented President Biden with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, Germany's highest federal award, in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the transatlantic alliance. In his remarks, Mr. Steinmeier highlighted that “for Germany, friendship with the U.S. was, is, and always will be existentially important, even when there are times of disagreement.” Mr. Biden praised Germany as one of America’s most vital allies.

By The White House on Oct. 17, 2024:

On the occasion of President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s visit to Germany, the United States reaffirms its commitment to deepening the close and historic bond between the two nations as Allies and friends. For over 75 years, Germany has been a crucial partner in ensuring the stability, security, and prosperity of the transatlantic alliance. In October 2023, President Biden welcomed President Steinmeier to Washington during German-American Day, underscoring the enduring people-to-people ties between our two countries, including the over 40 million Americans who claim German heritage and strengthen the diverse fabric of the United States. In February 2024, President Biden welcomed Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the White House, where the two leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s war of aggression, discussed regional stability in the Middle East, and prepared for the NATO Summit in Washington.

During his visit to Germany, President Biden will underscore our mutual commitment to upholding democracy, combating antisemitism and hatred, and expanding collaboration to promote economic growth and technological innovation. In addition, he will express gratitude to Germany for its role in hosting approximately 39,000 U.S. service members and its vital contributions to the security of NATO and the broader transatlantic community. 

The United States and Germany are partners in a wide range of new and continuing initiatives to address the most pressing challenges of our time, some of which are listed below.

Read the White House's Full Fact Sheet

Germany on Campus Summary

By, Dr. Rebecca Linam, University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama’s Germany on Campus event was a resounding success on Tuesday, Oct. 15th. Thanks to a grant from the German Embassy in Washington, DC, we were able to host an interactive browse fair featuring German companies, study abroad opportunities via DaaD, and other career opportunities involving the German language. The following companies were represented: Schönox, Küberit, TMT America, Trissl Sports Cars, Kordt & Co., Hago Automotive, Mercedes-Benz, and Evonik. The following schools attended: James Clemens High School, Columbia High School, Huntsville High School, Florence High School, Corner High School, and Journey and Liberty Middle Schools. Both high school and UNA students had the opportunity to participate in a mock job interview contest with Ms. Natalie Kordt from Kordt & Co as the judge.

The event was much larger than last year, which had resulted in double enrollment in several German courses at UNA. In 2023, we debuted offering a German 101 course in the spring (as opposed to only offering it in the fall semester) and had 14 students enroll. After the 2023 Germany on Campus event, our spring enrollment in the 2024 spring section of GR 101 maxed out at 25 with several students contacting the department to ask permission to be added despite the closed course. Enrollment in German 201, 202, 350, and 400-level courses also doubled with more students adding majors and minors in German. Several new students expressed interest in adding German to their current studies.

After touring the Germany on Campus exhibit, students see the relevance of studying German. The key is showing students that they can use their German in real life. For example, pairing German with business is a great way to use language skills in the job setting. The AlabamaGermany Partnership was on hand to give information on the many German companies in Alabama. If you like teaching, consider teaching German or even teaching English as a second language in Germany. Dr. Matthew Price, Director of UNA’s Center for Premier Awards & Scholarly Engagement, showcased the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant opportunities in Germany. UNA has had three Fulbright ETA recipients to Germany three years running. Several students saw an opportunity here. He also promoted the CBYX program to Germany, which combines any career path with an internship in Germany. Other students talked with DaaD online about graduate school in Germany. Even the SPARK for German team got involved to talk

about their after-school volunteering to teach German to elementary students. UNA’s history

department teamed up with German/history majors to create a poster exhibit highlighting German

Jewish intellectuals with the local synagogue attending. UNA student Luke Todd hosted a German

philosophy table.

The takeaway is this; German can be paired with ANY major or minor to make it even better and more marketable. By putting all the opportunities in one room, students had proof it is a valuable language skill that can take their careers to higher places.

Many thanks to the Germany Embassy in Washington, DC for funding this event; it has made all the

difference in the world with our small German program, which is still growing quickly.

Dankeschön to our SUSTAINING Members:

The Life of a Student Double-Majoring in German and Mechanical Engineering

By Sage McCann, Junior at the University of Alabama | Co-op at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International | Mechanical Engineering and German Majors | Blount Liberal Arts Minor

As a student double-majoring in German and mechanical engineering, my educational journey has definitely been a diverse one. I arrived in Germany in February this year to complete an exchange semester at Hochschule Esslingen, and since August have been involved in an internship through Mercedes-Benz Werk Sindelfingen that will last until the end of this year. I completed three Co-op rotations at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Tuscaloosa, which also helped me to develop both my German and engineering skills. Learning German as a foreign language has given me the opportunity to connect with so many individuals - now friends - who I otherwise would not have had the privilege to get to know.

I began learning German the summer before my freshman year of college, but last semester during my study semester in Baden-Württemberg is where my determination to learn the language was truly put to the test. I took German as a Foreign Language C1 Level (taught in German), Renewable Energy Sources & Carriers (taught in English), Mechanics of Materials (taught in German), and CAD Basics of CATIA V5 (taught in German). With the immersion that came from these classes, I became significantly more confident to talk with other native German speakers and now have many friends here who continuously teach me more about their culture every day. We have visited the Black Forest, celebrated at Spring Fest, and regularly cook traditional German and American meals together. These friends have helped me see the everyday side of Germany, which is something that, as a foreigner, was very difficult to do on my own.

It’s one thing to learn German in the U.S., but another thing entirely to be constantly surrounded in a language that isn’t your mother tongue. Moreover, learning cultural norms and customs was also a surprise. For example, in all the supermarkets here there are no plastic bags that an employee packs for you – instead, you must bring your own reuseable bag and pack your groceries yourself. Navigating public transportation was also something that took a bit of practicing; the app with all the different routes is a bit confusing if you’ve not used it before, and I must confess that I got lost the first couple of times I used it.



Despite the challenges that came with getting used to using English as a secondary language and adjusting to different cultural norms, I am wholeheartedly grateful for the experience and would do it a million times over again. I would fully encourage anyone who has not yet lived in another country (especially Germany) to take even a short amount of time to live here. It is something truly indescribable and perpetually rewarding.

Foley Sister Cities Hosts International Visitors from Hennef

By Linda B. Spangrud, Executive Director

Foley Sister Cities hosted teachers and students from Hennef, Germany, who stayed in the homes of Foley host families. The students have been matched for more than a year.

Hennef students and teachers were welcomed by Mayor Ralph Hellmich while visiting Foley

High School. The German students had four requests before they came: see dolphins, alligators,

turtles, and a football game. They accomplished all their requests. The students were able to

participate in the Oktoberfest 5K run; saw dolphins on a boat cruise, alligators at Alligator Alley,

attended Foley High School football game in Fairhope, and participated in “Share the Beach”

Turtle Training. Besides all of this, they visited Foley Elementary School, Foley Railroad

Museum and Model Train Exhibit, the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Mobile Carnival

Museum, and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Museum.

Deep friendships and relationships have developed over the last year. It is best said by Foley High school student Drake Zarro, “This exchange was an amazing experience. It was so fun to meet new people and explore places I have never been to. This exchange has left me with a bunch of lifelong friends who I still talk to even after the trip. It has shown me how other people in different countries do things differently. Overall, it was an amazing opportunity.”

This is echoed by Drake’s mother, Janice Zarro. She says, “This program was like opening our

home to a whole new world. Not only did we gain knowledge about other cultures, but we

gained a new family member along the way. We will never forget this experience and have

created memories to last a lifetime.”

Mayor Ralph Hellmich is very pleased about the progress of Foley Sister Cities. Both the Mayor

and Linda B. Spangrud, Executive Director, are heard saying that this is exactly what we hoped

this program would do. “Promote long-term, global people-to-people relationships.”

The next big project for Foley Sister Cities is an international, intergenerational cookbook. The

recipes are gathered, translated and now being formatted for publication and printing. They will

be available for public purchase.

The Foley Sister Cities Commission exists to promote cultural, educational, and commercial relationships through international leadership, friendship and understanding. Ultimately “Building Peace Through People”.

For more information about Foley Sister Cities or its’ Commission please visit

www.foleysistercities.com or contact us at foleysistercities@gmail.com .

AGP Welcomes New Members

Please help us welcome our new member:

Corporate/Associate

Actalent Engineering

Doug Cole, Business Development Manager

Two entrepreneurs founded Aerotek in 1983 to support the growing talent needs in the aerospace and defense industry, with a focus on contract engineering. Through strategic investments, the business quickly expanded into other industries and specializations, including lab and clinical. Specialized solutions were added with the integration of EASi engineering services, bringing with it decades of award-winning expertise. They refocused on their engineering and sciences core, forming a new company Actalent (pronounced ACT-uh-lent) to cultivate and support the people who make progress possible. Together, through a better understanding of your needs and collaboratively tailored services, Actalent can create future success.

As an AGP member, you can connect with them through the AGP membership database.

To learn more about Actalent, visit www.actalentservices.com.

As an AGP member, you can connect with them through the

AGP membership database (except individual memberships).



Join AlabamaGermany Partnership TODAY!



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