Our Region
Our region covers eleven states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas), three U.S. Territories (Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands) and the Bahamas. We have 5 regional Chapters and two affiliates supporting the GACC South’s network in this region. Our chapters provide membership services and organize special events and networking opportunities for local members and the community.
Our Chapters
Florida
Established in 2012, our Chapter serves the German-American business community by providing reliable support and producing engaging events that carry on the mission of the GACC South to our partners within Florida.
Our Chapter in Action
Our Chapter provides unique experiences for our members by partnering with local and statewide organizations. Our partnerships include organizations such as the City of Orlando, Enterprise Florida, and the Tampa Port Authority in addition to recognized leaders in business and research like Bauer Foundation, the Max Planck Florida Institute, and Holland & Knight.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with Iman Staab for Membership-related questions in Florida.
For Consulting-related questions please reach out to info(at)gaccsouth.com.
Meet our Leadership Team
Name | Function | Company | Postition |
---|---|---|---|
Crispin Teufel | Chairman Of The Board | National Seating & Mobility | Chief Executive Officer |
Tobias Borawski | Chapter Director | Astaras, Inc | Managing Director |
Roland Chase | Honorary Consul | Hill Ward Henderson | Shareholder |
Norma Henning, J.D. | Leadership Committee Member | Macaluso LLP | Partner |
Maximilian Schüppel | Leadership Committee Member | Puraglobe | Business Development Manager |
Thomas Butsch | Leadership Committee Member | Butsch Corp | President |
Andre Sluczka | Leadership Committee Member | Datagrate, Inc. | Founder & CEO |
North Carolina
North Carolina is home to one of the largest contingents of German subsidiaries and related companies in the nation. This is an important factor that led to the creation of our Chapter in 2002.
Our Chapter in Action
The leaders of our chapter are very well-connected in the business community of North Carolina. The chapter organizes events so that the members may take advantage of this extensive network.
These events include:
- bi-monthly Stammtisch at Old Mecklenburg Brewery hosted by Kühne + Nagel
- monthly German American Business Dialogues with German American companies in the Charlotte region
- annual New Member reception and New Year’s reception
These and other events in the Carolinas can be found in the events section of this site.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with Athalia Ariza for Membership-related questions in North Carolina.
For Consulting-related questions please reach out to info(at)gaccsouth.com.
Meet our Leadership Team
Name | Function | Postition | Company |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Henning Bruns | NC Leadership Team Director | Managing Director | ConMoto Consulting |
Al Guarnieri | Partner | Parker Poe | |
Heiner Dornburg | President | Brinox USA | |
Henk Van Ettekoven | President / CEO | Huber USA | |
Hans (Henry) Hilgenstock | Director Business Development | Cargo Modules LLC | |
Reinhard von Hennigs | Chairman and Founder | BridgehouseLaw | |
Steve Cooper | Partner | Rödl & Partner | |
Ulrich (Uli) Tombuelt | CEO | Sattler USA |
South Carolina
The state of South Carolina provides an excellent business platform for international organizations to prosper in both the United States and global markets. As a major trading partner with Germany, South Carolina continues to stand at the forefront of German-American relations. This is highlighted by the presence of over 100 German organizations within the state.
South Carolina has five major interstates and a commercial airport within an hour of any location in the state, along with The Port of Charleston, being the biggest port in the Southern United States. Why have German companies invested so heavily in the state? South Carolina is characterized by a sound business climate, a good labor supply, competitive operating costs and more.
Our Chapter in Action
The leadership of the South Carolina chapter is organizing multiple events throughout the state.
- Stammtische at Hans & Franz Biergarten in Greenville hosted by G+W Equipment
- Stammtische at Commonhouse Aleworks in Charleston, SC hosted by Kühne + Nagel
- infrequent German American Business Dialogues throughout South Carolina
- annual New Member reception and New Year’s reception
These and other events in the Carolinas can be found in the events section of this site.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with Athalia Ariza for Membership-related questions in South Carolina.
For Consulting-related questions please reach out to info(at)gaccsouth.com.
Meet our Leadership Team
Name | Funktion | Postition | Unternehmen |
---|---|---|---|
Tobias Brugger | SC Leadership Team Director | Senior Vice President | ZF Group |
Daniel Schlegel | Vice President Operations | Kion Group | |
David Lewis | Architect & President | Context Design | |
Manuele D´Aversa | CEO | Sulzer USA | |
Sam Moses | Partner | Parker Poe | |
Wolf Müller | Vize President | Dräxlmaier | |
Steve Cooper | Partner | Rödl & Partner |
Tennessee
The Tennessee Chapter of the GACC South is an organization that:
- provides a networking platform for businesses and individuals that are involved or interested in developing trade and business activities between Tennessee and Germany
- offers support for newcomers from Germany to Tennessee and vice versa
Networking events are held in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville. At these events, local members can start setting up the infrastructure to host events. The Chapter is also working on signature events—like presentations and business luncheons—that feature guest speakers talking about various points of interest related to commerce between Germany and Tennessee.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with Iman Staab for Membership-related questions in Tennessee.
For Consulting-related questions please reach out to info(at)gaccsouth.com.
Texas
The GACC South Houston Office acts as a link between German and American business. Our Chapter works mainly with companies in the energy sector, particularly in Renewable Energies, Energy Efficiency, as well as Oil and Gas. We invite companies from all industries who have an interest in U.S. expansion to take advantage of our services.
GACC South provides invaluable services to help German companies succeed in Texas. Our expert consulting team aids German firms looking to enter or expand in the state, offering market entry strategy, regulatory guidance, and connections to the local business community. We also provide marketing support, including promotion at our well-attended networking events, customized PR plans, and access to business leaders through our Executive Roundtables. Whether you're a global enterprise or niche provider, GACC South has the knowledge and network to facilitate your company's Texas growth objectives.
We host various events along with networking opportunities throughout Texas, some of which are in close cooperation with local chambers or other institutions. All events can be found in the events section of this site.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with Sandra Schwalen for Membership-related questions in Texas.
For Consulting-related questions please reach out to info(at)gaccsouth.com.
German Business in the USA
German-owned affiliates play an important role in the U.S. economy, with German businesses contributing to its economic health and prosperity. Most importantly, these affiliates create jobs in all regions: from California to Virginia and from Minnesota to Texas. They are also a vital part of the daily life of American employees and their families. About 860,700 American jobs were “insourced” and supported by German-owned affiliates in states across the country.
The online-tool, “German Business in the USA: A State-by-State Analysis of Imports, Exports, and Jobs,” published by the Representative of German Industry and Trade (RGIT) offers an objective and comparative analysis of German business activity in the United States by employment and trade.