New Chapter Is Set to Strengthen Transatlantic Business Ties
Tampa, FL – November 1, 2024 – The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc. (GACC South) is expanding its reach with the inauguration of a new Florida Chapter, scheduled for November 21st at Tampa International Airport.
This highly anticipated addition to the GACC South network aims to strengthen further the link between German and American businesses across Florida, two global leaders in innovation. Florida’s appeal to German companies extends beyond its strategic location, offering a skilled and diverse workforce of over 10 million, a business-friendly tax climate, and a high quality of life, making it an ideal location for attracting and retaining top talent.
“Tampa’s history with Germany dates back as far as the 19th century, when immigrants came to a newly founded part of town that was growing rapidly – Ybor City,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Fast-forward to 2024, and hundreds of German companies call Florida home. We are thrilled to welcome the German American Chamber of Commerce to Tampa and look forward to continued growth of businesses and strengthening of our transatlantic ties.”
The inauguration event will welcome key figures from German and U.S. businesses and local government communities. Expected attendees include representatives from German companies operating in Florida, local business owners, and government officials. The event will kick of with a formal ceremony and remarks from the newly appointed director of the Florida Chapter, Tobias Borawski.
Establishing the Florida Chapter of GACC South is a milestone for Florida’s business landscape, enabling companies to benefit from the resources and extensive network of one of the largest German-American business organizations in the United States. “With Florida’s strategic location and its business-friendly environment, we see significant potential for fostering partnerships that will be mutually beneficial for German and American companies,” said Tobias Borawski. “With over 200 German companies in Florida, this chapter and location will be an ideal gateway for German businesses entering the U.S. market.”
Ranging from large corporations to smaller, specialized firms, with over $250bn in trade, Germany is America’s 4th largest trading partner and largest foreign employer. GACC South offers a full suite of services, including market research, legal guidance, and business development support tailored to the needs of German companies at various stages of market entry. The Florida Chapter of the GACC South will also work with Florida’s local business community, offering tailored networking services and resources.
The event at Tampa International Airport will serve as a launchpad for ongoing initiatives, including regular networking events, trade missions to Germany, and partnerships with local chambers and business organizations.
The Florida Chapter of the GACC South leadership team comprises industry leaders and seasoned professionals with experience in international trade, economic development, and global affairs. Its Chairman, Director, and Leadership Committee are:
- Crispin Teufel, Chairman of the Board of the GACC South and CEO at National Seating & Mobility
- Tobias Borawski, Managing Director at Astaras, Inc - 20 years of experience in finance and management, mediator between German and American culture.
- Roland Chase, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, Attorney at Law and – corporate and securities attorney and partner with the law firm of Hill, Ward & Henderson.
- Norma Henning, Attorney at Law, Cross-border and immigration lawyer and partner in the international law firm Macaluso LLP; Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany Emerita.
- Maximilian Schüppel, Business Development Manager at Puraglobe USA – Focused on the international development of projects to produce sustainable lubricants from used motor oil.
- Thomas Butsch, President of Butsch Corp., which maintains subsidiaries in three European countries and the USA, serving with staJing solutions in several industries.
- Andre Sluczka, Founder & CEO Datagrate, Inc. – Technology entrepreneur at datagrade, focusing on Application, Data, and Cloud Integration for modern, data- oriented businesses. Official member and contributor of the Forbes Technology Council.
For further information about the GACC South please visit www.gaccsouth.com or contact info(at)gaccsouth.com.