ChamberBrief

June 2008

German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc - GACCoM

Upcoming Events:

GACCoM's Midwest Renewables & Energy Efficiency Roadshow: June 23-26, 2008

--REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!--

GACCoM and its chapters are proud to present their Midwest Renewables & Energy Efficiency Roadshow. This will be a weeklong event at four different locations covering several different topics from the Renewable Energy field. Each stop along the Roadshow will feature an afternoon conference with locally relevant topics, followed by a networking reception. The primary objective of the conference is to open a dialog for partnership between two of the world’s leading countries in developing and implementing new Renewable and Energy Efficient technologies.

Roadshow Schedule and Topics

June 23^rd Cincinnati, Ohio: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Kings Gate Marriott, 151 Goodman Drive

• BioEnergy/Carbon Sequestration
• Energy Efficiency in Industry

June 24^th Detroit, Michigan: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Next Energy, 461 Burroughs

- in cooperation with GACCoM's Michigan Chapter

• Supply Chains in the Renewable Energy Industry
• Energy Efficiency in Industry

June 25^th Chicago, Illinois: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm: 111 S. Wacker (the building is LEED certified for core and shell), 29th Floor  

• Sustainable Development
• Energy Efficient Architecture, Residential & Commercial Energy

June 26^th Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm: St. Thomas University, Opus College of Business, 1000 LaSalle Ave 

- in cooperation with GACCoM's Minnesota Chapter

• Wind Energy
• BioEnergy

Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Konrad Bauer, Project Director Renewable Energies, German Energy Agency, dena (All Events) 

Dr. Subhendu Guha, Chairman, United Solar Ovonic (Detroit) 

Dr. Michael Walsh, Senior Vice President, Chicago Climate Exchange (Chicago) 

Gene Hugoson, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (Minneapolis) 

For questions about Renewables in Germany or technical presentations, please contact: Mark Tomkins, Director of Consulting Services, at tomkins@gaccom.org.    

TEAM GERMANY in the Chicago World Cup

Once again, GACCoM's YEC members will be representing Germany in the Chicago World Cup Soccer Tournament. The Tournament, organized by Fellowes, brings together many nationalities to play an exciting and fun soccer tournament.  Please come out to support Team Germany! Team Germany games are at 9 am, 10:30 am, and 12:30 pm. Tor, Tor, Tor!

Date: June 21, 2008

Time: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Location: YMCA Rauner Family Soccer Field, 2700 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL

www.chicagoworldcup.com

IMTS Reception

IMTS is the premier manufacturing technology show in the Americas. In 2006, IMTS brought together more than 91,000 visitors from 119 nations. GACCoM would like to invite you to a networking reception. Come and connect with  manufacturing industry professionals from both sides of the Atlantic. Sample refreshments and hors d’oeurves while enjoying amazing views in the heart of Chicago’s business district.

Date: Thursday, September 11, 2008 

Time: 6:00 pm -  8:00 pm

Location: The Adams Room, 40th Floor, 190 South LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60603
Costs: $55 Members, $65 Non–Members

TRANSATLANTIC PROGRAM - Training the Future

Kick-off of the 2008 Program in Berlin

On May 24^th GACCoM's fourth Transatlantic Program (TAP) started with a ten-day immersion seminar in Berlin. Barbara Zollmann and Sabine Klensch met the 22 TAP 2008 participants for ten exciting days in Berlin - featuring language-building activities; inter-cultural training; visits to well-known German companies and organizations; discussions with representatives of German business and politics, and day trips to Hamburg and Leipzig. Each TAP participant was carefully selected out of a pool of applicants from U.S. colleges and universities nationwide. Besides a minimum requirement of two years of college-level German and good academic standing, all students have demonstrated high levels of motivation, flexibility, open-mindedness and a genuine desire to become ‘ambassadors’ for the U.S. in Germany. On June 5^th, the students began their individual internships at companies throughout Germany, where they will spend from two to six months gaining hands-on experience in German business and culture. We believe this is essential for young educated adults with transatlantic career ambitions and is one way that GACCoM is "TRAINING THE FUTURE".

	Dr. F. Hans Grandin, President/CEO, KOMET of America Inc.

Meet the Sponsors: Today: KOMET of America Inc.

While the Transatlantic Program has been financed through seed money provided by the German government during the first couple of years, the program is now transitioning towards private financing with the help of corporate and other sponsors.

KOMET of America Inc. recently joined as a corporate sponsor of the Transatlantic Program 2009. KOMET is servicing the North American market for the KOMET Group, with production, engineering, distribution and service facilities in the US and Mexico. The KOMET Group is one of the leaders in the area of hole making tools for the metalworking industry.

"Why do we sponsor the Transatlantic Program? International personnel development is one of the keys for the success of the Komet Group. This is why we have decided to sponsor the TAP, which will give us the opportunity to support young talents in gaining international experience.” 

Dr. F. Hans Grandin, President/CEO

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If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Transatlantic Program and benefit from additional exposure and access to the talented group of Transatlantic Program Alumni and their universities, too, please visit www.transatlanticprogram.org or contact Sabine Klensch at Klensch@gaccom.org (312 494 2166) or Cara Gyoervari at gyoervari@gaccom.org.

Take Advantage of our Career Services!

For all open positions, click on the position for more information and how to apply!

Administrative Assistant in Chicago Loop

Accounting firm in the Chicago Loop is seeking an office assistant with 3-5 years of work experience. Excellent communication skills, excellent PC skills and English fluency are required, and German language is a plus. Duties include daily communication with clients, business partners, service partners etc. Administrative support includes the handling of incoming and outgoing mail and managing office supplies. 

Also included in the main responsibilities of the position are planning, organizing and preparing meetings; preparing business correspondence and reports; and making travel arrangements.

GACCoM is also looking to expand!

Renewables Project Manager           

GACCoM is currently looking for a full-time renewables project manager with 1-3 years of work experience. As part of the consulting department, the Renewables Project Manager’s role includes: managing a wide range of Chamber initiatives for the promotion of German technology in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, also working with German clients from multiple industries on their market entry strategy for the U.S. market; carrying out distributor and partner searches (including both researching US companies and contacting them), market research, conducting seminars and conferences relating to transatlantic trade topics, especially in the area of renewable energy.  Some limited travel is required. 

Part-Time Staff Accountant

GACCoM is looking for a part-time Staff Accountant with a minimum of 3-5 years of work experience. The Staff Accountant’s role includes, but is not limited to: processing of receipts, accounts payable and general ledger, providing information to department heads as directed, and preparation of monthly financial statements for GACCoM and its subsidiary as well as assisting with daily routines and occasional special projects. The Staff Accountant will work closely with the controller. Detail orientation, excellent communication skills, flexibility and proficiency in Quickbooks and Microsoft Excel are required. Also, the applicant must be eligible to work in the US.

Business News

• GACCoM Survey Results: GACCoM Members still very cautious about their prospects for the U.S. economy, but nevertheless optimistic about their companies' financial prospects
• Nordex to move headquartes to Chicago and invest $100 Million in local production over next few years
• Chicago No. 1 Trading City in the World
• Chicago Named U.S. City of the Year - Fast Company Magazine Puts Windy City Atop of 2008 Fast Cities List
• Midwest Manufacturing Technology Consumption up 15% in 2007 - US Consumption up 8%

Merlin Award Winners Announced!

	From left: Markus Schyboll, President, Schunk Graphite Technology; Jan Kowal, President, Brose North America, Inc.; Nazilla Rad, VP Sales & Services, T-Systems North America, Inc.; Dr. Marcus Wirtz, President, JOEST Inc.

GACCoM's Merlin Award Winners were announced at our Merlin Awards Gala on May 2nd at the InterContinental Hotel Chicago.

GACCoM is proud to announce this year’s Merlin Award winners. Named after one GACCoM's founders, Peter H. Merlin, the Merlin Award is given to companies in the German American business community in the Midwest that offer a unique product, innovative service or breakthrough technology. This year, GACCoM introduced four new Merlin Award categories.

Congratulations to our winners: 

Best Innovator  - Go Green 2008:

Schunk Graphite Technology - Menomonee Falls, WI

Best Manufacturer:

Brose North America, Inc. - Auburn Hills, MI

Best  New Company/Start-Up:

JOEST Inc. - Glen Ellyn, IL

Best Service Provider

T-Systems North America, Inc - Rochester Hills, MI

GACCoM would also like to thank:

Our Principal Sponsor: Lufthansa German Airlines. Our Major Sponsors: Bosch Companies, Fifth Third Bank, Ipsen Inc., and Shelbourne Development Group. Our Table Sponsors: Andrea Luehmann, Ltd./Thiedmann & Edler; Bank of America; Bell, Boyd & Loyd LLP; Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione; Comerica Bank;  Eisenmann Corporation; Ernst & Young LLP; J.S. Richter, Ltd.; Komet of America, Inc.; Putzmeister America, Inc.; Rödl & Partner; and XL Insurance.

More information on our winners, our gala, and pictures of the event, here.

Past Events - Photogallery

To view pictures from our many other events, please click here.

Member News

Full Day German Summer Camp in Chicago

The Lycee Francais de Chicago is organizing Summer Day Camps to live the international experience right here in the city. “Die Abenteurer” is a full day camp, aimed at children entering 3^rd through 5^th grades. Run by experienced teachers, this camp helps promote students' personal development and language abilities through activities such as sports, arts, cooking, Mad Science, swimming, beach games and many other activities. Students will participate in at least two field trips every week, including bike tours, museum visits, water parks, and visits to various nature sites.

Dates: Three-week program, July 7 - July 25, 2008 – Monday through Friday 9 am- to 3 pm

Cost: $350 per week (includes lunch, snacks, and 2 camp t-shirts).

For more information, please visit www.germanschoolchicago.com.  

CAR - Management Briefing Seminars

Registration for the Center for Automotive Researchs (CAR)  Management Briefing Seminars is now open. The seminars will take place in Traverse City, MI from August 11-15, 2008. This is the most influential and informative event of the automotive industry. For more information, please visit mbs.cargroup.org or call 734-662-1287.

Troy-German Educational Partnership Breakfast

You are invited to an informational breakfast introducing specific programs and services that are available and of interest to German-based companies, their employees, and families.

Date: Thursday, June 19, 2008

Time: 8:30 a.m. -  9:30 a.m.

Location: Baker Middle School, 1291 Torpey Drive, Troy, MI

Programs and services represented include: English as a second language, Deustche Schule Metro Detroit, International Baccalaurate Schools, Kindergarten and First Grade Limited Schools of Choice, Preschools, Summer Camps, Summer School, College Educational Extension, representatives from the Troy Chamber of Commerce, City of Troy, Oakland County Economic Development (Employer Services), and much, much, more. To RSVP, please contact Nancy Trott at ntrott2@troy.k12.mi.us or (248) 823-4029.

GACCoM News Jeder Schritt Hilft Mit The GACCoM Team together with friends and family walked and rolled for a good cause on Sunday, May 18th. Following our motto: Jeder Schritt hilft mit (Every step counts) we joined the American Cancer Society's 5-mile Walk & 15-mile Roll in downtown Chicago. The GACCoM team raised more than 4 times our original goal. Great job, Team!

GACCoM on Tour

Our GACCoM employees have been busy touring our member states, visiting German subsidiaries and member companies - here are a few pictures: