Our MERLIN Award Winners receive many benefits, tangible and intangible, so we strongly encourage you to seize the opportunity to apply or nominate a company for this year's MERLIN Award.

Awards Winners will receive: 

• Recognition at MERLIN Gala Dinner before 300 executives and decision makers of the German American business community
• A beautifully customized crystal award statue
• One year free GACCoM membership
• Announcement in German American Trade magazine, the magazine of the GACCs in the US
• Company Profile in the ChamberBrief e-Newsletter's special MERLIN Awards Edition
• Company Profile on GACCoM's and the GACC's Website - www.gaccom.org; www.ahk-usa.com 
• Recognition in GACCoM's yearly Highlights Brochure published at the end of the year
• A GACCoM Press Release announcing GACCoM's MERLIN Awards Winners 2011, available for distribution to German and local press

We are proudly introducing our new awards category: Excellence in Training and Education*
GACCoM wants to recognize businesses in the Midwest which have proven excellence in training and educating their work force in a German American business environment. Let it be a dual educational program combining school and hands on training on the manufacturing floor or a specially designed educational program that leads to an innovative and motivated work force. The floor is yours to convince the judges on how your business deserves the recognition of Excellence in Training and Education.


Who should apply for Best New Company*?
If your company has established an operation in the Midwest within the past 2 years (founded in 2009 or 2010) and has formed a German American business relationship, this award is right for you. We would like to hear more about how your company launched its business and how you have managed to overcome challenges when setting up operations.

Who should apply for Best Innovator*?
Any type of business with a location in Germany and in the Midwest with an innovative mind-set should apply for Best Innovator. If your company or organization has recently developed an innovative product, a business model, etc., please apply for Best Innovator.


Who should apply for Best Service Provider*?
Service Providers who have offered excellent services that have been of great value to German American business in the Midwest and/or Germany such as legal advice, business and intercultural consulting, logistics, accounting, marketing, translations, etc.