Celebrating 60 years of Partnership: Lufthansa and the GACC - German American Business Awards Berlin Business Office Opens in New York - GACC Midwest
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Celebrating 60 years of Partnership:
Lufthansa and the GACC
Photo: Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Photo: Deutsche Lufthansa AG
German American Business Awards
Berlin Business Office Opens in New York
Highest standards. Beyond all borders. Landesbank Baden-Württemberg supports you in subsidiaries of medium-sized and large compa- the global competitive environment and wants nies of the German, Swiss and Austrian business to be your preferred partner in the key financial community. Please contact our Corporate Desk centers all over the world. LBBW New York Branch at 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 41st Floor, is your gateway to the US financial markets, New York, NY 10036, phone +1 212 584-1750 offering tailor-made solutions for North American or visit us at www.LBBWus.com Breaking new ground
E D I T O R I A L C O N T E N T S
A s 2019 draws to an end, we at the
German American Chambers of
Commerce look back at a year of
The GACCs will go forward into 2020
by offering our members reliability in
the face of uncertainty. A variety of
nC OV E R S T O R Y
Celebrating 60 years of Partnership:
Lufthansa and the German American
accomplishments in the German valuable programs, events and services Chambers of Commerce 4
American business community, while will help you to navigate this ever- nS P O T L I G H T S
we eagerly anticipate the great potential changing business landscape, begin- 2019 German American Business Awards 8
2020 holds. ning with the presentation of the 10th
Fifth Annual East Coast Industry Forum 12
annual German American Business
Berlin Business Office Opens in New York 16
Many of 2019’s pivotal economic Outlook (GABO) results. In addition to
developments continue to unfold on a GABO, our signature annual events The South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance 18
daily basis. Although it has proved to include: the German American Top German Startups for 2019 21
be a year of uncertainty, German Amer- Business Forum (DAWT), which will
ican businesses have deftly managed to take place in Bielefeld, Germany; the nG TA I I N D U S T R Y T A L K
adjust to the various challenges and German American Business Awards in US construction activity is cooling off 22
continue to thrive in the US. The Chicago; the SME Business Develop-
nWA S H I N G T O N U P D A T E
economies of the US and Germany are, ment Conference in Atlanta, as well as Celebrating German-American Friendship 24
for the most part, still experiencing several major gala ceremonies hosted
growth and low unemployment. by our regional GACCs. nMEMBER PROFILES
Historically one of the main challenges The Coca-Cola Company
for German companies in the US has There is a long list of additional An interview with Dr. Bernhard Goepelt 26
been recruiting and retaining a skilled programs with prime networking Job Impulse: Human-Machine Interaction 28
workforce. The GACCs will continue to opportunities scheduled at GACC CLY Communications 30
work tirelessly to grow German style locations throughout the US. We
nSTARTUP SERIES
apprenticeship programs across the US. encourage you to visit our website Berlin Business Delegation Visits Innovation
www.ahk-usa.com for details. Centers in NYC and Boston 32
2020 marks the start of a new decade
Fifth Consecutive Startup NRW Program 33
with exciting business opportunities. Of course, the success of our
There are many developments that organization couldn’t happen without nCROSSROADS
the international community will the support of you, our esteemed Conflict Resolution in the Workplace 34
need to focus on. That includes and actively engaged members, along
changes to global supply chains being with our dedicated GACC employees nJ-1 SUCCESS STORIES
affected by trade conflicts and throughout the US. As Steve Jobs University Alliance Ruhr 36
protectionism or even new bilateral said: Great things are never done Of Diplomacy, Design and Discovery 38
and multilateral trade deals. Additional by one person. They’re done by a Koray Yeter 41
factors are the changing digital team of people!
landscape, new sources of innovation nSKILLS AT WORK
and, quite importantly, global politics, On behalf of all of us at the GACC, we Joint Apprenticeship Program 42
with the world anticipating the wish you and your families a wonder- Train the Trainer 44
impacts of Brexit and the upcoming ful holiday season and a healthy, Festo Didactic 45
US presidential election. happy and successful New Year!
nWHAT'S ON YOUR DESK?
Sascha Alexander Kuhn,
Deputy Director, Skills Initiative
& ICATT Apprenticeship Program 42
Daniel Andrich, President & CEO, RGIT Mirko Wutzler, Vice President, GACC West
nE V E N T C A L E N D A R
Events & Delegations: Q4 2019 44
Dietmar Rieg, President & CEO, GACC New York Stefanie Ziska, President & CEO, GACC South
Mark Tomkins, President & CEO, GACC Midwest
C O V E R S T O R Y
Celebrating 60
years of Partnership
Lufthansa and the German
American Chambers of Commerce
By Daniela Preis and Christina Semmel, Lufthansa Group
F or the past 60 years, the GACCs
and Lufthansa German Airlines
have partnered in the shared vision
of the airline’s long-haul service,
but also the start of six decades, and
counting, of top-quality service for
72 countries on five continents.
Lufthansa’s total fleet comprises 351
aircraft.
of fostering a strong transatlantic intercontinental air travelers.
relationship between Germany and Nearly a decade prior to Lufthansa’s
the United States of America. What began as two long-haul flights historic first flight to the US, the
a week from Germany to New York, German American Chamber of
The commitment of Lufthansa to the taking 20 hours for the trip (includ- Commerce, Inc. was launched in
US began with one route to New ing a stop in Düsseldorf and a New York, as an impartial, valuable
York in June 1955. When Lufthan- refueling stop in Ireland), has and reliable facilitator of business
sa’s Lockheed 1049 “Super G” evolved and expanded over the relations between Germany and the
Constellation first took off from years. Lufthansa German airlines US. It was in March of 1947 that the
Hamburg, Germany for New York in currently (i.e. as of summer week GACC was incorporated, opening an
June 1955, it was not just the birth 38/2019) serves 205 destinations in office a few months later at 71
Broadway in Lower Manhattan.
Today, the GACC’s New York office
Photo: Fritz Dressler / Lufthansa D 121-18-C 95
is just a stone’s throw from that
original location. Meanwhile, with
about 2,500 members and an
extensive national and international
business network, the GACCs offer a
broad spectrum of activities and
services throughout the US. Offices
are located in Atlanta, Chicago and
San Francisco, which support
several regional branches and
chapters as well.
Lufthansa in North America
Nowadays, the United States is the
most important market for Lufthan-
sa outside of Germany. Therefore,
Lufthansa Passenger Airlines and
Business Class in a Lufthansa Airbus A321-100 Lufthansa Group just announced a
major route expansion to the United
4 German American Trade Q4 2019
C O V E R S T O R Y
Lufthansa D 120-18C 197
States for the 2020 summer season. The Group’s Network carriers,
Photo: Ingo Wagner /
Lufthansa and its Group partner Lufthansa and SWISS, and also
carriers will soon serve 25 US Eurowings, will launch these new
gateways nationwide, with six new routes, as well as bolster existing
routes from the Frankfurt and services, to both leisure and busi-
Munich hubs to Seattle, WA, Detroit, ness destinations throughout the US.
MI, Washington, D.C., Phoenix, AZ, Through this streamlined connectiv-
Las Vegas, NV and Anchorage, AK. ity at the group’s hubs in Frankfurt, Business Class in a Lufthansa long-haul plane
Photo: Deutsche Lufthansa AG
German American Trade Q4 2019 5
C O V E R S T O R Y Copyright© The New York Times Originally published June 3, 1947
C O V E R S T O R Y
Both organizations joined
in their commitment to the US
community with German and
European businesses in the finance,
technology and innovation sectors,
and in the burgeoning aviation
industries on both sides of the
Atlantic. On the other hand, leisure Photo: Deutsche Lufthansa AG / CHD316-8-9
customers can also enjoy the variety
of connections from the US to the Lockheed L 16 A “Super Star” in flight (1957)
Lufthansa Group’s hubs and connect
further from there to destinations all
Photo: Deutsche Lufthansa AG
over the world.
Munich, Vienna and Zurich, the
Lufthansa Group will be able to Since they began collaborating
offer even more travel opportunities with each other in 1959, Lufthansa
globally. and the GACCs have built a solid
partnership - a partnership
Transatlantic Partner dedicated to supporting German
for over 60 years American relations throughout
Lufthansa is a pillar in the transat- the US and maintaining the mean-
Photo: Deutsche Lufthansa AG / CHD342-23
lantic relationship and a proven ingful ties that connect Germany
partner linking the US business and the US. Lufthansa Boeing 720 in flight (circa 1961
Photo: Deutsche Lufthansa AG
German American Trade Q4 2019 7
S P O T L I G H T S
Historical Crossroads:
The 2019 German
American Business Awards
By Nils Schaede, GACC
“Through their
groundbreaking
G uests of the 2019 German-
American Business Awards
discovered German-American
This year’s sold-out event celebrat-
ed three winners in Excellence in
Innovation, Services, and Economic
technologies and success stories both past and Development. The German Ameri-
present at the Chicago History can Business Awards constitute the
commitment to Museum, a new venue for the highest accolades in transatlantic
professional excel- German American Chamber of business and showcase the contin-
lence, German Commerce of the Midwest’s annual
gala. The event’s 220 guests from
ued strength of German-American
trade. German investment in the US
subsidiaries are a across the US and Germany in 2018 was $406 billion, and
boon to the US celebrated the winners of this German companies have created
year’s awards next to artifacts from close to 700,000 US jobs—just two
economy. We are Abraham Lincoln and the Chicago examples of the enormous contri-
proud to honor World’s Fairs, giving attendees a butions German companies bring to
companies that chance to explore the museum’s the US economy.
exhibits as they networked with
develop innovative C-level executives from German- This year’s winners came from
technologies, deliver American companies. across the US and exemplify
high quality services
that boost business,
and drive German
investments in the US.”
Mark Tomkins,
President & CEO,
GACC Midwest
Congratulations to the winners of the German American Business Awards! Excellence in
Economic Development: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC); Excellence
in Innovation: Rommelag USA; Excellence in Services: JKJ & H International
8 German American Trade Q4 2019
S P O T L I G H T S
Excellence in Innovation Excellence in Services Excellence in Economic
Development
Rommelag USA (Evergreen, CO) is the JKJ & H International (Newtown, PA)
winner of the Excellence in Innova- is the winner of the Excellence in Ser- Wisconsin Economic Development
tion Award for its leading-edge vac- vices Award. The insurance and risk Corporation (WEDC) (Madison, WI)
cine packaging and delivery system. management service provider works is the winner of the Excellence in
The company uses Blow/Fill/Seal (BFS) closely with both parent companies in Economic Development Award. The
technology to create an alternative Germany and their US subsidiaries co- German and Wisconsin economies are
plastic vaccine container that allows ordinating insurance solutions across closely intertwined, with strong trade
for lower costs and higher-quality borders with in-depth knowledge connections and significant German
vaccine delivery to developing coun- of both market environments. The investment in the state. German
tries. Rommelag built a facility to test company’s clientele consists largely of collaborations in the state include
this technology in an environment German Mittelstand companies, with partnerships between the German
specifically designed for biological an emphasis on the manufacturing Water Partnership and The Water
products. sector, giving clients confidence in Council as well as strategic coopera-
their risk management solutions and tion in the food and beverage sector.
>> www.rommelag.com
the determination to grow their US In 2017, HARIBO chose Wisconsin as
excellence in the strong network investments. the home for its US production—one
of the largest investments in new
of the German American >> www.jkj-h.com
operations by an overseas company in
Chambers of Commerce, with
Wisconsin history.
over 2,500 members.
>> www.wedc.org
Sharing Stories
The German American Business
Awards are a wonderful platform
for our members to share their
success stories. Receiving the
award for Excellence in Innovation,
Tim Kram, General Manager at
Rommelag, said, “We would like
to thank the GACCs for their
recognition of our work to provide
cost-effective solutions that
will result in more children receiv-
ing their vaccinations throughout
the world.”
For the first time ever, the GACCs
The German American Business Awards
recognized excellence in economic took place for the first time at the Chicago
Guests networked over dinner, live music,
development, and the Wisconsin and dancing. History Museum.
German American Trade Q4 2019 9
S P O T L I G H T S
“We would like to thank the GACCs for their
recognition of our work to provide cost-effective
solutions that will result in more children receiving
their vaccinations throughout the world.”
Tim Kram, General Manager, Rommelag
Economic Development Corporation in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, club BVB Dortmund.
won the inaugural award for its member company and event
work in attracting and supporting sponsor HARIBO sent its beloved Last but not least, our members
German companies expanding into mascot, the Gold Bear, to this outbid each other for the auction of
the state. Several member compa- year’s Awards. Attendees made sure a painting to benefit the German
nies from Wisconsin were in to take a picture with him and to International School Chicago before
attendance and added to the enjoy samples of HARIBO’s sweet rounding out the night with live
success of the event – Hermle USA, treats. After the multi-course music and dancing. It was a night
Inc. and its apprentices designed dinner, guests had the chance to of celebration, innovation, and new
and created this year’s awards, win special raffle prizes such as a connections that lead the way into
making them truly one-of-a-kind. signed jersey from member com- another strong year for German-
In preparation for its new factory pany and legendary German soccer American business.
U.S. Anwälte
für die
deutsch-sprachige
Wirtschaft
Corporate Governance
Trademark & Visa
Produkthaftung
Firmengründung
Employment The HARIBO Gold Bear stopped by the Awards to greet fans. HARIBO was a sponsor of the event.
Contracts
www.hr-ny.comMake it count. A.T. Kearney is a leading global management consulting firm with offices in more than 40 countries. Since 1926, we have been trusted advisors to the world’s foremost organizations. We are a partner-owned firm, committed to co-creating highly impactful solutions for our clients—solutions that our clients own, so the value lasts. Are you about making it count? Let A.T. Kearney show you how powerfully collaborative a premier management consulting firm can be. www.atkearney.com
S P O T L I G H T S
Fifth Annual East Coast
Industry Forum (ECIF)
Focus on Artificial Intelligence in
Education, Industry and Training
By James Freeman, GACC
A rtificial Intelligence, or as it’s
commonly referred to these
days, AI, is not just some futuristic
Chapter of The German American
Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (GACC
NY), in partnership with the Carnegie
Paul Overby, Honorary Consul,
Federal Republic of Germany and
Chairman of the Board, GACC PIT,
concept anymore. It’s here, and it’s Bosch Institute, hosted the fifth welcomed the more than 120 guests
actively being implemented - from annual East Coast Industry Forum and participants, stating: “It is an
how you engage with your key (ECIF) at Carnegie Mellon University honor to host the ECIF in Pittsburgh,
stakeholders to how you fundamen- in Pittsburgh. a city that has long and deep
tally operate as an organization. relations through immigration,
And as it continues to evolve, it will This year’s ECIF focused on AI business, technology and academia
play a major role in the world’s trends, specifically impacts on with Germany,” He added that “AI is
digital revolution, affecting nearly all education and training, ethics and a perfect lens through which to
aspects of our lives. our future workforce. Which indus- strengthen the connections, and to
tries will be affected, and how can do so with the participation of Bosch
This past October 18, the Pittsburgh they prepare for a future with AI? and CMU is particularly gratifying.”
Rachel Mauer, President of the
Pittsburgh Chapter of the GACC
introduced the forum’s first keynote
speaker, Zico Kolter, Chief Scientist
of AI Research for the Bosch Center
for AI, who lead a discussion on AI
in education.
Kolter began his presentation by
defining AI in clearly understandable
terms and stating how it must be
de-mystified to help eliminate the
fears many of us may have about
this bold technology. “Don’t think of
AI as a mysterious superhuman
oracle; think of it as a million expert
eyeballs constantly monitoring your
data streams,” he said.
He went on to say that the AI
From left: Rachel Mauer, Paul Overby and Sylvia B. Vogt
paradigm already has the ability to
12 German American Trade Q4 2019S P O T L I G H T S
“Don’t think of AI as a mysterious superhuman
oracle; think of it as a million expert eyeballs
constantly monitoring your data streams,”
Zico Kolter, Chief Scientist of AI
Research for the Bosch Center for AI
transform industries, but there is still
a long road ahead, and we need to
tackle some of the risks and dangers,
including ethical and social impacts.
“Automating the easy things will be
the real initial value of AI,” Kolter
stressed.
The first panel discussion was on AI
in education and focused on how it
is being integrated into university
and K-12 curriculum. Kenny Chen,
Executive Director of PART (Partner-
ship to Advance Responsible Tech-
nology) moderated this panel,
consisting of speakers: Peter Brusi-
lovsky - Professor of Information The AI in Industry roundtable discussion
Sciences and Intelligent Systems,
University of Pittsburgh | Diane J.
Litman - Professor of Computer
Science, Senior Scientist, Learning
Research & Development Center,
Co-Director, Intelligent Systems
Program, University of Pittsburgh |
Dr. Justin Aglio - Director of
Innovation, Montour School District
in Pennsylvania.
This panel explored how students
have embraced AI in ways that
foreshadow upcoming trends. Dr.
Aglio commented on the importance
of teaching AI and providing AI
experiences at all levels of education,
from kindergarten upwards. We have
Lujo Bauer delivers his keynote presentation on AI & Cybersecurity.
to design today for the future of AI,
German American Trade Q4 2019 13S P O T L I G H T S
and that needs to happen already Politics Editor. Panelists included: on these great technologies, includ-
in early education, according to Patrick Mondi - Sr. Director Global ing AI.
Dr. Aglio. Real Estate Operations at Lime | Din
Zhao - Director of Safe AI Lab, Moderator Jon Delano ultimately
One of the highlights of this session Carnegie Mellon University | John prompted the speakers in a spirited
featured four students from Montour Thornton - Chief Executive Officer, discussion on how AI will most likely
Middle School who demonstrated Astrobotic. disrupt the workforce in some way or
their AI project: the creation of a another, which most likely means job
custom setting for Google Home and Our panel of experts discussed how losses. The panel agreed that to offset
Alexa that provides answers to AI is influencing our mobility, from such upheaval, it’s imperative to
student questions about entering driverless cars to scooters and even have effective, up-to-date job
high school. Instead of the ubiqui- payload deliveries to the moon. training and education policies in
tous Alexa voice, the voices of the Patrick Mondi stated that AI will place that will keep pace with AI
students who created this tool can be help to better integrate the various technology.
heard answering questions, for a existing transportation systems we
more authentic user experience. have to create better and more Lujo Bauer, Director of CyLab’s Cyber
efficient results – an “optimizing of Autonomy Research Center, was
The panel discussion that followed, an entire system.” However, Mondi keynote speaker for the next forum
on AI and Mobility, was moderated stressed that we must be careful of session on AI in the world of
by Jon Delano, KDKA Money and over-promising and under-delivering Cybersecurity. He outlined three
levels that AI can help in achieving
computer security: on the application
level, by detecting and preventing
software vulnerabilities; on the
network level, by detecting and
preventing attacks; and on the
human level, by providing actionable
advice and new insights.
“Computer security needs a reboot,”
Bauer said. “Traditional approaches
no longer suffice.”
The final session featured an industry
roundtable on Risks & Opportunities
and the Future of AI in Industry,
moderated by Sylvia Vogt, President,
Carnegie Bosch Institute, Robert
Bosch. Speakers included: Kayhan
Batmanghelich - Assistant Professor
at the University of Pittsburgh
The AI in Education panel, with Dr. Justin Aglio introducing the Montour School District AI program. Department of Biomedical Informatics
14 German American Trade Q4 2019S P O T L I G H T S
“Computer security needs a reboot,
traditional approaches no longer suffice.”
Lujo Bauer, Director of CyLab’s
Cyber Autonomy Research Center
| Amit Chakraborty - Head, Predictive In his closing remarks, Mark offer compelling and relevant
Analytics, Siemens | Marie Batz Anthony Thomas, President of information to assist private and
Martin – Director, Cohen & Grigsby. the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, public institutions in developing
summed up how this year’s programs that benefit their local
From healthcare to manufacturing, ECIF provided the perfect platform communities,” said Rachel Mauer,
agriculture to intellectual property… to discuss AI implications. President of GACC PIT. “It also
AI will affect all these industries. The forum concluded with lunch provides great networking opportu-
The experts on this panel discussed and networking, during which nities for leaders of government,
how AI will increase work efficiency attendees exchanged ideas and education and industry who attend.”
by freeing up employees from opinions and forged collaborations
repetitive tasks. Work can be based on the information present- “Cutting-edge research and interdis-
accomplished with greater accuracy ed that day. ciplinary collaboration at the
through a symbiotic relationship intersection of academia and
created between humans and Over the last five years, the GACC industry have made Pittsburgh one
machines. NY has organized its annual ECIF at of THE leading hubs for AI,” said
metropolitan hubs throughout Sylvia B. Vogt, President, Carnegie
However, accumulating the data to the northeastern US, including Bosch Institute. “The ECIF presented
drive AI is a big challenge and Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York latest trends and insights from
includes privacy risks that we are and Massachusetts. research, education and industry on
already grappling with and will what is shaping our future.”
continue to grapple with as AI evolves. “Our East Coast Industry Forums
Montour Middle School students present their AI project. Mark Anthony Thomas provides
the ECIF closing remarks
German American Trade Q4 2019 15S P O T L I G H T S
Berlin Business Office
Opens in New York
Increased Transatlantic Business
Opportunities Anticipated
By James Freeman, GACC
To facilitate closer
cooperation and make it
T he announcement coincided with
the visit of an economic delega-
tion from Berlin to the US, organized
US are machinery and high-quality
technology products, as well as
pharmaceutical products.
easier for Berlin-based by the German American Chamber of
Commerce, Inc. (GACC NY). In addition to supporting Berlin
companies to enter the companies and entrepreneurs, the
US, Berlin's Mayor In recent years, Berlin has become new Berlin Business Office in New
and Senator for the leading German and European York will help bolster Berlin’s
hub for fast-growing and highly increasing worldwide popularity and
Economics, Energy and innovative companies in future enhance the existing strong econom-
Public Enterprises industries. The rapid development of ic relations between the German
the Berlin economy can also be capital and the United States.
Ramona Pop announced attributed to excellent relations with
the opening of the the US. With a trading volume of 2.5 “Especially during these uncertain
Berlin Business Office in billion euros (approximately $2.7 times, we want to strengthen the ties
billion) the US is Berlin's most between the US and Germany,” Sena-
New York City this important trading partner. Berlin's tor Pop said. “The Berlin Business
past September 17. most important export goods to the Office intends to attract American
companies and investors to Berlin as
well as support Berlin-based compa-
nies in establishing business rela-
tionships in the USA.”
Dr. Beatrice Kramm, President IHK
Berlin (Industrie u. Handelskammer)
added: “The US has been Berlin's
most important trading partner for
almost two decades, so it is only
logical that the capital now also
has representation in the US. The
Berlin Business Office will open
doors for us in the world's largest
economy.”
The Berlin Business Office is headed
by Kristina L. Garcia and is located
Kristina L. Garcia, Managing Director of the new Berlin Business Office in NYC.
within the GACC NY office complex
16 German American Trade Q4 2019S P O T L I G H T S
“The US has been
Berlin's most important
trading partner for almost two
decades, so it is only logical
that the capital now also
has representation in the US.”
Dr. Beatrice Kramm,
President IHK Berlin
at 80 Pine Street, in the heart of New someone who hails from Berlin, I than 7,000 startups and the Ameri-
York's Financial District. want to express how delighted and can ecosystem with the most unicorn
honored I am that Berlin’s Senate for companies after Silicon Valley.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the Economics, Energy and Business has Sub-sector strengths in startups
opening of the Berlin Business Office chosen to collaborate with our include the manufacturing and
in New York City,” said NYCEDC organization in launching Berlin’s robotics, cybersecurity and health-
President and CEO James Patchett. new Business Office here in New care industries. In the meantime,
“New York City is home to a diverse York,” GACC NY Chairman Andreas New York City has replaced London
ecosystem of startups and innovative Fibig said. “This opens an exciting as the world's most important
companies that are creating the jobs new chapter in business relations financial center.
of the future. This new space will between two visionary cities.”
encourage entrepreneurs and business
leaders to consider the benefits of Metropolitan New York has 20.2
cross-cultural collaboration and will million inhabitants and is one of the
spur new economic growth opportu- leading locations for finance
nities for both of our cities.” technology, the chemical industry,
the electrical, textile and media
“On behalf of the GACC NY and industries. New York is home to more
From left: Beatrice Kramm, President of the
IHK Berlin, and Ramona Pop, Mayor of
Berlin and Senator for Economics, Energy
& Public Enterprises, presenting a symbol
of Berlin to Kristina Garcia at the opening
of the Berlin Business Office.
Press conference in New York
German American Trade Q4 2019 17S P O T L I G H T S
The South Carolina
Fraunhofer USA Alliance
Advancing Cutting-Edge Research
with Real-World Application
I n May of 2019, the South Carolina
Council on Competitiveness
announced an alliance between itself,
groundwork to support industry-led
research projects across the state.
Companies like BMW, Safran, Bicycle
Trucking. The project focused on
developing a cloud-based platform to
offer South Carolina logistics compa-
the South Carolina Department of Company of America and others had nies a variety of services such as
Commerce, and the Fraunhofer USA research projects in the works that optimized business processes,
Center for Experimental Software have since been completed with the real-time decision-making, risk
Engineering CESE to establish the support of the Alliance. Its formaliza- management, and cybersecurity and
South Carolina Fraunhofer USA tion as a statewide collaborative effort privacy enforcement. The project
Alliance (the Alliance). has helped create further cohesion in required researchers to collect and
connecting business needs to research- integrate data from Internet-of-Things
In less than a year, the Alliance has ers and to funding opportunities. (IoT) devices and external big data
made strides in its mission to serve systems like weather information,
as a collaborative effort to advance The first project to be fully originated, economic factors, fuel prices, real-
applied research in engineering and implemented, and completed with the time traffic conditions, and social
technology across the state of South support of the Alliance was an- media. The end result was a compre-
Carolina and has sparked a new level nounced in 2018 as a collaboration hensive tool for improved competitive
of interest in the state’s research between the University of South Caro- advantages through resource optimi-
capabilities. lina, Fraunhofer USA, and two South zation and cost reduction.
Carolina firms – Datos Technologies,
Prior to an official announcement, a data science consulting firm, and In addition to propelling the state’s
Alliance partners were laying the international logistics company, G&P applied research capabilities forward,
the Alliance has also helped intro-
duce Fraunhofer USA, an affiliate of
Fraunhofer Gesellschaft. To those
who may not be familiar with the
prestigious global organization,
Fraunhofer Gesellschaft was estab-
lished after WWII, and the German-
based Fraunhofer Gesellschaft has
grown to include over 26,000
researchers and employees with
affiliates and representative offices
across the globe, covering virtually
every major field of technology.
Within that global network,
Fraunhofer USA has grown to
include six centers across the United
States, each of which helps connect
the business need for innovation to
the researchers and research institu-
tions that can help address the need.
18 German American Trade Q4 2019S P O T L I G H T S
With more than 200 German University of Maryland. Dr. Porter “This new alliance with
companies in the state, it was a oversees applied research to
sound decision to leverage the support software-enabled innova- Fraunhofer USA gives
already strong business relationship tions created by customers in
between Germany and South industry, government, and aca- South Carolina a unique
Carolina by establishing Fraunhofer
USA’s first southeastern presence in
demia. As a representative of
Fraunhofer USA and a part of the
competitive advantage by
South Carolina. Alliance, he says they're excited to introducing a model to
expand Fraunhofer USA’s presence
Susie Shannon, President & CEO of to South Carolina. bring the state’s universities
the South Carolina Council on
Competitiveness, says that the work “Our mission is to get technology
into the problem-solving
of the Alliance and the research it to companies so they can be needs of our companies.”
will support will give the state even more successful. Working together
more of a competitive edge by with highly creative researchers
turning research into products at the at South Carolina universities, Bobby Hitt ,
pace of business. statewide leadership organizations
South Carolina
like the Council on Competitiveness,
“As a nonpartisan, business-led, and forward-looking South Secretary
nonprofit organization our mission Carolina companies, we can do
is to drive the state’s long-term just that.” of Commerce
economic growth. A cornerstone of
our work is to support industry clus-
ters by furthering actionable
research studies that empower
companies with the information
needed to grow and sustain their
competitiveness,” says Shannon.
“So, we’re very proud to be a part of
this initiative with the Department
of Commerce and Fraunhofer USA
to develop and manage the Alliance
and to help raise South Carolina’s
national and international profile as
a leading provider of industry
research and technology.”
Dr. Adam Porter is Executive
Director of the Fraunhofer USA
Center for Experimental Software
Engineering CESE based at the
German American Trade Q4 2019 19S P O T L I G H T S
Dr. Adam Porter, Executive Director of the Susie Shannon, President & CEO of the Bobby Hitt , South Carolina Secretary of
Fraunhofer USA Center for Experimental South Carolina Council on Competitiveness Commerce.
Software Engineering CESE
As the Alliance gains momentum, it Ultimately, the establishment of South Carolina is counting on rapid
will continue to impact multiple the Alliance can be viewed as a developments of practical new
constituencies throughout the state. natural progression for industry technologies to advance the state’s
Businesses and industries will have in South Carolina. For decades, competitiveness and the South
access to applied research technology the state has had a reputation for Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance is
that can solve their most pressing being a leader in manufacturing. anticipated to generate a positive
real-world challenges, and colleges In recent years, it has leaned into economic impact within the state by
and universities will have a chance to advanced manufacturing and the attracting more businesses, research-
connect to the Fraunhofer Network, many ways that innovation has ers, and investment dollars.
gaining access to resources to led industries to evolve. The state’s
enhance their research capabilities. aerospace industry is soaring The Alliance will fund research
with businesses like Lockheed projects that can meet key criteria
According to South Carolina Secretary Martin recently announcing it and can make a measurable impact
of Commerce Bobby Hitt, the estab- will build F-16 aircraft in the by developing innovation that can
lishment of the Alliance will have Upstate, the logistics industry is move industry forward. The funding
long-term implications as South Caro- growing stronger and more robust application process is open to any
lina works to further its position as a as it leads efforts to integrate South Carolina entity — university,
destination for world-class talent. technology into day-to-day public, or private sector company —
“This new alliance with Fraunhofer operations, and technology firms seeking innovative solutions.
USA gives South Carolina a unique are spreading red-hot across the
competitive advantage by introducing state. All are indicators that the
a model to bring the state’s universi- Palmetto State has remained on For More Information
ties into the problemsolving needs of the cutting edge of advancing and Additional information can be found at:
our companies. The creation of the diversifying key industries. For its >> www.sccompetes.org/fraunhoferusa/
South Carolina Fraunhofer USA part, the Alliance will be a part of
or by contacting
Alliance reinforces our reputation as a ushering in a next phase of
Suzanne Dickerson,
business-friendly state that supports industry growth for South Carolina
Director of the SC Fraunhofer
advanced research, and we’re excited by underscoring the state’s com-
USA Alliance at
about the innovation that will result mitment to supporting sustainable
>> sdickerson@sccompetes.org
from this initiative.” applied research.
20 German American Trade Q4 2019S P O T L I G H T S
German American Chamber
of Commerce Names Top
German Startups for 2019
SalesViewer® Crowned Winner at 5th
Annual Newcomer of the Year Event
By James Freeman, GACC
S alesViewer® was named winner
at the 5th Annual Newcomer of
the Year Award ceremony hosted by
business innovation. The winner was
named based on the level of market
need addressed, innovative business
the German American Chamber of approach and execution of US
Commerce, Inc. (GACC NY). The market expansion.
North Rhine Westphalia-based
company, launched by Benjamin “SalesViewer® stood out among the
Zaczek and Vivian Seidel, is recog- many companies vying for the
nized for developing a digital Newcomer of the Year title because
marketing platform that quickly and of its creative spirit and extremely
conveniently delivers sales-relevant clever approach to gathering and
information to companies by using providing useful sales data,” said
unique tracking algorithms. Dietmar Rieg, President & CEO of the GACC NY Chairman Andreas Fibig
GACC NY. welcomes the guests.
The GACC bestows this prestigious
award to new companies that have “We are thrilled to receive this great
developed novel approaches to honor from the GACC,” said Benja-
improving the operations of busi- min Zaczek. “Our company already
nesses in the US, while applying the serves customers in nearly half of the
highest standards of quality and US. This past June, we updated our
service. In addition, these “newcom- platform to include a new design and
er” companies are commended for new functions that make it even
their excellent contributions to easier for companies to acquire new
enhancing the strong ties between customers."
the US and Germany.
In addition to SalesViewer® being
The Newcomer of the Year event is a named Newcomer of the Year winner, From left: Lukas Röhle of bunch.ai, Vivian
highlight of the GACC’s annual the following finalists were recog- Seidel and Benjamin Zaczek of SaleViewer,
and Lukas Stolberg of Quarters.
Martinsgans / Goose Dinner gala, nized at the gala dinner:
attended this year by more than 200 bunch.ai - a Berlin-based team on a
members of the German American Quarters - one of the fastest-growing mission to change the way the world
business community in the metro co-living brands in the US and thinks about company culture. Their
New York City area. Europe, aiming to alleviate the stress data-driven organizational develop-
of urban living by offering an ment platform makes it easier for
All finalists were selected by a jury affordable, friction-less, technology- teams to come together and do their
of five experts representing academia enabled living experience centered best work in any situation.
and various organizations that foster around community spaces.
German American Trade Q4 2019 21G T A I I N D U S T R Y T A L K
Construction Activity
in the US is Cooling Off
Article by Ullrich Umann, Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) · Translation from German by Sandy Jones, GACC
Housing declines
Cost Pressure on economic trend since 2010 in the
construction industry actually In its 2019 Building Products Market
Construction Materials comes to a standstill. Update report from August 2019,
FMI, a consultancy specializing in
and Building Materials Planners, construction companies the construction sector, is already
and installers still have their predicting a significant slowdown in
T he boom phase seems to be
over for manufacturers of
construction materials and building
hands full working on all the
orders that have accumulated in
the past. Above all, the persistent
the construction industry, with
detrimental effects on manufactur-
ers of building materials. In particu-
materials. Standardized solutions shortage of skilled labor prevents lar, the construction of single-family
come to the fore. the number of start-up projects homes and multi-family homes is
from rising significantly. The therefore on the decline in the
Times in the USA are expected to fact that only 5 percent of contrac- national average. However, there are
be tougher for manufacturers of tors' bosses assume a rapid positive outliers in the south and on
construction materials and building economic slowdown in a survey the west coast of the USA.
materials: The US Census Bureau, for the Construction Industry
the statistics agency, registered Confidence Index of the industry Construction industry
declining public and private journal Engineering News-Record relies on cost reduction
construction investment in May and can not be surprising given the In particular, manufacturers of
June 2019 for the first time in years. full order books. Yet another 30 windows, doors, roofs, insulation,
The data for the following months percent of respondents expect a cooling and heating equipment and
are now eagerly awaited to deter- significant slowdown over the next equipment for gas and water
mine whether the sustained positive 12 to 18 months. installations should, according to
US Production of Selected Building US Production of Selected Building
Materials for Residential Buildings Materials for Non-residential Buildings
(in Million US $) (in millions of US $)
2017 2018 2019* 2020* 2017 2018 2019 1
2020 1
Windows Windows / glass 15570 16270 16185 15780
21910 22505 21691 22026
and doors facades & doors
Isolations Isolations, 3736 3913 3896 3796
4407 4535 4366 4440
exterior walls
Heating and air Heating & air 28938 30265 30104 29,336
19599 20143 19387 19706
conditioning conditioning
Gas and water Gas and water 8143 8508 8464 8253
4653 4783 4569 4687
installations installations
Roofing Roofing 5243 5482 5453 5314
9305 9562 9206 9355
Total Total 2
61631 64437 64102 62479
59874 61527 59220 60214
*Forecast Source: FMI Corporation 1) prognosis; 2) Deviations due to rounding Source: FMI Corporation
22 German American Trade Q4 2019G T A I I N D U S T R Y T A L K
FMI, anticipate the slump in
About the Author For More Information
demand with new and cheaper
technologies and products. In view More information about the
of the declining construction USA can be found at:
investment, FMI predicts that >> http://www.gtai.de/usa
planners and construction compa-
nies will offer their new customers
US construction investment
inexpensive solutions in order to be
(seasonally adjusted in billions of
able to generate sufficient orders.
US dollars, percentage changes)
Planners prefer standardized,
previous month
modular materials and equipment to
previous year
Change over
Change over
Construction
cover their costs. Expensive single
Investment
and custom products are less in
demand. This also applies to the
specialized wholesale and retail
Ullrich Umann June 2019 1,286.9 -1.3 -2.1
trade, as the use of module tech-
Director
nologies reduces the total number of Private 962.9 -0.4 -4.6
1130 Connecticut Ave., NW
building materials as well as Suite 1200 Housing 507.2 -0.5 -8.1
equipment and thus storage and Washington, DC 20036 Rest 773.7 -1.8 2.3
transport costs. Therefore, FMI T +1 (202) 629 5712
Public 324.0 -3.7 6.1
advises manufacturers of building >> Ullrich.Umann@gtai.de
Housing 6.0 -2.7 -7.0
materials and equipment to make >> www.gtai.de
Rest 318.0 -3.7 6.4
appropriate product developments
and adjustments to their portfolios Even mild steel, which had become May 2019 1,303.4 -0.8 -2.3
while there is still time. much more expensive in 2018 due Source: US Census Bureau
to the imposition of special taxes of
Only moderate price in- Price development for selected
25 percent on steel imports from the
crease for building materials building materials
most important countries of origin,
(year-on-year changes in percent)
The prices for building materials only increased moderately in the
will rise nominally in 2019 or even wholesale price in 2019. Steel
2019 *
2020 *
decline in view of the economic suppliers from Canada and Mexico
2017
2018
slowdown, as in the case of lumber, were also exempted from the special
for example. This conclusion is charges in May 2019. Steel mills in
Cement 4.3 2.3 2.8 2.7
reached by the specialized manage- the US are again faced with a real
Structural steel 4.6 14.0 1.6 -0.2
ment consultancy IHS Markit. risk of bankruptcy in view of the
Lumber is used primarily for the only flat price development. In Lumber 12.6 8.1 -11.6 3.0
construction of single-family homes particular, the labor costs, which *Forecast Source: IHS Global Insight, ENR
in larger quantities, but just turns rose sharply in 2018, will increase
the housing construction in an the steelworks and metalworking
increasingly difficult channel. companies in 2019.
German American Trade Q4 2019 23W A S H I N G T O N U P D A T E
Celebrating
German-American Friendship
by Viola Meyerweissflog, RGIT
The United States
and Germany are tied
F rom October 2018 to November
2019, the Year of German-Ameri-
can Friendship brought these
reaching close to 10.1 million people
through its social media channels.
Focus on the transatlantic
together by shared values, connections to the forefront and
business relationship
celebrated this unique relationship
deep historical bonds, under the motto Wunderbar Together. The US and Germany share a long
history of strong business relations.
a myriad of personal Following similar initiatives in It is not surprising that for many,
friendships, and a strong countries such as Mexico, China, and the most integral part of the
Japan, this year’s activities in the US-German relationship is illustrat-
economic partnership. United States aimed at intensifying ed by the impressive economic ties
transatlantic dialogue to tackle between the two countries. The
common challenges and conveying a US-German trade volume in goods
multifaceted, modern image of equaled $184 billion in 2018, with
Germany. Over the last 13 months, Germany being the 6th largest US
the initiative brought together over export market. German investment
400 partners from different areas of in the United States stands at $406
the transatlantic relationship, billion, thereby making Germany
including culture, politics, business, the fourth-largest foreign direct
academia, and sports. So far, it has investor in the US. German-owned
succeeded in holding over 2,000 affiliates create jobs across all 50
events across all 50 US states, directly states and employ a total of 692,000
engaging around 1 million people. people, almost half of them in the
Opening ceremony at German Ambassador Wunderbar Together also achieved manufacturing sector.
Emily Haber's residence in October 2018 significant outcomes online by
The PopUp Tour – German
businesses on the road
The Year of German-American
Friendship brought these numbers to
life with the PopUp Tour – the
official roadshow of Wunderbar
Together. From Chicago, via Atlanta,
and St. Louis, all the way to
Portland, Oregon, the PopUp Tour
engaged local communities in a
broad dialogue on business-relevant
and future-oriented issues, including
digitalization, sustainability,
innovation, and the future of work.
Together with local partners such as
Hot air balloons with slackliner over Monument Valley
the German American Chambers of
24 German American Trade Q4 2019W A S H I N G T O N U P D A T E
Commerce (GACC) and sponsoring
About the Author
support from German companies,
the PopUp Tour offered interactive
experiences for all ages. Multifunc-
tional booths and stations,
virtual reality tours of German
cities, science slams, panels, and
art exhibits complemented the
program and conveyed a holistic
picture of Germany.
Wunderbar Together lives on Local school children at the PopUp Tour in
While the Year of German-Ameri- Atlanta, GA.
can Friendship will come to a
The Year of German-American Friend-
festive close with the 30th anniver-
ship was funded by the German
sary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall
Federal Office, implemented by the
this November, the spirit of Wun-
Goethe Institut and supported by Viola Meyerweissflog,
derbar Together lives on. Overall, Communications and Office Man-
the Federation of German Industry
the Year of German-American ager at the Representative of German
(BDI). The Wunderbar Together PopUp
Friendship strengthened established Tour was sponsored by BASF, Bayer Industry and Trade (RGIT)
networks, expanded important AG, BMW Group, Daimler AG, Evonik >> vmeyerweissflog@rgit-usa.com
transatlantic connections across the Industries, SAP, Schaeffler, Siemens >> www.rgit-usa.com
United States, and intensified the AG, Allianz, LANXESS, Lufthansa, and
awareness that we can address Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. This material is distributed by the
common challenges together. Representative of German Industry and
Trade (RGIT) on behalf of the Federation
of German Industries (BDI) and The
Association of German Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (DIHK). Additional
information is available at the Department
of Justice, Washington, DC.
Evening reception at the PopUp Tour in Atlanta, GA
German American Trade Q4 2019 25M E M B E R P R O F I L E
The Coca-Cola Company
Five Questions for Dr. Bernhard Goepelt
GAT: Having moved around so GAT: Be honest, have you ever ship with Netflix and “Stranger
much, what is “home” to you and held the secret Coca-Cola recipe in Things.” It’s an example of how our
what are some of the things you do your hand and read it? culture is evolving to look at failure
to expedite the “home-feel” in a differently, learn from it, and take
new country? BG: No. The closest I have ever
some smart risks.
come to the Coca-Cola recipe is at
Dr. Bernhard Goepelt (BG): GAT: There is a trend to healthier
the World of Coca-Cola!
Germany will of course always be drinks. How does Coca-Cola meet
home, but we have now lived in GAT: What are some of the the challenge of health-conscious
Atlanta for almost ten years and strangest or funniest urban myths people drinking less sodas?
taken on US citizenship in addition around Coca Cola that you’ve
to the German passport. Atlanta has encountered? Feel free to set the BG: Our company’s strategy is to
been kind to us and given us a home record straight. become a total beverage company
and we are very happy to live here. and we are following our consum-
BG: Perhaps the strangest myth is ers. Today, we offer more than 500
As I’ve moved around the world, I whether Coca-Cola was originally brands and 4,300 products world-
have found that getting involved with green! For the record, Coca-Cola wide. In 2018, we launched about
the local German community is one always has been the same color since 600 new products. Of those, more
way to accelerate the “home-feel” its invention in 1886. than 250 were low- or no-sugar,
because you quickly make friends, and more than 400 were juices, teas,
while also staying grounded in your Another famed myth is that New waters and other non-sparkling
culture and roots. That’s one of the Coke – which replaced Coca-Cola beverages. While we’ve expanded
reasons I’m so passionate about the for 79 days in 1985 - was just a our beverage portfolio, our Trade-
German American Chamber of marketing ploy designed to lift mark Coca-Cola beverage business
Commerce. And, of course, food is a sales. As we said at the time, we’re also is growing through the sales of
universal language, and another way not that dumb, and we’re not that smaller packages, Coke Zero,
to help bridge local connections. smart. In fact, New Coke has found innovative new drinks, and sugar
new life this year through a partner- reduction efforts.
Coca-Cola Womens Economic
Empowerment Sustainability
26 German American Trade Q4 2019M E M B E R P R O F I L E
GAT: Growing up in Germany, expanded to
for many, Coca-Cola is synonymous include the ways
with America. What did this in which our
iconic brand mean to you as a people make a
kid/teenager? positive differ-
ence in local
communities,
BG: I absolutely loved it. I loved the
through empower-
brand, the logo, the bottle shape and
ing women, striving
of course the product itself. And, I
for a World Without
loved the marketing and the themes
Waste and replenishing
that came with it like sunshine,
the water we use, to name
driving a convertible, beach, sports,
a few. Just last year, The
friends, laughter, music and happi-
Coca-Cola Foundation reached
ness. It did communicate to me
$1 billion in giving, supporting 655
American values such as freedom but
million people globally during the
I understood it less in a political
last 30 years. The brand’s role in my
sense and more in a way to “enjoy
life has evolved, but it continues to
life.” Through the years, and
be part of important moments for
especially now that I work at
my family and me.
Coca-Cola, my view of the brand has
Dr. Bernhard Goepelt China. Dr. Goepelt moved to Hong Kong
in March of 2007 to assume the role of
Following his legal studies, and his
General Counsel, Pacific Group. In April
clerkship at the civil court in Essen,
of 2010, he moved to Atlanta to become
Germany, Dr. Goepelt received his
Associate General Counsel, Global
German local bar admission in 1992.
Marketing, Commercial Leadership &
He finished his doctoral programme
Strategy. In September of 2010, he took
in 1994 with a thesis on freedom of
on the additional responsibility of the
speech and unfair competition.
General Counsel for the Pacific Group.
Dr. Goepelt joined The Coca Cola Com- In addition to his functional responsi-
pany in March 1992 as Legal Counsel bilities, Dr. Goepelt was managing the
for the German Division, based in Essen, administration of the Legal Division.
Germany and was promoted Deputy Di- In December 2011, Dr. Goepelt was
vision Counsel in 1995. In January 1997 appointed Senior Vice President and
he was appointed Legal Counsel for the Chief Legal Counsel of The Coca-Cola
Middle and Far East Group. He moved to Company. In 2013 he was appointed to
Thailand in November 1998, where he serve on the panel of arbitrators of the
was promoted to Division Legal Counsel East Group, based in Vienna. In October Shanghai International Economic and
and General Counsel, F&NCC Bottling in of 2004, Dr. Goepelt was appointed Group Trade Arbitration Commission.
May 1999. In January 2003, Dr. Goepelt Counsel for Japan, South Pacific and Korea,
A citizen of Germany and the USA, Dr.
was appointed Group Counsel for the based in Tokyo. In June 2005, he assumed
Goepelt is married to Ulrike Goepelt.
Central Europe, Eurasia and Middle the position of General Counsel, Japan and
German American Trade Q4 2019 27M E M B E R P R O F I L E
Human-Machine
Interaction
More than an option to staff shortages
M ore and more companies
are facing the special chal-
lenge of solving staff shortages.
can be used as needed to solve for
staff shortages in the production
processes.
commissioning engineers, develop
and integrate customized robotic
solutions for every business. In
Reasons for these staff shortages addition, Tech Impulse implements
are, among other things, the How does this work? Tech Impulse the robots at the selected position in
exhausted labor market, absence inspects the production process on the production chain and ensures
times of employees, high workload, site and evaluates where a robot that no production loss occurs at
and difficult shift models. Job system makes sense. With ARW any time during implementation. As
Impulse, a personnel service – Advance Robotic Workstation, soon as the Co-bot is in action, the
provider with 8 offices in the North Tech Impulse offers a system in 24/7 service model takes on a
America and 46 more abroad, has which every lightweight robot – re- remote-based and personal ap-
taken on this challenge and devel- gardless of the manufacturer – can proach. Of course, the first thought
oped a solution that is scalable, be easily integrated in the respective on everyone’s mind is that this is a
reliable, and can be used in count- production environment. The great, but certainly expensive
less capacities: Collaboration qualified staff of Tech Impulse, such system. This is where Tech Impulse
Robotics. Tech Impulse – department as robot and PLC programmers, has worked diligently in detail and
of technology and innovation at Job electrical designers, engineers for clearly differentiates itself from
Impulse – lends robotic systems that industrial image processing, and other robot suppliers with its
solution. The cost model is called
TRL – Temporary Robotics Leasing.
It is characterized by fixed costs in
form of a defined hourly rate. Thus,
customers do not have to invest
high costs in a robotic system and
have no development, production,
or integration costs. Costs only arise
when the robotic system is integrat-
ed successful in the production
environment.
Popular fields of application:
• Equipping of machines and
production lines
• Extraction of production line
• Pick & Place: Sorting, moving,
separating, hanging, holding and
loading
A robotic arm in use
• Montage: Insert, match & screw
28 German American Trade Q4 2019You can also read
