GACC Midwest - German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc.

What a night at the 2025 GACC Midwest Annual Gala! ✨ We were thrilled to gather with members, partners, and friends of the German American business community at The Canvas Venue in Wheeling, IL — celebrating collaboration, innovation, and shared success across industries. 🇩🇪🇺🇸 The night included: 📣 Unique silent and live auction items 💃 Live entertainment 🤝 Fantastic networking opportunities 🌟 Exciting experiences and demos - Ultrasonic Cocktails and Aerospace Simulator The Gala supported the German American Apprenticeship & Education Foundation, helping open doors for the next generation of skilled talent through programs like the ICATT Apprenticeship Program. These initiatives continue to strengthen transatlantic ties while providing meaningful, debt-free career pathways for young professionals. To our paddle raisers, game participants, and auction bidders and auction item donors — your contributions directly impact the lives of our #apprentices as they pursue rewarding careers. We’re so grateful for your support! We were also proud to recognize membership milestones — celebrating 25 years with Herrmann Ultrasonics and 5 years with Wintrust Financial Corporation. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in making the evening unforgettable. Your continued engagement helps our community grow stronger each year — and we can’t wait to see you again next year! Special thanks once more to our dedicated supporters: Signature Sponsor: EMO Trans Networking Sponsors: Cherry Bekaert, LM Catering & Events, Wintrust Financial Corporation, Rödl & Partner USA, Forvis Mazars US Paddle Sponsor: Lufthansa Photo Sponsor: Barnes & Thornburg LLP Education Pathway Sponsor: Nebraska Department of Economic Development Demos: Herrmann Ultrasonics, WITTENSTEIN North America #WeAreGACC #GACCMidwest #GermanAmericanBusiness #TransatlanticPartnership #WorkforceDevelopment #Apprenticeships

"What are the two key takeaways from this trip?" That was the question posed by our delegation on the first night of our Next Level Apprenticeships trip to Germany. The answer? "See for yourself." And that’s exactly what we’ve done. We’ve brought together 15 leaders from across the U.S. for a week in the Munich region, visiting companies, vocational schools, and key stakeholders to explore how Germany’s dual apprenticeship model works in practice. At just the halfway mark, two insights already stand out: 🔹 Scalable, sustainable, industry-driven apprenticeships are possible – and Germany proves it daily. From small towns to global enterprises, their commitment to workforce development is clear. Programs like ICATT Apprenticeship Program and MAT2 Apprenticeship Program  are already bringing this model to life in the U.S. 🔹 People power change. The conversations—within our group and with our German hosts—highlight the impact of connecting passionate professionals across borders. When people committed to workforce innovation come together, ideas turn into action. After many inspiring site visits, deep discussions (and a few Bavarian beers), we’re energized for the rest of the journey. Huge thanks to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy for their support—and to the outstanding participants who are making this trip unforgettable. #Apprenticeships #WorkforceDevelopment #NextLevelApprenticeships #ICATT #MAT2 #FutureOfWork #GermanyTrip2025

Make Your Voice Heard in the AHK World Business Outlook Survey! Our global network of German Chambers Abroad is currently conducting the World Business Outlook Survey to gauge how German companies view international business opportunities and economic trends around the world. At GACC Midwest, we would particularly value input from our members who represent subsidiaries of German companies in the U.S. or maintain significant transatlantic business relationships. By participating, you are contributing to a stronger understanding of the opportunities and challenges that define our shared business landscape. 🕒 Takes only 5 minutes 📅 Deadline: October 17, 2025 🔒 Fully confidential Join us in shaping the global perspective—your voice matters. 👉 Take the survey now: https://lnkd.in/gV-m9CKb #GACC #GACCMidwest #TransatlanticBusiness #WorldBusinessOutlook #GermanAmericanBusiness #Survey #GlobalTrade #Economy

Meet the Midwest – Indiana 🌽 At the heart of America’s industrial corridor, #Indiana stands out as a powerhouse of manufacturing, research, and global collaboration — making it an ideal destination for German companies looking to establish or expand operations in the United States. 🇺🇸🤝🇩🇪 From steel and science to speedways and covered bridges, Indiana continues to embody the Midwest’s defining traits — industrious, innovative, and globally connected. Home to 130+ German-owned business locations, Indiana offers the perfect launchpad for German companies entering the U.S. market. With its skilled workforce, competitive costs, and robust industrial base, Indiana offers the perfect space for German businesses to set up, scale, and succeed in the U.S. market. To see how GACC Midwest can help you land securley, make sure to check out our service page to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gAdHSfnf #MeetTheMidwest #GACCMidwest #Indiana #GermanAmericanBusiness #TransatlanticPartnership

Here’s your chance to take a major step toward building an international network and learning about potential U.S. internship opportunities! Join GACC Midwest - German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc. and GACC South - German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc. for a Virtual US Internship Fair, designed to connect talented students from universities outside the US with American companies seeking global-minded interns. November 6, 2025 | 9:00–11:00 AM CST/4:00-5:00 PM CET Virtual Event | Language: English Why Attend? 💼 Boost Your Career: Gain hands-on experience in an global work environment and strengthen your resume with international credentials. 🤝 Build Your Network: Connect with professionals, mentors, and peers from across industries — relationships that can open doors worldwide. 🧠 Learn from Innovation: Experience how American companies lead in technology, business, and creativity, and bring those insights back to your own career path. 🌐 Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in US culture, broaden your worldview, and gain confidence living and working abroad. This event is more than just an internship fair — it’s your gateway to building a global career, gaining cultural experience, and developing the professional skills that set you apart. Don’t miss your chance to grow, connect, and succeed in the US! Register today and take your first step toward your American internship adventure: https://lnkd.in/ghgsEs2k #USInternships #InternationalStudents #InternshipFair #GACCMidwest #GACCMidwestJ1Visa #InternationalInternships #VirtualUSInternFair2025 #Networking #YourCareerStartsHere

🌎 Connect with Innovative Hydrogen Companies from Germany! On October 27–28, we’re excited to welcome a German business delegation focused on #hydrogen technologies to Chicago! The group includes innovative companies offering solutions for hydrogen production, storage, and transportation - all eager to connect with U.S. partners and explore collaboration opportunities. As part of their visit, we’ll host a Hydrogen Business Breakfast & Roundtable on Tuesday, October 28 at our GACC Midwest office in Chicago. We’ll discuss: ⚡ Challenges and opportunities in the U.S. hydrogen market 🔋 Best practices and innovation 🤝 Potential for German-American collaboration If you or your organization are active in the hydrogen or clean energy space, we’d love to have you join the conversation! 📩 Interested in attending or learning more about the participating German companies? Feel free to reach out to Charlotte Nowak Meet our delegation participants: Eferest GmbH H2 Power n Heat HAVER & BOECKER Wire Weaving Division INEX Solutions GmbH REJOOL SILICA Verfahrenstechnik GmbH ZELTWANGER Group GLOBE Fuel Cell Systems Learn more about the companies here: https://lnkd.in/gAAcMcez

What a week in #Detroit! ⚡️ Our business #delegation wrapped up an inspiring program that complemented The Battery Show. The two-day program was full of innovation, new connections, and insights that will drive the future of mobility. We started things off on Thursday with an exciting visit to Newlab Detroit, kindly hosted by Riley Hall — a true hub for innovation where startups, engineers, and industry leaders collaborate to accelerate solutions for electrification and advanced manufacturing. The day continued with a vibrant networking reception, sponsored by HANNOVER MESSE North America, which fostered valuable transatlantic connections and fresh business opportunities. On Friday, we began the day with an insightful business breakfast roundtable hosted by Warner Norcross + Judd with their special expertise on German automotive suppliers. The discussion covered international trade trends, investment frameworks, and the evolving regulatory landscape in the automotive and battery sectors. Immediately following, we had the unique opportunity to tour the Ford Motor Company Dearborn Truck Plant and the Rouge Electric Vehicle Complex with their Plant Engineering Manager. The visit offered firsthand insights into large-scale vehicle production and Ford’s approach to innovation in the era of electrification and mobility transformation. To wrap up the week, we enjoyed pizza, followed by a tour and an open discussion with Greg Woodside at AAM - American Axle & Manufacturing. They showcased their exceptional work at the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), a facility dedicated to accelerating innovation, collaboration, and the development of advanced products, processes, and systems. Huge thanks to our event partners Benedikt Rothhagen from the VDMA and Arnd Herwig from the German American Business Council of Michigan, as well as to the delegates and event hosts, for making this program such a success. Here's to continued transatlantic collaboration shaping the future of sustainable mobility! 🌍🔋 We’re excited to be back in Detroit in December — leading a major German business delegation on plant engineering solutions for battery production and recycling. Part of this delegation is a public expert conference on December 2, bringing together U.S. and German leaders from industry, research, and policy to exchange ideas on the future of advanced manufacturing and circular energy systems. Please feel free to reach out to Jan-Felix Kederer to learn more about this event. #TheBatteryShow #Detroit #BusinessDelegation #MobilityInnovation #TransatlanticPartnership

Exciting news! ⭐ We’re thrilled to welcome our newest interns GACC Midwest. Join us in giving them a warm welcome as they begin this exciting chapter! 🔹 Jessica Biethahn Biethan is originally from Magdeburg, Germany. During high school, she spent a year abroad in Iowa, where she fell in love with the Midwest. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Engineering and is currently pursuing her master’s in Management and Organization Studies. Jessi is joining GACC Midwest as the Event & Sponsorship Intern for the Christkindlmarket team. 🔹Sarah Gras is currently completing her Master’s degree in Creative Communication & Brand Management at Pforzheim University. Throughout her interdisciplinary studies in Design, Marketing and Business, she spent time in the United States, the Netherlands, and Brazil, gaining valuable international and intercultural experience. Alongside her studies, Sarah has worked across a variety of industries and roles, deepening her passion for innovation, sustainability and cross-cultural communication. She recently joined GACC Midwest’s Consulting Team, where she supports the Marketing Services division. 🔹Jacob Haase is originally from Berlin, Germany. He moved to the Netherlands to study at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. Jacob recently earned his Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration there. He is joining GACC Midwest as an Intern for the consulting services team. 🔹 Alina Mendoza was born in Chicago and grew up in Columbus, Ohio. She moved back to the city to pursue arts administration studies. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Performing Arts Management with a minor in Business Administration. During her time at DePaul University, she interned with two music management agencies that were based in Los Angeles and New York City. She joined GACC Midwest as the Event Operations & Sponsorship Intern for the Christkindlmarket team. 🔹Laura Keisinger recently completed a Double Degree Master’s program between Berlin Professional School – HWR Berlin and ESCE Paris, specializing in International Business and Consulting as well as Entrepreneurship and Innovation. During her studies, she spent half of her time in Berlin and the other half in Paris, working alongside her studies to gain diverse professional experience across various industries, including international work experience in France, complementing her academic background with practical insights. She recently joined GACC Midwest as a Single Client Intern for the Consulting Department. 🔹 Elisa Lehmann grew up in Munich, Germany, and moved to California in 2022 to pursue her studies at Menlo College. She recently graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics. Elisa brings hands-on experience from internships at innovative startups in both Silicon Valley and Munich, where she enhanced her skills in data analysis but also international collaboration and event coordination.

📌 #MemberPost | Horváth We’re thrilled to announce an upcoming event hosted by Horváth and Cervello, bringing together finance leaders, strategists, and innovators to explore CFO and FP&A trends and how AI is reshaping the future of FP&A.   Join Horvath and Cervello as they dive into: 💡 Emerging CFO and FP&A trends driving financial transformation 🔎The power of AI in forecasting, scenario planning, and decision-making 🤝 Real-world success story on how Horváth designed the finance transformation concept, and Cervello implemented the supporting technology.   This is more than a discussion — it’s a look into the next chapter of finance. 📅 Date: Tuesday, November 4th ⏰ Time: 5:00 PM 📍 Location: Cervello office: 155 Seaport Blvd Suite 2B, Boston, MA 02210   Whether you’re a CFO, FP&A professional, or finance transformation leader, this is your chance to gain valuable insights, network with peers, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of finance. #Sponsored #CFO #FP&A #ArtificialIntelligence #FinanceTransformation #Leadership #Lifescienceperformers

📌 #MemberPost | Rödl & Partner USA Rödl & Partner USA continues to provide critical insights for internationally active businesses navigating complex U.S. regulations. 🚨 Big Tax Change Alert for Businesses Investing in R&D! The newly signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings important updates to how U.S. companies handle Research & Experimental (R&E) expenses — with the potential for significant tax savings. What this means: ✅ Immediate expensing for domestic R&E starting after 12/31/2024 ✅ Strategic options for handling costs from 2022–2024 ✅ Special retroactive benefits for qualifying small businesses Rödl & Partner’s latest Rödl Insight breaks down the impacts on cash flow, expensing strategies, and critical deadlines business leaders need to know. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/evxf9gB8 #Sponsored #GACCMidwest #OBBBA #R&D #TaxUpdate #GermanAmericanBusiness #ProfessionalServices #Trade #Investments #Webinar #CrossBorderSolutions