German American Chambers of Commerce honor excellence in innovation, services, and economic development
Chicago, IL, September 27, 2019 – The German American Business Awards, presented by the German American Chambers of Commerce (GACCs), honor excellence in the German-American business community in the fields of innovation, services, and economic development. These awards constitute the highest accolades in transatlantic business and showcase the continued strength of German-American trade. German investment in the US in 2018 was $406 billion, and German companies have created close to 700,000 US jobs—just two examples of the enormous contributions German companies bring to the US economy.
“Through their groundbreaking technologies and commitment to professional excellence, German subsidiaries are a boon to the US economy. We are proud to honor companies that develop innovative technologies, deliver highquality services that boost business, and drive German investments in the US,” says Mark Tomkins, President & CEO, GACC Midwest.
The national German American Business Awards will be held at the Chicago History Museum on October 11. The 2019 winners are:
Excellence in Innovation: Rommelag USA (Evergreen, CO) is the winner of the Excellence in Innovation Award for its leading-edge vaccine packaging and delivery system. The company uses Blow/Fill/Seal (BFS) technology to create an alternative plastic vaccine container that allows for lower costs and higher-quality vaccine delivery to developing countries. Rommelag built a facility to test this technology in an environment specifically designed for biological products. “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,” says Tim Kram, General Manager at Rommelag. www.rommelag.com
Excellence in Services: JKJ & H International (Newtown, PA) is the winner of the Excellence in Services Award. The insurance and risk management service provider works closely with both parent companies in Germany and their US subsidiaries, coordinating insurance solutions across borders with in-depth knowledge of both market environments. The company’s clientele consists largely of German Mittelstand companies, with an emphasis on the manufacturing sector, giving clients confidence in their risk management solutions and the determination to grow their US investments. “We feel very honored to receive the ‘Excellence in Services’ award and are proud of our team that has been providing a unique service to the German-American business community. A big thank you to the GACCs for this great recognition of our firm!” says Daniel Reck, Director of International Services with JKJ & H International. www.jkj-h.com | www.dr-hoertkorn.de/international/eigene-us-gesellschaft.html
Excellence in Economic Development: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) (Madison, WI) is the winner of the Excellence in Economic Development Award. The German and Wisconsin economies are closely intertwined, with strong trade connections and significant German investment in the state. German collaborations in the state include partnerships between the German Water Partnership and The Water Council as well as strategic cooperation in the food and beverage sector. In 2017, HARIBO chose Wisconsin as the home for its US production—one of the largest investments in new operations by an overseas company in Wisconsin history. “German business provides us the largest number of Foreign Direct Investment projects in the State of Wisconsin and we greatly value our successful working relationship with the GACCs,” says Katy Sinnott, Vice President of International Business Development with the WEDC. www.wedc.org
“The GACCs serve as cornerstones for the strong network of German companies leading the way in investment and job creation in the US, allowing innovation and growth to flourish in both countries. Our members stand at the forefront of technological progress and corporate growth across generations. The awards themselves are an example of this great work - they were designed and created by GACC Midwest member Hermle USA, Inc. and its apprentices,” says Peter Riehle, Chairman of the GACCs.
About the German American Chambers of Commerce:
The German American Chambers of Commerce (GACCs) with their main offices in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, as well as branches in Detroit and Houston, work together under the network of the GACCs. With approximately 2,500 members, an extensive international network, and their broad spectrum of activities and services the GACCs are the first choice when it comes to business between the US and Germany. Additionally, our liaison office in Washington, DC, the Representative of German Industry and Trade (RGIT), represents the interests of the German business community vis-à-vis both the US administration and other international organizations based in Washington, DC. AHKs are closely connected to the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) in Germany. The umbrella organization of the IHKs is the German Association of Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), which speaks for 3.6 million business enterprises in Germany and also coordinates and supports the AHKs. The German Chamber Network (AHK) provides experience, connections, and services worldwide through over 140 locations in 92 countries. www.gaccmidwest.org | www.ahk-usa.com