Q U a R T E R

2nd Quarter 2016 QUARTERLY Vol.27 No.2 $7.50

RTL International Launches in the US

Top 50 German Firms in the US

Interview with Wayne Smith, Chairman and CEO of BASF Corporation Can a city serve as inspiration? Find out what it takes to get a company started and attract investors with the series Start Up Berlin – City of Ideas. It’s only on Made in Germany – the Business Magazine – on DW and DW (Amerika).

Go to dw.com/english/ madeingerma ny

Deutsche Welle | 53110 Bonn | Germany | [email protected] dw.com

Anz_GACC_206x276.indd 1 18.03.16 15:35 EDITORIAL CONTENTS

Transatlantic n TRANSATLANTIC TICKER Solutions German American Company News 4 for Integrated n ECONOMIST’S CORNER Sandra Navidi, BeyondGlobal: Industry Networks Rule the World 7

annover Messe is already the n COVER STORY Hleading industrial trade show in New Television Station for a German Audience the world. And yet, it is going to offer RTL International Launches in the US 8 an even grander stage this year. With the US, the largest economy in the n SPOTLIGHTS world, as the partner country, the 2016 Top 50 Ranking 14 fair promises to offer an unprecedented n GTAI INDUSTRY TALK spectrum of exhibitors, visitors, and innovators. And with Barack Obama US photovoltaics market remains on whopping growth curve 20 opening the trade show, the impor- Dr Jochen Köckler, Deutsche Messe AG tance of this historic partnership is n WASHINGTON UPDATE evident for the world to see. “Industry 4.0 is no Interview with Congressman Ted Deutch 24

Can a city serve as inspiration? Under the motto “Integrated Industry n SKILLS AT WORK - Discover Solutions”, Hannover longer a vision. In 2016, Find out what it takes to get a company started and attract The GACCs – Messe will zero in on the pivotal investors with the series Start Up Berlin – City of Ideas. It’s it is full-fledged reality.” Your Key Partner in the US for dual training 26 transformation of the global econo- only on Made in Germany – the Business Magazine – on mies. The 5000 exhibiting companies Throughout the recent industrial n MEMBER PROFILES DW and DW (Amerika). will present their solutions for renaissance, the US has become a Air Berlin 28 Industry 4.0 and future energy highly attractive business partner and Aerzen USA 30 Go to systems to potential business partners is the top export market for German d w.com/english/ from all over the world, and will manufacturers. This dynamic relation- zkipster 32 madeingerma showcase more than 100 ready-for- ship is bound to profit from synergies ny market examples of Integrated that can be discovered and furthered n WELCOME TO THE C-SUITE Industry solutions. at Hannover Messe. At the US Interview with Wayne Smith Investment pavilion, more than 70 Chairman and CEO of BASF Corporation 34 Through countless special events, in Economic Development Organizations n STARTUP SERIES addition to the standing exhibitors, the (EDOs) and co-exhibitors from the trade show will elaborate on potential United States will showcase them- GACC West and LACI advantages in smart manufacturing, selves to 200,000+ visitors. The Progress in the Cleantech Industry 36 the integration of the Industrial pavilion is a testament to the strength Captivate New York City 38 Internet of Things (IoT), implications and vitality of German-American for consumers and manufacturers alike trade relations, as well as the eager- n WHAT'S ON YOUR DESK? (think autonomous driving) and offer ness of businesses to work together Tom Dzimian, concrete solutions. with potential transatlantic clients. Director Career Services, GACC New York 40 The show will not only feature Hannover Messe, with the USA as the n EVENT CALENDAR innovative technologies, but also official partner country, will be where allow exploring new business models the titans of industry from around the Events & Delegations: Q2 2016 41 that result from Industry 4.0. It is world come together to implement the crucial for companies on both sides of newest industrial revolution. It is the the Atlantic to explore the opportuni- place where German quality meets ties and potentials that a more American innovation to build the integrated, digitized economic transatlantic future together – and I landscape offers. look forward to seeing you there! Deutsche Welle | 53110 Bonn | Germany | [email protected] dw.com

Anz_GACC_206x276.indd 1 18.03.16 15:35 TRANSATLANTIC TICKER

MERGERS to Nasdaq, possibly to improve its Tableau Scores Advanced _&_ ACQUISITIONS merger bid for the London Stock Database Tech with Acquisi- Exchange if rival offers emerged. tion of German Startup HyPer Airbus Sells German Defence Deutsche Börse, eyeing a merger with Tableau announced today that it has Arm to KKR for Euro 1.1bn the London Stock Exchange, has acquired HyPer, an early-stage Airbus is selling its German defence agreed to sell its U.S. options German startup born in academia electronics arm to private equity firm platform International Securities that has developed an advanced KKR, 18 months after first putting it Exchange for $1.1 billion to Nasdaq, database technology. Tableau up for sale, in a deal that values the exiting a market that has sharply lost intends to incorporate the technol- military business at Euro1.1bn value since the financial crisis and ogy into its product set. Tableau is a including debt. The European where it saw little chance of become business intelligence and analytics aerospace group will retain a 25 per a top player. company, taking business data and cent stake in the company, which >> www. global.handelsblatt.com helping companies make sense of it. may have helped to reassure the The new HyPer database technology German government. Berlin has been SMA Acquires Stake in should provide a performance boost closely involved in the disposal, U.S. Firm Tigo Energy across Tableau products, Patrice according to people close to the Germany's SMA Solar Technology AG Pelland, senior director for engineer- process. Airbus will hold the stake will acquire a 27% stake in the Los ing at Tableau told TechCrunch. for a maximum of three years, a Gatos, California-based Tigo Energy, >> www.techcrunch.com company spokesman said. Inc., in a $20 million capital increase >> www. ft.com deal. As part of the agreement, SMA Diebold CEO Says Will has secured for 30 months exclusive Not Raise Wincor Offer Deutsche Börse’s Nasdaq Deal rights for worldwide sales of Tigo U.S. ATM maker Diebold Inc (DBD.N) Deutsche Börse has agreed to sell its Energy's new TS4 Retrofit product is not considering raising its $1.8 U.S. options business International platform for module optimization. billion offer for German rival Securities Exchange for $1.1 billion >> www.pv-magazine.com Wincor Nixdorf (WING.DE) and will not lower the acceptance threshold, its chief executive told Reuters in an ADVERTISEMENT interview. Wincor Nixdorf share- holders have until March 22 to accept Diebold's cash and share offer and it remains unclear whether the U.S. company will reach the required total of 75 percent support. >> www.reuters.com USS Procter & Gamble (PG) Selling Pert Shampoo Brand to German Company U.S. Steuerberatung LLC Procter & Gamble is shedding one of its more well-known shampoo lines, international accounting & tax consulting part of the company's larger plan to get rid of up to 100 brands that www.ussteuerberatung.com don't have strong growth prospects. For the most part, P&G has been dropping overseas brands that most people here in the U.S. wouldn't TRANSATLANTIC TICKER

recognize. But Thursday, Reuters possible merger and acquisition Wichita for 10 years. Viega CEO reported, German consumer and deals, its chief executive said on Dave Garlow said in a statement that industrial products firm Henkel Thursday. Chief Executive Markus discussions will start next month on agreed to purchase Pert from P&G. Braun said he expected to make a specifics for the move, including >> www.wcpo.com "strong move" into the United location and a timeline. States, the last frontier in Wirecard's >> www.denverpost.com German-Based Firm global expansion plans, and that it Thyssen’sche Handelsgesell- was in initial talks on potential deals Software Maker Moves schaft m.b.H Acquires but these remain in their early U.S. HQ to Austin, Anomatic from Brookstone stages. Names New CEO Partners >> www.reuters.com Shopgate Inc., a German mobile German investment company commerce company, is moving its Thyssen’sche Handelsgesellschaft MARKET ENTRIES U.S. headquarters from California to m.b.H (THG) has acquired controlling _&_ Austin under the guidance of a new interest in Anomatic from Brook- RELOCATIONS CEO. The appointment of former stone Partners. Anomatic specializes German Manufacturer Chief Operating Officer and Chief in colour anodized aluminium Viega Bringing 190 Jobs Financial Officer Marc Biel to the packaging solutions and also to Colorado CEO position comes weeks after the provides laser engraving, embossing A German plumbing equipment company’s relocation to Austin. and screen-printing services. The manufacturer announced Friday it Shopgate, which completed a $15 company runs state-of-the-art will be leaving Kansas and heading million Series C round of funding facilities in Ohio, Connecticut and for Colorado. Viega LLC will relocate last year, plans to hire 50 Austin Suzhou, China. The financial terms its U.S. headquarters from Wichita to workers this year, according to a of the acquisition were not disclosed. Denver, bringing 190 jobs to the company announcement. >> www.premiumbeautynews.com state. The plumbing and heating >> www.bizjournals.com systems manufacturer has been in VirtualWorks of Boca Raton Merges with German ADVERTISEMENT Linguistics Company Boca Raton's VirtualWorks Group, which developed tools to find and manage corporate data, has announced a merger with Language Tools of Munich, Germany. Lan- guage Tools' language processing technologies will be used to enhance VirtualWorks' data search. >> www.sun-sentinel.com

Wirecard CEO Eyes Expansion into U.S. Market in Next 12-16 Months German payments processor Wire- card AG is looking to expand into the U.S. market over the next 12 to 16 months either through organic business development or through FROM BUFFALO INVESTMENTS _&_ EXPANSIONS ration was previously used by TO BERLIN Aldi, the German Chain Apple to facilitate interactions Come and major in German at Canisius College ţ#FDPNFQBSUPG$BOJTJVTŜ(FSNBO)FSJUBHF that’s Beating Wal-Mart at between iPhones and desk ţ'PMMPXBOJOOPWBUJWF WJTJPOBSZBOETUVEFOUřESJWFODVSSJDVMVN ţ-FBSOżSTUřIBOEBCPVUBMMNBUUFST(FSNBO its own Game phones in environments In the Southern California town deploying Cisco conferencing In 4 years PVS(FSNBONBKPSTIBWFXPOﬁ ve FulbrightsBOE one DAADTDIPMBSTIJQ4UPQCZBOEEJTDPWFSBMMUIFQMBDFTPVS of Beaumont, Wal-Mart shop- hardware/software. (FSNBONBKPSDBOUBLFZPV1MBOZPVSWJTJUXJUIPeter B¨ohm BU(716) 888-2327PS[email protected] pers must first drive past the >> www.nasdaq.com canisius.edu/german new Aldi, a recent addition to the family-owned German German Auto Supplier grocery-store chain that is Swoboda Invests $15M beating the U.S. retail giant at in Expansion its own game: selling food at A German auto supplier is rock-bottom prices. Aldi is planning to expand a local ADVERTISEMENT betting that many in Beaumont plant and create jobs in the will never make it to the process. Swoboda, which makes Wal-Mart. Like hundreds of oth- high-precision metal-plastic ers Aldi has opened in recent components for automobile years, the Beaumont store is electronics, plans to invest strategically located to siphon nearly $15.1 million to expand off the retail giant’s discount- its plant in Kentwood, at 4108 seeking shoppers with prices 52nd St. SE, and add about 37 that can average almost 20 high-tech jobs to the operation percent less than those at within three years. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. >> www.grbj.com >> www.charlotteobserver.com Achieve together German Vegan Supermar- Cisco Announces ket Veganz Eyeing Port- Rödl & Partner USA has specifically tailored German Investment and land for First U.S. Store our accounting, auditing, tax and business Synata Acquisition Veganz, a German vegan consulting services to the unique needs of Cisco Systems CSCO announced grocery chain, has chosen your foreign owned business in the United States that it has acquired San Portland as the location for its of America. For the past 40 years our core practice has been serving the accounting and Francisco based search technol- first U.S. store. The company tax needs of primarily German speaking and ogy startup Synata Inc. The had originally planned to open other foreign owned “Mittelstand” companies financial terms of the deal were the store this year, but the date operating in the U.S. not disclosed. According to the has been pushed back. Accord- vice president of Internet of ing to its website, Veganz was Atlanta, GA Things and Collaboration Group founded in 2011 and bills itself Birmingham, AL of Cisco, Rowan Trollope, Cisco as the first vegan food chain Charlotte, NC store in Europe. It now operates Chicago, IL Spark will benefit from Synata's Greenville, SC ability to search highly encrypt- several stores in Germany, as Houston, TX ed data in the cloud, a capabil- well as locations in Prague and New York, NY ity beyond many conventional Vienna. search engines. Spark collabo- >> www.oregonlive.com

www.roedl.com/us

20160205_USA_AHK_68x138.indd 1 05.02.2016 16:17:03 ECONOMIST’S CORNER

Networks Rule the World very year a few hundred of the Eworld’s most influential industry leaders congregate at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the quaint Swiss ski resort of Davos to exchange German Green Utility their thoughts on the state of the LichtBlick Eyes U.S. Expansion world. The purpose of this summit is for DERMS Offering two-fold: to discuss solutions to the LichtBlick, a German electric retailer world’s most pressing problems and focused on providing sustainable to incidentally network. energy, plans to expand its offerings of Distributed Energy Resource On their yearly migration route to Management System (DERMS) tools places like the World Economic into the residential market, including Forum, the Aspen Institute, Allen and in the United States. The company Company, Bilderberg, the Milken Sandra Navidi Chief Excutive Officer says its DERMS platform already Conference, and the IMF, they initiate Author of the integrates more than 1,000 DERs, new relationships and nurture Bestselling Book including photovoltaics, energy existing ones. Why do almost all of $uper-hubs: storage batteries, wind power and the most powerful and busiest people Wie die Finanzelite electric vehicles. on the planet make these cumbersome und ihre Netzwerke >> www.utilitydive.com and time-consuming trips? Because die Welt regieren they are keenly aware of the fact that >> [email protected] Germany-Based Multivac networks equal power and profits. In >> www.beyond-global.com Plans $6.9 Million Expansion a globalized world, the success of >> Twitter: @SandraNavidi Of Its Kansas City, Missouri, executives and their companies is Headquarters more than ever before defined by the Multivac, a global leader in packag- depth and breadth of their relation- ing solutions for food, medical, ships. In order to be internationally Personal relationships are crucial, consumer and industrial products competitive, personal networks must because they provide access to people, based in Germany, will undergo a mirror the increased interconnected- capital, information, and, thus, $6.9 million expansion of its U.S. ness of our world. profitable opportunities. Many headquarters in Kansas City, Mis- corporations hire “elder statesmen,” souri. The company expects to create Relationships are valuable, because not only for their expertise but also to up to 50 new jobs over the next few they are unique, highly personal, and act as door-openers in the private and years. The additional 32,000 square cannot be duplicated. They must be public sectors. feet of space is projected to come nurtured with an investment of time online by April. It will bring total and effort, and the more time people Networks need platforms like confer- space to approximately 120,000 spend on digital connections, the ences, industry events, and private square feet, and will allow the more valuable true interpersonal gatherings, and the most exclusive company to better leverage technol- connections will become. Even in the ones have high barriers to entry and ogy and other innovations to further machine age, people in possession of provide a sense of community and modernize its manufacturing highly developed interpersonal skills profound content. The most successful processes. and multidimensional networks will executives build goodwill throughout >> www.areadevelopment.com remain indispensable, because their lives and have access to support emotional intelligence and personal and resources whenever needed. They Visit us on the web at rapport cannot be robotized. Compa- create win-win situations for all, >> www.transatlantic-news.com nies value “network capital” as an because they realize that only Follow the Ticker on Twitter integral part of a person’s human balanced relationships with real give >> www.twitter.com/ta_news capital, because a person’s network and take are sustainable and with- automatically expands the company’s. stand the test of time..

German American Trade Q2 2016 7 COVER STORY

New Television Station for a German Audience RTL International Launches in the US Live news, erman-language TV program- 6:44 p.m. in the RTL studio in Gming is truly in short supply in Cologne: News anchor Peter Kloeppel series, films, the US. That's about to change. is standing in what is known as the docutainment Germany's largest media conglomer- ‘green box’ and waiting for his cue. ate, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, Some 20 spotlights and 2 cameras for German plans to launch an international are aiming at him. Technicians in the expatriates version of the country's favorite background and numerous editors in station, RTL, in the US. the control room are transfixed on their monitors, ensuring that clips, sound and copy are displayed in the right sequence and at the right time. Then it begins: The countdown superimposed for viewers changes, and at 6:44:58 p.m., the anchor Kloeppel takes a deep breath: ‘It's 6:45 p.m., this is RTL News, and here are our stories...’ With these words, Kloeppel welcomes millions of Germans to the main news show on RTL every day.

‘RTL News’ [RTL Aktuell] is one of the most successful, most popular news programs on German television and has long since become a fixed part of daily TV for many viewers. Peter Kloeppel is the face of the show, making him a regular guest in German living rooms – via the television screen – for the past 24 years. And from now on, Peter Kloeppel is quite literally also ‘at home across the pond,’ because ‘RTL Aktuell’ will be available for live RTL Aktuell with Peter Kloeppel and Ulrike van der Groeben viewing on RTL International.

8 German American Trade Q2 2016 COVER STORY

Now it's ‘Welcome home’ for keep them just as informed as their German viewers worldwide friends and relatives in Germany are RTL International, the new television about current issues in Germany, or station of Mediengruppe RTL they can chat about the latest trials Deutschland, is geared towards and tribulations in one of the daily German expatriates, German soaps (‘Gute Zeiten, Schlechte speakers and students of the German Zeiten’, ‘Unter Uns’ and ‘Alles, was language all over the world, and zählt’). This provides explosive and particularly in North America. ‘With up-to-the-minute topics of conversa- Doctor’s Diary: All too human the slogan “Welcome home,” we tion for the next phone call/Skype catastrophies with Diana Amft want to make it clear that with RTL International, people in the USA can finally get the best German television from home – informative, entertain- ing and up-to-date,’ says Stefan Sporn, General Manager Interna- tional Distribution and head of the channel. ‘With RTL International, you can finally join in on the discussion again, because our program is largely identical to the one friends and relatives are watch- ing back in Germany.’

Finally being able to join in on the fun: Germans’ favorite daily soaps are a source of strong emotions For this to succeed, many programs will be available live when they air in Germany at the same time, or shortly thereafter. This not only keeps all the ‘RTL International’ viewers directly informed about Alarm für Cobra 11: Erdogan Atalay in action current world events; it also helps

German American Trade Q2 2016 9 COVER STORY

How do I receive RTL International? RTL International can be viewed in the USA beginning in March, initially through Charter Communications. Additional platforms and an app (via Google Play and the Apple date with loved ones back home in no one has to miss his or her favorite Store) will soon be added. Germany/Austria/Switzerland. show, the current episodes will You cannot receive RTL typically air again a few hours later. International? Please be sure to In addition to other news broadcasts, The makers of RTL International write or call your network provider such as ‘RTL Nachtjournal’ and always keep the many different time and let them know you’d like to be ‘Punkt 12’ with presenter Katja zones all over the world (e.g. Pacific able to receive RTL International. Burkard, the mainstays of program- Standard Time or Eastern Standard We’ll be publishing every expansion ming also include the lifestyle Time) in mind and schedule enter- of our reach on our website formats ‘EXCLUSIV – Das Starmaga- taining and informative TV to air at >> www.rtl-international.de zin’ with Frauke Ludowig and all times of the day and night. ‘Explosiv – Das Magazin’, hosted by You’ll find additional information Nazan Eckes. RTL NORD, RTL WEST ‘We are delighted to be a new about programming there, too. and RTL HESSEN have an even member of the AHK, making us part You're welcome to visit us on stronger regional footing. Viewers of the German-American commu- Facebook, too. can tune in for extensive information nity,’ the station's Product Manager >> www.facebook.com/rtl-international about the important events of the Carolin Lefting explains. Any other questions? day from their home region. Drop us a line: With an overseas studio in New York Best entertainment with >> [email protected] and correspondents in Washington, series and soaps DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco, Good entertainment is also a very RTL is already present in the US. All important part of the programming: reports can also be watched on RTL RTL International broadcasts the International. ‘We hope that soon most popular German action and we’ll be able to enter into a market- drama series: ‘Alarm für Cobra 11 ing and advertising cooperation – Die Autobahnpolizei’! Joining it arrangement with other German are other award-winning series, such companies,’ adds Lefting. as ‘Der Lehrer’ and ‘Doctor‘s Diary’. The reality formats ‘Christopher In the USA, RTL International will be Posch – Ich kämpfe für ihr Recht!’ available first through Charter and ‘Goodbye Deutschland’ also offer Communications, beginning in fascinating insights into the desires, March. This will soon be followed by longings, everyday problems and an app and distribution through worries of Germans. additional platforms.

But how can the new television channel grapple with a time differ- ence of up to 9 hours between the US GZSZ: The love lives of people in the big city and Germany? To ensure that really

10 German American Trade Q2 2016 COVER STORY

Some of the most popular RTL International formats

Alarm für Cobra 11 ‘Alarm für Cobra 11 - Die Autobahnpolizei’ is Germany's most successful action format. Inspector Semir Gerkhan and his partner solve a new case every week. Breath-taking stunt scenes, action-packed chases and spectacular explosions provide spine-tingling excitement in every episode. Every Thursday at 4:45 p.m. (PST) and 7:45 p.m. (EST)

Der Lehrer Stefan Vollmer, played by Hendrik Duryn, is the most popular teacher on German television. Not just because the series ‘Der Lehrer’ won the ‘German Comedy Award 2014’ [Deutscher Comedypreis 2014]. Vollmer is a teacher with a passion for his profession. Though he could do without the occasional nasty surprise in his school day, he loves his job. And if someone runs into trouble, ‘The Teacher’ [‘Der Lehrer’] is unstoppable: Stefan Vollmer gives his all for his students, disregarding diplomacy if need be. Beginning in May, Fridays at 4:45 p.m. (PST) and 7:45 p.m. (EST)

Goodbye Deutschland – Die Auswanderer They’re caught up in wanderlust and big dreams: expats. Some long for sun and sea and want to make a lifelong dream come true. Others see no career prospects in Germany and hope for a fresh start, somewhere far away. ‘Goodbye Deutschland! Die Auswanderer’ accompanies couples and families on their journey to a foreign country, a place many know only from carefree vacation days. Euphoria is always at an all-time high. Sometimes, the plans are best-laid; sometimes, not so much. Every Tuesday at 4:45 p.m. (PST) and 7:45 p.m. (EST)

Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten GZSZ is the most successful daily soap on German television – since 1992, tales of love and hate, friendship and enmity, intrigue and reconciliation no longer go unnoticed. There's always something going on in the neighborhood in Berlin. Daily (Mon-Fri) at 4:20 p.m. (PST) and 7:20 p.m. (EST)

Guten Morgen Deutschland All the information you need is already served for breakfast – that's the motto of ‘Guten Morgen Deutschland’, the early-morning news magazine on RTL. In addition to a total of five segments of programming with the latest news, there's also lots of VIP news, detailed weather forecasts and service topics with consumer tips and advice for viewers. The main presenter is Wolfram Kons who hosts the show together with Angela Finger-Erben. The host team of ‘Guten Morgen Deutschland’ also features Jennifer Knäble and Bernd Fuchs. Eva Imhof, Maxi Biewer and Saskia Naumann form the weather team. Daily (Mon-Fri) at 6:30 a.m. (PST) and 9:35 a.m. (EST)

German American Trade Q2 2016 11 COVER STORY

Interview with ‘RTL Aktuell’ anchor Peter Kloeppel

German American Trade pondent in the U.S. When reasons. You understand the cultural (GAT): How does it feel for you started out, what were the differences between that country and you, as an RTL presenter, to be biggest hurdles for you, or what Germany. Are these differences on air not just in the German- struck you as particularly foreign, reflected in television programming, speaking countries but now in as a German? too? the U.S. as well? PK: The Americans were very PK: North American television has Peter Kloeppel (PK): Great! I’m hospitable in welcoming me, and always been slightly ahead of us in always happy about every viewer, that made the adjustment easy. Of terms of variety and innovation, so we and when we know that we can course, I had the great advantage can always learn something from it. now be seen in faraway countries, that I already knew how to speak What I think is exhausting about some too, that also makes me proud. English quite well – that makes life news channels is the almost messianic a lot easier. I hardly encountered sense of mission when it comes to GAT: Are there separate pro- any hurdles at all. Instead, I political directions – it's not fair and grams for North America? actually did experience the U.S. as objective. the proverbial land of opportunity. PK: No. We’ll be showing the same At most, what struck me as new, Who we are content we show in Germany. Of yet not unpleasant, was the RTL International is part of Mediengruppe course this also includes in-depth ‘can-do’ attitude of the people RTL Deutschland in Cologne. coverage of the American prima- there. Here in Germany, we often ries, for instance. But this is from a tend to see the problems before we Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland is the home of many free TV stations, among German point of view, focussed on think of solutions. them the German market leader RTL Tele- our German audience. vision. There are also several pay TV sta- GAT: You have a very strong tions, including RTL International. With GAT: You spent several years connection to North America for more than 30 million viewers every day, working as a foreign corres- both personal and professional Media Group RTL Germany represents the strongest and most popular TV brands in Germany and Europe. Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland belongs to the Bertelsmann subsidiary RTL Group with headquarters in Luxembourg, Europe’s largest broadcaster. With interests in 57 television channels and 30 radio stations, RTL Group is the leading European entertainment network. Every day, millions of viewers all over Europe watch RTL Group’s television channels. RTL Group’s content production arm, FremantleMedia, is one of the largest creators, producers and distributors of television brands in the world. Majority shareholder of RTL Group is Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA.

12 German American Trade Q2 2016 Globe Inventor: Martin Behaim Germany, 1492

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111772_AZ_GLO_178x256 1 24.03.10 11:12 SPOTLIGHTS

German Companies Profit from Strong Dollar and Report Record Earnings in Euros By Jan Vater, GACC

“What remains for 015 proved to be another 2015 results were not available companies at the end of 2successful year for German at the time, the company expects businesses in the U.S. The Top50 similar results compared to last the day in their country’s Ranking of German Firms, year, despite the emissions currency, that’s what’s conducted by the German scandal that emerged in Septem- American Chambers of Com- ber 2015. Global Volkswagen important. That is what merce, shows that German CEO Matthias Mueller reported investors and company companies in the U.S. continue in an official statement: “The to profit from strong domestic company also recorded growth in owners are interested in. demand and the equally strong North America in 2015, handing Surely, it has to be taken currency. Revenue generated in over 931,800 vehicles there. At U.S. dollars, once converted into 607,100 units – an increase of into account that the euros, resulted in record earnings 1.2 percent – the United States weaker euro has driven for German companies in the accounted for the lion’s share of U.S. In total, the Top50 German these deliveries”. up prices for raw materials companies generated over $400 or the costs for possible billion in revenue and employed T-Mobile USA was able to almost 750,000 people in 2015. continue last year’s success and foreign currency credits. climbed to a strong third position But in the end, this The Daimler Group was able to in the ranking. The Deutsche Tele- development was clearly a repeat last year’s success and kom subsidiary, managed by CEO came out on top of the ranking, John Legere, grew its net revenue positive one for the with a whopping $46,531 million by a substantial 10.5 percent in companies and their profits.” in revenue. In euros this converts 2015. Legere expects this trend to to 41,920 million, compared to continue: “We set out to change 33,310 million in the previous this industry, we’re well on our year. Daimler owes some of that way and we won’t stop.” This success to the strong perfor- entire company’s growth is and mance of its truck unit in the continues to be driven by the U.S. North American market. The business: In addition to continu- company continues to invest ing strong customer additions, heavily in new technologies in T-Mobile also profited from the this segment. A technological development of the U.S. dollar. milestone was achieved last year by receiving the very first road In regards to acquisitions, 2015 approval for a truck driving proved to be a more reserved year autonomously. for German companies in the U.S, compared to 2014. Despite the Dr. Harm Bandholz, Right behind the Daimler Group fact that German investments in ranks another German car the U.S. are highly profitable, as Chief U.S. Economist manufacturer: Volkswagen Group the ZF Group demonstrates. On UniCredit Research of America. Even though the May 15, 2015 the company

14 German American Trade Q2 2016 SPOTLIGHTS

acquired TRW Automotive Holdings total of gross premiums written in of its U.S. business. It comprised Corp and saw sales in the U.S. the Americas dropped from $15,747 the integration of Fireman’s Fund nearly doubled in the following million in 2014 down to $11,627 Insurance Company’s commercial months. ZF Group was able to million in 2015. The company faced business into Allianz Global generate $9,008 million in contrast an array of challenges which had Corporate & Specialty North to $4,981 million the year prior. an impact on their performance in America (AGCS NA), the sale of the the U.S. Despite the modest interest personal insurance business to the Not all companies, however, were rate increase in December 2015 by global insurance company ACE, as able to repeat last year’s sales the Federal Reserve, the low rate well as the internal transfer of the volumes. German Insurer Allianz environment remains challenging discontinued run-off business saw a decrease in revenue com- for the German insurer. In addition, through a reinsurance agreement pared to the previous year. The Allianz faced a deep reorganization within the Allianz Group.

Daimler continues to profit from its strong truck unit in the U.S.

German American Trade Q2 2016 15 SPOTLIGHTS

Sales ($M) Employees Rank Company Location Website German Parent Company U.S. Top Executive 2014 2013 2014 2013 Business activity Note 1 Daimler Group Atlanta, GA MBUSA www.daimler.com Daimler AG, Stuttgart Stephen Cannon, MBUSA / Martin Daum, DTNA 46,531 # 44,302 24,607 # 22,833 Automotive 2 Volkswagen Group of America Herndon, VA www.vw.com Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg Scott Keogh (Audi), Detlev von Platen (Porsche), 36,733 – 36,733 59,790 – 59,790 Automotive (3,5,7) Hinrich J. Woebcken (VW) 3 T-Mobile USA Bellevue, WA www.t-mobile.com Deutsche Telekom AG, Bonn John J. Legere 32,106 # 29,799 41 669 # 37,858 Communications (8) 4 BMW Group Woodcliff Lake, NJ www.bmwusa.com BMW AG, Munich Ludwig Willisch 20,152 # 18,176 10,000 – 10,000 Automotive (6) 5 BASF Corp. Florham Park, New Jersey www.basf.us BASF SE, Ludwigshafen Wayne Smith 17,388 $ 20,571 17,471 $ 17,120 Chemicals (1) 6 Siemens USA Holdings New York, NY www.usa.siemens.com Siemens AG, Munich Eric Spiegel 16,942 # 16,821 70,000 – 70,000 IT/Communications, Transportation (6) 7 Bayer Corporation Pittsburgh, PA www.bayerus.com Bayer AG, Leverkusen Philip Blake 14,141 # 13,237 16,000 # 15,800 Pharmaceutical/Medical Products (1) 8 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Waltham, MA www.fmcna.com Fresenius Medical Care AG +KGaA, Hof a.d. Saale Rice Powell 13,112 $ 13,965 54,103 # 51,329 Medical Products & Services (1) 9 Robert Bosch, LLC Farmington Hills, MI www.boschusa.com Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart Mike Mansuetti 13,034 – 13,034 33,879 – 33,879 Automotive, Consumer Goods, Industrial Technology (3,5) 10 Trader Joe’s Co. Monrovia, CA www.traderjoes.com Aldi Einkauf GmbH & Co.oHG, Essen Dan Bane 13,000 – 13,000 9,000 – 9,000 Grocery Stores (4,6) 11 Aldi, Inc. Batavia, IL www.aldi.us Aldi Einkauf GmbH & Co.oHG, Essen Charles E. Youngstrom / David Behm 13,000 # 10,100 12,000 – 12,000 Grocery Stores (12,6) 12 Allianz Life Insurance NA/ Allianz of America, Inc. New York, NY www.allianzusa.com Allianz SE, Munich Walter White 11,627 $ 15,747 14,355 $ 15,021 Insurance / Asset Management (2) 13 Hochtief Americas (Turner) New York, NY www.hochtief.com Hochtief AG, Essen Marcelino Fernández Verdes 11,493 # 11,458 9,739 # 9,503 Construction (1,9) 14 DHL Holdings (USA), Inc. Plantation, FL www.dhl.com Deutsche Post AG, Bonn Stephen Fenwick 11,426 $ 12,469 76,666 # 74,573 Courier Services (3) 15 Continental Automotive Systems Auburn Hills, MI www.conti-online.com Continental AG, Hannover Samir Salman 11,363 # 10,156 38,493 # 31,414 Automotive components, Tires (1) 16 Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. Princeton, NJ www.munichreamerica.com Münchner Rückversicherungsgesellschaft, Munich Anthony J. Kuczinski 11,052 $ 11,348 5,444 # 5,371 Insurance (2) 17 ThyssenKrupp USA, Inc. Chicago, IL www.thyssenkrupp.com ThyssenKrupp AG, Düsseldorf Patrick Bass 11,032 $ 12,025 21,422 # 20,555 Steel, Stainless Steel, Capital Goods, Services (3) 18 SAP Americas Newtown Square, PA www.sap.com SAP AG, Walldorf Jennifer Morgan 9,331 # 8,630 22,166 # 22,071 Software (3) 19 ZF Group North American Operations Inc. Northville, MI www.zf.com/na ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Friedrichshafen Julio Caspari 9,008 # 4,981 62,148 # 4,224 Automotive (1,6) 20 Boehringer Ingelheim Corp. Ridgefield, CT us.boehringer-ingelheim.com Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein Paul R. Fonteyne 7,793 – 7,793 14,033 – 14,033 Pharma (3,5) 21 Lufthansa Group East Meadow, NY www.lufthansa.com Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Köln Jürgen Siebenrock 5,828 # 5,797 16,619 # 14,848 Air Transportation/Logistic/Catering 22 Linde North America Murray Hill, NJ www.lindeus.com Linde Group, Munich Patrick Murphy 5,207 # 4,966 19,683 # 18,487 Industrial Gases (1) 23 Hannover Life Re America Orlando, FL www.hlramerica.com Hannover Rückversicherungs AG, Hannover Peter R. Schaefer 4,793 # 4,312 283 $ 285 Reinsurance (2) 24 Heraeus Incorporated New York, NY www.heraeus.com Heraeus Holding GmbH, Hanau Uve Kupka 4,463 – 4,463 2,266 – 2,266 Non-Ferrous Metals (3,5) 25 LEHIGH Hanson Inc. Irving, TX www.lehighhanson.com HeidelbergCement AG, Heidelberg Jon Morrish 4,158 # 4,055 7,644 – 7,644 Cement (1,6) 26 Random House (Bertelsmann Group) New York, NY www.bertelsmann.com Bertelsmann AG, Gütersloh Markus Dohle 4,107 $ 4,126 8,795 – 8,795 Media, Publishing (6) 27 Henkel of America, Inc. Rocky Hill, CT www.henkel.us Henkel KGaA, Düsseldorf Jerry Perkins 4,049 # 3,836 6,429 # 6,214 Industrial Organic Chemicals (1) 28 adidas America, Inc. Portland, OR www.adidas.com adidas AG, Herzogenaurach Mark King 4,018 $ 4,155 10,555 $ 12,895 Sports Wear (1) 29 MAHLE Industries, Inc. Farmington Hills, MI www.us.mahle.com Behr GmbH & Co. KG, Stuttgart Roland Zitt 3,219 – 3,219 10,357 – 10,357 Automotive (1,5) 30 EMD Group (Merck) Rockland, MA www.emdgroup.com Merck KGaA, Darmstadt Kenneth C. Frazier 3,022 # 2,862 9,794 # 5,153 Chemicals 31 Evonik Corporation Parsippany, NJ www.north-america.evonik.com Evonik Industries AG, Essen John Rolando 2,938 $ 3,072 3,693 # 3,675 Specialty Chemicals (1) 32 Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership Plymouth, MI www.freudenberg.us Freudenberg Dichtungs-und Schwingungstechnik, Weinheim Claus Möhlenkamp 2,153 _ 2,153 7,484 _ 7,484 Automotive (1,5) 33 Schenker Inc (DB US Holding Corp.) Tarrytown, NY www.dbschenkerusa.com Deutsche Bahn AG, Berlin Dr. Josef Blank 1,896 $ 1,967 8,515 # 7,585 Freight Transportation (1) 34 Knorr Brake Holding Corp. Westminster, MD www.knorrbrakecorp.com Knorr Bremse AG, Munich Rich Bowie 1,715 # 1,677 4,782 $ 5,058 Railroad Equipment (3) 35 Brose North America, Inc. Auburn Hills, MI www.brose.com Brose Gruppe, Coburg Jan Kowal 1,640 – 1,640 5,100 – 5,100 Automotive Supplier (3,5) 36 B. Braun Medical, Inc. Bethlehem, PA www.bbraunusa.com B.Braun, Melsungen AG Caroll H. Neubauer 1,612 # 1,450 6,053 # 5,850 Medical / Surgical Devices (1) 37 Wurth Group of North America Inc. Ramsey, NJ www.wuerth.com Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, Künzelsau-Gaisbach Robert Stolz 1,585 – 1,585 7,369 – 7,369 Maintenance Supplies (1,5) 38 Lanxess Pittsburgh, PA www.lanxess.us Lanxess AG, Colon Flemming Bjornslev 1,518 $ 1,780 1,312 $ 1,371 Specialty Chemicals (1) 39 Otto Group/Crate & Barrel Northbrook, IL www.crateandbarrel.com Otto GmbH & Co KG, Hamburg Douglas Diemoz 1,516 $ 1,666 7,000 – 7,000 Retail (10) 40 K+S North America Chicago, IL www.k-plus-s.com K+S AG, Kassel Christian Herrmann 1,373 $ 1,425 3,164 # 3,002 Chemicals 41 Beiersdorf, Inc . Wilton, CT www.beiersdorfusa.com Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg Stefan F. Heidenreich 1,336 $ 1,484 2,758 # 2,610 Branded Consumer Goods (3) 42 Puma North America, Inc. Westford, MA www.puma.com Puma SE, Herzogenaurach Jay Piccola 1,322 # 1,287 2,847 – 2,847 Sports Wear (3) 43 STIHL Incorporated Virginia Beach, VA www.stihlusa.com STIHL International GmbH Fred J. Whyte 1,060 – 1,060 4,262 – 4,262 Handheld outdoor power equipment (5) 44 Wacker Chemical Corporation Adrian, MI www.wacker.com Wacker Chemie AG, Munich Ingomar Kovar 1,049 $ 1,078 1,830 # 1,530 Chemicals (3) 45 GEA York, PA www.gea.com GEA Group AG, Düsseldorf Gary Schrift 929 $ 1,017 1,829 $ 2,090 Engineering Services (1) 46 LEONI WIRING SYSTEMS, INC. Tucson, AZ www.leoni.com Leoni AG Martin Gloesslein 820 $ 826 8,142 $ 8,430 Cable Harnesses for the Automotive Industry (3) 47 Infineon Technologies North America Corp. Milpitas, CA www.infineon.com Infineon Technologies AG, Neubiberg Jean-Baptiste Loire 788 # 644 3,682 # 556 Semiconductors (3) 48 American Rheinmetall Munitions, Inc East Camden, AR www.rheinmetall-defence.com Rheinmetall AG Armin Papperger 775 $ 815 1,321 # 1,299 Defence and Automotive (3) 49 Schott North America, Inc. Elmsford, NY www.us.schott.com Schott AG, Mainz Greg Wolters 495 $ 499 2,100 $ 2,200 Glass & glass-ceramic products (1) 50 BYK USA Inc. Wallingford, CT www.byk.com Altana AG Dr. Stephan Glander 462 $ 485 1,067 # 1,066 Chemicals 400,110 393,746 748,051 703,702

(1) North America (exclusive U.S. figures not available) (6) Employee figues GACC Estimate (2) Gross Written Premium (7) Consolidated revenues Audi, Porsche & VW (3) Americas (8) T-Mobile and MetroPCS Combined Pro Forma 2013 figures (4) Est. supermarketnews.com (9) Consolidated revenues Flatiron and Turner Construction Co, E.E. 16 German American Trade Q2 2016 (5) Results 2014 Cruz, and Clark Builders SPOTLIGHTS

(10) North and South America (exclusive U.S. figures not available) (11) Employee figures hoover.com Conversion rate of 1.11 (12) Est. Kantar data (2015 annual average applied when sales given in EUR) German American Trade Q2 2016 17 SPOTLIGHTS

Quotes from Annual Reports 2015

Daimler Group T-Mobile USA ZF Group: Daimler Trucks reached a For the full year 2015, The year was marked by the major milestone in 2015 with T-Mobile added 8.3 million largest acquisition in the sales of more than 500,000 total net customers and company’s 100-year history, vehicles. In regional terms, the outperformed the industry once the purchase of U.S. development of the truck again by delivering 11% automotive supplier TRW business was very varied. The growth in service revenue and Automotive Holdings Corp. decrease in unit sales in the 31% growth in Adjusted With ZF TRW now included in weak Latin American market EBITDA. T-Mobile’s growth has the calculation for the first time was offset by an exceptionally been fueled by the – for a period of just strong performance in North performance of its nationwide seven-and-a-half months since America. 4G LTE network, which now the acquisition on May 15, covers 305 million Americans 2015 – we have achieved and continues to be the fastest new dimensions in sales and in the nation. results. – John Legere, CEO T-Mobile USA

Top 10 Employers 2015 2014 Rank Company Employees Employees 1 DHL Holdings (USA), Inc. 76,666 # 74,573 2 Siemens USA Holdings 70,000 – 70,000

3 ZF Group North American Operations Inc. 62,148 # 4,224 4 Volkswagen Group of America 59,790 – 59,790 5 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. 54,103 # 51,329 6 T-Mobile USA 41,669 # 37,858 7 Continental Automotive Systems 38,493 # 31,414 8 Robert Bosch, LLC 33,879 – 33,879 9 Daimler Group 24,607 # 22,833 10 SAP Americas 22,166 # 22,071

T-Mobile US CEO John Legere celebrating the company’s success

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US photovoltaics market remains on whopping growth curve By Martin Wiekert, Germany Trade and Invest · Translation from German by Sandy Jones, GACC

ith the new record installa- of approx. 1 GW were added, while by 2022, originally already planned Wtions of 7,286 MW (+17% in the area of solar thermal power for 2017. For private solar invest- compared to 2014), the U.S. market generation 110 MW were added to ments in the residential sector, for photovoltaics (PV) has increased the grid. analog income tax credits are twelve-fold since 2010. By now, PV available until 2021. However, here, capacities exceed the 25-GW Congress creates long-term the start of operation of the plants is threshold. Together with the 1.8 GW stable funding framework relevant, and the funding regulation from solar thermal power plants The outlook for the further develop- will expire in 2022. (concentrated solar power - CSP), the ment of the U.S. solar energy market U.S. has currently more than 27 GW is currently very optimistic. Largely The new Clean Power Plan of the in operational solar power capacities. responsible for this are recent U.S. Environmental Protection political decisions. Shortly before Agency (EPA) could create an For the first time, additionally the turn of the year, U.S. Congress additional impetus for the expansion installed capacities are higher extended some important funding of solar energy. However, it is still than in the natural gas sector instruments for the sector for the uncertain whether the regulatory In 2015, when it came to additionally long term. The increased Investment measure passed in August 2015 can installed plants, solar energy was Tax Credit (ITC) of 30% of the be implemented as intended by the able to pass natural gas for the first investment costs is now granted for Obama Administration.The require- time. According to the SEIA, last commercial solar energy projects ments contained in the plan regard- year, it represented almost 30% of whose start of construction is ing the reduction of CO2 emissions the new generating capacity. scheduled until the end of 2019. in the electricity sector would signifi- However, its share in the U.S. power This is followed by a gradual cantly stimulate the investments in supply is still relatively low. Despite decrease to the funding rate of 10% climate-friendly energy technologies. the rapid expansion, it currently is Development of the U.S. market for photovoltaic systems less than 1%. Change Overall U.S. The bulk of installations carried out New compared capacity at in 2015 is provided by larger PV installations to previous the end of solar power plants (“utility PV”). Years (MW) year (%) the year (GW) According to the SEIA, here, a record 2009 385 29 1.2 plant capacity of 4 GW was brought into service (+6% compared to 2014). 2010 852 121 2.0 Meanwhile, additionally built 2011 1,926 126 4.0 installations in the residential sector increased at a much higher speed. 2012 3,373 75 7.3 With more than 2 GW, a market 2013 4,782 42 12.1 growth of 66% was registered. However, installation data in other 2014 6,247 31 18.3 sectors was slightly less impressive. 2015 7,286 17 25.6 In the commercial sector, as it was the case in the previous year, plants Sources: Solar Energy Industries Association, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

20 German American Trade Q2 2016 GTAI INDUSTRY TALK

New installations increase by 17% in 2015

Optimistic market outlook opportunities will open up in the The sector association SEIA already next couple of years in the U.S. expects new PV installations of approx. However, market conditions vary on 72 GW between 2016 and 2020 based regional levels. Besides the federal on the ITC extension. Together with the tax credits and the local degree of CSP power plants, U.S. solar power insolation, the specific local funding capacities would then reach some 100 environment is also relevant for the GW. The annual additionally installed development in the sector. In 2015, capacity volume is to increase to almost four-fifths of the total approx. 20 GW, says the SEIA. installed capacity were contributed About the Author by the top ten of U.S. solar states. Martin Wiekert Director of Germany Trade and Invest For 2016, the SEIA predicts a strong GmbH (GTAI) expansion of the U.S. PV market. Since According to a market outlook of Washington D.C. Office there are many project developments the U.S. Energy Information >> [email protected] due to the initially planned ITC down- Administration (EIA), a continued >> www.gtai.de sizing, the installation volume is said to strong regional concentration of increase to approx. 13 GW. The special plant installations is likely. Accord- service IHS even thinks that market ing to the EIA, approx. 80% of the Solar capacity to volumes of some 15 GW could be solar power plants to be constructed possible. For 2017, both organizations until 2017 alone could be built in reach some 100 GW assume a temporary slowing in addi- California, Nevada, North Califor- tionally built installations, afterwards nia, Texas and Georgia. by 2020 installations are said to increase again until 2020.

If the predicted development does in fact take place, the U.S. could count on additional solar investments worth an amount in the three-digit billion dollar range until the end of the decade. Many foreign sector companies are also likely to benefit from the expected wave of investments. Chinese PV technology providers, however, still have to operate under difficult conditions due to the anti-dumping rules imposed on them.

A wealth of opportunities for suppliers from Germany For German solar companies and Sources: Solar Energy Industries Association, National Renewable Energy Laboratory supplier companies, additional business

German American Trade Q2 2016 21 The way to the heart of Germany is through the palate: » IT’S THE there’s nothing more German than German Beer and German Beer is good by law. The Reinheitsgebot REINHEITSGEBOT THAT FUELS from 1516 decrees that only malt, hops, water, and yeast may be used for brewing. That’s all our brew- O U R CREATIVITY.« masters need. For the past 500 years, the boundaries set by the law have challenged them to be innovative The Brewmasters of the Radeberger Gruppe and inspired them to be creative. Today, the country with the strictest brewing law boasts the greatest regional beer variety in the world. For every drop is brewed by a select few who live for what they do. www.DeutschesBier.com The way to the heart of Germany is through the palate: » IT’S THE there’s nothing more German than German Beer and German Beer is good by law. The Reinheitsgebot REINHEITSGEBOT THAT FUELS from 1516 decrees that only malt, hops, water, and yeast may be used for brewing. That’s all our brew- O U R CREATIVITY.« masters need. For the past 500 years, the boundaries set by the law have challenged them to be innovative The Brewmasters of the Radeberger Gruppe and inspired them to be creative. Today, the country with the strictest brewing law boasts the greatest regional beer variety in the world. For every drop is brewed by a select few who live for what they do. www.DeutschesBier.com WASHINGTON UPDATE

Interview with Congressman Ted Deutch conducted by Thomas Zielke

Dr. Thomas Zielke (TZ): the Bundestag to the unique beauty Congressman Ted Deutch Congressman Deutch, what is your of South Florida during a delegation connection to Germany? trip earlier this month.

Ted Deutch (TD): Despite what TZ: How do you see the current some might presume from my last German-American relationship in name, I am not of immediate German light of global events? descent. However, since coming to Congress, I have built strong TD: With shared values and inter- relationships with individuals, ests, Germany is a natural ally for companies, and institutions in the United States. Germany has been Germany through numerous trips an important partner in addressing a and meetings. number of world crises, such as Russia’s incursion into Ukraine and TZ: Can you share a favorite the large refugee influx into Europe. memory from your personal experi- These are global issues, and the ence with Germany? United States is not exempt from feeling the effects and facing the Congressman Ted Deutch, 49, repre- TD: I sincerely appreciated the ramifications. The Transatlantic sents Florida’s 21st district, home to chance to discuss Germany’s role in relationship becomes even more communities throughout western Palm Beach County and Broward County in the world with Chancellor Angela important as we work together to sunny South Florida. Merkel. Another memorable moment devise solutions that address our was when I introduced members of shared security concerns. As more Now serving his fourth term in the 114th Congress, he has been de- scribed as a rising voice in the House Democratic Caucus by the Wash- ington newspaper Roll Call and was previously named one of the Forward newspaper’s top Jewish politicians to watch.

He is a member of the House Judiciary Committee, the House Ethics Com- mittee, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on which he serves as Ranking Democrat on the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee.

Congressman Deutch also serves as the Co-Chair of the Congressional Study Group on Germany, an indepen- dent, non-partisan and non-advocacy organization that promotes legislative exchanges between the U.S. Congress The Hon. Peer Steinbrück Member of the German Bundestag, former Minister of Finance and and German Bundestag. Chairman of the German-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group with Congressman Ted Deutch

24 German American Trade Q2 2016 WASHINGTON UPDATE

Dr. Thomas Zielke

regional issues become global issues, is shaping out to be, there will be a this partnership will be even more plethora of considerations for important to maintain stability and Congress, including potential impacts confront threats around the world. on American jobs and changes to existing regulations and standards. TZ: Trade between Germany and Domestically, I believe it is important the U.S. has a long history. What is for the Administration to engage needed to strengthen the economic with Congress to discuss the direc- ties between both countries? tion of negotiations and ensure that the American people’s voices are TD: Despite the strong partnership heard and considered. President and CEO of German Industry we share, there remain some cultural and Trade (RGIT) differences between our countries. TZ: President Obama has dramati- >> [email protected] For example, the German apprentice- cally changed the US – Cuba >> www.rgit-usa.com ship model has been very successful policy. Do you foresee any positive in Germany in giving students the impact for Florida resulting that the fundamental principles that specific vocational training they will change? Americans value. Certainly, there need to work in certain fields. In my will be many opportunities for home state of Florida, a program was TD: The Obama Administration Floridians and Florida companies developed, in partnership with the should press the Castro Regime to to engage with Cuba, and I would German Embassy in the United States reform their political system, open support Florida-based companies and the German American Chambers up the country’s laws to improve the in seizing opportunities in ways of Commerce, in which high school economic, political, and legal that lead to commercial growth students can enter into an appren- environments, and recognize for American businesses. ticeship program designed for advanced manufacturing careers.‎ This type of program can encourage more German companies to consider expanding further into the U.S. and hiring American workers.

TZ: The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) will foster trade between U.S. and Germany. How do you see the chances of Congress passing a comprehensive TTIP?

TD: There are many benefits that can come from a trade agreement with a major trading partner like the Ted Deutch with the Congressional Study Group and the German Bundestag Group at the European Union. As complex as TTIP 33rd Annual Congress-Bundestag Seminar in Boca Raton, Fl

German American Trade Q2 2016 25 SKILLS AT WORK

The GACCs – Your Key Partner in the US for dual training Made in Germany Build Your Workforce | Close the Skills Gap | Invest in the Future By Jasmin Welter, GACC

erman-based dual vocational A Company-Driven education with on-the-job training Gtraining can succeed anywhere Approach in the US to create a loyal workforce with — not just in Germany. With the US In the past years, larger German in-demand skills. economy booming and being a hot subsidiaries have developed their investment location for Germany, own dual-style, in-house training Benefits for companies one key challenge has remained: a programs to ensure they utilize the ■■ Guaranteed specialists with lack of skilled workforce and an skilled workers their company company specific skills educational system that does not needs. This, however, is not a ■■ Tailored training program for entirely cater to company demand feasible option for small and medi- their workforce needs has not only prevented German firms um-sized companies. These ■■ New capabilities of a high quality from expanding across the Atlantic, companies need support in devel- workforce but has caused American companies oping and managing apprentice- ■■ Corporate image benefits to fall short of their potential. ship models based on company ■■ Internationally recognized clusters. This is exactly where the standard of expertise GACCs come in. Currently, our ■■ Saved recruiting costs experts are executing and manag- ■■ Greater employee retention ing successful programs in Ala- bama, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Certified Training Michigan, New Jersey, South Programs for SMEs Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, The GACCs have developed a with the number of participating nation-wide system that provides companies ranging from 1 to more one-stop shop solutions for training than 40 in the respective pro- - starting from individual consulta- grams. Our efforts have been tion and advice to the implementa- widely recognized by American tion of the training program, partners such as the Department of curriculum, administration, and final Labor and the Joyce Foundation, certification. As such, our participat- who are generously supporting our ing companies can concentrate fully mission for a more competitive on their business and giving their American workforce. apprentices hands-on training, while our experienced skills experts Why Dual Vocational provide the complete framework for Training? the training program. We accom- Why is dual vocational training pany our participating firms a sustainable solution for the throughout the entire process of skills gap? establishing and running the program, resulting in higher The dual vocational training efficiency, higher productivity A trainer explains procedures to an apprentice model combines a theoretical and higher employee loyalty.

26 German American Trade Q2 2016 SKILLS AT WORK

“WITTENSTEIN has always trained their own people, and to a great percentage through structured programs like ICATT. When you do that, you have excellent skilled workforce. Apprentice at work If you train your own employees based on Key Elements of the GACCs’ Skills Services: a standard curriculum, Program Development “Train the Trainer” Program you’ll have people ■■ Adaptation of program and ■■ Experts from Germany support the materials to company & US trainers in the US with excellent skills who market needs ■■ Provision of proven and localized training materials (manuals, know your company. Program Administration textbooks etc) and Management And when they’re done Exam Preparation ■■ Providing a Curriculum & ■■ Hosting of practice exams to ensure with their training, they Training Guide a smooth run of the actual exams ■■ Audit of individual Training can start right away.” Guide Examination Management ■■ Providing of exams ■■ Steering committee meetings ■■ Facilitation of exam board formation ■■ Communication, administra- Anna-Katharina tion and registration with ■■ Organization and support of exam Wittenstein, DoL (optional) execution ■■ Facilitation of communica- Certification Chairwoman of the ■■ Award of DIHK certification (inter- tion with college Board, WITTENSTEIN ■■ Ongoing promotion and national standard) marketing to guarantee ■■ Award of Associate’s Degree (basis holding corp. top-notch talent for further education) ■■ Award of DoL Certificate (recognized HR Services nationwide; optional) ■■ High school outreach and Continuous Guidance identification of high-quality ■■ Periodic meetings at participating applicants for open positions companies and discussions to ■ ■ Seeking out and vetting of guarantee program success and applicants satisfaction

German American Trade Q2 2016 27 MEMBER PROFILE

airberlin Offers Two New Routes from the U.S. and Introduces Service Enhancements for 2016

airberlin, More Flights, brings the total of flights offered to connect Dusseldorf and Ft. Myers in More Choices out of the U.S. the U.S. up to 55 weekly flights. winter and four in the summer. The airberlin, Germany’s second largest Dusseldorf is considered one of the Dusseldorf – San Francisco route airline continuously strives to most important business hubs in will be added to the flight plan as of improve its extensive global route Germany with a catchment area of May 6th and will initially feature network meeting the increasing over 18 million residents providing three flights per week, then five in demand of business travel and on many business opportunities. June, providing a daily flight except increasing efficiency in all areas of on Tuesday and Saturday. Services its operations. Corporate business airberlin operates the only nonstop from Los Angeles to Dusseldorf will travelers are an important focus for daily flights from New York (JFK) to be increased from six to seven airberlin and thus the airline offers each of its main German hubs in flights per week as well as New an extensive program to meet the Berlin and Dusseldorf. It offers daily York-Dusseldorf from 13 to 14 demands of the discerning business service from Chicago’s O’Hare flights a week, in order to offer traveler. This year, airberlin International Airport to Berlin and business travelers in particular an strengthens its presence in the U.S. daily service between Dusseldorf even more uniform flight program. by offering additional nonstop and Miami as well as 4 weekly service from Boston and San flights to Berlin during winter As a member of oneworld® passen- Francisco as of May 2016. This season. Three weekly services gers can easily accrue and redeem points on any oneworld partner airline making airberlin an easy choice for business travel. Through its codeshare agreement with its oneworld alliance partner American Airlines airberlin also offers numerous connections from 56 cities throughout North America to most of its U.S. gateways. This provides additional convenience and seamless connectivity for all airberlin flight guests. For instance guests can depart from Philadelphia or Mem- phis with American Airlines con- necting to New York (JFK) and on to Berlin or Dusseldorf with airberlin.

airberlin Business Points Program airberlin has made business travel a priority and with its offering of three flexible programs; Business Points,

28 German American Trade Q2 2016 MEMBER PROFILE

Business Pro and Business Prime business class alike. The airberlin following airberlin’s upgrade assists companies in achieving business class configuration offers of the Business Class to include effective cost controls by providing even more privacy providing direct FullFlat Seats: the entire long-haul programs that offer many benefits. aisle access from every seat. Each fleet is now fitted with 46 XL Seats to For example, Business Points allows seat completely reclines into lie-flat provide 20% more legroom. XL Seats every employee to collect points by beds and feature a power plug, a can be booked online via https://www. simply registering for a customer USB port, a 15-inch personal airberlin.com, through travel agencies number. All staff accumulate points monitor and a massage function. or directly at the ticket desk. FlyFlex in a joint account and these points Guests will enjoy state of the art on passengers receive an XL Seat at no can be redeemed at any time 24/7 for demand entertainment systems and additional charge. New this year travel awards and upgrades thus comfortable seating in both economy airberlin guests will also enjoy helping reduce travel costs for the and business class. In-flight service on-board 3G internet connectivity. company. In addition every employee includes free beverage service can also collect points on topbonus, throughout the entire flight and a For more information: airberlin’s award winning loyalty selection of hot and cold meals. For more information on airberlin or program. For more information or to book a flight visit airberlin.com, free registration, visit https://www. Last winter airberlin already featured a contact the call center at 1-866-266- 5588 or your travel agent. businesspoints.airberlin.com. comfort campaign in Economy Class

Business Pro allows flexibility when making travel plans, once enrolled businesses who spend a minimum of 15,000 (EUR) or the equivalent in USD can make changes without a rebooking charge or free cancellations when purchasing the FlyClassic fare providing flexibility when making changes to travel plans. And for those companies that have high travel volume Business Prime can help them capitalize on the benefits of Business Pro, in addition to special fares on European and long-haul flights, free cancellations and an expanded network with airberlin’s partner American Airlines.

In-flight Service and Amenities airberlin provides its guests optimum comfort in both economy and

German American Trade Q2 2016 29 MEMBER PROFILE

Aerzen USA: Hiring Talent in the Industrial Manufacturing Sector

erzen USA faces interesting Achallenges when hiring talent in the industrial manufacturing sector. This is due to a combination of the perception of manufacturing with young people and the aging workforce. Additionally, manufacturing is re-surging in the USA and the demand for qualified people has Student at equipment grown significantly. Aerzen USA meets this change by having a Aerzen USA features competency complete Career Pathing program that based job levels with the intent to starts with students and continues grow team members. That includes a throughout the employee’s career. generous training budget per employ- A Career video is now available ee and a career path to follow. to showcase the program: Aerzen USA Career Page: Each year Aerzen USA facilitates www.aerzenusa.com/Careers career pathing events for students at Ralf Weiser, Aerzen USA the company's facility. This program Learn and Earn Program: helps students to develop skills and On-boarding Process: Once a student Aerzen USA's "Learn and Earn" learn about real-life situations to becomes an employee, or for any new program works with local high prepare them for the work force. employees, a "buddy" is assigned to schools and technical colleges in the Many colleges, high schools and them and given a comprehensive area by offering Co-Op paid training technical schools send students for training schedule for the first two for students. the program. Additionally, the weeks of their employment. students are able to learn about the There are two internship tracks: one is career paths at Aerzen USA. geared toward attracting High School students to enter a career in manufac- The HR director and others stage turing. The other one is geared toward mock interviews and conduct a college students for any of our resume development mini workshop. professional careers, such as Engi- This covers the "do's and don'ts" neering or Project Management. of proper resume creation and presentation.

After the resume is developed each student performs a “mock interview" with the HR director to help with interviewing preparation. Students vote on whether or not to hire the interviewee and feedback is provided to improve each student.

30 German American Trade Q2 2016 MEMBER PROFILE

Manufacturing is re-surging in the USA and the demand for qualified people has grown significantly.

What is it like to work at Aerzen USA? Aerzen is a growing company with a proven track record of attaining top talent, training and retaining employees. That has been recognized in form of having been Contact: one of the 100 best companies to Ralph Wilton work for in PA in 2013 and 2015. >> [email protected] Student at computer Marketing Manager Aerzen USA is committed to helping work with schools in the region to bring Aerzen USA Corporation students become successful in the work- students in at an early stage, then, 108 Independence Way place with many programs and training move them into employment through Coatesville, PA 19320 rzenusa.com resources. The company continues to education and training.

Welcome, New Members!

A-Z Plumbing Services Dentons Europe LLP Job Impulse, Inc. Roland Berger Strategy www.a-zplumbing.net www.job-impulse.us Consultants, LLC Develey Mustard www.rolandberger.com Adah International, Inc. & Condiments Corp. John Brown www.adahinc.com unternehmen.develey.de www.timewarnercable.com RTL International GmbH www.rtl-international.de Air Berlin Americas, Inc. Drewsen Spezialpapiere JSC Innovation Schumacher & Associates, LLC www.airberlin.com GmbH & Co. KG www.jscinnovation.com AMC Global Consulting www.drewsen.com Kienbaum Consultants, Inc. SED SA www.amc-global.net www.kienbaum.com www.sed-diffusion.ch Economic Development SHW Storage & Handling Solutions Atlanta Communities Kobo USA LLC Partnership of NC www.shw-shs.de Real Estate Brokerage www.edpnc.com www.kobousa.com www.houses.com Slides2Go Egon Zehnder Kratzer Consulting, LLC Atlantix Global Systems LLC Sounding Weight Research LLC www.egonzehnder.com Latham, Shuker, Eden & Beaudine www.atlantixglobal.com www.soundingweight.com Euler Hermes North America – www.lseblaw.com Avenso Photo Art, Inc. Spitzberg Partners Mauz & Wauz Inc. www.avenso.com West Coast Office www.spitzberg-partners.com www.eulerhermes.com www.mauzandwauz.com Beverage Distributors Stahlwille Tools NA Inc. www.breakthrubev.com/Colorado Euler Hermes World Agency Menaker & Herrmann LLP www.stahlwilletools.com www.eulerhermes.com www.mhjur.com BMW Technology Corporation STRABAG Corp. www.bmwusa.com Footballers Market Menck Windows www.strabag.us www.menckwindows.com SW North America, Inc. Boxmesh GmbH Geislinger Corporation Merrill Lynch Wealth Management www.sw-machines.com www.boxmesh.co www.geislinger.com www.ml.com Sweet & Salzig Business Fitness, Inc. GTI of Georgia, Inc. www.sweetandsalzig.com www.business-fitness.biz Mirella Menti - Coaching Haltermann Carless USA Inc. Consulting Culture, LLC T.H. Bender & Partners Center for International Security www.haltermann-carless.com www.mirellamenti.com Executive Search and Governance, Bonn University www.thbender.com www.cisg.uni-bonn.de/das-cisg/ Infectolab Americas One Interior LLC das-center-for-international-security- www.infectolab-americas.de www.one-interior.com T3X, LLC and-governance InMitten International, LLC Opentopic, Inc. Thoma & Associates, PLLC Chesterfield www.inmitten-usa.com www.opentopic.com Transworld Shipping (USA) Inc. www.chesterfied-llc.com www.twship.de InOS Innovation & Technology Inc. Oral Prevent GmbH City of Mentor www.inos.net.br www.oral-prevent.de Vision Economic www.cityofmentor.com Osborne Clarke Development Consulting Interfracht USA www.visionedc.com Claudia Mahler Communications www.osborneclarke.com www.interfracht.com WearHealth www.claudiamahler.com Pfalzsolar GmbH International Flavors & Fragrances www.wearhealth.co Colliers International www.pfalzsolar.com www.iff.com Wilkinson ERA Real Estate – www.colliers.com plugilo Interstuhl, Inc. Relocation & Corporate Services CYTO Consulting, LLC www.plugilo.com www.WilkinsonERA.com www.cytoconsulting.com www.interstuhl.com Radeberger Gruppe USA Wisconsin Economic Development Daimler Trucks North America, LLC Ironwood Insurance Services www.radeberger-gruppe.com Corporation www.ironwoodins.com www.daimler-trucksnorthamerica.com RGP inwisconsin.com Dechert LLP ISARIA North America, Inc. (Resources Global Professionals) Zkipster GmbH www.dechert.com www.isaria.com www.rgp.com www.zkipster.com

German American Trade Q2 2016 31 MEMBER PROFILE

Americans Aren't Afraid of Innovation By David Becker

he judge leaned back in his chair. in tech from on-premises to the is something you want to avoid, but TWe were out. Another team was cloud, in order to solve a very in the U.S. risk is another name for going to claim the grand prize, specific business problem. But all opportunity. 100,000 Swiss francs from the that wouldn’t have been possible if biggest startup accelerator in the we hadn’t moved to New York City. Ultimately, new technologies are country. What the judge said The inconvenient truth is that it is risky. They might fail, but if they bothered us, but we knew that we much simpler to launch a tech don’t, they propel all their early were going to prove him wrong. startup in the U.S. than in Germany adopters ahead of the curve. Ameri- or Switzerland. cans know that. They are willing to A lot has happened in the six years take this kind of risk in the early since we pitched at the University of At first, we figured Americans are stages of innovation. Europeans are Lausanne that day. zkipster is still an just like us. But they aren’t. They’ve late adopters by nature. Rather than app, but it is also a business with a been pioneers from day one. People errors being seen as necessary team of ten full-time staff, and growing up between the Northern stepping stones to new breakthroughs, several thousand clients in more than Sea and the Alps are taught that risk they are avoided at all costs. a hundred countries. Last year we powered 22,000 events and our customers — event and public relations professionals — checked in almost three million guests. Even without an outside investor, we managed to grow a lean and efficient business out of our technology.

Like many entrepreneurs that emerged in the last decade, we took advantage of the the big shift

32 German American Trade Q2 2016 MEMBER PROFILE

“This is an app, not a business.”

What I find striking about this is It is fascinating for us to see About the Author that U.S. society, as a whole, is no companies pass along our contact more technologically advanced info once our tool proves its than their counterparts in Europe. usefulness. It’s usually a ripple The broadband in our brownstone effect that starts in NYC, travels to apartment gets disconnected on London, and then finally seeps into a regular basis and cell phones Germany and Switzerland. After were adopted comparatively late all, what comes from America must in the game. be good.

But when tech is available and The funny thing is, this doesn’t the benefit is obvious, Americans mean that Americans invented all move without hesitation. Their of what they export. Every year, corporate culture is open to fast thousands of entrepreneurs come pivots and snatching up competi- here to launch their dreams. When tive advantages. Steve Jobs invented the iPhone and changed the way we com- David Becker is CEO and co-founder of municate today, he believed zkipster, the leading guest management what the Swiss judge didn’t. platform for invite-only events. Every single one of these apps has the potential to In 2015, the Swiss company powered 22,000 at Art Basel, The Oscars, Sun- be a business. dance Film, Fashion Week, Cannes Li- ons, Clinton Global Initiative, and many more. zkipster offers real-time guest list apps, seating charts, badge printing and social media tracking for events and public relation professionals. Both founders are from Zurich and moved to New York to launch their platform. Inquires: +1-917-512-4665 or >> [email protected] zkipster USA Inc. 401 Broadway Suite 2316 New York, NY10013 >> www.zkipster.com >> @zkipster

German American Trade Q2 2016 33 WELCOME TO THE C-SUITE

Interview with Wayne Smith Chairman and CEO of BASF Corporation GAT: Mr. Smith, you have been with North America remains a great place BASF since 2004 and held various to do business. The North American positions within the company, also in market is the second most important Europe. How would you describe the global market for BASF and BASF challenges that come with your new Corporation is the second largest position as Chairman and CEO of chemical company in this region. BASF Corporation? There is an abundance of excellent universities, a strong talent pipeline Wayne Smith (WS): Well, it is and the U.S. spend on research and Wayne Smith is Chairman great to be back in North America. development ranks first worldwide. and CEO of BASF Corporation. He assumed his position in May 2015. My first position with BASF in 2004 was based in the United States. In For me personally, a key focus is to 530 million tons of carbon emissions. 2010, I was asked to lead our Polyure- harness the extraordinary talent we We also have a comprehensive set of thane division in Brussels, Belgium, have here in North America and use methods in place that, for example, and, in 2012, I was appointed to the our know-how to develop an even can help our customers to evaluate Board of Executive Directors of BASF closer collaboration with our custom- the economic and environmental SE, our parent company, which is ers to drive profitable growth. impact of a product during its whole located in Ludwigshafen, Germany. lifecycle. Ever since I started my assignments GAT: As a company, BASF caters to abroad, I have followed the achieve- a broad range of industries with an I think all of our more than 300,000 ments of my colleagues in this region even broader range of products and customers worldwide also share the from a distance. I am proud to be solutions. Where do you see the need to differentiate themselves from back and part of the team again – it most significant differences between the market. Everyone is constantly feels like coming home. demands in Germany and the U.S.? looking out for the next break- Does BASF have to cater to a very through innovation. With our strong different customer base in European Research & Development footprint in WELCOME countries compared to the U.S.? North America – we have about 2,100 scientists working in R&D here – we WS: Our customer base is not that can offer excellent support to our TO THE -SUITE much different from Europe or customers in reaching this goal. Germany. Out of our 13 divisions, 12 C operate in North America, the Oil & GAT: BASF recently made the news Gas division being the only one that with regard to expansions in the field does not operate here. of lithium-ion batteries. What is your prediction for the electric car market In terms of demand, we see strong segment? Will demand increase and parallels. There is, for example, a how is BASF involved in creating strong market trend towards more technology that meets a possible sustainable solutions in both regions. increase in demand? BASF has a strong track record in Introducing New C-Level Executives to the delivering products that meet WS: While fully electric vehicles German-American Business Community sustainability needs. The products we have not yet experienced high rates of sold globally last year helped to avoid adoption, hybrid sales have acceler-

34 German American Trade Q2 2016 WELCOME TO THE C-SUITE

ated. We are convinced that electro- mobility is here to stay and will remain a vital part of the overall automotive powertrain mix.

We see a significant potential in this sector for our business and we plan to become a leading supplier of functional materials for high- performance batteries. Research Scientists Allison Guinta (front) and Lauren Junker (back) take samples to examine fermentation products. Bio-based chemicals are produced under controlled microbial Just imagine, by 2020, there will be fermentation conditions. Optimization of fermentation conditions is an important part of the 1.2 billion cars in the world, an ongoing research at BASF’s white biotechnology research center in Tarrytown, New York. increase of nearly 300 million vehicles compared to today. At the same time, are located in North America. tion and its demands will keep there will be a significant and ongoing For example, in March 2015, we growing, the planet’s resources are focus on air quality. This will be bought a company named Seashell, finite. On the one hand, population supported by increasingly stringent which is a specialist in silver growth is associated with huge global emissions regulations in both devel- nanowires. This has extended our challenges. However, we also see oped and emerging markets. Further- portfolio offered to the display many opportunities, especially for more, renewable energies, such as industry through our growing the chemical industry. wind energy, will gain importance. electronic materials unit. In 2013, we acquired Verenium, a business We have identified several areas For BASF, this means we leverage that is specialized in enzyme bio- in which chemistry can make innovative new technologies for technology, to strategically strength- important contributions: Resources, emissions control. At the same time, en our enzyme portfolio. These environment and climate, food and we support and enable an increased acquisitions were technology-driven. nutrition and quality of life. For reliance on electric vehicles that are North America specifically, we will using renewable energy. GAT: What is your vision for BASF continue to focus on innovation, in the U.S? Where do you see the attractive market segments and GAT: How important are acquisi- most room for growth and the cross-business initiatives. tions for BASF to strengthen its biggest challenges? position on the U.S. market? Which There are many areas where we can market segments are particularly WS: In line with our global strategy, grow further. Just to name a few interesting for potential acquisitions? we want to strengthen BASF’s examples, our catalyst solutions help position as the world’s leading to reduce emissions in cars, our crop WS: It is important to understand chemical company. Our corporate protection products support farmers that we do not have a regional purpose is “We create chemistry for a in meeting the needs of a growing approach with regard to acquisitions, sustainable future.” We see chemistry population and our construction we have a business approach. as an enabler for solutions to the chemicals provide solutions that world’s growing challenges. By 2050, reduce the overall environmental Where it makes sense to do so, nearly ten billion people will live on footprint of commercial and residen- we will acquire companies that the Earth. While the world’s popula- tial buildings.

German American Trade Q2 2016 35 STARTUP SERIES

GACC West and Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator Collectively Strive for Progress in the Cleantech Industry

By Simone Friese, GACC he cleantech sector in California energy supply to 50%, decrease its Tis one of the United States’ most petroleum consumption in vehicles The GACC West promising and fastest growing by 50% and double energy efficien- and the Los Angeles markets. California has promoted cy in existing buildings. Governor green technologies since the 1970s Brown also announced to put 1.5 Cleantech Incubator and this engagement is now paying million zero-emission vehicles on (LACI) agree to off with clean technology compa- California’s roads within the next nies creating more jobs and invest- decade. With these aggressive mutually keep on ing more money than their competi- targets, the state is expected to spur tors in other states. California, the growth within the clean technology fostering renewable nation’s largest economy, is setting market and is anticipating job energies and the pace for the U.S. energy policy. growth and more investment. Shares Within the next 15 years, California of the 26 Californian companies clean technologies. is set to increase its renewable registered in the NYSE Bloomberg Americas Clean Energy Index are anticipated to climb 49% higher than their competitors in other states. The companies in California already employ 431,000 people nationwide and the two biggest firms, Tesla and SolarCity, have generated 9.5% job growth in the past 2 years. Furthermore, the Californian cleantech market has attracted investment of $7 billion within the last 8 years.

These numbers show the importance of the market to the Ameri- can economy as well as the opportunities presented for German companies. Thus the GACC West and the LACI agreed to enter a partnership to support each other’s activities to strengthen business relations between Ameri-

36 German American Trade Q2 2016 STARTUP SERIES

A Memorandum of Understanding to Support Renewable Energies and Clean Technologies can and German companies and to and agencies. The Memorandum of foster the cleantech market by Understanding strives to spur a hosting joint events. The LACI stronger collaboration between the already has initiatives like the two organizations, especially in Landing Pad, which helps interna- order to make programs like the tional companies entering the Landing Pad known in Germany. Greater Los Angeles cleantech market with a special “boot camp” The Memorandum of Understand- program. The Landing Pad offers ing between the LACI and the office space, market and customer GACC West was signed on Febru- base analysis, management ary 24th in Los Angeles by GACC seminars and instructions to CEO and President, Dietmar Rieg, potential investors. Overall, the GACC West Managing Director, participants of this program learn Rene van den Hoevel, LACI CEO, the essentials of doing business Fred Walti, as well as LACI VP with local and state governments Partnerships, Michael Swords.

About the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator: LACI is a nonprofit, public-private one of two “High Impact Incubators in partnership that leverages private sector North America” by the UBI Index. LACI expertise and the strengths of the was also selected as the Department of region to help companies successfully Energy’s cleantech incubator in California, deliver market-ready cleantech and as a leading small business cluster by solutions and the jobs that come with JPMorgan Chase & Company. them. In a very short time, LACI has proven a successful incubation and LACI operates a cluster that includes commercialization model and estab- research universities, government lished itself as a global leader among support, capital, entrepreneurs, cleantech incubators. In 2013, LACI corporate partners, and business became a Southern California regional association leaders. In its first 52 initiative and in 2014 LACI expanded its months, LACI has incubated 47 role throughout California and acts as companies that have received over $70 the State of California’s regional iHub. million in funding. From left to right: Dietmar Rieg (GACC), Rene van den Hoevel (GACC West), LACI was selected as the #3 University More information is available at: Michael Swords (LACI) Associated Incubator in the World and >> www.laincubator.org

German American Trade Q2 2016 37 STARTUP SERIES

Captivate New York City

New York City, NY (March 22, 2016) erman Accelerator's Demo Day into the U.S. market. After a short Gtook place at Rise New York introduction of German Accelerator’s German Accelerator, and was sponsored by the CleanTech CEO Dirk Kanngiesser and a few Innovation Center located in words by the President and CEO of a growth acceleration Berlin-Marzahn, Germany. In the German American Chamber of collaboration with the German Commerce Dietmar Rieg, the audi- program supporting American Chamber of Commerce ence was introduced to the event German startups (GACC) and support from commu- rules and the sequence of the nity partners German Center for participants’ pitches: in entering the U.S. Research and Innovation (GCRI), the market and scaling German Consulate in New York, as well as NYU Tandon School of globally, welcomed Engineering, German Accelerator over 1000 guests New York welcomed over 100 guests Brandnew IO is the world’s leading from the NYC startup and innova- tech platform for influencer market- from the New tion community. ing on networks such as Instagram York City startup or YouTube. Brandnew IO enables Along with German Accelerator New brands to run global influencer community to the York's current Q1 program partici- marketing campaigns while deliver- 4th edition of its pants, MiNODES and MeteoViva; ing key insights via analytics. Brands Brandnew IO, who is currently in the can also use Brandnew IO’s tech Captivate event. extended program phase, gave an platform to manage all their influ- update on their continued expansion encer marketing needs from monitoring to contracting, campaign tracking, rights managements and payments.

MiNODES is the Big Data partner of offline retailers and enhances retailers’ performance by offering comprehensive consumer behavior analytics and retargeting solutions.

MeteoViva helps customers to save 15-40% of energy costs in corporate buildings with a unique Setting the stage for the fourth edition of German Accelerator’s Captivate New York SaaS solution.

38 German American Trade Q2 2016 STARTUP SERIES

After each pitch the judge panel budding companies in the Clean consisting of Alicia Syrett (Founder & Tech sector. It offers ample space CEO at Pantegrion Capital LLC), Urs and flexibility for Clean Tech Cete (Managing Partner at Bertels- projects and provides a collaborative mann Digital Media Investments), environment for young entrepreneurs Anton Waitz (Managing Director at to develop innovative technical US Digital Ventures, Axel Springer solutions and build prototypes. About German Accelerator: SE), and Dr. Ulrich Quay (Managing Startups at the CIC benefit from The German Accelerator Tech program Director at BMW i Ventures) provided the close proximity to the Clean is a growth acceleration program that immediate feedback for the startups’ Tech Business Park – Berlin’s supports German startups from tech products and their success potential in largest industrial park for produc- related sectors to enter the U.S. market. the U.S. market. tion-driven companies from the It provides startups with hands-on monitoring and office space at its locations Clean Tech industry. in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and In addition, German Accelerator New New York City. German Accelerator York was delighted to welcome Prof. Before and after the pitches, the identifies and selects the most promising Dr. Kurt Becker, Vice Dean for attendees were provided opportuni- German startups and assists them in Research, Innovation, and Entrepre- ties to expand their professional their pursuit of becoming category leaders neurship at the NYU Tandon School network while engaging first-hand with lasting competitiveness and success of Enginnering, who introduced the with some of Germany’s best startups in the global market place. The accelerator’s event sponsor CleanTech Innovation at their individual demo tables. vision is to establish a permanent bridge Center and their project manager between Germany and the U.S. that Christian Graeff. Mr. Graeff ex- The next edition of Captivate facilitates transatlantic startups, provides plained how the CleanTech Innova- will take place on June 21 inspiration and drives demand, innovation, tion Center (CIC) based in Berlin is (New York City) and on research, and development in Germany. the ideal place for startups and June 23, 2016 (San Francisco). For more information and to submit an application visit >> germanaccelerator.com, engage on >> Facebook or follow us on >> Twitter.

Press Contact:

Matthias Groo, Marketing & Project Manager

German Accelerator Inc. 720 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301

>> [email protected]

Once more, Captivate New York attracted a huge audience, who saw outstanding pitches and panelists

German American Trade Q2 2016 39 WHAT'S ON YOUR DESK?

Tom Dzimian What do you like best about your job? in 1997 when we were designated by This year actually marks my 25th the U.S. Department of State to conduct Director Career Services, anniversary with the GACCNY. For a a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa program. GACCNY quarter of a century I have enjoyed Over the past 19 years we have success- being a part of the German Chamber fully supported thousands of students network and, in particular, my exposure and young professionals at intern- and to the cross-cultural aspects of German- traineeships across the U.S. American business. Over the years I have developed contacts with many Upcoming Project? interesting people in international Recently we reached another significant business and education. Of course milestone in our J-1 program. The working in New York City, the financial GACCNY has been approved to sponsor “center of the world”, has been exciting certain vocational interns and trainees and rewarding. in the U.S. under the J-1. This means that in addition to university and Interests: Traveling, photography, Most Inspiring Projects? college students, candidates in the listening to jazz, woodworking, Back in 1991, when I first started with German “Dual System” of apprentice- building model rockets, jigsaw the GACCNY, the Career Services ship training now have the opportunity puzzling, motivational speaking. department consisted of a tiny corner to apply for a J-1 visa. Past Career: Teacher, sales desk with a typewriter. Over the years, manager, photographer thanks to the support of a dedicated We are also expanding internships at Contact: Tel: (212) 974-8839 team, Career Services has become a German companies in the U.S. for Mexican >> [email protected] million-dollar-plus cornerstone of the students through the “100,000 Strong” >> www.gaccny.com GACCNY. One major growth spurt came initiative of President Barack Obama.

ADVERTISEMENT Event Calendar April 6 April 7 April 11 – 14 Luncheon Series Energy Efficiency Award Energy Efficiency April 6 – June 28 Challenge Innovation Seminars

Held by GACC Midwest Held by GACC Midwest Held by GACC Midwest Schaumburg, IL Chicago, IL throughout Midwest www.gaccmidwest.org www.gaccmidwest.org www.gaccmidwest.org

April 12 April 18 April 20 April 20 April 20 Annual SAE Reception 4th German Mittelstand- 10th Women's Series: Farmers' Roundtable at the European Business Southern SME Forum Personal Finances Organic Trade Association Networking

Held by GACC Midwest, MI Chapter Held by GACC South Held by GACC South Held by GACC Midwest Held by GACC Midwest Detroit, MI Savannah, GA Atlanta, GA Washington, D.C. Chicago, IL www.gaccmi.org www.gaccsouth.com www.gaccsouth.com www.gaccmidwest.org www.gaccmidwest.org

April 21 April 21 April 25 April 26 April 27 German American Business Farmers' Roundtable Hannover Messe Hannover Messe Seminar: EU/US Young Professional Stammtisch at Organic Valley Marktchancen und Panel Discussion & Geschäftsmöglichkeiten in den Network Event USA - Fokus auf Rechtsthe- men, IT und Startups

Held by GACC South Held by GACC Midwest Held by GACC Midwest Held by GACC Midwest Held by GACC Philadelphia Chattanooga, TN La Farge, WI Hannover Hannover Philadelphia, PA www.gaccsouth.com www.gaccmidwest.org www.gaccmidwest.org www.gaccmidwest.org www.gaccphiladelphia.com

April 28 May 4 May 5 May 11 May 18 Hannover Messe Seminar: Luncheon Series GACC Annual Meeting ACG/GACC Speaker Series White Asparagus Marktchancen und 2016 Geschäftsmöglichkeiten in den USA - Fokus auf Vertrieb, Logistik und Maschinenbau

Held by GACC Midwest Held by GACC Midwest Held by GACC Philadelphia Held by GACC NY Hannover Schaumburg, IL New York, NY Philadelphia, PA New York, NY www.gaccmidwest.org www.gaccmidwest.org www.gaccny.com www.gaccphiladelphia.com www.gaccny.com

May 19 May 19 May 21 May 23 May 24 EACC Spring Event German American Business 2016 "Stern des Nordens" Fact-finding Mission Cyber Security Seminar Stammtisch Annual Gala to Germany: Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Held by GACC Midwest, Held by GACC NY Held by GACC South MN Chapter Held by GACC NY Held by GACC NY New York, NY Chattanooga, TN Bloomington, MN Frankfurt New York, NY www.gaccny.com www.gaccsouth.com www.gaccom-mn.org www.gaccny.com www.gaccny.com

May 24 May 26 May 26 May 26 May 26 Asparagus Dinner Asparagus Dinner Asparagus Dinner 12th Gateway Award Spargelfest Luncheon

Held by GACC South Held by GACC South Held by GACC South Held by GACC South Held by GACC Philadelphia Dallas, TX Atlanta, GA Houston, TX Charlotte, NC Philadelphia, PA www.gaccsouth.com www.gaccsouth.com www.gaccsouth.com www.gaccsouth.com www.gaccphiladelphia.com

June 1 June 16 June 19 June 21 June 28 Luncheon Series German-American GACC Midwest at AWWA Captivate NY - Smart Cities - Energy Business Forum ACE'16 German Accelerator Efficiency in the Infrastructure

Held by GACC Midwest Held by GACC Midwest Held by GACC Midwest Held by GACC NY Held by GACC NY Schaumburg, IL Frankfurt Chicago, IL New York, NY New York, NY www.gaccmidwest.org www.gaccmidwest.org www.gaccmidwest.org www.gaccny.com www.gaccny.com

German American Trade Q2 2016 41 German American Trade is published quarterly (January, April, July and October) by the German American Chamber of Commerce Inc., 80 Pine Street, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10005. Reproduction in whole or in part of any article is prohibited without permission. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope QUARTERLY bearing sufficient postage. Editor reserves the right to edit letters to be reprinted. Editor and publisher THE MAGAZINE OF THE GERMAN AMERICAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE cannot accept any liability for the accuracy or completeness of any material published. Contributed articles do not necessarily reflect the Chamber’s Atlanta New York position. If you have any comments regarding articles in this magazine, please call 212-956-1770. German American Chamber German American Chamber Periodical postage paid at New York, NY and of Commerce of the Southern of Commerce, Inc. additional mailing offices: USPS number 025-026 United States, Inc. 80 Pine Street, 24th Floor One Year Subscription: US$ 30 (Euro 48) One 1170 Howell Mill Road, Suite 300 New York, NY 10005 subscription is included in annual membership dues. Atlanta, GA 30318 T 212-974-8830 F 212-974-8867 Single copy: US$ 7.50 (Euro 8) T 404-586-6800 F 404-586-6820 [email protected] U.S. postmaster send address changes to: [email protected] www.gaccny.com German American Trade, 80 Pine Street, www.gaccsouth.com 24th Floor, New York, NY 10005. Office of publication: New York Chicago Philadelphia Publication date of this issue: 2nd Quarter 2016 German American Chamber German American Chamber © Copyright 2016 German American Trade of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc. of Commerce, Inc. 321 North Clark, Suite 1425 200 South Broad Street, Suite 910 Chicago, IL 60654 Philadelphia, PA 19102 Design and Production T 312-644-2662 F 312-644-0738 T 215-501-7102 F 215-968-0973 Thinkersdesign [email protected] [email protected] 328 Commerce Street www.gaccmidwest.org www.gaccphiladelphia.com Hawthorne, NY 10532 T 914-741-0445 F 206-203-3640 [email protected] Detroit San Francisco www.thinkersdesign.com German American Chamber German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc. of Commerce, Inc. Office One Woodward Avenue, Suite 1900 for the Western United States GAT Editorial Team PO Box 33840 101 Montgomery Street Nicola Michels GACC NY Detroit, Michigan 48232 Suite 2050 Editor & Advertising Coordinator T 313-596-0399 San Francisco, CA 94104 T 212-956-1770 F 212-974-8867 [email protected] T 415-248-1240 F 415-627-9169 [email protected] www.gaccmidwest.org [email protected] Jan Vater GACC NY www.gaccwest.com Editor [email protected] Houston Washington, DC Stefanie Jehlitschka GACC South German American Chamber Representative of German [email protected] of Commerce of the Southern Industry and Trade United States, Inc. 1130 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 1200 Sandra Jones GACC NY Houston Office Washington, DC 20036 [email protected] 1900 West Loop South, Suite 1550 T 202-659-4777 F 202-659-4779 Julia Prestel GACC West Houston, TX 77027 [email protected] [email protected] T 832-384-1200 F 713-715-6599 www.rgit-usa.com [email protected] Jayne Riemer-Chishty GACC Midwest www.gacctexas.com [email protected] Lydia Sarson GACC NY Philadelphia Branch [email protected] Jasmin Welter GACC Midwest [email protected]

42 German American Trade Q2 2016 Volkswagen Group of America with its five brands Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen is a strong partner of the German American Chamber of Commerce.

Volkswagen Group is continuing its commitment to the U.S. market with an additional $7 Billion investment in North America over the next five years.

Building on the success of its manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, TN – where a recent study shows that VW Chattanooga activities have created 12,400 full-time jobs at VW, suppliers and in the regional economy, and are responsible for $643.1 million in annual income – the Volkswagen Group will expand its powertrain and vehicle assembly capacities in the NAFTA region.

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Job #: KR_03042 Filename: KR_03042_Lufthansa_SmoothFinish_GAT Date: 9/1/15 Publication: German-American Trade Issue: Q4 Deadline: 9/10/15 Client: Lufthansa Ad size: FP4CB Bleed size: 8.375" x 11.125" Trim Size: 8.125" x 10.875" Live Area: 7" x 10.125" Contact Information: Please contact Print Production Manager Jeff Zielinski with any questions at 585.454.1010 ext. 9319 or email: [email protected]