German-American Chamber of Commerce Appoints Director of New Chapter Office
The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States, Inc. (GACC South) (Chattanooga, TN) recently announced the opening of their new Tennessee chapter office and appointment of its new director. The office was dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and welcoming remarks from U.S. Senator Bob Corker, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“On a recent trip to Munich, I was able to witness firsthand that the Chattanooga region is on the radar screen of German industry and investment,” said Corker. “With the changing dynamics of American energy prices and the ongoing effort towards a trade agreement between the U.S and Europe, I believe the potential for many other opportunities is there, and I welcome GACC South to Chattanooga.”
As mayor of Chattanooga from 2001-2005, Corker worked with other officials and community leaders to develop the 1,200 acre Enterprise South Industrial Park, which is now home to Volkswagen’s North American manufacturing headquarters.
“We are very excited about opening the new chapter in Chattanooga,” said Martina Stellmaszek, president and chief executive officer of GACC South. “Chattanooga has become a vibrant hub for German investment highlighted by the location of Volkswagen and Wacker, both of which have attracted numerous suppliers to East Tennessee, Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama.”
Stellmaszek also announced that Andreas Havermann, plant manager of Barku Plastics, LLC, will be the new chapter director. Havermann said, “I am excited to work with our new leadership committee for the Tennessee chapter of the GACC South. Aside from attracting new members to the organization, our primary goals will be to grow strong and lasting relationships with area companies, and to put together educational networking events which will be beneficial for the entire business community.”
Stellmaszek continues, “German companies have made more than $3.13 billion in new investment in Tennessee, these investments have also led to the creation of thousands of new jobs for the state.”
