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Dankesch�n to our PATRON Members:
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Dankesch�n to our SUSTAINING Members:
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German Word
of the Month
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Plombenzieher
A Plombenzieher is a delicious, sticky candy that gets stuck in your teeth and doesn't come out for days. Think caramel apples or months-old toffees from grandma's house and you're on the right track. These are the candies that kids love so much, they're willing to ruin their teeth for them.
Der Plombemzieher is made up of two words "Plomben" and "ziehen." "Plomben" is a cavity filling and "ziehen" means "to pull." APlombenzieher literally means something that pulls out your fillings. In fact, in the 1960s and 1970s this really did happen to many people. The dental fillings at the time simply couldn't stand up to the candy.
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Berlin Airlift Aircraft in Montgomery
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The Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation is dedicated to preserving the memory and legacy of the humanitarian/aviation event in history, The Berlin Airlift.
Their mission is to preserve several aircraft and create "Flying Memorials and Classrooms" with the purpose of educating the public about this pivotal, yet forgotten, event in world history.
Founded in 1988, the Foundation has obtained and restored to flying condition, a Douglas C-54E transport aircraft, which helped support the C-54's which carried out this great mission. Named "SPIRIT OF FREEDOM", the aircraft is painted to represent the 48th Troop Carrier Squadron, one of the many groups which carried out the event. Inside, the "SPIRIT", is a genuine museum dedicated to the Berlin Airlift, filled with artifacts, displays, and information explaining this all important event in recent history.
This Douglas C-54E WWII cargo aircraft will be on display on Dannelly Field (Montgomery Regional Airport) during the reunion of Berlin Airlift Veterans Association (BAVA) in Montgomery from September 25 to 29, 2013
Learn More Here
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New AGP Members
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Education/ Institution Level
Dr. Iwan Alexander Dean School of Engineering UAB
Victoria Allen Director of Development School of Engineering UAB
Individual/Patron Level
Frank Stiemke
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AGP Member News
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Latest News From:
German companies: please send us your news link to director@alabamagermany.org
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Robotics Technology Park
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 | | Alabama Robotics Technology Park (RTP) |
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German Quote
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"Vergeuden Sie nicht die Zeit damit, dass Sie das Leben eines anderen leben."
Do not waste the time that you are living someone else's life.
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Save the Dates
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September 13, 2013 German Culinary Dinner Brock's, Hoover
September 12-14, 2013 Birmingham
September 26, 2013 Robotics Technology Park Tanner
September 25-26, 2013 Montgomery
October 6, 2013
First Presbyterian Church
Tuscaloosa
October 10, 2013 Meet & Greet MBUSI CEO Mercedes Plant Tour Vance
October 5-12, 2013 Cullman
Oktober 26, 2013 Elberta
November 2, 2013 St Regis, Atlanta
November 7, 2013 AGP Board Meeting Birmingham
November 7, 2013 Fall of the Wall Event Birmingham
March 6, 2014 AGP's Celebration Dinner Bryant-Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa
March 7, 2014 German-American Executive Round Table Tuscaloosa
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German Economic News
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Market on Air:
 | | markets on air - E-mobility special (English 09/2013) |
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Candy Cone Tradition
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By Karen Kneer,
ILCT Program, Tuscaloosa Academy
When children in Germany and Austria set off for their first day in school upon entering first grade, their parents and/or grandparents present them with a big cardboard cone, prettily decorated and filled with toys, chocolate, candies, school supplies, and various other goodies. The so called "Schult�te" is given to children to make this anxiously awaited first day of school a little bit sweeter.
The tradition of the "Schult�te" leads back to approximately 1810, to Saxony and Thuringia in Germany.
Germans like their traditions and have been celebrating the sugar cone ceremony in Tuscaloosa�s schools as well. The ILCT program at TA has expanded the tradition a little. German moms created sugar cones for all of the American first grade students as well to invite them and have their American friends participate in the tradition. The welcoming and shared celebration was highly appreciated.
Before school started on August 14 the children had the chance to attend a ceremony at the First Pres Deutsch at the First Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa. Pastor Dr. Herwig blessed the children and the German community wishing the ABC students all the best for the years to come in school.
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AGP
Executive Committee
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Chairman Bryan Winter Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford LLC
VP,Business Development
Brian Hilson
Birmingham Business Alliance
VP, Culture
Dr. Thomas Fox
University of Alabama
VP, Education
Dr. Anne-Katrin Gramberg
Auburn University
VP, Communications
Warren McCullars
Alagasco
Secretary
Judy Benson
Johnson Controls
Interim Treasurer
Arnold Servo
R�dl & Partner
Immediate Past Chair
Arndt Seipmann
City of Auburn
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AGP Affiliates
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Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany Christoph Sander Marquis Two Tower Suite 901 285 Peachtree Ctr Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 659-4760
Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany for the State of Alabama Michael Johnson Johnston Barton Proctor & Rose LLP Phone: (205) 458-9421 German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States Martina Stellmaszek 1170 Howell Mill Road Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: (404) 586-6800
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Contact Us
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Office
205-943-4772
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Join Our List
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| 3rd German Culinary Dinner | | |
It is with great pleasure that we can announce the menu for our 3rd Culinary German Dinner at Brock's at Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa in Hoover. This spectacular four-course German dinner is being specifically prepared by Chef Robert Kamm for AGP members and guests.
September 13, 2013 at 7:00pm
Brock's at Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa
MENU
Krause Endivie Salat mit Kaeseschnitten
(Endive Salad with Cheese)
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K�chen Suppe
(Chef's Soup)
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Leberkaese a la Holstein mit Rotkohl Els�sser Art
und Salzkartoffeln
(German Style Meatloaf with accompanied by Alsatian Red Cabbage, Boiled Potatoes and a Fried Egg)
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Apfelk�chlein mit Vanillecreme
(Apple Pie with Sauce Anglaise)
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More Information & Reservation
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| Business Seminar at Robotics Technology Park | | |
Today's Challenge: Skilled Labor
The lack of skilled workers, especially in manufacturing, has become an issue all over the US, and both US and German companies are feeling the effects. Join AGP for a day of valuable information on how to improve the future of your workforce.
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You are invited to attend AGP's Business Seminar "Workforce"
Thursday, September 26, 2013
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tanner/Decatur, AL
We are very honored that Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany Christoph Sander will do the opening remarks for this seminar.
At this business seminar - learn from two German companies - MBUSI & REHAU - that successfully have tailored curriculum and programs to their specific needs and attract employees that are likely to stay long-term. Three community colleges will present their experience working on education that fits into the business world.
GACC will present their involvement in vocational training including official certification.
AIDT, ATN, CARCAM and RTP will introduce their organizations and present many resources that is available to the companies here in Alabama. The seminar will end with lunch and a tour of the Robotics Technology Park.
Please register TODAY - limited seating.
FULL PROGRAM & REGISTRATION
Please call 205-943-4772 or e-mail us with any questions.
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OKTOBERFEST AT DAS HAUS IN BIRMINGHAM
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AGP is proud to sponsor Oktoberfest in Birmingham!
This is your chance to experience a little piece of Germany at Das Haus in Birmingham! Oktoberfest greets you with German Gem�tlichkeit, outdoor Beer Garden, traditional German cuisine, popular band Europa and Wolfgang Moritz will entertain with German "oldies". You will find it all at Das Haus - "Friends of German Language and Culture". This non-profit organization was started back in 1965.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, September 13, 2013
11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
$10.00 Cover includes one draft or soda
The history of Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest festivities begin when Munich's mayor, or Oberb�rgermeister, taps the first beer keg and yells "O'zapft is!" which means "It's tapped!" at noon the first Saturday of the event. For full story...
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Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Tour 10/10/13
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Jason Hoff, President & CEO, MBUSI
AGP Members ONLY are invited to join us at
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
AGP members are invited to join us at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance for a visit of their plant. This 3,000-worker operation welcomed a new president and CEO Jason Hoff, that is taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with us. We will enjoy lunch and networking and then a tour of the plant. You don't want to miss this opportunity!
The plant had a record production year in 2012 and is expected to have another record production this year with an expected output between 186,000 to 187,000 vehicles. The plant produces the M-Class SUV, GL-Class SUV and R-Class crossover. Next year it will add the C-Class sedan, followed by a fifth model, an SUV, in 2015. 1,000 new jobs will be tied to the addition of the C-Class sedan.
AGP is proud to have MBUSI as a member and supporter.
YOU MUST BE AN CURRENT AGP MEMBER FOR THIS EVENT AND PRE-REGISTER BEFORE OCTOBER 1st.
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German Company Visit:
Siemens Energy
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John Ustica, Plant Manager
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I had the pleasure to meet up with Siemens Energy plant manager John Ustica, who have worked for Siemens for 12 � years and 2 of those years was spend in Germany. This year Siemens Energy in Fort Payne could celebrate 25 years anniversary; the city of Fort Payne celebrated this by dedicating Briarwood Avenue, where the plant is located, to Siemens Parkway.
Siemens Energy in Fort Payne, which manufactures parts for large generators (250 tons and up) and supplies them all over the world, including China an and South America, was born after Westinghouse decided to close a facility in Pittsburgh and it was split into three manufacturing facilities, including Fort Payne, Pensacola in Florida, and Charlotte in N.C. The plant was built in 1980 but was sitting empty until 1988 where Siemens Energy opened it as a classic manufacturing plant with a limited number of machines and lots of manual operations. Since 2009 about $20 million has been invested and production is now highly automated.
For full story...
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Volkswagen in Chattanooga - Blueprint for the world
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Volkswagen's new plant in Chattanooga, Tennesse, shoulders twin responsibilities: Raise the German automaker's profile in the United States and serve as a blueprint for new VW plants around the world. A striking bridge entrance way has practical and symbolic significance. The interior design brings workers and managers together, shaves the distance between managers and problems, and minimizes accidental scratches on the assembly line. And by copying this template to its new plants around the world, VW hopes to swiftly create the capacity it needs to reach a lofty global sales goal.
German engineers may be designing Volkswagen's new mid-sized sedan for the American market, but it was a team of Auburn University students that won the competition back in 2010 for the design of the pedestrian bridge. VW didn't use the exact design but was certainly inspired by the ideas.
Auburn University Students Winning Design
Volkswagen Bridge, Chattanooga
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"Cartel of Controllers" cast doubt on
German Business Elite
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On the supervisory boards of big German corporations, a few faces crop up almost everywhere. Dubbed the 'Cartel of Controllers,' this group raises questions about the concentration of economic power in too few hands.
Ulrich Lehner is considered to be one of the most powerful men in German business. The former chief executive of Henkel, a major manufacturer of consumer chemical products, retired from his top management post for age reasons. Since then, however, the 67-year old tycoon has obtained even more powers. Lehner is currently the president of two supervisory boards: that of German telecoms giant Deutsche Telekom as well as of the country's biggest steelmaker, ThyssenKrupp. In these capacities he is responsible for the jobs of some 400,000 workers. Furthermore, Lehner is also on the board of Germany's biggest utility company, E.ON, where he has a say in all major management decisions. The concentration of controlling power in Lehner's hands is not an isolated case in the German business world. The same people turn up again and again on the supervisory boards of many of the country's biggest corporations.
For full story...
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| BOARD MEMBER PROFILE | | |
Alan Wood, CMA
Senior Vice President
Employee Benefits Division
Alan joined ANB Insurance Services in 2001 to start and build the employees benefits division. His expertise in employee benefits includes medical, dental, life, disability, vision, long-term care and executive benefits. Alan's strengths are in designing benefit plans that meet the specific needs of employees and helping employers accomplish their goals.
Alan's start in the insurance business came in 1988 with The Equitable, where he worked as an agent and registered representative for four years. After leaving to work for a few years in the software industry, Alan re-entered the insurance world in 2000 as a consultant for TPC Benefits. He worked with TPC until joining ANB in 2001 and became part of S.S. Nesbitt & Company when the company acquired ANB in 2007.
Alan holds an accounting degree from Auburn University, an MBA from University of Alabama at Birmingham, earned at CMA (certified management accountant) designation in 1986.
"AGP is a valuable organization because it brings together people from different cultures and fosters cooperation, understanding, mutual respect and exchange of ideas on the business front as well as cultural" Alan says and continues; " The relationships that can be developed through AGP are a key component of AGP's success. We worked on a variety of issues while a member of the board and it has been very interesting to learn of the differing perspectives each brings to issues that affect of all."
Alan continues: "I would say that the access AGP provides to a diverse group of business people who all have a different perspective on business is incredibly valuable. I've got some great friends that I've met through AGP. That's been the most satisfying aspect of my involvement with AGP."
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Graduation of first 19 Mercedes
Automotive Technician Trainees
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Reprint from GACC South News
August 16th was a very special day for the 19 trainees of the Automotive Technician Program at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), in Vance, Alabama. They graduated from a training program, which is modeled after the German system, and which will be recognized as such by the German American Chambers of Commerce (AHK USA). "MBUSI's Automotive Technician Program shows how the German-style apprenticeship programs can be one of the solutions to address the gap in skilled workforce in the U.S.," said Martina Stellmaszek, President & CEO of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. (GACC South).
For full story...
Learn more about this program at AGP's Business Seminar on September 26th in Tanner.
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| HONORARY CONSUL GENERAL'S CORNER | | |
By Michael Johnson
Warm greetings to all and hopes that the adjustment to the end of summer and return to school around the state has gone smoothly. In this time of transition from one season to another, we are all faced with changes and modifications to our daily routine.
German Federal Elections
Changes may be imminent given the upcoming federal elections in Germany. Around 598 members of the Bundestag will be chosen. Current polls do not indicate a clear win by either the CDU+CSU/FDP coalition which brought Angela Merkel to power or the SPD/Greens coalition (the SPD suffered a its worst effort defeat in the last election). It seems likely that negotiation, coalition-building and cooperation among various parties will be necessary (something which seems to be lacking in the US political system currently). There are potential spoilers, including the AfD or Alternative for Germany party, which holds no seats in the Bundestag at the moment, but is polling at around 4%. AfD is known as the "Euro-sceptic" party, and is in favor of the exit of crisis-stricken Southern European member countries from the Eurozone.
Regardless, the election campaign has put many projects on hold in the European Union, as Chancellor Merkel has been engaged in campaigning at home. Dr. Merkel did attend the G-20 summit held in Russia last week, meeting with other world leaders on important topics, including the possibility of military action in Syria.
US Soccer's German Leadership
The US men's national team won a convincing 2-0 victory over Mexico last night, clinching the US's spot in the FIFA World Cup next year in Brazil. Former German national team captain and national team coach J�rgen Klinsmann has shown solid results since he took over the top spot as US head coach in July 2011. Whether we will see a US - Germany match up in the World Cup will depend on future draws and group stage results.
Oktoberfest
All look forward to Oktoberfest at this time of year, whether in Bavaria or in the many German communities around the world. In Alabama, there will be Oktoberfest celebrations and activities at Das Haus from September 12-14 (and in Cullman later in October).
Best wishes to all for a safe and enjoyable Oktoberfest wherever you may celebrate.
Mit freundlichen Gr��en,
Michael Johnson
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