October 30, 2023, Atlanta, GA - The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States (GACC South) hosted its 27th Annual Gala on Saturday, October 28th, at the gorgeous St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta. The Gala, GACC South's annual signature event, was celebrated all in the style of "The Greatest Showman" this year, bringing together over 400 guests from the German American business community.
Crispin Teufel, Chairman of GACC South, warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the Chamber's extensive work across the region and in Germany, which has resulted in record membership numbers.
“P.T Barnum’s “The Greatest Showman”…. In a nutshell, a bizarre and chaotic circus performance. Quite the opposite of what we Germans and Americans are known for.” Matthias Hoffmann, President & CEO of GACC South said “But in all seriousness, the Greatest Showman inspires us to think big, take entrepreneurial risks, and defy expectations, values we bring to the German-American business community and values which you, our members, have displayed while navigating the recent difficult geopolitical landscape.”
GACC South welcomed attendees from across its 11 Southern states and beyond to the event. In addition to its long-standing members, GACC South had the pleasure of welcoming several new member companies.
Notable guests included Consul General Melanie Moltmann, Dr. Eike Jordan, founder of the GACC South, Susanne Gellert and Mark Tomkins, President & CEOs of the sister Chambers GACC New York and Midwest. GACC South was also honored to host the Lord Mayor of Nuremberg, Marcus Koenig, and his delegation, with whom they had another reason to celebrate: the 25th anniversary of the Sister Cities relationship between Nuremberg and Atlanta.
The entertainment program started off with stilt walkers and a cocktail reception, aerial acrobats and a singer entertained the crowd while dining, and during the after-party, guests could try their luck at a ring toss booth, have their fortune told, enjoy a cigar at the cigar bar, and of course dance and enjoy the live band. A ringmaster, played by Brigitta Höferle, led everyone through the night with quotes, anecdotes and stories.
Fitting to the night’s theme, GACC South’s very own greatest showmen, their members, who have brought business success and community spirit to the Southern U.S. for over a decade or more, were in the audience and were recognized for their continued membership and commitment:
15 years: Mercedes-Benz Vans
20 years: Rödl & Partner USA
25 years: Porsche Cars North America
30 years: BMW Cars North America
35 years: GA Department of Economic Development & Parker Poe
The show that evening was truly spectacular, bringing people together and generating a welcoming spirit of inclusivity and belonging for all.
Sponsors:
Diamond Sponsor: I.K. Hoffmann
Platinum Sponsor: Choate Construction
Gold Sponsors: Audi Atlanta, Aurubis, Edifice General Contractors, Mercedes-Benz USA, Metro Atlanta Chamber
Bronze Sponsors: Atlanta International School, Stanton Chase
Step & Repeat Sponsors: BMW Cars North America, ConMoto Consulting, GEMÜ Valves, Horvath & Partner, Mercedes-Benz USA, Porsche Cars North America, SWJ Technology
Signature Cocktail Sponsors: Miele & P3
Beer Sponsor: Tucker Brewing Company
Silent Auction Platform Sponsor: Audi Atlanta
Photobooth Roamer Sponsor: Delta Vacations
360 Camera Sponsor: MHP
Cigar Sponsor: P3
A big thank you also goes out to all our Table, Silent Auction and Gift Bag Sponsors!