South Carolina

South Carolina isn’t just a gateway to the American South—it’s a launchpad to the world. With over 100 German companies already thriving here, South Carolina has become one of the most strategic landing zones for German-American business in the U.S.

Port Power. Global Reach. Southern Roots.

Why? Because South Carolina delivers. Five major interstates. A global-class seaport in Charleston. A skilled, reliable workforce. And a business climate that’s as warm as the hospitality.

At the GACC South South Carolina Chapter, we help German companies tap into this dynamic environment—whether they’re just entering the market or leveling up operations.

💼 Our Chapter in Action

Our leadership team is deeply embedded in the business ecosystem and brings German-American connections to life through a series of powerful events:

🍻 Networking Stammtisch in Greenville at Hans & Franz Biergarten

🍺 Networking Stammtisch in Charleston at Commonhouse Aleworks

💬 Annual Carolinas Gateway Awards rotating between South + North Carolina

🎉 Annual New Year’s Reception

Each event is a place where stories are shared, ideas are sparked, and partnerships are formed. View all upcoming events in our Event Calender.

Get to know our South Carolina Leadership Team!

Name	Function	Position + Company
Tobias Brugger	Chapter Director	Senior Vice President	ZF Group
Steve Cooper	Leadership Committee Member	Partner	Rödl & Partner USA
Manuele D´Aversa	Leadership Committee Member	CEO	Zeltwanger USA
Christian Langstein	Leadership Committee Member	CFO - Americas	DRÄXLMAIER Group
David Lewis	Leadership Committee Member	Architect & President	Context Design
Sam Moses	Leadership Committee Member	Partner	Parker Poe
Daniel Schlegel	Leadership Committee Member	Vice President Operations	KION North America

Questions about Membership Opportunities & Events? Contact

Neele van Huelst

Regional Coordinator Carolinas - NC + SC Marketing Department
+1 (980) 401-2013 nvanhuelst@gaccsouth.com
- Go to Neele van Huelst's LinkedIn profile

Interest in entering the South Carolina market?

Learn more about our Market Entry Services and contact our Consulting Services Team!

Market Entry & Business Development

Breaking into the U.S. market? Don't just show up, but scale with strategy. At GACC South, we turn ambition into action, helping German-speaking companies navigate the complex realities of U.S. expansion—starting with the South.