GACC South Unplugged

EP.:13 - Nick Masino, President and CEO of Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

^{November 14, 2024}

IIn this episode of GACC South Unplugged, Matthias Hoffman is joined by Nick Masino, President & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.

Nick discusses his background, including his years serving as the Bürgermeister (Mayor) of Suwanee; how he has brought diversity to the Chamber’s Board of Directors; and his vision for the future of Gwinnett County.

EP.:12 - Dimitris Psillakis, CEO of Mercedes Benz North America

^{September 2024}

In this episode of GACC South Unplugged, we dive into the future of Mercedes-Benz USA with CEO Dimitris Psillakis!

From electric G-Class to carbon-neutral goals by 2039, learn how Mercedes drives the shift to greener, smarter mobility. Plus, Dimitris shares insights on innovation, autonomous driving, and the role of their U.S. facilities in shaping the brand’s future. 

Oh, and what does Greece have to do with it?

Tune in to find out how this Mediterranean-transatlantic connection adds a unique twist to the conversation! 

Ep.: 11 - Rouven Kasper, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer for VfB Stuttgart

^{March 27, 2024}

This GACC South Unplugged episode features Matthias Hoffmann and VfB Stuttgart's CMO/CSO, Rouven Kasper discussing the club's strategy:

• Visionary Leadership: The drive behind VfB's future and international outreach.
• Focus on Texas: Insights into VfB's strategic engagement in Texas.
• Global Role: VfB's impact on promoting Stuttgart globally, fostering cultural and business links.
• Innovation Meets Tradition: How VfB merges new tech with heritage to evolve.

Explore VfB Stuttgart's innovative journey in football and community connection in this episode.

Ep.: 10 - Melanie Moltmann, Consul General with Consulate General of Germany

^{March 4, 2024}

Curious about the impact of #GermanAmerican relations on our economy and culture? Tune into GACC South Unplugged for a chat with Matthias Hoffmann, and Melanie Moltmann, Consul General at the German Consulate General in Atlanta.

Explore: 

• The German Consulate's dynamic role in Atlanta
• The significant effects of German-American business partnerships
• Germany's leadership in climate action and feminist foreign policies

Discover the depth behind the German descriptor 'interesting' in our engaging discussion.

Ep.: 9 - Dr. Michael Jacquorie, Managing Director with Delta Air Lines and GACC Board Member

^{September 18, 2023}

Delta Airlines, known for its extensive network with 900 peak-day flights globally, is not just Atlanta's primary carrier but also a top employer, celebrated for fostering an exceptional workplace through #DeltaCulture.

Michael Jacquorie, Delta's Managing Director and GACC South Board Member, shares, "If you treat your people well, they will treat your customers well," in this latest GACC South Unplugged episode.

Join us for a deep dive with Michael Jacquorie and CEO Matthias Hoffmann, as we discuss Delta's culture, their partnership with Tom Brady, engagement with GACC South, and the latest on Delta's Skymiles program for 2024.

Ep.: 8 - Tobias Brugger with ZF Transmissions Gray Court

^{August 19, 2023}

"Think Global, Produce Local" underpins ZF's commitment to shortening supply chains and cutting CO2 emissions for cleaner, safer mobility.

In the latest GACC South Unplugged, we chat with Tobias Brugger of ZF Group Gray Court, innovators in mobility technology for over a century, from gears for Zeppelins to systems for modern vehicles.

As the shift to electric vehicles gains momentum, ZF adapts with innovative solutions for a future without engines or transmissions.

Join us for an insightful discussion on achieving net zero, ZF's contributions in South Carolina, and navigating the Inflation Reduction Act, with guests Tobias Brugger, Matthias Hoffmann, and host Mike Sammond.

Ep.: 7 - Karsten Uhlmann with Gilde Brewery

^{April 22, 2023} 

For this episode of GACC South Unplugged, we were joined by Karsten Uhlmann, CEO of Gilde Brewery, to dive into the world of beer and beyond, right from Charlotte, NC. Gilde brings a rich 475-year brewing tradition from Hannover, Germany, to Charlotte, celebrating German heritage.

But why focus on April 23rd? This date marks the proclamation of the “Reinheitsgebot” (German purity law) in 1516, a symbol of Germany's commitment to quality beer, limiting ingredients to barley, hops, and water.

Join us to discover why Gilde chose Charlotte, explore the concepts of “Gemütlichkeit” and Frühschoppen, and unpack the unique perspectives on #craftbeer in Germany versus the US.

Ep.: 6 - Inge Hofkens with Aurubis AG

^{April 22, 2023} 

In this GACC South Unplugged Episode we welcomed Inge Hofkens, COO Multimetal Recycling at Aurubis AG.

Aurubis AG, Georgia’s largest-ever single German investment, is a leading global provider of non-ferrous metals and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide, with sustainability being a fundamental part of their strategy.

Tune in to Episode #6 and find out why Aurubis decided to open their new site in Augusta, GA, how the company deals with their raw material sources and raises awareness in the communities with their #togetherwecare program.

Ep.: 5 - Daniel Zimmer with SAP Labs U.S.

^{February 10, 2023}

"Great things can happen when you bring together the right people at the ideal time in an idea-sparking environment" says Daniel Zimmer, Sr Director and Head of Engagement at SAP Labs US, and guest in episode of GACC South Unplugged.

Tune in to a compelling discussion about the Future of Work and Company Culture with Daniel Zimmer, Matthias Hoffmann and Roger Manis.

Ep.: 4 -  Dr. Volker Treier

^{January 17, 2023}

Tune in to an insightful episode with Dr. Volker Treier, Chief Executive of Foreign Trade and Member of the Executive Board at the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).

In conversation with GACC South Unplugged, Dr. Treier discusses current challenges and opportunities in international trade, Germany’s role in global competition, and how the German economy is responding to geopolitical shifts.

Learn more about the importance of transatlantic economic relations, the strategic role of the German Chambers Abroad (AHKs), and how companies can best prepare for future developments.

Ep.: 3 - Sonja Heinrich | I.K. Hofmann USA, Inc.

^{December 9, 2022}

What are the challenges in today’s economic environment? What are the current trends and strategies in staffing and talent acquisition?

In our latest episode of GACC South Unplugged, we speak with Sonja Heinrich, President of I.K. Hofmann USA – a global staffing agency with German roots.

Learn more about the company’s journey, how the demands in staffing and recruiting have evolved over the years, and what strategies are needed today to attract and retain top talent.

Sonja Heinrich shares valuable insights into the U.S. market, personal experiences from the industry, and what I.K. Hofmann is currently celebrating.

Ep.: 2 - Pat Wilson, Commissioner | Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

^{October 21, 2022}

Did you know that Pat Wilson, Commissioner of Georgia Department of Economic Development lived and studied in Erlangen, Germany?

In this GACC South Unplugged Episode, we welcomed Pat Wilson at our office in Atlanta for this month’s ‘Transatlantic Talk’ with our President & CEO Matthias Hoffmann.

Tune in to Episode 2, for a casual conversation about college football, the high importance of German-American business relations, international trade, and the importance of apprenticeship programs for the future of workforce.

Ep.:1 - Lars Oltmanns with UP TO GOOD Energy Drink

^{September, 2022}

Who exactly is GACC South and what do we actually do? What's the difference between a Pop and a Soda? And what does a Strandkorb have to do with our Annual Gala?

In our first GACC South Unplugged Episode Matthias welcomes our long-time member and founder of Up to Good Energy, Lars Oltmann, and gives an oversight of GACC South, our mission, function and vision.

Find out what a "Strandkorb" is and how you may be able to take it home from our upcoming Annual Gala.