This week connected the dots between what businesses are seeing at a macro level and what companies are doing on the ground to stay competitive. We saw it in new data coming out of Germany, in a conversation about leadership development and workforce pipelines, in the tone of our final 2026 New Year’s Reception stop in Tampa, and in a market entry success story that started with a handshake at a GACC South format and turned into a signed collaboration.
It begins with the bigger picture.
A clear signal from Germany: 2026 must be the year of real reform
The DIHK Economic Survey (February 2026) reflects the mood of around 26,000 companies across sectors and regions, and its conclusion is direct: Germany’s economy is expected to remain largely stagnant in 2026, held back by geopolitical uncertainty, high location costs, and weak domestic demand. DIHK Chief Executive Helena Melnikov points to “rays of hope” in a few industries, supported by global growth and increased government spending in areas like security and defense, but emphasizes that these boosts are not strong enough to lift the economy broadly.
The survey also highlights what businesses feel most acute right now. Alongside weak domestic demand, companies point to rising labor costs, uncertain economic policy conditions, and high energy and raw material prices as key risks. Investment plans remain cautious, with many firms focused primarily on replacement investments rather than capacity expansion or innovation. Export expectations are slightly more optimistic than in the fall, but competitive pressure and uncertainty remain high.
Melnikov’s takeaway is a call to shift gears: less bureaucracy, lower labor and energy costs, and reliable rules that create confidence and unlock investment. In DIHK’s framing, incremental changes will not be enough. 2026 needs to be the year of genuine reform. The survey results are available for download.
From macro signals, the week moved into something highly practical.
Skills and leadership: building the next generation of talent starts inside the company
In an interview with Scott Schrein, Workforce Development Director at GACC South, the focus turned to a challenge every organization recognizes: developing talent is not only about recruiting, it’s about creating leaders who can train, mentor, and build capability.
That is exactly what Train the Trainer (T3) is designed to do. Also known as Ausbildung der Ausbilder International, T3 is a leadership development program benchmarked on international vocational training standards and aligned with the German apprenticeship model. Participants build real-world skills in learning and communication methods, managing professional relationships, and turning organizational training goals into hands-on scenarios that work in daily operations.
Successful candidates receive certification through GACC South and, by extension, DIHK, an internationally recognized credential. While the program supports apprenticeship structures, Scott emphasizes that the tools apply across manufacturing, commercial, and HR functions, especially for new leaders, program managers, HR business partners, and teams looking to strengthen the fundamentals of leadership.
As Scott put it:
“Train the Trainer transforms technical expertise into confident leadership. We equip leaders with the tools to develop their teams for long term career success, not just processes.”
This theme of confidence in the future showed up again a few days later in Florida.
Tampa Bay 2026 Kick-Off: realistic about uncertainty, still moving forward
Our final New Year’s Reception stop of the season brought us to Tampa, where the mood in the room captured something we hear often across the Southern U.S.: German companies are navigating real uncertainty, and still showing up with a forward-looking mindset.
Speakers reflected on the headwinds many companies felt in 2025. At the same time, there was a clear sense that 2026 begins with better momentum for many businesses, including stronger order books, continued investment plans, and a focus on execution. Even with lingering uncertainty, the tone was grounded optimism.
We also heard a strong workforce message during the program. Christofer Burger spoke to economic uncertainty and tariffs, and also highlighted Starkey’s apprenticeship and workforce development program, which earned the German-American Friendship Award. It was a timely reminder that workforce strategy is not an abstract concept. It is a competitive advantage.
Thank you to our speakers:
- Christofer Burger, Consul General of Germany in Miami
- Matthias Hoffmann, President and CEO, GACC South
- Kathryn Starkey, Chairman, Pasco County Board of Commissioners
And thank you to NCP, our Presenting Sponsor and a new member that chose to support the chamber in a tangible way, as well as Rödl for state-level support in Florida and a memorable toast to the new year.
Then the week delivered a story that ties all of these themes together: trust, continuity, and action.
When networking turns into collaboration: AKE technologies x ZELTWANGER
A great example of the network at work came from ZELTWANGER, a Corporate Member of GACC South: a newly signed cooperation with AKE technologies for the North American market.
The partnership traces back to our delegation trip to North and South Carolina, where Manuele D’Aversa (ZELTWANGER USA) and AKE connected for the first time through one of our formats. What began as an introduction has turned into a concrete collaboration, combining ZELTWANGER’s U.S.-based capabilities in automation and precision manufacturing with AKE’s technology expertise across sectors like automotive, energy, and industrial production.
We’re linking the full story here, but the takeaway is simple: when the right people meet in the right format, momentum follows.
What’s next: two upcoming events connected to this week’s themes
CleanTech Masterclass 4: Community Microgrids
📅 February 24, 2026 | Online
Community microgrids are becoming a practical tool for energy resilience and local independence. This session explores what makes microgrids work in practice, how communities engage, and which business models and partnerships move projects from idea to implementation.
We will be joined by Philip Gonski, PE, Director at Burns Engineering and an industry leader in Distributed Generation and Renewable Energy, who will share real-world perspective on how microgrid projects are designed, financed, and delivered.
This masterclass is part of our CleanTech Program, connecting industry, research, startups, and the public sector to advance transatlantic exchange on clean technologies across Germany and the U.S. Southeast.
TALKSeries Columbia: The Future of Work
📅 February 26, 2026 | 📍 Columbia, SC
A Transatlantic Leadership Series discussion on developing and retaining the next generation of talent, bringing together perspectives across legal, HR, industry, and higher education. Sponsored by Parker Poe.
Speakers include:
- Caitlin Becker, Attorney, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
- L. Elizabeth Gibbes, Partner, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
- Manuele D'Aversa, CEO, Zeltwanger Group and President & CEO, Zeltwanger USA
- Katarina Fjording, Senior Vice President, Innovation and Industry Engagement, College of Charleston and Senior Advisor/Consultant, Fatum Consulting
- Jamie Polk, M.HROD, Senior Vice President of HR, Safety, and Steel Toe Talent, FHI, LLC
If these topics are on your 2026 agenda, these are two strong opportunities to plug in.
