What keeps a business community sustainable?
Not only the deals we close or the events we host, but whether the next generation sees a place for themselves in it. This week was a reminder that the future of German-American business in the South is being shaped in three places at once: in classrooms, on shop floors, and in global policy rooms.
The managers of tomorrow start deciding earlier than we think
This week we welcomed students from Agnes Scott College as part of the Sophomore Class Atlanta Leadership Experience (SCALE) for their annual three-day program at GACC South. Each department gave the group a small project, and the program wrapped with student presentations sharing their ideas and recommendations.
A core question guided the week: How do we better attract the managers of tomorrow? A large part of our current member base is approaching retirement age, and we have relatively few young professionals consistently engaged across the network. If we want the chamber to stay sustainable, we need to start building relationships with emerging leaders much earlier, and in ways that feel relevant to them.
The students brought exactly the kind of outside perspective you want. They spoke about bridging academic learning with the realities of international business, and about the value of seeing research and analysis in a professional setting rather than only in the classroom. One student shared how the experience deepened her understanding of how GACC supports German companies investing in the U.S. job market and strengthens bilateral cooperation. Another presented ideas for increasing visibility and engagement within local college communities. In short, they did what future leaders do best: they noticed what we have normalized and asked what could be improved.
If we want the next generation in the room later, we have to start giving them reasons to care now.
Behind the Scenes at ZELTWANGER: Precision, people, and a facility built for what’s next
On Thursday, we held our first ENGAGE+NETWORK Behind the Scenes event of 2026 at the new ZELTWANGER USA facility, welcoming more than 100 business and industry leaders from our community. It was the first event hosted in their new space since their move in January, and it delivered a rare mix: hands-on insight, high-tech manufacturing, and the kind of direct conversations that only happen when you are standing next to the process itself.
Across six interactive stations, guests experienced the breadth of capabilities, from precision CNC manufacturing to advanced leak testing technology, and had the chance to engage directly with the people behind the work. One detail made everyone smile and also quietly made the point: one hair is roughly 70 microns, and ZELTWANGER machines to 5 microns. That’s not a fun fact. It’s a mindset. Precision like that is never accidental. It is built through systems, training, and culture.
Berlin: Strategy doesn’t stop at state lines
While we were hosting events in the Southeast, our President and CEO represented North America at the AHK Advisory Board meetings at DIHK in Berlin. The discussions focused on the pillars shaping the future of the global AHK network: strengthening network culture, integrating AI into services, and the strategic development of our worldwide presence.
There was also a strong exchange with DIHK CEO Dr. Helena Melnikov on Germany’s economic outlook, geopolitical dynamics, and insights from political Berlin, followed by coordination with representatives of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
In a dedicated conversation with State Minister Gunther Krichbaum, the group discussed the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, its impact on German and European business, and the role AHKs play in building partnerships and strengthening competitiveness.
It is a useful reminder: the work we do locally is tied to global shifts, and our members benefit when those connections are active, not occasional.
Launching LeadHERship: a series built for leadership, not a label
This week we also launched our new ENGAGE+NETWORK LeadHERship Series - Women Shaping Global Business. The goal is not to create another conversation for a niche audience. It is to build a platform that brings people together across industries, leadership levels, and backgrounds to talk about leadership, mentorship, international careers, financial confidence, and the perspectives shaping global business today.
If leadership is one of the most used words in business, this series is designed to make it more actionable. Learn more about the series
Sneak peek: April in Charlotte and what comes next
If March is momentum, April is scale. Our SME - Business Development Conference in Charlotte will tackle what many German-owned middle market companies are navigating right now: the new normal in the U.S. market, strategic site selection and workforce planning, building modern talent ecosystems, AI-powered leadership, smart manufacturing with robotics and intelligent automation, local production advantages in North Carolina, and supply chain and logistics.
And for those who like learning where things actually happen, the next Behind the Scenes stops are already in motion: Hörmann in Tennessee in April, with additional tours in the pipeline including the Port of Houston and TALKE.
This week was a reminder that a strong network is not built in one place. It is built in many places at once, and it stays strong when we keep making room for what comes next.
