2025 Carolinas Gateway Awards

German-American Business Leaders Gather for Inaugural Carolinas Gateway Awards Gala aboard USS Yorktown 

Atlanta, GA – September 15, 2025 – On Saturday, the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc. (GACC South) hosted the inaugural Carolinas Gateway Awards Gala aboard the historic USS Yorktown (CV-10) in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. 

Each fall, the Carolinas Chapters of GACC South shine a spotlight on companies, organizations, and individuals who build bridges between continents and strengthen transatlantic ties. The Carolinas Gateway Awards honor outstanding contributions to German-American business through investment, job creation, and a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and community. 

This year marked the beginning of a new tradition: for the first time, the North Carolina and South Carolina Gateway ceremonies were merged into one signature black-tie gala. Going forward, the event will alternate annually between the two states, serving as a premier platform for networking, collaboration, and celebrating shared values. 

2025 Award Recipients 

The 2025 honorees reflect the diversity and impact of German-American business in the Carolinas. HEYCO-Werk USA Inc. was recognized for expanding its U.S. footprint and strengthening the manufacturing cluster in North Carolina. “HEYCO-Werk USA’s success is fueled by a strong German-American partnership, and our new facility will strengthen the Carolinas’ manufacturing cluster, create quality jobs, and further expand our industrial presence in North Carolina,” said Daniel Dittmar, CEO & President, HEYCO-Werk USA Inc. 

The South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance (SC Competes) was honored for advancing applied research and innovation through strategic collaboration between academia, government, and industry. “Led by SC Competes, South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance is a collaboration between SC Department of Commerce, SC Competes, SC’s colleges and universities, and Fraunhofer USA to advance cutting-edge research with real-world applications alongside industry leaders and the world’s top researchers within SC, across the US and in Germany. Industry applications include aerospace to automotive manufacturing, tires to technologies like AI and cybersecurity, and logistics to life sciences,” said Susie Shannon, President & CEO, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness – SC Competes / SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance. 

Leadership Announcement 

In addition to recognizing this year’s honorees, GACC South announced a leadership transition within its South Carolina Chapter. Manuele D’Aversa, President & CEO of Zeltwanger USA and longtime member of the GACC South Board of Directors, was named the new Chapter Director of the South Carolina Leadership Team. He succeeds Tobias Brugger, Vice President & Plant Manager at ZF Transmissions Gray Court, who has served with distinction and will continue contributing as a valued member of the leadership team. 

A Legacy of Excellence 

From the automotive and manufacturing hubs of the Upstate to the innovation centers of Charlotte and the Research Triangle, the Carolinas are a driving force in transatlantic business. Past Gateway Award recipients include ZF Transmissions Gray Court, Kühne + Nagel, BMW Manufacturing, Huber Technology, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and MANN+HUMMEL.

About GACC South 

The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc. (GACC South) was founded in 1978 to promote and support bilateral trade between Germany and the U.S. Covering 11 Southern states, GACC South provides services in market entry, business representation, workforce development, and membership networking.