AlabamaGermany Partnership, a statewide non-profit, hosted its 26th Annual Celebration Dinner this week to toast its decades long effort in fostering relationships between individuals and organizations with ties to both the Yellowhammer State and Germany.
At the event, AGP Chairman Michael Brooks spoke about the organization’s approach to ensuring continued German investment in the state. He says that includes hosting the yearly dinner.
“The group of economic developers that founded AGP in the late nineties had a vision: they understood that future German investments in Alabama would require support that extended beyond the boardroom – which is why AGP focuses on culture, education, and business,” said Brooks. “The AGP Annual Dinner is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate each of these pillars, and how meaningful the relationship between Germany and Alabama has become.”
Tine Hoffmeister, AGP Executive Director, touted the non-profit’s ability to create a cultural middle ground.
“The dinners, informal meetings , and cultural workshops that AGP hosts or supports around the state are great ways to bring people together and to bridge the cultural divide,” Hoffmeister said.
“At the end of the day, the personal connections that AGP helps the start and foster are the fuel that helps Alabama grow, paving the way for future investment and building a stronger community.”
During the dinner, AGP recognized the following German and Alabama based companies for their investments and expansions over the last year: Airbus, BOCAR US, Inc., Eissmann Automotive, Knauf Insulation, Rausch & Pausch (RAPA), REHAU Automotive, Schmidt Automotive USA, and Star Cooperation USA.
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The organization also recognized Dr. David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, with the Rainer Bauer Award. The honor was established in 2001 to recognize individuals for outstanding accomplishments, dedicated service and loyal friendship to the AGP, both in Alabama and in Germany. Of particular note, Bronner was a key player in Alabama’s efforts to recruit Mercedes-Benz.
The other individual awarded was a German professor at the University of North Alabama, Dr. Rebecca Linam. Linam received the Dr. Barbara Fischer Education Award for her contributions to the advancement of the German-Alabama relationship in north Alabama through hands-on teaching and dedicated research.
AGP also welcomed Miele Manufacturing as the newest investor in the state.
There are currently over 80 German companies operating in the state, with investments exceeding $10 billion since 1999.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
