GACCoM 2011/2012 - (GACCoM) Chicago

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
The following pages may not be what you expect from a typical Annual Report.
After several years of growth at the Chamber and the introduction of many new
programs and services, we felt that it was time for a “State-of-the-Chamber”, an
illustration of the full range of activities and opportunities now available to you. In
putting together these pages, we put special emphasis on aspects that don’t easily
fit on paper – the countless possibilities our unique network holds for you and your
business.
One of our main goals over the past few years has been to strengthen the network
and collaboration we have established among our three German American
Chambers of Commerce in the United States. This includes our chapters, branch
offices, affiliates, and also the Representative of German Industry and Trade in
Washington DC, as well as Germany Trade & Invest. Add our 120 offices in 80 countries around the globe and
the 80 Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Germany (IHKs) you will see just how far your membership
can take you. Because of this strong partnership, we operate from a unique platform which allows us to serve
our members’ and clients’ needs just the way they arise in today’s economy: locally, regionally, nationally, and
globally at the same time.
In 2012, our Chamber will continue to focus on expanding our membership base, service portfolio, and the scope
of our industry programs. Membership growth is a key goal for 2012 and each of us will strive to make this the
strongest year ever! Yet, growth to us is about more than just numbers. We also want to continue to enhance your
membership experience – by increasing the dialogue among members, by promoting the unique resources our
global Chamber network has to offer, and by offering more and more opportunities to connect with contacts even
beyond the German-American business community - through our enhanced cooperation with other European
Chambers and institutions in the U.S.
Last but certainly not least, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you - our Directors, members, clients, and
partners for supporting us throughout the year and helping us make 2011 such a great success. To our Directors
- thank you for your commitment, advice and guidance to the Chamber and to helping us promote our mission.
To our over 800 Members throughout our 14 states– we thank you for your support, you are truly the backbone
of our organization and what brings our network to life.
Let’s all keep working together to put the network to work for our members in 2012!
Simone Pohl
President & CEO
German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc.
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