About Us

About GACC Midwest

The German American Chamber of Commerce® of the Midwest (GACC Midwest), headquartered in Chicago with a branch office in Detroit, was founded in 1963. GACC Midwest is an integral part of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) with 150 offices in 92 countries around the globe. Our continuing mission is to promote German-American business relations and to support trade and investment between Germany and the United States, especially the Midwest. Our organization combines elements of a trade commission, a membership association, and professional consulting services for market entry, apprenticeships in the US, and more. With this unique concept in international trade promotion, GACC Midwest’s territory covers 14 US states: the 13 states of the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) and Colorado, comprising together approximately one quarter of the nation’s geographical area, its population, and its GDP. Main industries include advanced manufacturing in the US, automotive, medtech, agriculture and food processing.

GACC Midwest’s headquarters, which we share with Germany Trade and Invest (GTaI), is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Our Michigan office is located just outside of Detroit to better serve the German-American business community in Michigan and the neighboring states.

Our Chapters Across the Midwest 

In addition to our offices in Chicago and Detroit, GACC Midwest has three Chapters across the US. Our Chapters in Colorado (CO), Minnesota (MN) and Wisconsin (WI) organize additional events for companies and members and offer them access to both a local and regional network.

The 3 Functions of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs)

1. Official Representation of German Companies in the US

AHKs are the key players of German foreign-business development on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany. As part of a global network, GACCs represent the business interests of German companies in the US, promote German investment in the US, and inform about Germany as a business location.

2. Member Organizations

The GACCs are member organizations for German companies in the US and other firms active in German-American business. These members give them the authority needed when interacting with politics, business, and administration in terms of promoting German-American investment and business.

3. Services and Consulting for German Companies in the US

Under the brand “DEinternational,” the GACCs provide services to German companies in the US to support their business in the US. Among those services are <link en services market-entry-usa _self>market entry USA consulting, M&A, market analyses, <link en services recruiting-services _self>recruiting services, and more. Members receive discounts for services, <link en media _self>media, and <link en events _self>German-American business events.

The German American Chambers of Commerce

The German American Chambers of Commerce (GACC USA or AHK USA) main offices are located in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, alongside their branches in Detroit and Houston. The GACCs cater to a vast network of members and National Partners with a wide variety of services for market entry USA, apprenticeships in the US and industry events for their German-American business network.

The Representative of German Industry and Trade (RGIT) is the liaison of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) in Washington, DC. RGIT represents their interests vis-à-vis the U.S. government and the U.S. Congress, and reports and advises on a variety of economic policy issues and developments in German-American relations. 

The Deutsche Industrie-und Handelskammertag e. V. (DIHK) coordinates and develops the global network of the German Chambers Abroad, consisting of 150 offices in 92 countries around the globe, the network counts more than 51,000 members worldwide. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion, leverage the benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our mission.

At GACC Midwest:

• We foster and maintain a safe environment of respect and inclusion for all employees, Directors, and other stakeholders.

• We ensure fair and inclusive access to our programs, resources, and services, and ensure that our policies and practices are inclusive and equitable.

• We advance and build our workforce by assessing hiring practices and performance review procedures to attract, retain, and develop talented and diverse team members.