Programs and Events

Selected Events 2007

Happy Holidays and Good Luck in 2008
December 17, 2007
The U.S. Consulate General Munich extends holiday greetings to one and all.  In the spirit of the season the Consulate's U.S. Marine Guard Detachment donated a large number of toys and stuffed animals to the Dr. von Haunersche Children's Hospital in Munich and the non-profit Fortschritt organization for physically challenged children in Niederpöcking.  The Marines collected these warmly received donations from Consulate employees and family members before Christmas.  Speaking of the donations, Peter von Quadt, the Fortschritt's managing Director, said: "This went straight to the heart."
Collecting toys for children during the holiday season is part of a long tradition. The Marines' "Toys for Tots" program and similar programs of other U.S. Army units have been bringing joy to children for 60 years. 
• Photo Gallery
• History of the "Toys for Tots" Program

Discussion at Regensburg University
December 17, 2007
At the invitation of Professor Dr. Stephan Bierling, Chair of the Political Science Department and Prof. Dr. Udo Hebel, Chair of the American Studies Department of the University of Regensburg, Consul General Eric Nelson visited Regensburg University.  He spoke to American Studies and Political Science students, U.S. exchange students and German high school students.  Some 45 students engaged Consul General Nelson with questions on such diverse topics as the involvement of the Bundeswehr in Afghanistan and the upcoming U.S. elections.  During his visit to Regensburg he also had a brief chat with Princess Gloria of Thurn und Taxis at the "Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Castle".

From Two Prints To Ten
December 13, 2007
The U.S. consulates in Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt Germany began scanning ten fingerprints for visa applicants.  David Stewart (photo), Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs, at the U.S. Embassy Berlin, and Munich Consul General Eric Nelson introduced this new security measure and discussed additional issues on travel to the U.S. at the Munich Consulate.  At a press conference in Munich, Minister-Counselor Stewart gave interviews to radio and TV stations and answered questions from the print media.  He reinforced the motto "Secure Borders, Open Doors" by announcing both the start of the 10-fingerprint requirement for visa applicants and the news that the number of foreign visitors to the U.S. has reached a record high.  
More information on the 10-fingerprint requirement for visa applicants

Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr., Marks the 220th Anniversary of the U.S. Constitution in Rothenburg
December 9, 2007
Ambassador Timken delivered a keynote speech on "220 Years of the U.S. Constitution -- Old and New Challenges of Democratic Societies" in Rothenburg ob der Tauber during a festive event celebrating the U.S. Constitution co-hosted by the German-American Society of West Middle Franconia and the city.  An audience of over 300 representatives of business, culture and politics, as well as citizens involved in German-American friendship activities, heard the Ambassador's message on the legacy of the U.S. Constitution and its importance in the context of modern challenges such as the war on terror. The Ambassador’s program also included a golden book signing at city hall hosted by Lord Mayor Walter Hartl.  The photo shows from left to right: Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr., Jochem Eyladir, Manager of Hotel Eisenhut, Mrs. Sue Timken, Consul General Eric Nelson.
 • Article in "Fränkischer Anzeiger"

CSU and USA
December 5, 2007

Photo by Kathrin Gwosdek

The CSU Caucus of the Bavarian Parliament met with Consul General Eric Nelson and consulate section chiefs for a detailed briefing on consulate activities and services in Bavaria.  Consul General Nelson, here with CSU Caucus Chairman Georg Schmid (left), described the Bavarian-American relationship as a "Dream Team," noting especially the strong economic and commercial ties between America and Bavaria.  Consul General Nelson said Bavaria was the "locomotive" of the German-American relationship and that the Landtag members were the train drivers.  The U.S. is Bavaria's largest trade partner for exports and second largest for imports, and nearly 25 percent of Germany's $130 billion in annual trade with the U.S. is with Bavaria.  The session took place in Amerika Haus, and Consul General Nelson thanked the lawmakers for their support of both Amerika Haus and the German American Institute in Nuremberg and urged that support be continued.
• Remarks by Consul General Nelson
• CSU Caucus of the Bavarian Parliament press statements:
  Exzellente bayerisch-amerikanische Partnerschaft
  Bayerisch-Amerikanische Beziehungen
• Factsheet:U.S.-Bavaria Ties

U.S. Approach to Climate Change
November 29, 2007
Vice Consul Dianna Chianis presented a "Brief History of the American Environmental Movement and Current Topics" to high school students at Thomas-Mann-Gymnasium in Munich.  Chianis, formerly an environmental engineer, brought her considerable expertise on the topic.   The presentation raised awareness among the students to the fact that America has a long history of environmental interest and activism.  The U.S. has a complex network of environmental laws and is committed to progress tackling issues such as global warming, strastopheric ozone depletion, and declining biodiversity.  Her talk was followed by a lively Q&A session on climate change issues. 

U.S. Elections: then and now
November 28, 2007
Some 30 high school students and teachers from the Allgäu town of Marktoberdorf visited the U.S. Consulate in Munich.  They were welcomed by Consul General Eric Nelson and Consul for Public Affairs Patricia Guy, who delivered a speech on the upcoming U.S. elections including the wide range of candidates and issues.  Her lecture - enhanced through web podcasts on presidential campaign history and present - was followed by an extended Q&A session. 

Solidarity With Women In Fight Against Violence
November 25, 2007
The U.S. Consulate Munich marked International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by joining other prominent German figures taking a stand on the Women Against Violence website.  The online campaign is sponsored by the German Association of Information and Emergency Call Centers for Women and the Federal Minister of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.  Using the motto "The Right Standpoint: Against Violence" the website features photos of the feet and legs of public figures and celebrities along with anti-violence slogans.   Consul General Eric Nelson and Consulate staff posed with the message "Diplomacy Instead of Violence."  Ambassor William R. Timken ,Jr., and Mrs. Timken also posed with a message: "Strong 'Botschaft' Against Violence"  – using the double meaning of "Botschaft": "message" and "Embassy".

Bavarian-American Ties
November 23, 2007
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr., called on new Bavarian Minister President Günther Beckstein at the Bavarian State Chancellery.  The two discussed a variety of issues, including U.S.-Bavarian relations, the stationing of U.S. Forces in Bavaria, the state of U.S.-German economic ties, the Munich Security Conference, and the upcoming U.S. presidential elections.  They also discussed opportunities for Minister President Günther Beckstein to meet with U.S. troops, and senior U.S. officials.  The Ambassador also congratulated Beckstein on his 64th birthday.
Photo by Firsching

LMU Meets LMU
November 22, 2007
While competing at the annual Munich International Festival of Film Schools, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) graduate Adam Burr (right) met with Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) students at the Institute for Communication Research to discuss the making of his competition entry "Re: Monday", a movie about an internet-arranged suicide in an Oregon forest.  The students were thrilled to greet a movie biz insider and his crew member Alina Bezdikian (also introducing her own film "Michel et Odette") in their midst.  The U.S. Consulate’s Public Affairs Office also arranged for the 55 students to watch Adam’s movie at the festival grounds.

Happy Thanksgiving!
November 22, 2007
In the fall of 1621, the religious separatist Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest, an event many regard as the nation’s first Thanksgiving.  It eventually became a national holiday in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of thanksgiving.  Later, President Franklin Roosevelt clarified that Thanksgiving should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month. The preliminary estimate of turkeys raised in the United States in 2007 is 272 million. The photo shows Consul General Eric Nelson carving the traditional turkey at the Consulate General in Munich.

Collector’s item: Silver Tea
November 14, 2007
Some 700 guests from politics, society, academia and the diplomatic community assembled at the elegant Kaisersaal of the Munich royal residence for the traditional annual “Silver Tea” organized by the ladies of the Munich German-American Women’s Club.  The Club was founded in 1948, and the first Silver Tea took already place in 1949.  At the festive event, money is collected to support several Munich charity organizations and to further German-American student exchange.  Consul General Eric Nelson (right) gave welcoming remarks.  The Bavarian government was represented by Bavarian Justice Minister Beate Merk (left). Guest of honor was Marga Beckstein (second from left), wife of newly appointed Bavarian Minister President Günther Beckstein. Second from right on the photo is Evelyn Rädler, President of the Munich German-American Women’s Club. 
• Remarks by Consul General Nelson

U.S. Immigration History Explained to Students at Lake Chiemsee
November 14, 2007
Munich Public Affairs Officer Patricia Guy delivered a speech on "Multiculturalism in the USA" to students and teachers at Ludwig-Thoma-Gymnasium Prien.  Some 125 students plus faculty enjoyed the lecture that was illustrated by a PowerPoint presentation.  The ensuing Q&A was a manifestation of the students' strong interest in all things American, their questions ranging from immigration issues to election issues and gated communities.  The students and teachers received CD ROMs "About the USA," books on "Our Fifty States" as well as printouts calling attention to the Consulate website's many useful school resources. 

Model UN Students at Munich Consulate
November 9, 2007
Twenty-five members of Munich’s active Model United Nations group at Ludwig Maximilians University visited the consulate.  The visit was part of their preparation for the worldwide Model UN taking place next March.  Last year, the group represented the United States.  This year, they will speak for the Vatican and Ecuador.   After a greeting by Consul General Eric Nelson, Politial/Economic Officer Tom Kelsey (center) briefed the students on the everyday life of a U.S. diplomat and U.S.-German relations. 

Bavarian Parliamentarian and Consul General Back in School
November 9, 2007
Consul General Eric Nelson (left) and Ernst Weidenbusch (second from left), member of the Bavarian Landtag, visited Kirchheim high school near Munich.  After introductory remarks about U.S.-Bavarian ties and the pillars of the U.S. Mission in Germany, Consul General Nelson answered all questions on topics as diverse as U.S. policy towards Turkey, creationism and the upcoming elections.  After the Q&A, two student magazine representatives interviewed Consul General Nelson for the upcoming edition.  Some 70 senior students received an in-depth briefing on current U.S. viewpoints as well as CD ROMs "About the USA"to enhance their understanding of U.S. history and current society.  The school was delighted to receive two copies of "Our 50 States" and reciprocated with a book on the school.

Trick or Treat
October 31, 2007
A total of 90 kids in the 7-10 age group gathered in three Munich branch public libraries for a series of bilingual reading programs on Halloween.  The events were organized in partnership with the Munich city public library network. Public Affairs Officer Pat Guy and Administrative Officer Marlene Menard explained the traditions of Halloween, read a classic American Halloween story and handed out American candy treats.  Public Affairs Officer Pat Guy also donated a collection of books about American holidays to the host library.  There were no leftovers in the candy department, the Lost and Found department registered one pair of vampire teeth.
• Photo Gallery

American Citizens’ Information Night Open House
October 29, 2007
The American Consulate Munich’s American Citizens’ Information Night Open House was held at the Munich Consulate.  Consul General Nelson opened the event with Welcoming Remarks that highlighted the innovative partner organization approach implemented for this year’s event.  The very successful two-hour open house drew thirteen partner organizations and over 160 attendees and exhibitors.  Partner organization exhibitors were invited to set up booths, provide brochures and to answer questions.  Exhibitors included governmental agency representatives from the IRS and the Federal Benefits Unit located in Frankfurt, the Federal Voting Assistance Program located in Washington, and the German Ausländeramt Munich.  Three exhibitors dealing specifically with voting issues were present including Democrats Abroad, Republicans Abroad and the Overseas Vote Foundation.  German American Business Clubs including the American German Business Club, the German American Women’s Club, the American Association of University and Professional Women, and the California Association of Munich were present.  The event provided exciting opportunities for Americans in the Munich area to become involved with interesting and diverse organizations. 

High School Students Meet Consul General
October 19, 2007
Alexander König (second from left), member of Bavarian Parliament, had invited the Consul General to his home district in Upper Franconia.  In the city of Naila, Consul General Eric Nelson talked to over 150 students and teachers of the local high school about his career as a diplomat and about topics of mutual interest to German-American relations.  Students asked a wide variety of questions ranging from climate change to Iran and Afghanistan.  Consul General Nelson also stopped by the Franconian boom town Herzogenaurach to meet with sports supplier Puma’s CEO Jochen Zeitz as well as the thriving company’s numerous U.S. employees to discuss Puma’s corporate social responsibility concept.
• Article in "Frankenpost"
• Article in "Fränkischer Tag"

Munich Revival of the Sixties
October 15, 2007
U.S. music producer Joe Boyd and singer & songwriter Geoff Muldaur showcased the history of folk music in the 60s to an overflow audience of 100 at the Vereinsheim in Munich cosponsored by Antje Kunstmann publishing house and the U.S. Consulate General.  Introducing his book "White bicycles - Music in the 60s" Boyd provided fascinating insights into the New York and Cambridge folk scenes, as well as Bob Dylan's famous first electric performance at Newport Folk Festival in 1965.  Muldaur (vocals, guitar) excelled with performing songs from that era, while renowned journalist and musician Carl-Ludwig Reichert read from the book in German.  The program delivered the inside story of a key era in U.S. popular culture and promoted mutual cultural understanding at its best.
• Article in "Süddeutsche Zeitung"

5 Events, 3 Rivers, 2 countries, 1 Diplomat
October 15, 2007
During his first visit to Passau, - aptly dubbed "Bavarian Venice", - Consul General Eric Nelson was welcomed by Lord Mayor Albert Zankl and met with editors of the regional daily "Passauer Neue Presse" for an interview.  The "Passauer Neue Presse" reaches more than half a million readers with 15 regional editions.  Consul General Nelson also donated two book collections to the Europa-Bücherei Passau - one with favorite American children’s books, one with classic American literature and later met with Dr. Gerhard Waschler, member of Bavarian parliament, to discuss areas of possible cooperation.  In the evening, Consul General Nelson gave a speech on Bavarian-American relations to members of the local Lions Club.
• Speech by Consul General Nelson
• Photo Gallery
• Passauer Neue Presse interview with Consul General Nelson
• Passauer Neue Presse article about book donation

Munich Participates in Worldwide Daniel Pearl Music Days
October 12, 2007
The U.S. Consulate General and Munich's Amerika Haus cosponsored a multimedia concert as part of worldwide Daniel Pearl Music Days events.  Turkish-German pianist Aylin Aykan (center) teamed up with Israeli guitarist Shani Inbar (left) to enchant the audience with works of Spanish composers Federico Garcia Lorca, Joaquin Rodrigo and others.  Musical highlight of the evening was the presentation of Aykan's masterpiece "Voices, Shadows."  The program also featured readings from widow Mariane Pearl's book "A Mighty Heart" by renowned actress Ilse Neubauer (right)and film clips from the recently released movie of the same name.
"Journalists helping Journalists" also supported the event, which was one of hundreds taking place worldwide this month to spread a message of hope and unity across cultural divides.  Daniel Pearl, who loved music, was a Wall Street Journal reporter killed by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002.  A special guest for the evening was Helena Kane Finn, the Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

Bavarian-American Dialogue
October 10, 2007
U.S. Embassy Chargé d'affaires John Koenig and Consul General Eric Nelson met with several members of the CSU Bundestag Landesgruppe and staff, led by Dr. Peter Ramsauer, in Berlin.  The meeting, for the first time conducted in this format at the German Bundestag, served as a forum for the discussion of transatlantic relations, with an emphasis on U.S.-Bavarian relations.  Issues discussed ranged from Afghanistan to the importance of deepening economic cooperation. All participants agreed the meeting was a worthwhile exchange that served to strengthen U.S.-Bavarian ties and should be continued in the future.

Celebrating Intercultural Dialogue
September 25, 2007

During his visit to Munich, Ambassador William R. Timken Jr. and Mrs. Timken were cohosts and guests of honor at an Iftaar at the residence of Consul General Eric Nelson.  They welcomed Munich Lord Mayor Christian Ude and his wife Edith von Welser-Ude.  Other guests included Bavarian Justice Minister Beate Merk and Penzberg Imam Benjamin Idriz as well politicians, diplomats and representatives of Bavaria's Muslim communities.  Hosting Iftaars, a meal breaking the fast during the Muslim month of Ramadan, has become an anticipated event at U.S. missions around the world.  Ambassador and Mrs. Timken also enjoyed ice cream sundaes with students newly returned from their 10-day visit to America as part of Mission Germany's Windows on America program.  The Bavarian students were the fifth group in Germany to journey to the USA under the program that is a public-private partnership to provide students with immigrant backgrounds the opportunity to see the United States.
• Photo gallery of Iftaar dinner and "Windows on America" program 
• Remarks by Consul General Nelson
• "Windows on America": Bavarian Teenagers on "Discover America" Tour

Iftaar Talk
September 25, 2007  

Consul General Eric Nelson enjoys a conversation with Penzberg Imam Benjamin Idriz (center) and Margarete Bause, caucus chief of the Bavarian Green Party, following an Iftaar dinner at the Islamic Forum in Penzberg.  The Iftaar, which is a meal breaking the fast during Ramadan, was hosted by the Islamic Forum and the U.S. Consulate for alumni of United States Government exchange programs and their guests.  Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.  Imam Idriz visited the United States earlier this year under the auspices of the International Visitor Leadership Program, which brings future leaders to the USA for a three-week program that includes visits to several cities in various parts of the country, meetings with government officials and civic leaders as well as homestays with American families.  Peter Claussen, the U.S. Embassy's Cultural Affairs Officer from Berlin also attended the Iftaar, which featured music by a Sufi musical group from Munich.
• Remarks by Consul General Nelson
• Press release Margarete Bause

Train to Win
September 24, 2007
U.S. Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. (second from right) and a group of German members of Parliament visited the Joint Multinational Readiness Center of the U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels in the Upper Palatinate.  The Hohenfels Training Area is located in Central Bavaria between the cities of Nuremberg and Regensburg and is the second largest of the three U.S. controlled major training facilities in Europe. It serves primarily as a maneuver area and provides realistic and challenging joint and combined arms training for U.S. Army task forces stationed in Europe as well as units from a multitude of Allied nations to prepare them for full spectrum operations.

Aspects of U.S. Policy
September 24, 2007
Aspects of U.S. policy were the topic of a speech delivered by Consul General Eric Nelson at an event co-sponsored by the Clausewitz Society and the Society for Defense and Security Policy.  The Clausewitz Society is a professional association of officers of the German General Staff. Consul General Nelson’s keynote speech focused on Afghanistan and energy policy.  After the speech he commented on questions from an audience of some 60 retired and active duty army personnel as well as former German military, security analysts and defense industry associates. Lieutenant General Edgar Trost of the Society for Defense and Security Policy introduced the Consul General.
• Speech by Consul General Nelson

Climate Change: Challenge and Opportunity
September 18, 2007
Don Shemanski, Minister Counselor for Global Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, represented the U.S. position and explained new U.S. initiatives on how the U.S. perceives and plans to deal with climate change.  Don Shemanski was part of a high-caliber expert panel on "Energy Security and Climate Change: Challenge and Opportunity!" at Amerika Haus Munich.  The event, hosted by the Gesellschaft für Außenpolitik and several co-sponsors, drew an audience of 300 students, policy researchers and journalists and covered the broad range of shared global energy and climate challenges.

Digitizing the Sixteenth Century
September 17, 2007
Consul General Eric Nelson (right), Embassy Information Resource Officer Sheila Weir (left), and consulate public affairs staff visited the Bavarian State Library and received a briefing from Dr. Klaus Ceynowa (left, back) on the structure of the German National and State library systems and the funding mechanisms for preservation and digitization. The Central state library of Bavaria doubles as a ‘virtual’ branch of the national library and is charged with digitization of their rare books and Incunabula. They have also recently entered into an agreement with Google Books.

Partners Since 1962
September 16, 2007
The Middle Franconian city of Gunzenhausen celebrated 45 years of partnership with its sister city Frankenmuth in Michigan.  Consul General Eric Nelson (center) congratulated Frankenmuth mayor Gary Rupprecht (left) and Gunzenhausen mayor Gerhard Trautner (right) on their transatlantic success story and bore witness to the solemn renewal of the partnership vows at a colorful event at Gunzenhausen Town Hall. Consul General Nelson mentioned in his remarks that "exchanges between peoples are as important as exchanges between diplomats."

• Remarks by Consul General Nelson
• Article in "Altmühlbote"

New Space, New Opportunities
September 14, 2007

The German-American Institute Nuremberg welcomed numerous high-ranking guests from politics, business and the arts in its new location.  After introductory remarks by German-American Institute Director Professor Andreas Falke, Consul General Eric Nelson gave welcoming remarks.  In their speeches, designated Bavarian Prime Minister Günther Beckstein and Nuremberg Lord Mayor Ulrich Maly underscored the continuing importance of transatlantic dialogue through institutions like the German-American Institute. During his stay in Nuremberg, Consul General Eric Nelson also visited the Begegnungstube Medina, a parlor for Christian-Islamic encounters.
• Photo gallery
• Consul General Nelson's remarks
• Consul General Nelson's visit at the Medina
• Article in “Nürnberger Zeitung”

Sixty Years and Still Going Strong
September 14, 2007

Photo by Eleana Hegerich

Munich's German American Men’s Club celebrated its 60th anniversary with a gala reception and dinner.  Bavarian Finance Minister Professor Dr. Kurt Faltlhauser was the guest speaker at the event for the club that has supported student exchanges, home stay visits and greater transatlantic understanding.  Consul Patricia Guy also gave brief remarks to the guests, as did the vice president of the Federation of German-American Clubs Trami Kraft and Ulrike Boesser, Munich City Council member.
• Remarks by Patricia Guy

The Muslim-American Experience After 9/11
September 11, 2007

Farah Pandith (center), Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, marked the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a lecture entitled "Engaging With the World After 9/11" at the Amerika Haus. Some 200 people attended the lecture. Ms. Pandith also engaged representatives from a Muslim youth group in a lively dialogue at the consulate and had a press briefing for local print press and media.  Farah Pandith focuses on Muslim communities in Europe and is responsible for policy oversight for integration, democracy and Islam in the State Department.  She also works on issues relating to countering violent Islamic extremism.
• Farah Pandith's remarks
• Consul General Nelson's remarks

Low Energy - High Efficiency
September 10, 2007
Dr. Wilko Meinhold (left) displays a vacuum insulation panel from his ultra low-energy building in Munich-Lehel to Mark Ginsberg, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, at the U.S. Department of Energy.  Ginsberg's visit, organized in cooperation with the city of Munich's Department of Health and Environment and part of a U.S. Renewable Energy Trade Mission to Munich September 10th marked the start of a five-day program in Europe. Consul General Eric Nelson hosted a reception for delegation members to meet representatives of Bavaria's bio energy sector. In addition to Assistant Secretary Ginsberg, the U.S. delegation included the presidents of U.S. companies BBI Biofuels International of Lakewood, Colorado, and Olim International of Germantown, Tennessee.  Meetings with the Bavarian State Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry and the German Society for Solar Energy were also on the agenda.  The U.S. Commercial Service organized Ginsberg's program and the trade mission.

Ready For Lift-Off
August 27, 2007
High school students from Bavaria selected to participate in the U.S. Mission's Windows on America program check their luggage before boarding their flight to New York City.  The 10 students from schools throughout Bavaria will spend three days in New York before heading to the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., and to home-stays with American families in Virginia and Maryland.  The Windows on America program provides students of multicultural backgrounds the opportunity to be exposed to all aspects of American culture, education and society during the two-week trip.  For more on the Windows on America program, click here.

Biotech From Iowa
August 22,2007
Iowa farmers Varel Bailey and Jill E. Euken discussed agricultural biotech issues during a visit sponsored by the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  They addressed an audience of about 20 Bavarian stakeholders – agricultural scientists, members of Bavarian farming and environmental organizations and Agricultural Ministry officials  –  to share their experiences with and expertise about genetically modified organisms. The Bavarian participants voiced their concerns about green biotechnology, specifically about the looming market power of big seed producers.  Following the discussion, the visitors toured the research facilities of Bayerische Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft in Weihenstephan.
• Article in Freisinger Tagblatt:

Bavaria’s Medical Valley
August 16, 2007
Consul General Eric Nelson, Political/Economics Officer Tom Kelsey, and Economic Specialist Markus Wilhelm visited the IZMP (Innovation Center for Medical and Pharmaceutical Technology) in Erlangen, Bavaria’s “Medical Valley.” The IZMP is a local tech-firm incubator site, launched as a public-private partnership between the state, city, and Siemens and other firms.  Consul General Nelson also visited the Bavaria California Technology Center (BaCaTec) to discuss potential for increased cooperation, including with other states in addition to California. BaCaTeC is an initiative financed by the Bavarian state government to foster cooperation between Bavarian and Californian universities in the areas of life sciences, new materials, information and communication technologies, environmental technologies and mechatronics.  Since 2000 BaCaTec has provided funding to more than 150 joint projects.
From left to right: Dr. Rainer Rosenzweig from BaCaTec, Prof. Dr. Günther Greiner, Department of Information Science, Erlangen University, Consul General Eric Nelson, Prof. Dr. Karl-Dieter Grüske, Dean of Erlangen University.

Flying High - Virtually
August 9, 2007
Consul General Eric Nelson toured the Siemens Airport Center (SAC) in Fürth. The model airport, which was opened in 2005, is designed to test and develop solutions for airport services such as baggage handling, checking-in, and parking. The Siemens guides also demonstrated advanced security technologies for airports.  In a subsequent meeting Consul General Nelson discussed renewable energy issues with Siemens experts. The picture shows Consul General Eric Nelson taking a digital fingerprint while Stefan Poser from the Siemens Airport Center (left) and Jean Paul Peers from Siemens Power Generation & Transmission and Distribution look on.

The Lord of The Four Rings
August 8, 2007
Consul General Eric Nelson visited Audi’s headquarters in Ingolstadt and toured the adjacent factory. Next to BMW, Audi is Bavaria’s second premium car manufacturer. With roughly 31,000 staff the Audi headquarters and its production facilities are by far the largest employer in the area (total staff: 52,000).  The tour revealed Audi’s high standards of capital-intensive production, which operates mainly with industrial robots.
From left to right: Consul General Eric Nelson, Head of Audi U.S. Sales Walter Hanek, Economic Specialist Markus Wilhelm, U.S. Consulate Political/Economic Officer Thomas A. Kelsey, U.S. Consulate intern Laura Hammond.

Saving Energy With Cleantech
August 2, 2007
Consul General Eric Nelson visited the Schmack Biomethane Plant in Pliening.  The plant is capable of producing 40 million KWh/yr of electricity and 3.2 million cubic meters of natural gas-quality biomethane.  The biomethane is transported about 10 km via pipeline where it is used by power supplier "E.on Bayern," a partner in the project.  Methane output from the plant supports the natural gas needs of roughly 1,300 four-person households.  Schmack has teamed with the city of Akron, Ohio, to construct a $7 million plant that will use bacteria to convert sewage into electricity.  City officials say the operation will help reduce the $1.3 million Akron spends annually on electricity costs for sewage treatment, estimating that the operation will use 20-30 percent of the energy it generates.
From left to right: Consul General Eric Nelson, Head of Schmack Biogas AG R&D, Doris Schmack, Pol/Econ Officer Thomas A. Kelsey, Economic Specialist Markus Wilhelm, Head of Schmack Biogas AG International Business Ludwig Dinkloh.

A Foretaste of America
July 28, 2007

Ambassador William R. Timken Jr., Mrs. Sue Timken and Munich Consul General Eric Nelson invited the 10 teenagers selected for the first Bavarian “Windows on America” group, their parents and their chaperones to an All-American Barbecue at the Consul General's residence.  Also present was Bavarian Culture Minister Siegfried Schneider.  The Ambassador told the teens about the genesis of the program, emphasizing the great opportunity awaiting those who participate.  “Windows on America” is an initiative by U.S. Mission Germany to provide opportunities for minority students who have been traditionally underrepresented in exchange programs between the two nations to travel to the United States. The program provides students with a 10 day trip to the U.S.

Ambassador Timken in Swabia
July 26-28, 2007
Ambassador Timken was the keynote speaker at the Augsburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s annual Summer Fest.  The chamber’s annual event spotlights one country each year, and this year’s choice was the USA.  An audience of more than 500 – including Bundestag member Christian Ruck – listened to him hail a "New Era for Transatlantic Economic Cooperation".  He also spoke with regional press.   A local Augsburg TV station covered the Summer Fest. During his visit, Ambassador and Mrs. Timken met Prince and Princess Fugger-Babenhausen, the descendants of the influential Augsburg Fugger family and toured the oldest social housing estate still in use, the Fuggerei. The Timkens also attended the opening of the world-famous Bayreuth Opera Festival and the world’s largest medieval jousting tournament at Kaltenberg.
• Photo Gallery
• Augsburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s Summer Fest
• Article in „Bayerisch-Schwäbische Wirtschaft“, pp. 32-33

Against Forgetting the Unforgettable
July 21-23, 2007
J. Christian Kennedy (left), the State Department's Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, represented the United States at a memorial service and museum dedication at the Flossenbürg concentration camp.  Ambassador Kennedy met former Flossenbürg inmate and U.S. military veteran Jack Terry (right) during the ceremonies that were televised live on Bavarian television.  During his visit to Bavaria Ambassador Kennedy also visited Dachau concentration camp and met Charlotte Knobloch, President of Central Council of Jews in Germany, and Rabbi Steven Langnas at the new Jewish community center and synagogue in Munich.  He also met with Apostolic Delegate Friedrich Cardinal Wetter, the Archbishop Emeritus of Munich and Freising.

Honoring The Troops

July 20, 2007

Bavarian Minister President Edmund Stoiber (left) honored members of the Bundeswehr and U.S. Armed Forces in Bavaria at a reception at the U.S. Grafenwöhr Training Area.  This traditional "soldiers reception" is usually held in Munich, but Minister President Stoiber moved the event this year in recognition of the importance of Grafenwöhr.  He called the presence of U.S. Armed Forces in Europe, Germany and Bavaria "indispensable as an anchor for security and stability in Europe."  General David D. McKiernan (right), commander of U.S. Army Forces Europe, described the ceremony as an example of the enduring and positive relationship between the American and German militaries.  Acting Consul General Patricia Guy represented the U.S. Consulate General at the reception.  Christian Schmidt, Undersecretary of the Federal Ministry of Defense also attended the event in the new fitness center at Grafenwöhr.

Windows on America
July 14, 2007
The first Bavarian participants in the Windows on America program - which enables German youth of immigrant background to go on an educational journey in the USA - gathered at the headquarters of the Bavarian partner organization Talent im Land/Bildungspakt Bayern, in Munich to prepare for their 10-day stay in New York, Washington D.C. and Virginia. The 10 teenagers were briefed on procedures, schedules and cultural differences by US Consulate General Munich's Public Affairs Officer Patricia Guy and Consular Officer Caroline Price as well as US Embassy's Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer Ruth Anne Stevens.

A Visit to Eschenbach
July 10, 2007
Patricia Guy, the U.S. Consulate's Consul for Public Affairs visited Gymnasium Eschenbach and delivered a speech on "Multiculturalism in the United States" to 35 senior students and their teachers. She also met with school principal Paul Lippert, the vice mayor of Eschenbach Peter Hübl, the lord mayor of Grafenwöhr Helmuth Wächter, and representatives from the nearby U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwöhr. Consul Guy encouraged closer ties between Gymnasium Eschenbach and the new schools being built for American students whose families are stationed at USAG Grafenwöhr. The photo shows from left to right: Alexander Pausch from "Der Neue Tag", Patricia Guy, Helmuth Wächter and Peter Hübl. Article in "Der Neue Tag"

An Invitation to the Festival City
July 9, 2007

At the invitation of Hartmut Koschyk, member of the German Parliament, Consul General Eric Nelson visited the famous festival city of Bayreuth. He met with Lord Mayor Dr. Michael Hohl and walked through the park and castle grounds at Eremitage, the Margravian Opera House and Castle Schreez. During his visit he toured Müller Stanz- und Umformtechnik GmbH and spoke about U.S.-Franconian business ties with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Craft Trades. In the evening, he spoke to an invited audience of 150 on the "Importance and Revitalization of the Transatlantic Partnership." The photo shows Dr. Michael Hohl (left), Eric Nelson (center) and Hartmut Koschyk (right).
• Consul General Eric Nelson’s remarks

Happy Fourth of July!
July 3, 2007
More than 800 guests from politics, business, culture and religious communities pre-celebrated America’s 231st birthday with Consul General Eric Nelson. In his remarks he talked about the "Dream Team Bavaria-America" and praised the excellent Bavarian-American economic and political ties. It was also the first birthday of the Munich consulate’s visa section. The visa section facilitates travel of Bavarian exchange students, journalists and professionals to the U.S. by improving the visa application process with latest technology. The Bavarian government was represented by Justice Minister Dr. Beate Merk (center left). Consul General Eric Nelson’s remarks (pdf) | Photo Gallery

4-D: Digital, Dynamic, Diverse, Democratic
July 2-4, 2007

High School And Member of Parliament Invite Consul General Nelson
June 29, 2007
At the invitation of Feodor-Lynen-Gymnasium in Planegg near Munich and alumnus and member of the German Parliament, Georg Fahrenschon (right), Consul General Eric Nelson (second from left) took part in a discussion on U.S.-German relations with German English language students and exchange students from a Philadelphia suburban high school. Some 50 students and their teachers engaged the Consul General and Mr. Fahrenschon with questions on such diverse topics as environmental protection, tax laws and home schooling.

Consul General Nelson Keynote Speaker at German-American Society
June 28, 2007
Franconia’s active German-American Society of West Middle Franconia joined forces with Sielaff Company in Herrieden for a business roundtable, reception and presentation by Consul General Eric Nelson. After touring the Sielaff vending machine production, Consul General Nelson offered advise on US market entry prospects for German small and medium enterprises and signed the Golden Book of Herrieden. The ensuing evening reception featured Consul General Nelson as keynote speaker. Over 120 leading citizens of the region attended the event. During his visit to Franconia Consul General Nelson toured Ansbach Army Garrison, discussing relations with surrounding communities, current projects and plans for the future. He also met with soldiers and was impressed by the soldiers’ various ties to Germany – be they extended deployment, inherited or self-chosen family ties.

"Global Georgia, State of Innovation"
June 28, 2007
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue (right) led a trade delegation from the state of Georgia on a visit to Bavaria. In talks with Minister President Edmund Stoiber and other government and industry leaders, Perdue noted the strong similarities between Georgia and Bavaria - former agricultural regions investing heavily in education to become leaders in technology sectors - and discussed ways to expand the partnership. The third fastest growing state in the U.S., Georgia is already home to 85 Bavarian firms. Consul General Eric Nelson (left) hosted a reception where Governor and Mrs. Perdue greeted more than 130 guests. Georgia's trade office in Munich and the consulate's commercial section provide advice and assistance to firms interested in doing business in the U.S. Governor Sonny Perdue’s Business Mission Blog

Deputy Chief of Mission Adresses Nuremberg Security Conference
June 22, 2007
Deputy Chief of Mission John Koenig addressed a high-level gathering of German policy makers, military, and NGO leaders in the “Nuremberg Security Conference 2007”, sponsored by the FDP-affiliated ThomasDehler Foundation, the Clausewitz Society of active and retired German flag officers, the German Armed Forces Association and the “Nürnberger Zeitung”. His presentation focused on the U.S. as a force for peace and stability in the world. Other presenters included the former UNEP chief Klaus Toepfer, the Archbishop of Bamberg Ludwig Schick, the chair of the Defense committee in the German parliament Ulrike Mertens and Bundeswehr deputy joint chief of staff Johann-Georg Dora.  Deputy Chief of Mission John Koenig and Consul General Eric Nelson also met with senior editors of regional print and electronic media.

U.S. Policy Course at Munich Political Science College
June 15-18, June 23-24, 2007
Professor Edwina Campbell, professor of national security studies at the Air University's Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama spent two weekends lecturing and teaching at Munich’s venerable “Hochschule für Politik”, the first post-war college of political science. Her lecture on June 15 attracted over 60 students and faculty; her ‘for credit’ course on “Whither Grand Strategy: Decision Making in U.S. National Security Policy” has twenty advanced students. With this U.S. policy course offering, which is hoped to become an annual or bi-annual cooperation, the Consulate is assuring an important U.S. input into the curriculum of an institution that attracts students dedicated to public policy careers as well as mid-career policy makers and administrators.

Transatlantic Market Entry
June 22, 2007

Isabella Cascarano, chief commercial officer at Munich Consulate and alumnus-turned-entrepreneur Karl Leutschaft discussed market entry of German and U.S. companies on the respective other side of the Atlantic in a panel organized by the officers/students of international management at German Armed Forces University in Neubiberg. Over 20 students and faculty of the institute engaged the panelists in an "action-learning" experience. The university magazine Hochschulkurier covered the event and the university’s media center recorded it for future internal use. 

U.S.-China-Europe Policy Triangle Discussed
June 18, 2007

East-West Center president Charles Morrison engaged in a discussion of mutual policy concerns with some 20 members of the "Asia" community at Amerika Haus Munich.  China's role in the WTO Doha round, the "strategic economic dialogues" of both the U.S. and the EU, Chinese foreign investment and energy policy, and intellectual property protection were some of the issues at the center of the exchange with Bavarian bankers, corporate economists, consultants and research analysts.   The photo shows Dr. Charles Morrison and Siemens Corporation strategy director Dr. Ulrike Reisach at Amerika Haus Munich.

Speaking Lakota
June 13, 2007
State Department Director for Austria, Germany and Switzerland Affairs Patrick Moon (second from right), accompanied by Consul General Eric Nelson (far right), Consulate Political/Economic Officer Tom Kelsey (center), Embassy Berlin Political-Military Officer Bill Moeller (far left), and Consulate Economic Specialist Markus Wilhelm (second from left) visited Eurocopter Germany's headquarters and helicopter production facility in Donauwörth. The group received a briefing on Eurocopter's extensive worldwide operations and observed the manufacture of several helicopter models, most notably the UH-72A "Lakota," being produced by Eurocopter for the U.S. Army.
• Eurocopter

The Encarta Africana
June 13, 2007

Islam and Globalization From U.S.-Arab Perspective
June 11-15, 2007

The Public Affairs section of the U.S. Consulate General cooperated with the Technical University Munich International Office in a program of lectures and films on "Islam and Globalization". As keynote-speaker Washington/Amman-based Professor Mohamed Rabie discussed the role of culture and science in the globalization age as well as the rise of Islamic fundamentalism with two groups of over 80 international and German students and faculty. The photo shows Professor Rabie (right), Dr. Beate Rattay-Förstl, Director of the International Student Center at the Technical University Munich (left) and Professor Dr. Hachim Haddouti, BMW and Associate Professor Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco (second from left).

New York University Professor Discusses Jewish History
June 5-7, 2007
Prof. Hasia Diner was a key speaker on Holocaust memory of American Jews at events in Bayreuth, Regensburg and at the Banz Monastery Educational Center (Upper Franconia).  Her roundtable discussions in Bayreuth and Banz were part of an international seminar on “War, Genocide and Totalitarianism in the 20th Century.”  There and at the University of Regensburg Prof. Diner discussed her upcoming book, Fitting Memorials – Postwar Jews Confront the Catastrophe, in which she traced the emergence of a Jewish American culture of Holocaust memory to directly after the postwar period, rebutting earlier works linking it to the late 1960s. 

"The Happy End of Bavaria"
June 1, 2007
Consul General Eric Nelson (center) and Principal Commercial Officer Isabella Cascarano (right) met with Hermann Merschroth, Vice President and Director General of AGCO/Fendt at the Fendt production facility in Marktoberdorf in Bavaria. The AGCO Corporation is a major worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, and Fendt is the corporation's new high-tech brand for highest demands. Vice President Merschroth welcomed his guests and gave an overview of Fendt's history as a tractor manufacturer, highlighting the firm's acquisition in 1997 by U.S. agricultural industrial giant AGCO. AGCO's global retail network opened key export markets for Fendt tractors, ensuring the continued growth of the Fendt brand despite a declining domestic market Consul General Nelson and Principal Commercial Officer Cascarano were given an extensive tour of Fendt's production facilities and a tour of the museum. They are seen here standing with Vice President Merschroth reviewing one of Fendt's early tractor models. Consul General Nelson also visited Lindau, located on a small island on the edge of Lake Constance in the westernmost corner of Bavaria. Lord Mayor Petra Seidl welcomed the Consul General in her office.

Bamberg Welcomes Consul General Nelson
May 30, 2007
During his tour to one of Bavaria's most scenic cities, Consul General Eric Nelson met with editors of the regional daily Fränkischer Tag, the newly-elected Lord Mayor Andreas Starke, the Bamberg University president Professor Dr. Godehard Ruppert and Professor Dr. Friedrich Heckmann (right) at the leading think tank European Forum for Migration Studies. Consul General Nelson provided input and perspective on a wide range of policy issues from climate change, transatlantic relations, Iraq and Iran, to academic exchanges and immigration. He also called on the commander of the U.S. Army Garrison in Bamberg, still one of the largest in the state, and learned about its excellent community relations.
Interview in Fränkischer Tag

Visa Section Informs About Study Options in the U.S.
May 30, 2007

"Auf ins Ausland" is the title of a series of lectures and presentations that Munich’s Ludwig-Maximilians-University dedicates to study abroad options. Over 100 students attended a presentation by Consul Lisa Washburn (left) and Angelica Holle on study in the U.S. that provided information on how to prepare and submit a visa application along with the necessary forms, what some of the specific requirements are and the expected time frame for such a transaction. A lively Q&A session concluded the presentation.

As American As Apple Pie
May 16, 2007 
A group of twenty-two fourth graders from the Munich Grundschule an der Ichostraße learned about and tasted the all-American dessert of apple pie at the Giesing city library. Consul Patricia Guy read from "Johnny Appleseed" and "How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World" as part of a lively and delicious program on food around the world. The children got the chance to taste and smell typical dishes from other countries as well and learned how to say "Guten Appetit" in many languages. More than 90 percent of the fourth graders come from countries other than Germany. Consul Guy also presented the library with a collection of English-language books for children about food and nutrition.
Photo gallery 

Putting the YOU in Youth
April 2007
The State Department is pleased to announce its new Web page highlighting electronic publications for younger audiences. The Web page can be accessed at: Student Corner. "Student Corner" leads off with "USA History in Brief," which is the first title in the new print publication series for younger audiences called "In Brief." Four other publications are also singled out as helpful guides for students. These are two eJournals "Snapshot USA" and "College and University Education in the U.S." and two print ones "How the U.S. Is Governed" and "Women of Influence." The page offers links to additional publications and eJournals under the sections labeled "Facts," "Feelings," "Ideas," and "Stories." "Student Corner" will be updated as additional eJournals, "In Brief," and other electronic publications are published. Check it out! Let us know what you think about Student Corner. Send comments to ircmunich(more)

Fürth Celebrates its 1000
March 26, 2007
The Franconian city of Fürth is marking its 1000th birthday with a year of events, including sports events, lectures and discussions. The topic of one of these lectures at the Kulturforum was "Fürth and America." Reinhild Kreis (second from left), a doctoral candidate at Munich's Ludwig-Maximilians-University, described the long history of interaction between America and the so-called Cloverleaf City (Kleeblattstadt) going back to the Fürth citizens who fought in the American Revolutionary War. Henry Kissinger, the former U.S. Secretary of State and Nobel Peace Prize winner, is often cited as Fürth's most famous citizen who emigrated to America, but the Ochs family also claims roots in Fürth. Patricia Guy (second from right), the U.S. Consulate's Consul for Public Affairs and Acting Consul General, reminded the audience that the Ochs family built the New York Times into the world-famous newspaper it is today. Fürth Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Jung (left) and Prof. Andreas Falke (right), director of the German-American Institute, also spoke at the event.
• Patricia Guy’s remarks
• 1000 years Fürth
(more)