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57th Anniversary of German-French Friendship Treaty
1/22/2020
For the first time, the French and the Germans staged an event together in Charlotte and it turned out to be a success. In order to celebrate the 57th Anniversary of German-French Friendship Treaty (and its renewal a year ago in Aachen by Chancellor Merkel and President Macron), The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation and the Alliance Française joined forces and about 35 people came together spontaneously. Everybody thought the idea was great, enjoyed the event and it is the intention shared by all to put such an event on bigger feet next year.
GACC New Year Reception
1/17/2020
On Friday, Jan. 17, Klaus Becker and his wife Concha attended the New Year’s Reception of the GACC – North Carolina Chapter. This was a special event since it was also the farewell of the GAVV-Atlanta’s long time President and CEO Steffi Ziska. Becker had known her for more than 14 years and recognized her as a capable leader in the AHK-world who has a vision and the means to realize her goals with energy and personal impetus while being, at the same time, a warm and compassionate woman on a personal basis. He wished her all the best for her new endeavors in Croatia.
New Year’s Reception of the GACC in Greenville, SC
1/8/2020
On Jan. 8, Klaus Becker attended the New Year’s Reception of the GACC in Greenville, SC which took place in the wonderful premises of Clemson University. He addressed the guests in order to advertise the possibility for Germans living in both Carolinas to have their passports renewed (by re-application) in Charlotte. This spares them the trip to Atlanta which many find takes more time and it is for some cumbersome to find their way in the middle of the high rise buildings in downtown Atlanta. In Charlotte it is easy: go to the parking lot, pay no parking fees and get into the building. Also, by providing this service in Charlotte, the overall waiting times could be reduced.
N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation Christmas Party 2019
12/15/2019
The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation’s successful year ended accordingly: in pure elegance, on a high note: selected 65 guests enjoyed an evening in relaxed atmosphere, in a gorgeously decorated space, with champagne, excellent food and wine. Klaus Becker, the German Honorary Consul and chairman of the foundation, commended the guests for being brave by overcoming prevailing triskaidekaphobia (the fear of the number 13); after all, this prestigious event took place on Friday, the 13th! The evening was accompanied by Opera Carolina Soprano Amanda Sesler and Tenor Johnathan White who stunningly performed arias by Puccini, Léhar and Verdi. The guests were completely moved by the vocal presence and asked for a daccapo. One of the guests remarked: "Last night was a wonderful evening and my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The food was great, the singers were amazing, and the other guests were, once again, very nice. Thank you for the invitation and your warm hospitality." What a wonderful way to finish the year.
DSC Weihnachtsfeier 2019
12/14/2019
One of the supreme tasks of a German Honorary Consul in Charlotte is to greet the teaching staff of the Deutsche Schule, the parents and the more than 230 children at the occasion of their Christmas Party. A task which Becker has been fulfilling with great pleasure, especially since -many years ago- his own daughter Fiorella went to the school and now speaks perfect German. The Santa who provides the kids with little gifts is Karl Bleimann, "deutsches Urgestein" (veteran) in the Charlotte German Community, who has been doing this service fondly and proudly for more than 30 years. Also in the pictures: Chair Patrick Oltmann, President Sigrid Haas-Belluz, Founding members Kai Schnaidt and Friedel Farkouh.
Review of the Office of the Honorary Consul
12/13/2019
We recently received this lovely and personal review from a visitor at the Offices of the Honorary Consul:
Traditional Christmas Dinner of the Alliance Française
12/12/2019
On Thursday, Dec. 12, Klaus Becker and his wife Concha joined the traditional Christmas Dinner of the Alliance Française. At the same time, the Alliance celebrated its 70th anniversary and the Christmas Dinner took place for the 60th time. The event was hosted at the really quaint restaurant Global on Main Street in Pineville, with excellent food. The pictures show Lydie Surget, the president of AF, her right hand Nathalie, a friend Sylvie and the chef and owner of the restaurant.
Alliance Française and The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation plan an exciting event for the end of January 2020 to celebrate the 57th Anniversary of the German-French Friendship Treaty. To be continued.
Alliance Française and The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation plan an exciting event for the end of January 2020 to celebrate the 57th Anniversary of the German-French Friendship Treaty. To be continued.
Christmas Party at the Triad German Club Sunday
12/8/2019
Marliese Francis, President of the Triad German Club in Winston-Salem, invited Honorary Consul Klaus Becker to the Christmas Party of the German social club and he attended with his wife Concha and their good friend Berkley von Feilitzsch, who is very familiar with the arts scene of this great town. He is assisting to stage a great event during the next artists tour TEASE – Transatlantic Exhibition of Art in the Southeast 2020 in Winston-Salem.
Becker gave a brief Christmas speech starting with the remarks that he immediately took the Triad German Club into his heart (in sein Herz geschlossen) when he saw the Silesian home made poppy seed cake with sugar glaze (as only his mother had made and since she passed away he reported that he had resigned to the fact that he would never be able to enjoy this delicacy from Silesia ever again). In general, the party was well prepared, with great love to detail, the Christmas Story and poems were read, and plenty of German Christmas songs sung.
The coronation was a buffet with wonderful delicious cold cuts and good bread - just like an Abendbrot / Vesper in good ol’ Germany.
It was a pleasure to attend.
Becker gave a brief Christmas speech starting with the remarks that he immediately took the Triad German Club into his heart (in sein Herz geschlossen) when he saw the Silesian home made poppy seed cake with sugar glaze (as only his mother had made and since she passed away he reported that he had resigned to the fact that he would never be able to enjoy this delicacy from Silesia ever again). In general, the party was well prepared, with great love to detail, the Christmas Story and poems were read, and plenty of German Christmas songs sung.
The coronation was a buffet with wonderful delicious cold cuts and good bread - just like an Abendbrot / Vesper in good ol’ Germany.
It was a pleasure to attend.
Asian Chamber Holiday Reception December 2020
12/5/2019
On Thursday, December 5, Honorary Consul Klaus Becker and his wife Concha attended the Holiday Reception of the Asian-American Chamber, convened by John Chen in the new (public) CMS-Chinese-Immersion School, one of only 8 in the nation. The picture shows Klaus Becker and his wife Concha, Dr. Nini Bautista, President of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas and Andrea Lee of Hissho Sushi.
Honorary Consul Klaus Becker meets Hornets' Mascot
12/4/2019
Klaus Becker has a new friend. He met with the Hornets’ mascot at the big celebration of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance during which the they bestowed the award on the Hornets’ General Manager Fred Whitfield to be 2019 Citizen of the Carolinas Honoree. What a great guy, a huge contributor to Charlotte’s community!
Career Booster Day UNCC
11/18/2019
Honorary Consul Klaus Becker visited UNCC on Monday, November 18, 2019, to give remarks regarding the necessity to learn another language in general and the prospective importance of learning German in particular, in front of 400 high school students from the region who wanted to learn about ways and means to prepare themselves for the professional life after high school. At least one other foreign language spoken fluently is a ‘MUST’ in today’s global world was Klaus Becker’s message.
Speech at USC Upstate in Spartanburg
11/9/2019
At the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Fall of the Wall, Honorary Consul and chairman of the N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation Klaus Becker gave a speech to the topic: 70 Years of Peace – 30 Years Fall of the Wall - Where does the History Snail Go?- The event took place at the premises of the Mittelstands-Company Menzel in Spartanburg whose lawn adjacent to I-85 was decorated with two original pieces of the Wall between the two Germanys.
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Austrian National Holiday Celebration 2019
10/25/2019
On Friday, Oct 25, 2019, Honorary Consul Klaus Becker and his wife Concha attended the celebrations of the Austrian National Holiday at OMB. Since the Austrian Honorary Consul could not attend, Klaus was cordially accepted as a substitute.
International Rotary Gala - Global Service Award
10/15/2019
Every year, the Rotary International of Charlotte bestows the Global Service Award on a selected, deserving member of the Community. In 2019, Honorary Consul Klaus Becker was the guest of honor and the recipient of this prestigious Award. The celebration took place in the festive Charlotte City Club on October 15. In his thank-you speech, Becker stressed the importance of diversification in the Community, the respect for others and minorities, and the furtherance and strengthening of global relations, especially concerning transatlantic ties. This Award is certainly a great honor.
Delegation of German Teachers Visiting Charlotte - Atlantic-Bridge
10/15/2019
The Atlantic-Bridge, in their mission to further strengthen transatlantic relations, organizes a yearly exchange of teachers under the guidance of board member Karsten Uhlmann. This year, the German delegation also came to Charlotte and Honorary Consul Klaus Becker met with them for an intensive exchange of ideas. Becker also used this opportunity to tell the visiting group about German heritage in the area and more about the background of Queen Charlotte in Mecklenburg County. The feedback was very positive: "It was a candid and fruitful discussion that helped set the tone for our [the delegation's] visit here in NC."
AHK Atlanta Visiting Charlotte with Delegation from Thuringia
10/10/2019
On Oct. 10, 2019, AHK Atlanta visited Charlotte with a delegation from Thuringia. They were received by Honorary Consul Klaus Becker at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. It was an opportunity to meet old friends again who had participated in a sister city event about the Forest of Thuringia organized by Gastonia and Gera in 2017. Klaus Becker had once established first ties to this wonderful East German State in collaboration with former President of the State Parliament Christian Carius, and, later, Minister of the Interior Wolfgang Tiefensee.
'Day of German Unity' at UNC Greensboro
10/3/2019
To celebrate the new national holiday ‚Day of German Unity‘, Honorary Consul Klaus Becker gave a speech at UNC Greensboro on Oct. 2, 2019. Prof. Brooke Kreitinger had invited him to speak about Germany to a selected group of students from various departments: Languages, History, Geography, Political Sciences and International Studies. Also, representatives of other academic institutions with German departments attended: from Lenoir Rhyne University and High Point University. Topic was the history of Germany in the Southeast and the Reunification of the two Germany’s on Oct. 3, 1990.
El Grito - Mexican Day of Indepenence
9/22/2019
On Sunday, Sep. 22, 2019, Honorary Consul Klaus Becker and his wife Concha, a native of Mexico, attended the Celebrations of the Day of Mexican Independence ‘El Grito’ in Charlotte as guests of honor. Over 15,000 Mexicans attended this big and impressive festival. Charlotte’s Mayor Vi Lyles, Mecklenburg County’s Charlotte’s Garry McFadden and, of course, the Mexican Honorary Consul Wayne Cooper and his wife Judy were among the other guests of honor.
The Consul General of Mexico Claudia Velasco gave her traditional El Grito-Speech (interacting with the crowds) and then executed the traditional waving of the Mexican flag.
The Consul General of Mexico Claudia Velasco gave her traditional El Grito-Speech (interacting with the crowds) and then executed the traditional waving of the Mexican flag.
Speech for Wharton School of Business and Harvard Business School Alumni
9/19/2019
On September 19, Honorary Consul Klaus Becker spoke, upon invitation of Andy Cohen and John Griffith, to a wonderful group of alumni of Wharton School of Business and Harvard Business School. It was a great honor to be invited by such international and open-minded people, always ready for an intellectual exchange of thoughts and ideas. Becker talked about the topic: “ Partners: Germany and the Carolinas- Reflections and Opportunities - “ The speech was well received and followed up by a lively Q+A session.
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Birthday Celebration for the Old Stone House
9/19/2019
On Friday, Sep. 19, the Rowan Museum in Salisbury honored the birthday of their Old Stone House which was built in 1766 by Michael Braun from Ruschberg in Rhineland Palatinate. It is the oldest preserved stone structure in North Carolina. The Museum’s Director Aaron Kepley put together a wonderful, very detailed evening program with excellent German food and barbecue honoring the board, sponsors and friends of The Old Stone Home. In his key-note, Honorary Consul Klaus Becker emphasized the importance of maintaining the German heritage in our region and the necessity to further strengthen the civic bonds between the people of Germany and the United States. This was an event which fit perfectly into the agenda of the special motto “Wunderbar Together” of the Deutschlandjahr ("German Year").
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50 Years of Truetzschler in the United States
9/7/2019
On Saturday, Sep. 7, 2019, Honorary Consul Klaus Becker and his wife Concha were invited to attend the celebrations of Truetzschler’s Anniversary of 50 years in the United States, of 50 successful years in Charlotte. Truetzschler is a typical Mittelstands-Company (small and medium-sized enterprise) which form the real backbone of Germany’s robust economy: often over hundred years old, always in control of families who pass on the baton from generation to generation. In the case of Truetzschler, the fifth generation is getting ready to enter the starting blocks.
Many textile machinery producers have not survived the down-turn of the textile industry in our area. Truetzschler did. By innovative changing course, among others into the direction of non-woven, they have found a new niche where they are applying their world-leading technology again.
Klaus Becker’s remarks, which were well received by the audience and particularly the owner family and top management, especially pointed out the steadfast importance of this huge segment of the Europe’s strongest economy, the German Mittelstand, famous for its innovations and dedication to thorough dual vocational training.
Many textile machinery producers have not survived the down-turn of the textile industry in our area. Truetzschler did. By innovative changing course, among others into the direction of non-woven, they have found a new niche where they are applying their world-leading technology again.
Klaus Becker’s remarks, which were well received by the audience and particularly the owner family and top management, especially pointed out the steadfast importance of this huge segment of the Europe’s strongest economy, the German Mittelstand, famous for its innovations and dedication to thorough dual vocational training.
Inauguration AA Flight to Munich
3/30/2019
On March 30, 2019, Honorary Consul Klaus Becker and his wife were invited to attend the official Ribbon Cutting when the new American Airlines flight Charlotte-Munich was inaugurated. Mayor Vi Lyles and AA-Hub Director Dec Lee were spearheading the ribbon cutting activities at the gate. This is the first all-year-round international flight in twenty years which was put into operation at the Charlotte International Airport. This third daily non-stop flight to Germany emphasizes the importance of German Industry and Trade in the Charlotte area.
Annette Schavan’s visit in the German News
2/23/2019
Annette Schavan’s visit in Charlotte was worth a headline in her home town’s news paper.
German Ambassador Emily Haber visits Charlotte
1/15/2019
On January 15 and 16, the German Ambassador Emily Haber visited Charlotte. First station was the Government Center where she met with mayor pro term Julie Eiselt.
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Afterwards, we met with Governor Roy Cooper.
Honorary Consul Klaus Becker introduced Ambassador Haber.
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The hole key-note speech can be watched online if you click on this picture.
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Honorary Consuls of Germany, Hungary and France with Governor Roy Cooper.
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WACC LJ Stambuk posed with the Ambassador and Klaus Becker.
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In the afternoon, we visited SIEMENS:
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The next morning, the group around Ambasador Haber moved on to Central Piedmoint Community College (CPCC). The German Ambassador toured CPCC's Apprenticeship Program.
Consul General DR. Fuller, Mike Hogan, Chris Paynter, Ambassador Haber, Dr. Deitemeyer, Pres. of CPCC, Klaus Becker and Richard Zollinger
N.C. Zeitgeist Chairman in Front of Little Angels
12/3/2018
Charlotte—Klaus Becker, Honorary Consul and Chairman of The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation, visited on Monday, December 3, together with Susanne Bless, a German teacher, a group of 27 preschoolers called The Little Angels. The audience, elegantly dressed for the big event, was patiently waiting for the guest speaker’s arrival in the little ante-room. The discussion included important German topics like Pretzels, Gummibären (Gummi Bears), Bratwurst, Disney Castle and its original in Germany, Cinderella and Hänsel & Gretel.
Small tokens were distributed on behalf of the Honorary Consulate and the Consulate General in Atlanta, including the traditional German advent calendars whose 24 doors will be opened – one by one – until December 24 and of, course, German flags, which were waved with great joy.
Small tokens were distributed on behalf of the Honorary Consulate and the Consulate General in Atlanta, including the traditional German advent calendars whose 24 doors will be opened – one by one – until December 24 and of, course, German flags, which were waved with great joy.
Germany in the Carolinas
11/29/2018
Winston-Salem, NC—German Honorary Consul and Chairman of The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation, Klaus Becker, gave a speech on “Germany in the Carolinas – Reflections and Opportunities” to students of high schools in Winston-Salem and students of the University at Wake Forest on November 29, 2018. The highlight was a power point presentation showing points of touristic and technical interest throughout Germany. One of the teachers reported the comments of one of his students with the words: “"Hallo! I didn't get the chance to thank you. That was fun. One of my students said he never knew it was possible to listen to someone talk for that long and not only enjoy it but want to hear more. Take that as the Gospel -- high schoolers are brutally honest.”
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John B. Emerson, Former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Keynote Speaker at Dinner Reception
11/9/2018
Charlotte, October 24, 2018—The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation co-hosted, together with the American Council on Germany, a dinner reception for John Emerson who served as United States Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany from 2013 to 2017.
The event at the Charlotte City Club was attended by selected representatives of the city administration and the business community, especially leaders of larger German corporations and German ‘Mittelstand’ companies. Mayor pro tem Julie Eiselt represented the city of Charlotte.
Ambassador Emerson talked about his time as America’s highest ranking diplomat in Berlin under the chancellorship of Angela Merkel, provided his view on the current political climate between the two countries and engaged in an animated conversation on how the civic relations could further be strengthened and reinforced.
The dinner was generously sponsored by American Emo Trans.
The event at the Charlotte City Club was attended by selected representatives of the city administration and the business community, especially leaders of larger German corporations and German ‘Mittelstand’ companies. Mayor pro tem Julie Eiselt represented the city of Charlotte.
Ambassador Emerson talked about his time as America’s highest ranking diplomat in Berlin under the chancellorship of Angela Merkel, provided his view on the current political climate between the two countries and engaged in an animated conversation on how the civic relations could further be strengthened and reinforced.
The dinner was generously sponsored by American Emo Trans.
The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation Hosts its 3rd Successful Biennial TEASE – Transatlantic Exhibition of Art in the Southeast
10/19/2018
The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation hosted its 3rd biennial Transatlantic Exhibition of Art in the Southeast at the elegant Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art in Charlotte on October 3 as well as at Appalachian State University in Boone on October 5, 2018. The Foundation’s curator Johanna Steinz worked for the 2018 tour with the German artist Christian Ristau as well as with Charlotte-based artists Regine Bechtler, Terry Thirion and Isaac Payne and, in Boone, also with Christine Perry. The numerous visitors experienced a wonderfully stimulating and entertaining ambience as the artists personally interacted with them and showcased their refreshing mix of sculpture, painting and open-minded presence.
TEASE – Transatlantic Exhibition of Art in the Southeast 2018 was part of the initiative Deutschlandjahr USA. Under the slogan “Wunderbar together”, the year of German-American Friendship 2018/19 (Deutschlandjahr USA) promotes events and exhibitions featuring modern Germany across the United States in the fields of politics, culture, education, science, business, and industry. The project is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, implemented by the Goethe-Institute and supported by the Federation of German Industries (BDI). Additional support for TEASE 2018 was provided by International Ceramic Construction, Lufthansa and Kühne + Nagel.
TEASE – Transatlantic Exhibition of Art in the Southeast 2018 was part of the initiative Deutschlandjahr USA. Under the slogan “Wunderbar together”, the year of German-American Friendship 2018/19 (Deutschlandjahr USA) promotes events and exhibitions featuring modern Germany across the United States in the fields of politics, culture, education, science, business, and industry. The project is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, implemented by the Goethe-Institute and supported by the Federation of German Industries (BDI). Additional support for TEASE 2018 was provided by International Ceramic Construction, Lufthansa and Kühne + Nagel.
Charlotte
Boone
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