German Minister for Foreign Affairs, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, got a first-hand introduction to German American Cultural Foundation activities during his visit to Atlanta on March 13.
At a luncheon with representatives of the German American Business Community in the Southeast, organized by Consul General Christoph Sander, GACF board members Martin Richenhagen (AGCO), Sascha Keipert (Siemens), and Dr. Eike Jordan (Jordan Inter Consult) explained the unique supporting role the Foundation fulfills for the German Cultural Center and the German School of Atlanta, and other efforts to strengthen German American language teaching and cultural exchange.
Minister Steinmeier, who was accompanied by the German Ambassador to the U.S., Peter Wittig, was specifically impressed by the survival of the Goethe Zentrum made possible by private initiative, strong leadership, and a broad membership base.