Non-members: $60
*Please note registration at the door is $60.
*Online registration closes on February 9 at 1 PM CT
Register now for the German American Business Outlook in Illinois on Monday, February 12, 2024!
What are the biggest challenges German subsidiaries in the US face in 2024? What’s going well?
The German American Business Outlook (GABO) is an annual survey of German-American business relations directed at German subsidiaries in the US assessing current economic developments and trends in transatlantic business.
Join us in Illinois on Monday, February 12 for the live presentation and discussion of the results of the German American Business Outlook (GABO) survey, and learn what German companies in the US predict for the coming year.
Conducted by the German American Chambers of Commerce, this US-wide survey is one of the most important economic indicators of German American business relations.
Our panel of executives will discuss the results of the survey and what they mean for German subsidiaries in the Midwest.
Your registration includes presentation of GABO survey results with a panelist of experts, Q & A, networking, appetizers/light meal, and refreshments. Cash bar available.
Stephanie Dal Porto
Coordinator, Events & Membership2024 GABO IL Program
Official Event Partner
GABO IL Panelists
Bruce Comiskey, Wintrust Bank
Executive Vice President, Multinational Commercial Banking
A global banking veteran, Bruce has spent the last 20+ years of his banking career working with multinational corporations. More specifically, with US inbound foreign investment. Having spent over three years working in Belgium, he has a unique perspective on European investment and the challenges that may arise.
Founded in 1991, Wintrust Financial Corporation is a financial holding company based in Chicago, Illinois. Through our multiple companies and divisions, we provide traditional International and commercial banking services, wealth management solutions, retail services, and more. We serve our commercial clients throughout the US and have been recognized repeatedly by JD Power for our outstanding service model.
James Nestel, Simon Hegele Healthcare Solutions
CEO - Americas & Asia Pacific
James Nestel has over 25 years of leadership experience in logistics and operations, including more than 18 years in the healthcare industry focused on diagnostic imaging equipment manufacturing, installation, and servicing. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Ohio, has a bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering, and an MBA in Operations Management. Today, James leads the overseas divisions of Germany based Simon Hegele Healthcare Solutions, including their locations in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Singapore.
Established in 2004, Simon Hegele Healthcare Solutions provides highly customized logistic services along the supply chain for high tech manufacturers and suppliers that go beyond the scope of shipping, storage, and packaging. Based on the commitment to achieve the highest degree of customer satisfaction, Simon Hegele’s service portfolio includes value added services such as installations, repairs, and refurbishment of high-tech equipment granting single source reliability to our international clients. Simon Hegele’s dedicated team of more than 100 highly-trained employees offers flexible and innovative solutions to consistently meet our customers’ needs.
Lisa Browning, Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corporation
US Head of Human Resources
Lisa Browning is the US Head of Human Resources at Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corporation, a medical device manufacturer located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Her experience encompasses the entire employment lifecycle including talent acquisition, training and development, employee relations, and total rewards. Dedicated to strategic HR initiatives that drive the business, Lisa is passionate about providing a great employee experience that motivates team members to accomplish common goals.
Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corporation is the first and largest subsidiary of Richard Wolf GmbH, a global leader in minimally invasive surgery. Through our careful collaboration with respected surgeons and industry leaders, we have built a portfolio that is as innovative as it is extensive. Used for a wide range of procedures, our endoscopes, hand instruments, and working elements are designed to meet the needs of surgeons and ensure the health of patients.
Mario Kahlert, Siemens Smart Infrastructure
Vice President Siemens Building Products Americas
Mario Kahlert runs the Building Products Business for Siemens in the USA and Americas. He is responsible for Sales, Product Development and Manufacturing in the USA since 2021, located in the Chicago area. Before he was the business head of Siemens Fire Safety globally with teams around the world. He has the 25 years jubilee with Siemens coming up in 2024 and covered various roles in Strategy, consulting, Sales, Project business and Operations. He holds a degree in business administration as well as mechanical engineering.
Siemens Smart Infrastructure is a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, they create technology with purpose adding real value for customers.
By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens Smart Infrastructure empowers their customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people.