30 Years of Mecklenburg, N.C. and Mecklenburg Germany Partnership Success

06 Mar, 2024

30 Years of Mecklenburg, N.C. and Mecklenburg Germany Partnership Success

Mecklenburg County recently marked the 30th anniversary of a significant "Proclamation of Business and Cultural Friendship" with Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Established in 1994, this enduring partnership was celebrated on March 4 in a ceremony attended by officials and delegates from both regions.

The historical ties between Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Germany date back to the city's namesake, Queen Charlotte, and her German birthplace, Mecklenburg-Strelitz. The ceremony, attended by Board of County Commissioners Chair George Dunlap and Patrick Dahlemann from Mecklenburg, Germany, included a proclamation and the renewal of the partnership commitment.

This collaborative effort aims to strengthen business, cultural, and educational bonds between the regions and nations. The Queen City's historical business ties with Germany, particularly in textile manufacturing, have evolved, with over 100 German companies operating in Mecklenburg County today.

Key industry players like Siemens, Lesser, HTL perma, Schubert, and Bosch Rexroth have recently expanded operations in the region. Chairman Dunlap expressed the mutual benefits of this partnership, emphasizing the enrichment of both cultures and expressing hope for continued growth.

The celebration reaffirmed Mecklenburg County's commitment to education, science, and culture. Patrick Dahlemann, head of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Chancellery, likened the partnership renewal to reaffirming marriage vows, expressing pride in the enduring connection between the two Mecklenburgs.

The State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, with its capital in Schwerin, boasts a population of over 1.6 million. The celebration featured remarks from Melanie Moltmann, consul general, Federal Republic of Germany in Atlanta, and Reinhard von Hennigs, honorary consul, Federal Republic of Germany in Charlotte, highlighting the significance of this enduring transatlantic collaboration.