With spring fully underway, it's the perfect time for fresh starts and renewed connections! This month, we're thrilled to bring you our latest “Did You Know” insights, specially designed to help you maximize your EACC-Carolinas experience.
Did you know we recently launched a brand-new website, tailored specifically to your needs?
Whether you are based in the U.S. or Europe, our redesigned website ensures you effortlessly find exactly the information you're seeking. With resources customized by region and user-friendly navigation, exploring new business opportunities, engaging in impactful programs, and forging strategic partnerships has never been simpler.
Have you discovered our insightful blog, "Expert Insights"?
This is your go-to resource for deep dives into essential topics such as U.S. market entry strategies, immigration updates, and critical regulatory changes between the EU and the U.S. Regularly updated, our blog offers actionable advice and firsthand perspectives from professionals on both sides of the Atlantic. If you're not already subscribed, now's the ideal time—don’t miss out on essential insights that can accelerate your business growth.
May is all about expanding our network and creating new opportunities for our members!
The EACC-Carolinas will begin the month in Europe, meeting with key stakeholders and organizations that can help open doors for our members. These connections are aimed at fostering new business relationships, partnerships, and growth opportunities.
Later in the month, we’ll be attending the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., alongside EACC New York, EACC Texas, and EACC Netherlands.
SelectUSA is the leading event for promoting foreign direct investment in the U.S., bringing together global investors, economic development organizations, and industry leaders to explore new ventures and collaborations.
We’re excited about the potential these engagements hold for our members’ success!
Whether you're a seasoned member or just beginning your journey with us, we hope these enhanced tools help you feel more connected, informed, and empowered. At EACC-Carolinas, we’re committed to supporting your transatlantic success at every stage.
Warm wishes,
Marcel Summermatter
Chair European American Chamber of Commerce Carolinas
📌Save The Date
Global Connections
🔐 Global Threats, Local Risks – Protecting Your Data in a Connected World
📅 May 21 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Old Europe Café
🥂 Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine
Join us for the 2nd edition of Global Connections, where we dive into one of today’s most pressing issues: cybersecurity. In a world where digital threats are increasingly global, local businesses—and individuals—need to stay a step ahead.
Our featured speaker, Michael Sylvester from AT-NET Services, will share practical insights on how to protect yourself and your business from cyberattacks, phishing, and data breaches—especially important for those new to the U.S., where online threats are often more aggressive than in many parts of Europe.
Whether you're a small business owner, a new arrival in the U.S., or simply interested in learning how to stay safe online, this event is for you.
👉 Space is limited—don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and enjoy a great evening with the Upstate International and EACC-Carolinas community.
We’re proud to host “The Taste of Portugal” — an exclusive, members-only business networking event featuring His Excellency Francisco Duarte Lopes, Ambassador of Portugal to the United States and Mr Carlos Moura, Trade and Investment Commissioner. This special evening, prepared in collaboration with Upstate Alliance, offers invited guests the opportunity to engage directly with the Ambassador and explore Portugal’s growing role as a strategic global partner in trade, investment, and innovation. Portugal stands out as a hub for entrepreneurship, sustainability, and digital transformation — with strong sectors in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and tech. Its strategic location also makes it a gateway to Europe, Africa, and the Americas. If you are a member, your organization will be receiving an invitation shortly. We’re honored to strengthen transatlantic relationships and create meaningful opportunities for collaboration between Europe and the Carolinas.
In The Loop
2nd Trade Connect
💡 There’s a gold mine waiting to be discovered by local businesses ready to grow internationally. Are you tapping into it? 🌍✨ We wrapped up another sold-out event in Greenville with the Greenville Chamber and SBDC yesterday, all about opening global doors for local companies.
📈 Scott Baier from Clemson University shared key trade insights: SMEs = 97% of exporters, but <30% of trade value Exporters pay better, grow faster, and attract more investment SC ranks 17th among U.S. exporting states
🚢 Will Angelich (South Carolina Ports ) spotlighted Inland Port Greer’s 355% cargo growth since 2014 and a $44B economic impact in the Upstate.
💼 Elizabeth Smith (SC SBDC) walked us through resources for new and experienced exporters—importers too.
📊 Paul Pappy (Sonfast Corporation) showed how smart importing helped his business grow 38%, even through tariff challenges.
Thanks to all who joined us—let’s keep building global connections! 💬🌎
International Insight: The Speed Round
We Keep Building International Bridges 🌍
Last week, EACC-Carolinas Chair Marcel Summermatter had the honor of joining John Lummus, CEO of Upstate SC Alliance, to welcome an esteemed international delegation to the Upstate. The group included Consuls General, Honorary Consuls, bilateral chamber leaders, and trade representatives from around the globe — all united by a shared mission: strengthening economic and diplomatic ties.
Throughout the visit, we engaged in thoughtful conversations on the current transatlantic business environment — exploring both its opportunities and challenges. Together, we discussed ways to navigate these complexities with collaboration and shared purpose, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes that support growth on both sides of the Atlantic.
🤝 A special thank-you to Upstate SC Alliance and Upstate International for their invaluable partnership in making this event possible.
🌎 Special thanks to: 🇲🇽 Claudia Velasco-Osorio (Mexico) 🇳🇱 Jaap Veerman (Netherlands) 🇮🇪 Catherina Blewitt & Nicole Sheils (Ireland) 🇨🇦 Darren Croswell (Canada) 🇬🇧 CarriAyne Jones Parr & Alexander Robson (UK) 🇧🇪 Esthefani Lopez (Belgium) 🇯🇵 Hiroyuki Kaneda (Japan) 🇩🇪 Jansen Oliver & Suzanne Dickerson (Germany) 🇪🇸 Miguel Coves Azorín (Spain) 🇱🇻 Roberts Kukainis (Latvia) 🇧🇷 Dr. Luis Leite (Brazil) 🇸🇪 Magnus Natt och Dag (Sweden) 🇭🇺 John Parkerson (Hungary) 🇨🇭 Kimberly Roth Shulman (Switzerland)
We’re confident that these conversations not only sparked new connections, but also strengthened our shared commitment to collaboration and progress.
At EACC-Carolinas, we’re inspired every day to champion transatlantic business and deepen international understanding — building bridges that lead to lasting partnerships and shared success.
US Economic Outlook
🔎 In a time of uncertainty, clarity matters. 📊
April's webinar offered just that—a refreshing look at the U.S. economy grounded in real data rather than speculation. It was especially valuable to explore the gap between perception, performance, and expectation. Here are the main key takeaways we learned from Dr. Joseph Von Nessen and Steve Townes, the first an Economic Researcher at the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business and the second serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Ranger Aerospace:
· The U.S. economy remains stable through the first quarter of 2025, having readjusted away from the pandemic bubble and towards the potential for more sustainable growth patterns. · There is a significant chance that inflation may rebound in the coming months, making this the biggest short-run economic threat for 2025. · Although the probability of recession has risen due to the current uncertainty surrounding tariffs, the opportunities for investment and growth in the U.S., and especially in the Southeast, are continuing to increase over time.
If you missed it and would like to watch the recording, here’s the link: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dNf2kZEF
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if we can assist further.
We Welcome Our New Member!
Parker Poe
Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP is a full-service law firm with over 275 attorneys across the Southeast, including offices in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Washington, D.C. For more than a century, the firm has provided high-quality, cost-effective legal counsel in areas such as complex litigation, regulatory compliance, and business transactions. Parker Poe is recognized nationally for its client service and industry-focused expertise, serving clients across sectors like health care, energy, finance, and technology. The firm is also known for its strong commitment to community involvement and diversity.
Want to join this exclusive community? Interested in joining this exclusive community? We’re currently welcoming new members from select sectors. As a boutique Chamber with a focus on maintaining a diverse and dynamic membership, we limit numbers in certain industries. This is a unique opportunity to connect with a growing international network and unlock exciting prospects.
Don't miss out—reach out to us today to learn more!
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