Contact:Lauren Goodson, Executive Director

Media Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AlabamaGermany Partnership

Ph: 205.943.4772; Cell: 205.965.3123; Fax: 205.943.4772

Email:

GOVERNOR RILEY TO RECEIVE SPECIAL RECOGNTION AT ANNUAL DINNER OF ALABAMAGERMANY PARTNERSHIP

ALABAMAGERMANY PARNTERSHIP TO HOST ANNUAL DINNER IN AUBURN FEB 17

Birmingham, AL February 1, 2010 The Board of Directors and the membership of the AlabamaGermany Partnership (AGP) will recognize The Honorable Governor Bob Riley for his contribution to the cause of the German-Alabama Business Community at the Annual Dinner to be held in Auburn on February 17th.

“I’m honored and very pleased to receive this recognition from the AlabamaGermany Partnership,” said Governor Riley. “Germany is Alabama’s largest trading partner, helping to create thousands of jobs throughout our state. The investment by German-based companies has helped to truly change the perception of Alabama around the world. The decision in 2009 by Mercedes-Benz to start adding the production of the C-Class to its plant in Alabama will result in more jobs for Alabamians at the company and its suppliers.”

Arndt Siepmann, Chair of the AlabamaGermany Partnership, noted: “Governor Riley’s efforts over the last seven years to grow the Germany business community in Alabama and strengthen the friendship between Alabama and Germany have been invaluable. We want to recognize the Governor for his leadership and commitment to these goals, which has resulted in closer ties between Alabama and Germany.”

This is the 12th Annual Dinner of the Alabama Germany Partnership. The program in Auburn on February 17 will include the recognition of the German companies with recent investments and expansions in Alabama as well as the presentation of a student competition.

German companies employ an estimated 12,000 Alabamians directly. German language is taught within the primary and secondary education system in Alabama. To register for the Annual Dinner of the AlabamaGermany Partnership on February 17 please go to (end)

###

About the AlabamaGermany Partnership

The AlabamaGermany Partnership (AGP) is an Alabama non-profit corporation formed in 1998 to “develop and support relationships and friendships between organizations and individuals in Alabama and Germany.” For more information please visit our website at:

The Membership of the AGP is comprised of German companies with locations in Alabama, companies and entities that want to do business with German companies, academic and cultural institutions with interest in the German culture and language throughout the State. The AlabamaGermany Partnership is an affiliate of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeastern States.