Join us for AGP Business Forum 2026:

Inside Look of Alabama–Germany Trade and Investment:
Policy, Outlook, and Opportunity.

Friday, February 27, 2026

8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Samford University

“Smart Policy, Stronger Partnerships: What Alabama Must Get Right”

Ryan Hankins, Ph.D., Executive Director, Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA). This presentation delivers a clear-eyed analysis of the public policy trends shaping Alabama’s future. Focusing on education, taxation, state budgets, workforce participation, and demographic change, Dr. Hankins highlights the underlying dynamics driving both opportunity and challenge across the state. With implications for long-term economic development and international investment, the session equips business, government, and education leaders with the insights needed to navigate Alabama’s evolving landscape.

“German American Business Outlook (GABO)”

The annual German American Business Outlook (GABO) report is a yearly survey of German American business relations directed at German subsidiaries in the US, assessing current economic developments and trends in transatlantic business. The report will be presented by Jona Rowold, Director of Consulting Services, German American Chamber of Commerce South (Atlanta).

“Why the US Market – Challenges and New Opportunities for German Companies.”

In 2019, the Alabama Department of Commerce opened a business development office in Stuttgart, Germany, to enhance the state’s strategic efforts to attract European companies considering job-creating investments in the U.S. Christoph Doerr, an experienced German businessman who spent seven years in charge of an industrial operation in Alabama, serves as the director of the state’s European office. He will present the current German/European economic and business outlook for the state. 

Moderators:

Lauren Lambiase, AGP Chair,  Senior Project Manager, Economic Development, Alabama Power
Michael H. Johnson, German Honorary Consul, Shareholder, Baker Donelson