October 24 2012 -
NEW YORK – U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., presented Volkswagen chairman of the board Dr. Martin Winterkorn with the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies (AICGS) annual Global Leadership Award at an event in New York on Tuesday evening. The award celebrates Dr. Winterkorn and Volkswagen’s commitment to strengthening German-American relations and growing the economies of both nations through innovative auto manufacturing and social responsibility.
“It is a privilege to recognize the achievements of such a distinguished global business leader and his company, Volkswagen AG, which during a period of slow economic growth, did not lessen their commitment to our country but deepened it,” said Corker. “Through their long-term dedication to U.S. expansion, Volkswagen Group of America has created tremendous job opportunities in Tennessee and throughout our country, and we are grateful for their continued support.”
As mayor of Chattanooga from 2001-2005, Corker worked with other officials and community leaders to develop a 1,200 acre industrial site that is now home to Enterprise South and Volkswagen’s U.S. production facility. Much of the negotiation that led to Volkswagen choosing Chattanooga occurred around the dining room table of Corker’s Chattanooga home.
The Volkswagen Chattanooga plant has produced more than 100,000 Passat vehicles and employs more than 3,300 workers.
The American Institute for Contemporary German Studies inaugurated the Global Leadership Award in 1994 as part of its mission to foster stronger ties between the United States and Germany. The award recognizes the achievements of business leaders who, through their personal and professional accomplishments, have helped strengthen the close partnership between Germany and the United States.
For more information, visit: http://mwne.ws/Siaszq.
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