The German Deputy Consul General of Chicago paid a visit to Rochelle Wednesday. It’s the latest development in a trade mission initiated by Gov. Bruce Rauner with Germany and Poland.
Dr. Andreas Goetze was pleasantly surprised by the city’s infrastructure, particularly when it came to transportation, and said the visit fits well into the consulate’s work.
"Politics plays a certain role, because we can work on the framework for economic activities," he said.
Goetze says the visit is another part of his country’s involvement in the state.
“We have 32,000 American jobs that are guaranteed by German companies in Illinois. That’s quite an important figure," he said.
He also praised Rochelle's transportation infrastrucure, and said it would be an asset to any German companies if they moved into the area.
Goetze was accompanied by Mark Tomkins, President and CEO of the German-American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest. They discussed German-style apprenticeship programs with local companies. The group also paid visits to the Rochelle Railroad and Industrial Parks, Silgan Container Corporation, and the MightyVine Tomato hydroponic greenhouse.