speeches
Farewell Reception for Governor Bush
Ambassador William Robert Timken, Jr.
Munich
November 15, 2005
Lord Mayor Ude,
Representatives of the City of Munich,
Governor Jeb Bush, Mrs. Columba Bush,
Honored guests and friends,
It is a pleasure to be in this magnificent location in honor of the Florida delegation, Governor Bush, and with our many friends and associates in Munich and Bavaria. I would to like to express my appreciation to the Lord Mayor for graciously offering “his house” for this event.
Yesterday in my briefing to the Florida delegation, I spoke of great opportunities in Germany and the special relationship that many in this region have with Florida. Germans are drawn by the natural beauty and alluring attractions of the “sunshine state.” Yet as evidenced here this evening, there is much more that ties Germany and Florida together – strong cultural, historic, and certainly economic ties.
I myself have been amazed to learn two staggering numbers. 70 million and 15 million. 70 million Americans claim some German heritage. 15 million Americans have lived in Germany since the war, naturally mostly military. So if you feel welcome and comfortable, you know the reason why!
I emphasized to the Florida delegation that Germany is very receptive to American business, and especially so here in Munich and Bavaria. American companies comprise half of all the foreign company presence in Bavaria. Not surprisingly, Bavaria’s strongest foreign trading partner is the United States.
It’s my belief that shared values make for strong partnerships. Certainly Florida and Bavaria are each known for their brand of “southern” hospitality, as the Florida delegation and I have witnessed these past days. Both love football. Both enjoy skiiing; Baviaria on white surfaces, Florida on wavy blue surfaces. Both enjoy good beer parties – Bavaria has “Oktoberfest” and Florida has “spring break.”
In the business realm, Florida and Bavaria are each known for openness to innovation and for exceptional strengths in high technology and competitive business environments. Business friendliness and a healthy competitive climate in both locations has meant that German companies thrive in Florida; and Floridians do very well here.
Having spent many years in the business world, I can tell you that competition can truly bring out the best in us. As Florida has raised the bar in the area of medical technologies, firms in Bavaria have pressed forward in biotech research. Each has contributed to a dynamism that has advanced knowledge, made us more productive, and produced healthier economies.
To be fair, much of what I have said about Florida and Bavaria holds true for Germany and the United States. We are each other’s strong partners because we share much in common -- from history to business. Yes, we are fierce competitors, but we bring out the best entrepreneurial qualities in each other. As proof, Germany and the United States have one of the most dynamic and creative trading relationships in the world. Such dynamism starts, however, at the grassroots in locations such as Erlangen and Orlando; Munich and Miami; Würzburg and West Palm Beach. I know that representatives here from the city of Munich and the states of Bavaria and Florida are ready and willing to tell you why you ought to be in such locations.
(Toast): I would like to raise a toast to the business women and men who have made the state of Bavaria, city of Munich, and the state of Florida thriving economies and desirable places to live, and to their outstanding leaders, who have allowed entrepreneurship to flourish.
(Introduction of Mayor): It is my pleasure to introduce the Lord Mayor of the City of Munich, the Honorable Christian Ude.
(Introduction of Governor): It is now my distinct pleasure to introduce the Governor of the State of Florida, Jeb Bush.
