Chamber President Receives German Civilian Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Thomas Donohue received Germany's highest civilian award today, the Bundesverdienstkreuz.

Donohue was presented with the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany by German President Johannes Rau, through German Ambassador to the U.S., Wolfgang Ischinger, on the one-year anniversary of the German American Executive Summit.

"This prestigious award is a tribute to the American business community's commitment to building bridges over the Atlantic with our German friends," said Donohue. "We will continue working with pro-growth lawmakers and business leaders in both countries to ensure that the relationship between the U.S. and Germany remains strong."

The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany was instituted in 1951 by Federal President Theodor Heuss. It is the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay to individuals for services to the nation. The Order of Merit may be awarded to Germans as well as foreigners for achievements in the political, economic, social or intellectual realm as well as for outstanding services to the nation in the field of social, charitable or philanthropic work. No monetary reward is attached. The award must be approved by the German President.

Donohue received this award in large part due to last year's successful German American Executive Summit and the German business community's appreciation of the Chamber for providing them with a "neutral" forum to discuss the next generation of economic growth in the transatlantic market with the U.S. public, business community, and the Administration.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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