Forge Search Presenting Sponsor: GACC Carolinas Gateway Awards 2026

Sep 17

September 12, 2026 | Mint Museum, Charlotte, NC

On Saturday, September 12, Forge Search + Consulting was honored to serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Carolinas Gateway Awards, hosted by the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. (GACC South) at the Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The annual Carolinas Gateway Awards bring together leaders from across North and South Carolina to celebrate the companies, organizations, and individuals strengthening German-American business relationships throughout the region. Since 2004, the awards have recognized contributions through investment, innovation, job creation, quality, and long-term commitment to the Carolinas.

This year’s event recognized ZIEHL-ABEGG Inc. as the 2026 North Carolina Gateway Award recipient and DRÄXLMAIER as the 2026 South Carolina Gateway Award recipient. Both companies represent the continued impact of German-American business in the Carolinas and the role these partnerships play in supporting manufacturing, innovation, economic growth, and our communities.

As Presenting Sponsor, Rhiannon Poore, Founder and CEO of Forge Search + Consulting, had the opportunity to take the stage and welcome attendees on behalf of the Forge team. Her remarks reflected on the importance of relationships, community, and the people behind the companies that continue to invest and grow across the Carolinas.

For Forge, supporting the Gateway Awards is especially meaningful. We have the opportunity to work alongside German and international companies throughout the Carolinas and see firsthand the impact these organizations have, not only through their investment in our region, but through the jobs they create, the people they develop, and the communities they become part of.

Congratulations to ZIEHL-ABEGG and DRÄXLMAIER on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to everyone who made the 2026 Carolinas Gateway Awards such a memorable evening.

Take a look at a few highlights from the evening below, including Rhiannon’s remarks from the stage.