Dear Readers,

A recent study commissioned by the Austrian Trade Commission reveals current trends toward building ‘green’ in the U.S., providing interesting opportunities for Austrian companies. We are pleased to present an interview with the author of the study, Nabih Tahan, who describes some of the concepts and advantages of green building, and the differences in the industry between Austria and the U.S.

Seefried Industrial Properties, founded by Austrian Ferdinand Seefried, has gained recognition as one of the leading industrial warehouse development companies in the United States. In an interview with Austrian Information Ferdinand Seefried explains the development and growth of his company and the development of Austrian businesses in Georgia and the Southeast. 

For the first time Austria hosted the World Diversity Leadership Summit with more than 230 experts who exchanged views on future strategies to promote a positive interaction within Europe’s diverse cultural population. The initiator and organizer of this year’s Summit in Vienna, Beatrice Achaleke, is the founding president of the Black European Women’s Council and has been working for years to promote ethnic diversity in Europe. 

Austrian fashion designer Emil Gampe, creator of the exclusive collection, “EMILcouture,” won the inaugural season of Bravo’s reality competition series on the American TV show, “Launch My Line.” In an interview he highlights experiences regarding the fashion industry in Austria and the U.S. 

Other topics of this issue include Austrian Christoph Waltz’s Oscar Award for Best Supporting Actor in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds” and an obituary of Austrian architect Raimund Abraham, who is best known for having designed the Austrian Cultural Forum in New York. 

Yours sincerely, 
Wolfgang Renezeder
Editor-in-Chief