Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), led a week-long trade venture to the German states of Hessen and Bavaria for five Wisconsin companies in April 2024. Several members of the Hessen-Wisconsin Society were in Hessen at the same time and were able to join the WEDC delegation for a visit to the the Kloster Eberbach, a former Cistercian monastery in the Rheingau region of Hessen.
With its Romanesque and early Gothic architecture, the kloster is considered one of the most significant architectural heritage sites in Hessen. The WEDC delegation focused primarily on much more recent technology - biohealth - a sector where Wisconsin and Germany have both established strengths and leadership. The trade venture was timed to coincide with with the biennial Analytica trade show in Munich. Analytica brings together experts in laboratory technology, analysis, and biotech. The Wisconsin participants had the opportunity to meet key global players in the industry and establish meaningful partnerships.
While the members of the WEDC delegation were able to discuss commercial and scientific opportunities with representatives of the Hessen state government, Hessen-Wisconsin Society members were very fortunate to receive a guided tour of the monastery and enjoy a wine tasting. Members of the Freundschaftsverein Hessen Wisconsin (the German counterpart of the Hessen-Wisconsin Society), key representatives of the Hessen state government, and members of the WEDC delegation gathered for a dinner in the historic monks' dining hall. Much of the conversation focused on the reinvigorated dialogue and future collaboration opportunities. This is where history once again becomes relevant as we are all eagerly looking towards the 50th anniversary of the Hessen-Wisconsin State partnership which will be celebrated in 2026. Both sides are initiating ways to best celebrate this occasion and lay the foundation for a continued and deepened partnership into the future.
When you have the opportunity to visit a 900-year-old German monastery and discuss advances in bioscience, you cannot escape the sense of history that is all around you.