CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — The City of Cambridge is set to host an exclusive Cambridge–Germany business networking reception next week, bringing together local companies with German connections to celebrate and strengthen cross-border economic ties.
Scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, the event will take place at the Cambridge Soccer Complex following the city’s annual Oktoberfest festivities. The reception aims to highlight the strong cultural and commercial links between Cambridge and Germany while exploring opportunities for future collaboration in manufacturing, technology, and trade.
Her Worship Jan Liggett, Mayor of Cambridge, will be joined by Matthias Luttenberg, German Ambassador to Canada, and Connie Cody, Member of Parliament, as well as representatives from several Cambridge-based businesses with German roots.
A Celebration of Economic and Cultural Partnerships
The event underscores Cambridge’s growing role as a hub for international investment and innovation. The city’s manufacturing and advanced technology sectors have benefited from decades of partnerships with European companies, particularly those based in Germany — one of Canada’s largest trading partners in the European Union.
“This moment to celebrate will help us to foster our economic relationships between our community and German industry leaders who are already part of our local business community,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “Cambridge has a proud history of innovation and manufacturing excellence, and many of our German-rooted businesses have been critical partners in this success. This networking reception is about celebrating those connections and exploring how we can build even stronger economic bridges for the future.”
According to the City, the reception will provide an opportunity for local firms to engage directly with German investors, trade officials, and business leaders. Discussion topics are expected to include investment attraction, export opportunities, innovation partnerships, and potential talent exchange programs between Canada and Germany.
Building on a Shared Legacy
Cambridge’s connection to Germany is longstanding, rooted not only in trade but also in the city’s cultural fabric. The annual Oktoberfest celebrations have become a fixture in the community, reflecting shared traditions and values of craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and community spirit.
City officials say this year’s event — held immediately after the festivities — will merge that celebratory energy with strategic business engagement.
“This is more than a networking event,” said a spokesperson from the City’s Economic Development Division. “It’s an opportunity to recognize how international partnerships drive local prosperity, from job creation to innovation in manufacturing and green technology.”
Germany is Canada’s fifth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $25 billion annually. In Waterloo Region, several German-affiliated companies have established strong operations in sectors including automotive components, advanced manufacturing, automation, and environmental technology.
Cambridge officials hope to build on this foundation by positioning the city as a gateway for European businesses seeking to expand in Canada.
Local Businesses Invited to Participate
Local companies with German roots are being encouraged to participate and share their experiences. The event will provide a platform for business owners to highlight their successes and explore new avenues for cooperation in areas such as research, sustainability, and workforce development.
The City of Cambridge is also using the occasion to showcase its growing economic development strategy, which emphasizes attracting foreign investment, fostering innovation clusters, and supporting advanced manufacturing. The networking reception represents a key step in that effort.
Businesses interested in attending are asked to RSVP by Tuesday, October 14, to [email protected].
Event Details
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Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
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Time: 2 – 3 p.m.
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Location: Cambridge Soccer Complex, 880 Linden Drive
Strengthening Cambridge’s Global Outlook
The reception is expected to further solidify Cambridge’s reputation as a city that blends heritage with forward-looking growth. With global economic uncertainty shaping business decisions, city leaders say international collaboration is more important than ever.
By connecting Cambridge’s dynamic business community with German industry leaders, the event aims to foster long-term partnerships that could lead to increased investment, technology transfer, and job creation in the region.
“Cambridge continues to thrive because of its ability to connect global innovation with local opportunity,” said Mayor Liggett earlier this year in remarks about the city’s economic priorities. “Our partnerships with international firms — including those from Germany — are vital to sustaining our momentum.”
With senior political and diplomatic leaders in attendance, the event will serve as both a celebration of shared success and a platform for shaping future growth.
